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would in theory be possible for Hong Kong significantly to reduce her standards to those of "flag of convenience" comtries, while still complying with SOIAS. We are con- cerned that standards set by the Herchant Shipping Acts for Fritich ships should not be lowered as a matter of
expediency. However, the Colonial Secretary has said that
a Hong Kong register would not absolve Hong Kong from the obligation to maintain standards.
5. There are two requirements for the registration of Pritish ships which have particularly worried Mr Pao. The first and less difficult is the detailed specifications of certain materials and equipment required by British vessels. Most of Mr Paolo vessels are built in Japan and he has claimed. that meeting British standard specifications can cause incon- venience and delay in construction. It has been pointed out to him, however, that Japanese yards do readily meet British requirements in these respocts when called upon to do so and it would appear that he is now satisfied on this point. 6. The more difficult problem is that of officer manning. In this respect Hong Kong Iaw follows British Law, which applies to all Tritish ships registered throughout the Com-
The requirement is that the Master, 1st Mate,
monwealth.
2nd Mate, Chief Engineer, 2nd Engineer and Radio Officer should be ritish qualified ie qualified by examination at examination centres approved by the UK Government (in the UK or Commonwealth). And the rules lay down that candidates for most of these exa-
minations must be British subjects.
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11.