AUT
SECRET
FUTURE OF HONG KONG: WORKING PAPER ON SHIPPING
THE CHINESE PROPOSAŁ PLAN
Current social and economic systems would remain unchanged. There
would be financial independence. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region would remain a free port. In retaining its
status as a free port, the SAR's existing systems and methods of
management would remain unchanged. As "Hong Kong, China", the SAR would conclude appropriate agreements. It could on its own join international organisations and conferences not limited to states.
IMPLICATIONS
REGISTRY OF SHIRS
1.
The Hong Kong SAR would retain and continue to administer its
own shipping register under existing local legislation, adapted as
necessary to reflect its changed status. Given the high degree of autonomy which the Hong Kong SAR would enjoy its international
importance in shipping matters, the high standard of its maritime administration and the potential for expansion of the Hong Kong owned and registered fleet, the Hong Kong port of registry would be
given a high degree of authority compared with other Chinese ports. Ships registered in Hong Kong (China) would have the right to fly a
special flag to reflect the region's autonomous status. (See the
working paper on constitutional arrangements).
MARITIME ADMINISTRATION
2. The maritime administration existing immediately prior to 1
July 1997 and its management structure would be retained. It would
continue to be responsible for the training and certification of ships' officers and crews; the survey and certification of Hong Kong registered ships in accordance with international Conventions
applying at that time to Hong Kong (China); the appointment of surveyors abroad to survey Hong Kong ships on behalf of the
Government of the SAR; the survey and certification of ships registered inother countries which were parties to the same
Conventions, at the request of the authorities of the flag state;
SECRET
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