52
(b)(ii)
5.25.
Classification Societies
Given that only Lloyds Register of Shipping
and non-British classification societies with British
Committees are at present authorised to act in
prescribed areas on behalf of the UK and Hong Kong, we
suggested in the CD that other national classification
societies with substantial representation in Hong Kong
might be accepted. We thought the proposed Shipping
Advisory Board might like to take a view on this.
5.26.
The comments we received fell into two
distinct categories, first, as to the nature of
classification societies and second, as to the potential
of such societies for assisting in the issuing of
certificates and the undertaking of surveys overseas.
5.27
The first category suggested that, as
classification societies were commercial organisations
in competition with each other, they should be treated
as an adjunct to national maritime organisations and not
a replacement for them. The second category suggested
that given the international nature of shipping it was
inevitable that there would be a limit to the
geographical ability of Government surveyors to respond
with necessary speed to all survey requirements
worldwide.