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Additional Points to Note
5.32.
Neither the Japanese classification society
Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK) nor the PRC society Zhong Chuan
(ZC) is approved. The former was not accepted by the UK
because Japan would not reciprocate by permitting other
classification societies to class Japanese ships. ZC
has failed to gain recognition from the International
Association of Classification Society. This is thought
to be because of the the ambiguous status of ZC which as
a state institution also operates as a national
regulatory authority (and until recently superintended
ship construction).
5.33.
Although the UK is likely to continue to
exclude Japan, Hong Kong may wish to take a separate
line once the new register is established.
5.34.
The delicate matter of ZC might be got around
by the expedient of requesting China, as a signatory to
SOLAS, to survey HK vessels in China and issue
international certificates in accordance with the
Conventions. Although the work would be done by the
same officials, no appointment of ZC as a classification
society would be necessary for the time being.