The Hong Kong Marine Police Retirees’ Association (the Association) recently held a commemorative event to mark its 25th anniversary. A special ferry was arranged to pass by both the old and new Marine Regional Headquarters, and at
1 pm, the vessel cruised to the Hong Kong Meridian, recalling the Marine (MAR) police’s daily timekeeping mission from nearly 150 years ago.

Chairman of the Association and retired Chief Superintendent Fred Tsui noted that unlike regular police constables who have completed basic land-based police training after graduating from the Police College, all new MAR members start as a “blank sheet”. In addition to acquiring professional maritime knowledge from textbooks, they rely on senior officers and experienced colleagues in the teams to pass down practical skills across generations. The “spirit of inheritance” is therefore a hallmark across all ranks of MAR.

He explained, “Even newly joined inspectors, as future commanders of their vessels, must learn the operation of MAR launches from the basics - such as knot-tying as well as ship cleaning and maintenance - to the advanced aspect of vessel handling, all under the guidance of experienced crew members. They learn while working. Hence every MAR officer, regardless of rank, starts from the bottom up.”

It’s not always smooth sailing. Every crew member on the police launch must coordinate closely during typhoons to perform the typhoon mooring procedure for stabilising the vessel. During anti-smuggling and anti-illegal immigration operations, the deployment of officers from sailing police launches to chase suspects in speedboats isn’t something that can be learnt from manuals. This skill must be mastered through practical experience. Hence, every MAR officer has weathered more than a few storms.

Sergeant Allen Ng, a MAR officer with 20 years of experience, performed the boat hook drill at the commemorative event. Once a special ceremony to welcome senior officers or guests, this skill is now becoming rare among serving officers. He said, “Thanks to my predecessors, I’m now one of the few police officers who can pull this off.”

Allen pointed out that MAR has consistently maintained their commitment to passing on their legacy. “Some skills are passed down verbally. Take rope-throwing as an example - how to coil the rope, how much force should be used - it’s all about experience. It’s easy to have seasickness on rough seas, so we advise newcomers to avoid consuming dairy which can upset the stomach. These tips were honed by seasoned officers through countless trial and error.”

As we move with the times, both operational skills and cultural traditions must evolve. Allen gave an example. While Morse code, assisted by light signals, was once essential for communication with other vessels when visibility was obstructed, advancements in positioning system and radio technology have significantly reduced its necessity. “We now have more advanced equipment and vessels that can enhance operational efficiency. However, we still need colleagues operating the new equipment to truly maximise the effectiveness by combining the wisdom and experience inherited from the predecessors and adapting flexibly to changing circumstances.”

The event brought together two generations of MAR. Both Fred and Allen agreed that the “spirit of camaraderie on the same boat” of MAR exemplifies the team spirit of the Force, “Every day, we share the same vessel. Regardless of seniority, we must hold our positions in storms, find our way in fog, control our speed with the current, and persevere against the tide. Only by working together towards a common goal can the vessel reach its destination smoothly.”