(ii)
(iii)
If a relaxation in legal terms is allowed to
Hong Kong shipowners it would be hard to resist
the claim of UK shipowners, who also suffer
from officer shortages, for similar treatment.
It would be undesirable to prejudge the outcome
of forthcoming studies of reciprocal recognition
of certificates within the EEC and internationally
by allowing Hong Kong to recognise foreign
certificates.
(iv) To embark on the complex process of comparison
of foreign certificates at the present time,
when the UK certificate structure is about to
be recast, would be inopportune and very
burdensome.
(v)
(vi)
UK seafarers unions regard the nationality
certification requirements as essential to
maintain their employment opportunities and
would fiercely resist any relaxation on an
unreciprocal basis.
Criticisms have been made that Singapore (whose
register has increased in the past four years
while Hong Kong's has been diminishing) has
become a flag of convenience and a proposal to
establish a separate Hong Kong register would
be viewed with suspicion and could prejudice
the UK's high reputation as a maritime nation.
There is no precedent for a Colony having its
own register.
17. I consider