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3.
(b)
the Hong Kong register, this will be dependent upon the degree of acceptance of the proposals now made, although an estimated 20 million deadweight tons of shipping is currently controlled by Hong Kong's shipowners. In a practical sense it is envisaged the build-up would be gradual, with newly delivered vessels coming onto the register during the early stages.
Certificates of Competency and Manning
Part II of the M.S.0. needs amending, and it is suggested that the amendments be associated with enabling legislation, which would allow for the introduction of regulations relevant to:-
(i) the examination of foreign nationals for
the issue of Hong Kong Certificates of Competency in all grades,
(ii) the acceptance of all grades of foreign
Certificates of Competency against the issue of chivalent Hong Kong certificates, where the former are held by nationals of the issuing country, assuming the standards of training, experience, examination, and proficiency in the English language, being acceptable to the Director of Marine,
(iii) the acceptance of individual foreign Certificates
of Competency against the issue of equivalent Hong Kong certificates, where genoral acceptance of a specific country's certificates is not possible, but whon qualified owners of long Kong ships (paragraph 8(a)) are able to show that certain masters have served with their companies over long periods, and proved themselves professionally in command of foreign- going vessels, always assuming the associated standards as evidenced by records of service etc., being acceptable to the Director of Marine.
The proposals at (ii) and (iii) are associated with the issue of Hong Kong Certificates of Competency having particular regard to safety, and accountability on the part of the holders. It is envisaged for example that in cases of casualty, the conduct and competence of foreigners holding such certificates would be determined by Marine Courts, held under Part VIII of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (Cap. 231), when the certificates could either be suspended or withdrawn. The standards referred to,
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would