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accept certificates issued by other administrations
after examination where, after due investigation, the
Hong Kong Administration is satisfied that they were
obtained by examination, training and sea service of
equal standard. It would be necessary to re-investigate
standards from time to time to see that they remained
adequate. It should be said at this point that at
present any investigation might well preclude the
acceptance of certificates presently issued by certain
flag of convenience countries even though many local
seamen hold such certificates. We believe that existing
standards, which have a direct bearing on the competency
of the crew and therefore safety of the ship and its
establishment, cannot be compromised for the expedient
of goodwill.
6.5.
We do, however, subscribe to the view that
Hong Kong people should be assisted in obtaining
positions on Hong Kong registered ships. We believe
that this can best be achieved by providing the training
facilities to enable potential seafarers at all levels
to acquire the necessary skills and qualifications.