Speech by Mr G.A. Higginson, Secretary for Economic Services in Legislative Council on 29 May 1985
Pilotage (Amendment) Bill 1985
Sir,
I thank Miss Tam and Mr Chen for their comments
and for their support. Both have expressed concern that we must maintain the availability of a sufficient number
of high quality licensed pilots so as progressively to extend the scope of compulsory pilotage and to maintain the efficiency of the port.
2.
I have been assured, Sir, by the Pilotage Authority and the Hong Kong Pilots Association, that neither standards nor an adequacy of numbers will be a problem. The introduction of compulsory pilotage will be closely monitored by the Pilotage Advisory Committee. For the government's part, we are determined that neither training nor qualifications will be compromised and that adequate numbers will be available.
3.
Miss Tam referred to Clause 10F (c) which provides that the Pilotage Authority may waive compulsory pilotage should conditions exist where the pilot might be endangered. I reconfirm that it is envisaged that this clause would be applicable in circumstances which would cause danger to life and limb of the pilot. It might also
be invoked when weather conditions were such that the pilot was physically unable to board the vessel.
4.
As to Mr Chen's point that any further revision of pilotage dues should be carefully examined and be subject to wide consultation because of their effects on the shipping industry, I agree. Pilotage dues are set on the recommendation of the Pilotage Advisory Committee, the statutory membership of which includes representatives of the shipping industry in Hong Kong. This, I believe, will ensure that the needs of the industry are fully taken into
account.