7401 2000
Reference
ours;
2
there are pood intentions here but much needs to be done. We believe that it would be necessary to agree conditions to be satisfied by candidates for entry to these special examinations on the following lines:-
a
an Asian native language;
over a given age;
a given length of sea servico;
attendance on an approved course.
These conditions are to some extent related to access to the register (see para. 7)
Safety Equipment and Materials
4.
In general, the standards adopted in Japan with regard to approval of plans and corresponding surveys during construction and equipment installation are lower than those we apply to UK ships, over-much reliance being placed on NKK - the Japanese classification society. Some safety equipment on newly-built Hong Kong owned ships does not meet British specifications and the tests to which this equipment is subjected are often less rigorous than in the Ul. However, excellent testing facilities are available in Japan and they would be prepared to test to our standards.
5. We are convinced that standards in respect of safety equipment, materials, installation and survey should be the same for a Hong Kong register as for a UK one. The extra costs to the Hong Kong owner would not be large provided the requirements are allowed for before a new ship contract is signed. UK standards of installation should be required through approval of plans by surveyors seconded to Hong Kong.
6. There would, however, be some commercial disadvantage for UK marine equipment manufacturers, unless some reciprocal concession could be obtained from the Japanese. The Japanese could benefit commercially from acceptance by the DTI of their lifeboate life rafts, life jackets, wireless equipment and perhaps particularly, their fire extinguishers and sprinkler heads which are used outside the marine field. Mr. Wakefield is looking into this problem which appears to need careful handling with the Japanese authorities.
Access to the Register
7. Various possibilities with regard to access to the register have been discussed. If an attempt is made to confine it to Hong Kong registered companies, the UK Chamber of Shipping would strongly oppose the proposals; they have pointed out that they would be at a disadvantage compared with Continental Europeans who can more easily
Given the set up companies in Hong Kong and transfer ships there. approach in paras. 3 and 5 above, I would be disposed to allow access to the register to companies registered in the UK as well as in Hong Kong. I personally doubt whether there would be sufficient inducement for many UK ships to be transferred,
cont'd.
腿