Reference.
Loose Minute
HONG KONG: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO
MERCHANT SHIPPING LEGISLATION
With reference to the attached papers from FCO Marine & Transport Department, The following points might be made from the Crews Branch standpoints
DISCIPLINE: Removal of seamen
There have
I have much sympathy with the Hong Kong authorities in this connexion. been a number of incidents affecting U.K. ships where Chinese (notionally Hong Kong) seamen have refused to leave the ship until some pay demand (usually wholly without justification) has been met. Owners have usually capitulated rather than have the ship delayed at even greater expense.
However, the term "lawful discharge" will need exaot definition in t his context to prevent unscrupulous owners from using the new legislation against seamen with a quite legitimate grievance.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION (Recruitment of Seamen Bill)
The last line of para. 6 of this section talks of a seaman being re-entered on the register if he is certified as being medically fit. However, although the Clause 4 empowers a Superintendent to order a further medical examination, it does not say that the man is withdrawn from the register pending the examination. Indeed, it s would seem an odd system if he were to be "struck off" prior to the results of the examination being known.
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P.H. Garrity M 6 B
14th December 1972
L10016 N449108/633443 100,000 11/69 KP3601
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY No.5.1
S DEC 1972
14/121/2
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