10
Hong Kong seafarers should have first choice of
employment and priority should be given to Hong Kong holders of Discharge Books to work on Hong Kong vessels. However, this should not preclude other nationalities from crewing Hong Kong vessels.
Persons without the right of abode must have a letter of appointment from an employing company before seeking a Work Permit from the Government (such permits must be issued without too much delay and would be similar to US Green Cards). The Work Permit would be valid for a limited period but would be renewable, provided the person is still working on Hong Kong ships, without too much difficulty.
It is suggested that for the rank of :-
Master
Chief Officer
Chief Engineer Second Engineer
Radio/Electronic Officer,
priority must be given to personnel with the Right of Abode in Hong Kong at the time the Register enters into force, or such a date to be decided, to avoid a large influx of overseas' personnel.
J
Proper records should be kept by the Authority of employment of officers on vessels as is done for ratings at present by the Seamens Recruiting Office. The Authority would be in a better position to monitor movements and therefore forcast manpower requirements etc. This would also assist if checks needed to be made as to who was on a vessel should it be in an emergency. (MNOG)
While it is appreciated that in the interim period under 1997 and perhaps for some time thereafter, it might not be possible to impose residential or right of abode requirements on seafarers serving on Hong Kong-registered ships, it is considered that the definition of a genuine link must also include the manning aspect. (ITF)
It would be too restrictive and unrealistic in view of the present shortage of local qualified crew to insist on the right of abode requirement for all personnel on board Hong Kong registered ships. (NI)