Marine Region conducted a Marine Incident Command Course for 14 young Inspectors on November 5 and 6 in a bid to boost their preparedness for major incidents. 

 

Delivering an opening address, Acting Marine Regional Commander Patrick Hodson stressed that a wide range of knowledge and exposure to the maritime environment were prerequisites for dealing with maritime incidents. The course was designed for the trainees to benefit from the experiences of previous major incidents, such as the protests in the harbour during the World Trade Organization Hong Kong Ministerial Conference, and search and rescue of the crew of a Ukrainian supply ship. Lessons learned from those events would provide valuable food for thought for younger officers assuming command duties in Marine Region, Mr Hodson said. 

 

The facilitator of the course, Superintendent Ng Wai-ming, pointed out that the course covered a variety of maritime subjects. In the area of maritime search and rescue, speakers from Marine Department, Fire Services Department and Government Flying Service provided valuable input, enhancing Marine Region's understanding and co-operation with partner departments. 

 

In an evaluation and debriefing session, Senior Inspector Lung Wing-cheung said the course had dawned on her the importance of forging close links with partner departments. Most importantly, she had acquired a better understanding of the roles and capabilities of the departments involved in dealing with major maritime incidents.