In 2009 Hong Kong issued a set of 4 stamps and a miniature sheet (the 4 stamps are also shown on the MS) to commemorate the centenary of the Customs and Excise Service.
The $3.00 value shows two customs' launches. The one on the right I have not been able to identify but the one on the left is CUSTOMS 6 – SEA GLORY. She is 1 of 4 Damen 26-m patrol boats, similar in appearance and characteristics to sisters in police service. The other Hong Kong Customs Service vessels are Sea Guardian (7), Sea Leader (8), and PL 62 (transferred from the police in 1995).
They are Damen 26 m craft completed in 1986 by Chung Wah SB & Eng Co Ltd, Kowloon. In all essentials these craft are sisters of the 14 operated by the Hong Kong Police with the exception of the latter's slow speed waterjet.
D: 86 tons (normal) S: 23 kts Dim: 26.2 × 5.9 × 1.80
Electronics: Radar: 1 Decca 150 nav.
M: 2 MTU 12V396 TC82 diesels (1,300 bhp each), 1 M.A.N. D2566 cruise diesel (195 bhp); 3 props (Schottel on centerline); 2,600 bhp
Range: 1,400/8 Crew: 1 officer, 13 constables
A 51-member delegation, headed by Commissioner John C Tsang, laid another milestone in the history of Hong Kong Customs on November 18, 2000 when two Customs Launches paid historical visit to Macao and attended the last Macao Marine Police and Customs Day. After the two hour journey, they arrived in Macao, being escorted by the Macao Marine Police and Customs launches. Hong Kong Customs Launches No. 8 "Sea Reliance" and No. 6 "Sea Glory" slowly entered the Maritime Museum Pier and started the visit. The Commissioner was greeted by the Commissioner of Macao Marine Police and Customs, Mr. Choi Lai Hang, and was invited to take the salute from the Guards of Honour. The delegates then attended the celebration ceremony, which was officiated by the Chief Executive of Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr. Edmund Ho Hau Wah.
After the ceremony, Mr. Ho, Mr. Choi and other Macao senior officials took the opportunity to visit the newly commissioned Launch No. 8. They were impressed by the advanced equipment installed on the launch, particularly the third Generation Thermal Image Surveillance System, the Electronic Narcotic and Explosive Detector and the Inflatable Launch System.
On 17 December 2009 Hong Kong Customs and Excise Service commissioned three new Customs Sector Patrol Launches) at Customs Marine Base, Stonecutters Island. Each SPL is 30 metres long, 6.5 metres wide, with a shallow draft of 1.8 metres and a maximum speed of 26 knots. These three modern, manoeuvrability enhanced and well-equipped SPLs will replace the "Damen III" launches that have been in service for more than two decades.
Sources: Combat Fleets of the World 2005 – 2006. Various internet sites.
http://www.customs.gov.hk/eng/new_relea ... 217_e.html
Written by Mr. Peter Crichton.
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