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Unit OT 18-35, Level 18, Central Park Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, P.O. Box 18006, United Arab Emirates
16200 Central Green Blvd
GAC Regional Office, Asia Pacific 78 Shenton Way, #29-01
Group Vice President, Asia Pacific & Indian Subcontinent
Unit OT 18-35, Level 18, Central Park Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, P.O. Box 18006, United Arab Emirates
Unit OT 18-35, Level 18, Central Park Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, P.O. Box 18006, United Arab Emirates
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20 Jun 2024 / Hong Kong
For issuing port clearance to a non self-propelled vessel leaving Hong Kong to other areas/countries under tow, the tug and tow are required to undergo a towing voyage survey conducted by a non-government surveyor. The purpose of this towing voyage survey is to ensure that the vessel and the towing arrangement are fit for the intended voyage.
With a view to allowing ship owners in choosing non-government professional bodies to survey their vessels, it is decided that towing voyage surveys conducted by MD recognized organizations (https://www.mardep.gov.hk/en/faq/services-for-cargo-ships-registered-in-hong-kong/survey-audit-and-certification-arrangements/index.html); Authorized Surveyors appointed under the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance (https://www.mardep.gov.hk/filemanager/en/share/pub-services/pdf/lvs_list.pdf); or surveyors recognized by the vessel’s flag State would be accepted for issuing port clearance to vessels under tow leaving Hong Kong.
Taking into account that there are substantial differences in risk levels, competence and technical support requirements in conducting surveys between vessels engaging on short coastal towage and ocean towage, the following acceptance criteria are adopted:
(a) for short distance coastal towing voyages to Mainland ports within Chinese waters extending from Guangxi to Xiamen (including Macau), surveys conducted by either a surveyor of a recognized organization or an “Authorized Surveyor” can be accepted;
(b) for long distance coastal towing voyages to Mainland ports outside (a) above and ocean towing voyages to other countries, surveys conducted by either surveyors of a MD recognized organization or surveyors recognized by the vessel’s flag State will be accepted.
To ensure that the survey by these professional bodies can adequately cover the safety of the tug and tow for the intended voyage, the attending surveyor is required to:
(a) complete a declaration with a checklist for voyages prescribed above;
or
(b) issue an appropriate survey report for voyages prescribed above…
…To apply for port clearance for a towing voyage, the Master of the tug is required to submit a completed application form, together with the declaration or survey report issued by the attending surveyor, to the Licensing and Port Formalities Section of the Marine Department.
(For information about operations in Hong Kong, contact GAC Hong Kong at [email protected])
Source: Government of the Hong Kong SAR Marine Department Notice No.111/2024