50
registration and on change of ownership. It is intended
that further research should be done into ascertaining
whether a system of provisional registration is
appropriate and workable.
5.21.
Should there be an increase in the number of
vessels on the register, there will be a corresponding increase in the need for surveys of vessels to take
place overseas. Such surveys should present little problem since, under the provisions of the International
Convention on Safety of Life at Sea 1974 (SOLAS), foreign administrations may (on request) survey vessels and issue certificates on behalf of the Hong Kong
Administration. In order to maintain and monitor
standards some surveys must however be performed periodically (once every 5 years) by the surveyors of
It is also the practice to carry
the Administration.
out surveys on all vessels coming onto the register for
the first time. The register would, therefore, require to have enough surveyors to form a flying squad
only for this purpose but also for the investigation of casualties worldwide. [See also Chapter 5(b)(ii)].
not
5.22.
At present all surveyors and examiners attend
a "confirmatory" with the DTP of between 3 and 6