Sir Hugh Norman-Walker,
Colonial Secretary,
Colonial Secretariat,
Central Government Offices, HONG
KONG.
27th April, 1971.
Dear Sir Hugh,
Merchant Shipping Registry
You are kindly referred to our recent exchange of correspondence and particularly to my discussion with Mr. X. Milburn on 22nd March on the question of whether there is a possibility of the present Hong Kong Merchant Shipping Ordinance being modified to attract registration of more tonnage under the Hong Kong flag. I have already explained to you and Mr. Milburn that the two basic deterrents which have kept shipowners' enthusiasm in check are firstly, the rigid nationality requirement of officers and engineers serving in senior posts and the insistence on their M. O. T. certification and, secondly, certain ships' equipping and fittings require- ments in accordance with British standard and specifications,
When weighed on equal terms, the former is even more of a stumbling block so far as it affects shipowners who now find manning an increasingly vexatious problem. The acute short supply of deck officers and marine engineers who meet the requirements aforementioned is well known and the situation will definitoly worsen as moro and more'new vessels come off shipyards in the next few years to join the world's ever ! expanding merchant fleet. My considered opinion is therefore that
Government may well consider a completo relaxation of the manning requirement, meaning the removal of the nationality restriction and the acceptance of officers and engineers on the basis of equivalent national qualifications. I am glad to say that if Government could see its way to eliminating this main obstacle we, as a Hong Kong owner of some standing, would be pleased to meet with you for further discussion on the subject of equippings and fittings specifications with a view to achieving a workable and mutually acceptable conclusion.
Cont'd. 2/-
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