2.
1.
Introduction
1.1
was
The safety of life at sea and the protection of seafarers, passengers and goods has been a concern of all trading nations for centuries. Many years ago the concept of 1 registration' of shipping developed whereby particulars of vessels owned by traders were required to be lodged with national governments. In this way, specified standards for the construction and operation of ships and the provision of safety equipment could be enshrined in legislation.
1.2
a
in
The act of registration confers nationality on the ship and state protection to it its worldwide activities; at the same time it facilitates the application of laws concerning its building, manning and operation.
1.3
Hong Kong (with some 820 ships and a gross tonnage of 6.4
of 6.4 million presently registered) is a British port of registry and is thus subject to British standards and conventions. This status cannot continue after sovereignty reverts to China in 1997.
The purpose of this paper is to suggest the establishment of a separate and autonomous shipping register in a manner which will meet Hong Kong's specific requirements and which will be acceptable to the shipping industry as a whole.
1.4
It is stressed that the proposals set out in this paper are the preliminary views of the Administration. They are designed to form the basis for discussion and to elicit the views of all those concerned with shipping. As such, these initial proposals may be modified and refined in the light of
comments.
1.5
Submissions on any aspects of the proposals contained in this paper would be welcome, and should be addressed to Secretary for Economic Services, Government Secretariat, Lower Albert Road, Hong Kong and should reach him by 31 July 1985.
The Joint Declaration
2.1
Section VIII of Annex 1 to the Joint Declaration on the Future of Hong Kong provides, inter alia, as follows:-