The Safety Afloat Educational Seminar was held today to raise public awareness on maritime safety.
It was organised by the Marine Department, Police and the Leisure & Cultural Services Department.
About 130 representatives from the shipping and water sport industries, coxswains and vessel operators attended the event.
Opening the forum, Deputy Director of Marine Wong Sai-fat urged the public to get prepared before doing water sports.
The Marine Department reminded coxswains and vessel operators to check their vessels’ structure and safety equipment before setting sail, and familiarise themselves with safety precautions and contingency measures.
Coxswains of pleasure vessels should not enter shallow or dangerous waters, and should navigate slowly in speed-restricted zones where people are engaging in water sports.
The Marine Department will boost regulation of small open cruisers, introducing new conditions in their licences to restrict their operating area and circumstances.
Patrols in speed-restricted zones, popular beaches and water sport sites will also be stepped up.
