Marine Department Strengthens Publicity of Marine Safety Ordinance ahead of Dragon Boat Festival

Strategic Insights -

As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, the Hong Kong Government's Marine Department (MD) is intensifying its efforts to raise awareness about the Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Ordinance. The Ordinance, which aims to prevent accidents caused by impaired judgment and alertness, clearly stipulates that any person involved in operating a vessel or performing designated duties relating to the safety and security of a vessel must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The MD is taking a multi-faceted approach to promote the Ordinance, including briefings for sports associations and dragon boat competition organisations, issuance of letters to event organisers, and displaying banners at popular dragon boat venues. In addition, the department is distributing posters, leaflets, and TV and radio announcements to educate the public about the Ordinance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Ordinance prohibits any person involved in operating a vessel or performing designated duties from being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • The maximum penalty for violating the Ordinance is a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for three years, as well as disqualification from operating or performing designated duties on board or operating a vessel in Hong Kong waters for life.
  • The Marine Department has briefed 11 sports associations or dragon boat competition organisations and issued letters to event organisers to raise awareness about the Ordinance.
  • The department is displaying banners and distributing posters and leaflets to dragon boat associations and paddlers to strengthen publicity on the Ordinance.
  • The MD is reminding the public that individuals operating non-motorised vessels such as kayaks are subject to regulations under the Ordinance.
  • The department is actively promoting the Ordinance through various activities, including broadcasting TV and radio announcements.

Statistics:

  • $25,000: the maximum fine for violating the Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Ordinance
  • 3 years: the maximum imprisonment penalty for violating the Ordinance
  • 11: the number of sports associations or dragon boat competition organisations briefed by the Marine Department
  • "This is to prevent accidents caused by impaired judgment and alertness": a statement from a spokesman for the Marine Department
  • "The MD urges members of the public not to paddle dragon boats while under the influence of alcohol or drugs": a statement from a spokesman for the Marine Department

Sources:

  • The Hong Kong Government special administrative region
  • Marine Department
  • Hong Kong Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Ordinance
  • Hong Kong Government's website
  • Issued at HKT 15:00
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