The Marchant Shipping Act 1970 which implemen certain recommendations of the Rochdale Raport refers only to ships registered in the United Kingdom, although it can be extended by Gedar-in-Council to any Colony. It appears however, that basically the policy of the U.K. Authority is to legislate specifically for ships registered there, and perforce Hong Kong must be given the opportunity to tackle shipping problems in its own way. Reliance cannot be placed on legislation introduced by the United Kingdom to solve such problems, and it is envisaged the situation will not improve.
By comments regarding the draft paper are as
follows:-
(a) Construction and Safety Equingent Standards
The intention is to maintain our existing high standards, which are based specifically on those applying in V.K., and generally therefore, can be said to be in accordance with international convention standards. In the event a separate register was established, there is no reason whatsoever for thinking that the Hong Kong Government might become more vulnerable to pressures to apply lower standards, and in fact both the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, hava given an assurance that safety standards would not be allowed to deteriorate. An obviouLE advantage under this head, would be associated with the approval of prototype items of safety equipment and other materials utilised in ship construction, where such approval would came to rest with Marine Department. There are many manufacturers in Hong Kong itself, but possibly the main source of supply in these respects would be from Japan, which country builds the majority of new vessels for local shipomers. Without lowering standards it is felt that many of the items available in the area – particularly in Japan – could be tested, and if found suitable, eventually be incorporated into an "approved list" applicable to Hong Keng vessels.
(b) Certification and Hanaing
It is correct that Hong Kong law on certification and manning follows that of U.K., being contained
/in the