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Transport Workers' Federation has already taken steps to co-ordinate their
efforts in this connection.
19.
The loss of posts available to Hong Kong registered seafarers has already been reported upon by the Seamen's Recruiting Office of the Marine Department. The latest survey showed that, as at the 31st December 1971, the number of posts available for Hong Kong domiciled seamen has decreased by 6,330 from the 30th June 1968 figure of 30,861 posts, that is, a drop of 20%. It is forecast by the S.R.O. that this trend, relating to a diminishing member of posts being available for Hong Kong registered seafarers, will continue unabated at a rate of about 1,000 posts every six months unless steps are taken to rectify the situation.
20.
It has previously been reported (in the Final Report of the Seamen's Training Committee) that there are several reasons for the continuing
These reasons have decrease in demand for Hong Kong registered seafarers.
been given as ;
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
the 1971 disturbances in Hong Kong no doubt caused some owners to pursue a policy of diversification as far as their crews were concerned;
technological developments on board ship resulting in
smaller crews;
competition from other recruitment centres in Asia and
Africa;
(iv)
a shortage of skilled and experienced seafarers available for employment in Hong Kong;
(v)
lack of discipline exhibited by Hong Kong crews, particularly in respect of desertions.
And to which must now be added, competition from maritime unions in Europe and Australia, with the International Transport Workers Federation
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