(iii)
For HMG only disadvantage is
likely to accrue. A Hong Kong
registry independent of Britain
will reduce employment opportunities
for British seafarers. It is
also bound to undermine HMG's
efforts to improve the standard
of watch-keeping officers.
Furthermore, a recent Act of
Parliament (the Merchant Shipping
Act 1967) was brought into being
specifically to ensure that ships
registered in the UK carry British
certificated officers when going to
sea from any port. Against this
background it would seem wrong for
Hong Kong, as a territory
inextricably linked with Britain
whilst it remains non-Chinese, to
adopt conditions for ships at
variance with UK practice to the
point of creating another flag of
convenience.
(a)
The DTI are at present engaged on an
exercise which, although it may take two
+
years to complete, will produce conditions
(by means of Regulations under the
Merchant Shipping Act, 1970) designed to
improve training and to increase the
number of certificated officers available
for employment and will, to this extent,
ease Mr Pao's officer manning problem.
/From
F
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