LOCAL

History of the Marine Police

1846

Covering the waters from Tai Long Wan in the north, all the way to Waglan Island in the south, the Marine Police East Division has tackled some of the most dangerous conditions in Hong Kong for 179 years. While much of their work goes unseen due to the distance from the shore, the Marine Police keep our seas safer by preventing illegal immigration and smuggling and rescuing swimmers and sinking vessels.

During the summer months the Marine Police handle many cases of water-based injuries, assist canoeists who have gone astray and help vessels that have broken down. This year has been a particularly busy one with social restrictions causing a spike in water-based accidents and emergencies. A spokesperson for the Marine Police revealed: “With many people working from home or spending time in isolation, being able to come to Sai Kung to enjoy the open air and sea-based activities has become even more important. This has resulted in even more visitors to the area, along with locals, causing more sea safety issues.”

“Like everyone in Hong Kong this year we have had to deal with the dangers and worries of Covid-19. As many officers have families, it is a worrying time and the issues we face will be the same as any other family trying to live as normally and as healthily as possible,” he says.

On a professional level, the Marine Police officers reveal that their job nature hasn’t changed. “We obviously can’t work from home, but we have been able to maintain our coverage of Marine East Division as normal, ready to respond to any incident or local problem. We remain at the forefront of protecting the community, especially at sea.”

The Marine Police want to remind daytrippers to take the time to review and plan what water-based activities they want to do (whether that is kayaking, wakeboarding, swimming, hiking or taking a junk) think about the dangers and the ways in which they can keep safe and be aware of all Covid-19 guidelines. The Water Police began with a sailing and gun-boat with a crew of 17

1872

The unit was further expanded to over

Call the Marines The Marine Police East Division has seen an increase in cases during social distancing. Nicole Slater reports

150 men

1926

Wireless telegraphy was introduced and greatly improved communications

1952

Strength reached 400 and the name was changed from Water Police to the Marine Police

1992

The Police, Customs, Excise Department and the Royal Navy joined hands

1847

The unit expanded to 40 men and added an additional two more boats

1884

The Water Police Station in Tsim Sha Tsui (now Heritage 1881) opened

1941

The fleet was scuttled to avoid falling to the Japanese after the fall of Hong Kong

1981

A Support Bureau was set up to help oversee the expansion and to ensure that the Region’s specialised maritime requirements were properly catered for

2010

The fleet introduced Forward Operating Platforms, Medium Patrol Launches and a Divisional Fast Patrol Craft