Secretary for the Environment

“ Section 7 empowers the Authority to exempt a vessel from the prohibition on using non-compliant fuel under certain circumstances. Section 8 provides for the validity period of an exemption granted by the Authority. Section 9 explains how to apply for an exemption and makes it an offence to provide false or misleading information or document in an application. Section 10 explains when an application for exemption must be made. Section 11 empowers the Authority to revoke an exemption under certain circumstances. ”

“ If a fuel switch operation is necessary for a vessel to comply with section 5 (1) , the written procedures for conducting a fuel switch operation to compliant fuel on the vessel must—
(a) be kept on the vessel; and (b) be readily available for inspection at all reasonable times. (4) If subsection (1) , (2) or (3) is contravened, the owner and the master of the vessel each commits an offence.
(5) A person who commits an offence under subsection (4) is liable on conviction to a fine at level 5 and to imprisonment for 3 months. ”

“ The Authority may—
(a) if satisfied that a vessel uses technology that can reduce the emission of sulphur dioxide when the vessel is in the waters of Hong Kong at least as effectively as the use of low sulphur marine fuel at that time, exempt the vessel from section 5 (1) or renew an exemption granted for the vessel; or (b) if satisfied that compliance with section 5 (1) will pose a risk to the safety of a vessel, exempt the vessel from that section. (2) An exemption may be subject to any conditions the Authority considers appropriate to impose at any time. ”