Application of the Real Time Tracking & Monitoring of Vessel (RTTMV) System to Marine Dumping Activities under the Dumping At Sea Ordinance, Cap.466 (DASO)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is RTTMV system?
A1. RTTMV system is a real-time monitoring system basically comprising a Control Centre at EPD and Front End Mobile Units (FEMUs) to be provided by permit holders on board of dumping vessels. In this system, a Control Centre is set up in the office of the EPD to receive and monitor the operation of all dumping vessels under the DASO. Each of these vessels will have a FEMU aboard to receive, record and transmit real-time data direct from the vessel at sea to the EPD Control Centre through mobile communication network. The data include the vessel’s position (by means of Global Navigation Satellite System), draught, and status of bottom opening. The EPD has established a website for the RTTMV system. All permit holders and other eligible parties would be provided free (read-only) access to the website for monitoring of their own vessels and take snapshots and record videos of the vessel operation by remote control of the cameras connected to their FEMUs. With the aid of the system, the industry can also enhance their fleet management.
Q2. What is Front End Mobile Unit (FEMU)?
A2. FEMU is a key component of the RTTMV system. The FEMU system (i.e. FEMU together with peripheral items connected) consists of a data capturing and communication unit, a processing unit, data storage media, a portable printer, a GNSS receiver, a draught sensor, a split-bottom control button, a joint motion sensor (for new version), a network camera and backup batteries. The FEMU is housed in a waterproof enclosure with key locks. Real-time data are received, recorded and stored in the FEMU and transmitted to the EPD Control Centre. See FEMU Specification for further details.Q3. How can the suppliers of the FEMU be sourced?
A3. There exist two approved FEMU models (FEMU v3.4a and FEMU v5.0) currently available for installation on board of marine dumping vessels. Further details of the existing and potential suppliers of the approved FEMU models can be obtained from EPD at 2835 1287. Should interested parties intend to use other FEMU models from local or overseas suppliers, such models shall comply with the FEMU Specification and shall be approved by EPD.
Q4. Is validation of the FEMU necessary?
A4. All models of the FEMU will have to be validated for acceptance by the Authority before they can be approved for use under the DASO. Prior agreement by the EPD on the appropriate professional person/body to conduct the validation should be sought. The costs of the validation are borne by the suppliers.
Q5. What if a dumping vessel is not equipped with the FEMU?
A5. Use of the FEMU is a necessary condition for all marine dumping permits issued under the DASO. In other words, only vessels with approved FEMUs will be used for dumping activities under a marine dumping permit.
Q6. How will monitoring data acquired from the FEMU be used?
A6. Permit holders, relevant parties such as owners of dumping vessels, supervisory site staff and project clients can be provided with access to the website for monitoring of the vessels concerned. Furthermore, monitoring data acquired from the FEMU will be used primarily for the purpose of compliance checking by EPD. Records produced by the FEMU are admissible as evidence in courts.
