Vessels told of dangers, rules for Victoria Harbour New Year's fireworks

MASTERS, coxswains and those in charge of vessels should avoid navigating in the Victoria Harbour area near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) between 2pm Monday December 31 and 1am Tuesday because of the traditional New Year's fireworks.

The Hong Kong Marine Department said that from 2pm Monday to 1am Tuesday, other than excepted vessels, will be allowed to enter or remain within the designated area. Excepted vessels are government launches, involved in the pyrotechnics and light show, and those that have obtained permission from the Director of Marine.

If vessels must be near the area, the Hong Kong Marine Department says they are to proceed with caution, and are obliged to comply with instructions from officers of the department and Marine Police under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972.

Depending on the marine traffic density in the control area, incoming vessels may be diverted to other suitable areas outside the area.

A control area will be established in the harbour from 11pm Monday until 1am Tuesday and Marine Department and Marine Police launches will regulate marine traffic in and around the control area.

The Hong Kong Marine Department said a designated water area, encompassing the five barges and ten pontoons to stage the waterborne pyrotechnic display and light show, will be established from 2pm Monday December 31 to 1am Tuesday January 1.

The pyrotechnics will be discharged from the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and five buildings on Hong Kong Island and from three barges and 10 pontoons anchored off the convention centre. The light show will be conducted on two barges anchored off the convention centre and one barge off Tsim Sha Tsui.

Two viewing areas will be established on both sides of the convention centre during the period of the "Countdown Celebration", and spectator vessels should remain in the viewing areas and shall avoid impeding the safe passage of vessels navigating in the fairways.