8
Efficient
radiocommunication
is indispensable for the
operation and management of the ships registered in Hong
Kong and an increasing number of ships are relying on the
INMARSAT facilities for efficient communications at sea.
15.
Participation in the activities of INMARSAT,
particularly attendance by representatives of the C & W
Group at INMARSAT meetings, has enabled those representing
Hong Kong's interests to participate in, and to influence
the development of the Organisation in the fields of
planning, technology, operations and management.
It has
also enabled those representing Hong Kong to protect Hong
Kong's interests.
16.
Such
Because the Hong Kong TA operates as a "routing
organisation", it can deal with applications by Hong Kong
earth stations to use the INMARSAT space segment without
involving the UK or its Signatory. This speeds up the
processing of such applications and is of great benefit to
the large number of Hong Kong registered ships relying on
INMARSAT for efficient communications at sea.
benefit will certainly become more important as the number
of such ships continues to grow. The number is expected
to grow because the International Convention for Safety of
Life at Sea 1974 (SOLAS Convention), which applies to Hong
Kong, was amended at a Conference of Contracting
by the International
Governments
convened
Organization and held
Maritime
in London from 31 October to 11