The Marine Department and Police have reminded vessel owners and operators to adhere to marine traffic control and safety measures for the Lunar New Year fireworks display above Victoria Harbour on February 11.

Senior Marine Officer (Harbour Patrol Section) Ivan Shuen told the media today the department will check spectator vessels to ensure there are sufficient life-saving appliances on board, that children are wearing lifejackets, and that coxswains have a passenger and crew list on board.

Inspectors will direct the person in charge of any vessel failing such requirements to take remedial action, and if they fail to comply, the department will prohibit the vessel from departing and consider prosecution.

Mr Shuen said an area in the waters off the Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai will be closed off, where barges for the fireworks display will be anchored at 2pm, and no vessels will be allowed to enter.

A restricted area will be established in the central harbour from 7pm to 9.15pm, where no vessels, other than ferry vessels permitted to continue services until 7.30pm, will be allowed to enter until after the display.

Mr Shuen said marine officers and Police will strengthen inspections on speeding and overloading, and maintain order at major landing facilities after the fireworks display.

Police Marine Harbour Division Assistant Divisional Commander (Operations) Oei Jack-hsin urged vessel operators to observe harbour speed limits.

"All operators and crew of spectator vessels are reminded to pay attention to the communication equipment on board, and Police and Marine Department instructions."