22
3.21.
We believe that only (a) above need be changed
in the context of the new register.
Whilst we respect
the genuine concern of seafarers' representatives that
they should be given preferential employment
opportunities, we do not consider this should be made a
legal requirement in the new register nor in supporting
legislation.
3.22.
Rather, we believe that the setting of
internationally recognised standards, equivalent to
those now obtaining for the employment of both officers
and crew, and the provision of adequate training and
examination facilities in Hong Kong should be
sufficient. We discuss Training and Qualifications in
Chapter 6. (The alternative is to specify proportions
of crew strength to be recruited locally; the greater
this is the greater the job opportunities for local
seamen. The difficulties here would be in the
administration of such a system and the availability and
demand for local seamen. We do not favour this
alternative.)
3.23.
It may well be that the system for maritime
training should be re-organised
-
and much useful