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 Positioning 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 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 GPS receiver, a draught sensor, a split-bottom control button, 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 technical specifications for further details.Q3. How can the suppliers of the FEMU be sourced?
A3. There exist three approved FEMU models (FEMU III, FEMU M823 and FEMU V3.4a) currently available for installation on board of marine dumping vessels. Further details of the existing 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 technical specifications 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 normally borne by the sppliers.
Q5. What if a dumping vessel is not equipped with the FEMU?
A5. Use of the FEMU is a standard 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. 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. Apart from permit holders, relevant parties such as owners of dumping vessels, supervisory site staff and project clients may also be provided with access to the website for monitoring of the vessels concerned.
