powers of exemption.
In this connection, it may help Mr Pao
to know that under present policy in the United Kingdom
exemptions of this kind would be allowed when
(a)
"representative organisations" confirmed no
certificated British officer was able and willing to
take up the post;
(6)
the ship was employed habitually between ports outside
the United Kingdom;
(c)
5.
(a)
the officer exempted held a certificate of competency
from a "reputable marine authority" or, exceptionally, had
specialised experience; and
the period of exemption did not exceed one year.
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 granted by the
country of registry. For example the United Kingdom accepts
valid exemptions on clear authority from the following countries
of registry (a) independent Commonwealth countries and (b)
dependent territories which have qualified surveyors and an
examination system approved by the DTI. (Hong Kong is in fact
the only territory in this category at present). But to secure
firm and automatic acceptance of Hong Kong exemptions throughout
the Commonwealth would, the DTI say, require detailed
consultations with the other Marine authorities; and I
understand that there would be considerable work involved in
administering such a system even if it found favour. The
Marine authorities in foreign ports could not of course
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/interfere