The Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) reaffirmed yesterday that from July 1 all fishing boats mooring in the Inner Harbour and those using the Inner Harbour anchorage area must register online before berthing, in order to strengthen the safety supervision of all fishing vessels.
According to a DSAMA statement, the new management rules that will be implemented from next month state that all fishing boat owners will be required to register with the bureau their vessels’ licences, contact details, berthing dates and the amount of diesel fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) onboard before berthing or entering the anchorage area.
In accordance with the rules, diesel fuel can only be stored in tanks while the storing of “too much” LPG onboard is prohibited.
According to the statement, fishing vessels using the Inner Harbour anchorage area must be separated by at least 10 metres, while traditional onboard worship activities and maintenance will be prohibited in the anchorage.
As it is the annual fishing moratorium, the statement said, DSAMA officials have been inspecting the 49 fishing vessels berthing in the Inner Harbour from May, and assisting the boat owners in removing excessive amounts of inflammable and dangerous goods, such as LPG, petrol and compressed gas, onboard.
The bureau urged the fisherfolk to continue to maintain a high level of fire safety awareness while berthing in the anchorage and to arrange for staff to stay on the vessels, and to pay close attention to the safety of their boats.
This undated photo provided by the Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) yesterday shows DSAMA officials inspecting a fishing vessel in the Inner Harbour anchorage.
