The Government intends to deploy a few sets of artificial reefs within an area of approximately 0.35 hectare of foreshore and seabed in the waters between Tai A Chau and Siu A Chau to provide artificial marine habitats for marine and fisheries resources enhancement. The extent of the area of foreshore and seabed affected is described in a notice published in the Government Gazette today (May 15).

     The proposed works are tentatively scheduled to commence in 2021 for completion in 2022.

     The notice and its related plan are posted near the site. The plan is also available for inspection at:

* Survey and Mapping Office of the Lands Department (23/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong), where copies can be purchased on order;

* Islands District Office (20/F, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong); and

* Lands Department's website (www.landsd.gov.hk) under Government Notices.

     Any person who considers that he or she has an interest, right or easement in or over the foreshore and seabed involved may submit a written objection to the Director of Lands, 20/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, within two months from the above-mentioned date, i.e. on or before July 15. The notice of such an objection shall describe the interest, right or easement of the objector and the manner in which he or she will be allegedly affected.

     Legislative amendments to enhance the regulatory regime for Class IV vessels (i.e. local pleasure vessels) and to improve the survey regime in respect of prevention and control of pollution for certain local vessels were gazetted today (May 15).

     A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau said, "Under the enhanced regulatory regime, Class IV vessels licensed after the legislative amendments come into effect will have to meet more stringent structural requirements in respect of water tightness, stability and structural fire protection. As for existing Class IV vessels and open cruisers, they will be required to provide adequate lifebuoys for use by passengers to facilitate speedy escape in case the vessels are in distress.

     "In addition, we propose to require certain Class IV vessels to enhance navigational and communications equipment on board, including installing and operating the Very High Frequency Radiotelephone, the Automatic Identification System and radar. To step up monitoring, Class IV vessels will be required to obtain prior approval from the Marine Department before they are let for hire or reward."

     On the survey regime in respect of prevention and control of pollution, the Government proposes to empower the Director of Marine to issue a Hong Kong Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate or a Hong Kong Air Pollution Prevention Certificate upon receiving a declaration of survey with satisfactory results from the recognised organisations. This will provide the trade with greater flexibility in the means in complying with the survey requirements.

     The Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development, the Local Vessels Advisory Committee and relevant trade associations have been consulted on the legislative proposals. Members and the stakeholders supported the proposals.

     The amendments are made via the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Certification and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulation 2020, the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (General) (Amendment) Regulation 2020, the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Safety and Survey) (Amendment) Regulation 2020, the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Fees) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulation 2020, the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) (Amendment) Regulation 2020 and the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution) (Amendment) Regulation 2020. The Regulations will be tabled at the Legislative Council on May 20 for negative vetting.

     The Government today (May 15) gazetted the United Nations Sanctions (Central African Republic) Regulation 2020 (the 2020 Regulation), which came into operation today.

     "The 2020 Regulation implements sanctions against the Central African Republic as renewed by the United Nations Security Council under Resolution 2507," a Government spokesman said.

     The sanctions imposed under the 2020 Regulation include:
 

• prohibition against the supply and carriage of arms or related materiel to the Central African Republic or connected persons;

• prohibition against the provision to connected persons of any assistance related to military activities or the provision, maintenance or use of any arms or related materiel;

• prohibition against making available economic assets to certain persons or entities, or dealing with economic assets of such persons or entities; and

• prohibition against entry into or transit through the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by certain persons.

     The Government today (May 15) gazetted the United Nations Sanctions (Libya) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2020 (the Amendment Regulation), which came into operation today.

     "The Amendment Regulation implements sanctions against Libya as renewed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) under Resolution 2509," a Government spokesman said.

     The sanctions renewed by the Amendment Regulation include:
 

• prohibition against loading, transport or discharge of petroleum from Libya aboard ships designated by the relevant UNSC Sanctions Committee;

• prohibition against engaging in financial transactions related to any petroleum from Libya aboard ships designated by the relevant UNSC Sanctions Committee;

• prohibition against the provision of certain services to ships designated by the relevant UNSC Sanctions Committee; and

• prohibition against ships designated by the relevant UNSC Sanctions Committee from entering waters of Hong Kong.

     The Government today (May 15) gazetted the United Nations Sanctions (Yemen) Regulation 2019 (Amendment) Regulation 2020 (the Amendment Regulation), which came into operation today.

     "The Amendment Regulation implements sanctions against Yemen as renewed by the United Nations Security Council under Resolution 2511," a Government spokesman said.

     The sanctions renewed by the Amendment Regulation include:
 

• prohibition against making available to certain persons or entities any funds or other financial assets or economic resources, or dealing with funds or other financial assets or economic resources of certain persons or entities; and

• prohibition against entry into or transit through the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by certain persons.