To effectively suppress piracy, it is necessary to urgently deal with the following issues:
.1 the creation of a special task force within the marine police forces of every country specialized in fighting against piracy;
.2 regular exchange of information, co-ordination of sea patrol among the countries of the region. It is especially necessary to set up bilateral and multilateral co-operation agreements among countries to fight piracy at sea and in areas where sovereignty is disputed; and
.3 periodic conferences and seminars should be organized in order to exchange experience and review the plan of action for the whole region including the promotion of bilateral and multilateral co-operation and the training of law enforcement personnel.
HONG KONG, CHINA
There has been no piracy or armed robbery problem within the waters of Hong Kong, China. There have however been cases of unarmed and non-violent petty thefts, 4 of which took place within the past three years. As an Associate Member of IMO, Hong Kong, China supports, and will continue to support, IMO's initiatives to combat piracy.
In respect of piracy and maritime crimes in international waters or in the territorial waters of other jurisdictions which are near to Hong Kong, China they will enlist the assistance of the relevant State country to step up enforcement actions to ensure navigational safety. The Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) of the Hong Kong Marine Department will provide rescue and relief where practicable, with the help of the Government flying service and ships at sea. In addition MRCC will broadcast navigational warnings to alert ships sailing in the region and issue advisory notices to shipowners to draw their attention to the advice issued by the IMO on how to deal with piracy and armed robbery attacks.
In respect of crimes occurring within the waters of Hong Kong, China, these are dealt with by its law enforcement agencies which are responsible for maintaining law and order within Hong Kong, China and by the enforcement of local legislation. Its territorial waters are under the effective control of its law enforcement agencies. The Marine Police patrols the waters within Hong Kong, China round the clock with its well equipped and technologically advanced police launches. Particular attention is paid to likely crime areas.
In this respect Hong Kong, China has been receiving excellent support from the Beijing Search and Rescue Centre (Beijing SAR) and Guangdong Rescue Co-ordination Centre.
MACAU
Macau has been under Portuguese administration since 1557. This situation will be maintained until 20th December 1999 and then another Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China will be established according to the Joint Declaration signed on 13th April 1987. Macau does not have its own territorial waters due to historical and many other reasons. However, the maritime authorities are playing their role in traditional jurisdictional waters around the Macau peninsula, Taipa and the Coloane islands. The Maritime Administration and Marine Police are responsible for maritime safety in this area.
