3
2
3.
The Convention would apply to acts on board Hong
Kong registered vessels. It might be necessary for
Committee A of the Steering Group on the Shipping Register
to give it some consideation in due course.
KEY DIFFICULTIES IN APPLYING THE CONVENTION
4.
النير
Application of the Convention is by reference to
'flag states'. Hong Kong is a port of registry (with its
flag state being UK before 1997 and China after 1997). Potential difficulties might be overcome by the concept of
one state two legislative systems.
(Cross Reference: For the aircraft convention, application
is based on the 'state of registration of the aircraft' while in the present case, application is based on the 'flag
state'.)
5.
The application of certain parts of the Convention
depends on the bimits of the territorial seas. However, in
the case of Hong Kong, there is no definition of such limits
endorsed both by the British and Chinese sides (although it
is noted that at present certain maritime laws, as the
Shipping and Port Control Ordinance are said to apply to
Hong Kong's territorial waters.