Marine Police conducted two fire drills with the Fire Services Department (FSD) in July to enhance co-ordination in dealing with "Vessel On Fire" incidents.

Marine South Division (MSDIV) held a drill with the FSD at Hei Ling Chau Typhoon Shelter on July 4. The drill simulated a fishing vessel catching fire and some persons falling overboard. A police launch and a fireboat were deployed for rescue and fire-fighting operations. Over 40 officers from MSDIV, Cheung Chau Fire Station and the Diving Unit of FSD participated in the exercise. Chairman of Cheung Chau Rural Committee Mr Yung Chi-ming, Islands District Councillor Ms Lee Kwai-chun, representatives from a ferry company and the local fishing community were invited to observe the drill.

Meanwhile, Marine North Division (MNDIV) conducted a drill with Tai Po East Fire Station of FSD at Shuen Wan Typhoon Shelter in Sam Mun Tsai on July 20. The drill simulated a fishing boat on fire and a person falling overboard. A police launch carried firemen to the scene to put out the fire while the Diving Unit of FSD conducted an underwater search for the simulated victim. Over 40 marine police officers and firemen participated in the exercise whilst representatives of Tai Po District Office and Tai Po Rural Committee attended the drill as observers. The FSD also held a talk on fire prevention for local residents.

Assistant Divisional Commander of MSDIV Fung Chi-hang, Acting Assistant Divisional Commander of MNDIV Leung Ka-chun and Station Commander of Tai Po East Fire Station Tsang Hing-lung praised the officers for their professionalism. The drills not only enhanced co-operation between the two departments, but also raised community awareness of fire prevention.