G.S. 84
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For discussion
on 12th June 1979
XCR (79) 130 Copy No.
31
MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
MERCHANT SHIPPING (A MEND MENT) (NO 2) BILL 1979-
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Annexed for the consideration of Honourable Members is the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) (No 2) Bill 1979
Background
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The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) was first drawn up in 1948 by the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation to provide for uniform safety standards for ocean going ships regarding such aspects as their construction, life- saving appliances, radio telegraphy, navigation, carriage of grain and carriage of dangerous goods. The Convention has since been revised and updated twice, in 1960 and 1974. The SOLAS Convention presently in force is still the 1960 version because not enough countries have yet ratified the 1974 Convention. But indications are that the required number of ratifications are likely to be met soon and, as such, the 1974 Convention may come into force in little more than a year from now.
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The SOLAS Convention 1960 has been extended to Hong Kong through the United Kingdom's ratification. The United Kingdom ratified the 1974 Convention in 1977 and is now considering the extension to its dependent territories. To ensure that ships registered in Hong Kong are recognised by all countries to have the up-to-date safety standards thus avoiding possible discrimination against them, it is in Hong Kong's interests to ensure that it becomes a party to the latest Convention. Because of the way the Convention is worded, it can be extended to Hong Kong only if Hong Kong is included in the UK's instrument of ratification before the Convention comes into force.
Merchant Shipping (Amendment) (No 2) Bill 1979
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The Merchant Shipping (Amendment) (No 2) Bill 1979 accordingly updates the relevant sections of and adds new provisions to the Merchant Shipping Ordinance to comply with the requirements of the 1974 Convention. Details of the amendments are described in the Explanatory Memorandum. The main changes provide for:
(a)
powers to make rules on radio equipment and radio navigational aids to be carried by various types of
vessels;
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