TRANSPORT
sizes and types operating in international and local waters. The section also monitors all aspects of training at approved establishments for the acquisition of various maritime qualifications recognised by the government and required by international conventions.
A major concern of the government and Hong Kong shipowners is the falling recruitment of local seafarers. A committee, comprising representatives from the govern- ment, Hong Kong Shipowners' Association, Merchant Navy Training Board, training institutions and the seafarers' unions, has examined the problem of merchant navy officer recruitment and training. Concerted efforts have been made by the Marine Department and the Hong Kong Shipowners' Association to stimulate the recruitment of trainee officers and to enhance the image of seafaring careers. The department and the association have jointly participated in careers exhibitions, talks and seminars, a video on Make a Career at Sea has been produced and visits to the department have been arranged for groups of secondary school students and their career and guidance masters. By 1993, training courses currently offered by different educational institutes for seafarers will be provided centrally by the Vocational Training Council.
The Marine Department's Seamen's Recruiting Office and the Mercantile Marine Office register and supervise the employment of about 3 200 active seafarers on board some 700 ships of many flags. Considerable attention has been given to providing more comprehensive training for Hong Kong seafarers and, in this respect, the Seamen's Training Centre at Tai Lam Chung in the New Territories provides training courses for new entrants and in-service training for seamen to comply with the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978.
(Details of International Movements of Vessels, Passengers and Cargo are given at Appendix 37.)
Hong Kong Shipping Register
The Hong Kong Shipping Register, which came into operation under local legislation in December 1990, reflects the government's commitment to the highest international standards of maritime safety without overlooking commercial realities. Its supporting legislation embodies internationally-based standards for vessel construction, equipment and manning and is consistent with Hong Kong's obligations under International Maritime Organisation and International Labour Organisation conventions, including those on safety of life at sea, training and certification of crew, and protection of the marine environment. The register had a total fleet amounting to 6.38 million gross registered tonnage at the end of 1991.
Hong Kong is independently represented as an Associate Member of the International Maritime Organisation and, in accordance with the Joint Declaration, this status will continue after 1997.
Civil Aviation
The Gulf crisis caused a short disruption of air services to the Persian Gulf and a general rise in operating costs for airlines (higher fuel costs and insurance premia), resulting in a general increase in passenger fares and cargo rates of about seven per cent. However, the effect of the crisis on air services to and from Hong Kong in general was slight and temporary and the airlines soon resumed normal operations.
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