with standards and examination arrangements modelled closely on the UK pattern, a system has developed in which there is reciprocal recognition and acceptance of the certificates of competency issued by member countries. Attempts have been made and are still being made internationally by Inter-governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO) and International Labour Office (ILO) to develop internationally acceptable standards in this sphere but progress along this path is not easy. The whole trend at present, in the light of the spate of strandings and collisions in the English Channel and elsewhere, is to look more closely at the systems of certification and supporting standards applied by the flag States whose ships have been involved. To sum up therefore, much consideration is being given both nationally and internationally to manning standards and certification and changes will undoubtedly follow - but not in the short term.
4. In his letter to ir Pao of 5 May, the Director of Marine made it quite clear that he had been given powers under the Merchant Shipping (Aliens Employment) Ordinance to enable aliens to be employed in British shipping. In spite of what Mr Pao has said the DTI agree (as was mentioned in FCO telegram No 435) that the problems of operating under the British flag occasioned by shortages of qualified officers could be alleviated by the judicious use of the Director's powers of exemption. In this connection, it may help you to know that under present policy in the United Kingdom exemptions of this kind would be allowed when
-
"representative organisations" confirmed no certificated British officer was able and willing to take up the post;
(a)
(b)
the ship was employed habitually between ports outside the United Kingdom;
(c)
the officer exempted held a certificate of competency from a "reputable marine authority" or, exceptionally, had specialised experience;
and
(a)
5.
the period of exemption did not exceed one year.
As you know, in many Commonwealth countries the merchant shipping legislation relating to manning is based on the UK Merchant Shipping Act 1894 and refers to British ships, that is to say ships registered in Commonwealth countries,
independent and dependent. At their discretion the UK and some other Commonwealth countries may accept exemptions
A
- 2 - CONFIDENTIAL
/granted