The Government gazetted today (June 21) a proposal comprising the introduction of a new Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel) Regulation under the Merchant Shipping (Safety) Ordinance (Cap. 369) (the Safety Ordinance) and amendments to the Schedule to the Safety Ordinance to incorporate into local legislation the latest relevant requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of the International Maritime Organization.

     The proposed amendments aim to provide safety standards for ships that carry industrial personnel and for the personnel themselves, and to address specific risks of maritime operations within the offshore and energy sectors.

     A spokesman for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, "As a major member of the international maritime community, Hong Kong has been a staunch supporter of maritime safety, sparing no effort in safeguarding the safety of industrial personnel engaged in maritime operations in line with the relevant international standards. The proposed legislative amendments demonstrate our continual commitment in this regard."

     The Panel on Economic Development of the Legislative Council, as well as the Hong Kong Fleet Operation Advisory Committee of the Marine Department, have been consulted on the legislative proposal. Members supported the proposal.

     The proposed legislative amendments will be tabled at the Legislative Council on June 26 for negative vetting.

     An owner was convicted and fined $18,000 at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts on June 6 for failing to comply with a fire safety direction issued under the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance (FS(B)O) (Cap. 572).

     The Buildings Department (BD) issued a fire safety direction under section 5(2)(a)(ii) of the FS(B)O to the owner of a domestic flat in a 65-year-old composite building at Nam On Street, Shau Kei Wan, requiring the owner to comply with the fire safety construction requirement by providing fire-rated doors at the unit entrances which open to the escape staircases.

     Failing to comply with the statutory direction, the owner was prosecuted by the BD and was convicted and fined by the court.

     "According to the FS(B)O, failing to comply with a statutory direction issued under the ordinance without reasonable excuse is a serious offence. The BD may instigate prosecution proceedings against the owner", a spokesman for the BD said today (June 21).

     Pursuant to section 5(8) of the FS(B)O, any person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a statutory direction, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 4 ($25,000 at present) and to a further fine of $2,500 for each day of non-compliance. Upon conviction, an application may also be made to the court for a Fire Safety Compliance Order against the owner under section 6(1) of the FS(B)O directing the owner to comply with the requirements of the direction.

     Firing practice will take place at two military sites, namely the San Wai/Tai Ling Firing Range and the Tsing Shan Firing Range, next month (July).
 
     Red flags or red lamps will be hoisted at the firing areas before and during firing practice. For their safety, people are advised not to enter the firing area.
 
     Following are the dates and times for the firing practice sessions in July 2024:
 
San Wai/Tai Ling Firing Range
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Tsing Shan Firing Range
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     The Chief Executive in Council has authorised the proposed road works at Road L22, Road L24, Road L25, Road L26 and Road L28 under the Tung Chung New Town Extension. The notice was gazetted today (June 21).

     Details of the works are set out in the Annex.

     The Government announced today (June 21) the reappointment of Mr Clement Chan Kam-wing as Chairman of the Consumer Council for a term of two years with effect from July 15, 2024.
 
     "Mr Chan has been leading the Council since July 2022. During the past two years, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership as the Council undertook various initiatives to safeguard consumer rights. We are confident that the Council will further advance its work on consumer protection under his leadership," a Government spokesman said.