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professionally-trained staff. Fully-equipped search and rescue vessels and aircraft are available, and additional assistance can be obtained from other rescue co-ordination centres in the region.
In 1993, the MRCC responded to over 200 distress calls, of which at least 75 involved major operations. These cases varied from simple casualty evacuations of injured fishermen from vessels, to the rescue of an entire crew from a sinking vessel in a typhoon. In between, there were groundings, fires, collisions, sinkings and man overboard cases.
During the year, three major incidents highlighted the work of the MRCC. The first involved the rescue of crew members from a sinking vessel during Typhoon Koryn on June 27. Five helicopters and a fixed wing aircraft were involved in the rescue some 71 miles east-southeast of Hong Kong, under appalling weather conditions, and 24 persons were saved.
The second case, on August 21, involved co-ordination with the rescue centre at Stavanger, Norway, which was first advised by satellite of a sinking vessel in heavy weather 332 miles southeast of Hong Kong. The MRCC subsequently tasked a Super King Air of the Government Flying Service (GFS) to the scene, and assisted in locating the sinking vessel and guiding other ships in the vicinity to the distress position. The MRCC instigated urgent marine information broadcasts over the NAVTEX service and 15 vessels responded. Three vessels arrived at the scene and effected the rescue of all 21 persons on board, before the vessel eventually sank.
The third case, on October 29, involved the rescue of a Korean seaman who fell overboard before midnight from his ship 270 miles southeast of Hong Kong and was not discovered missing until the following morning. The MRCC, having considered the sea surface currents in that area, tasked a Super King Air from the GFS to do a track line search. Eventually, the man was rescued and returned to his ship just before dusk, after being in the water for 18 hours.
Seafarers
The falling levels of recruitment of local seafarers is a major concern to the government and Hong Kong shipowners. Together with the Merchant Navy Training Board, training institutions and seafarers' unions, they are trying to increase the recruitment of trainee officers by promoting seafaring careers. As part of this effort, the Hong Kong Shipowners' Association is sponsoring 40 cadets and trainees.
In addition, the government, the Merchant Navy Training Board and the training institutions have given considerable attention to improving training for Hong Kong seafarers. The Vocational Training Council, a quasi-government body, has built and operates a modern and well-equipped Seamen's Training Centre. The centre 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, Certifica- tion and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as well as other marine courses for local seafaring needs.
The Marine Department monitors training leading to the acquisition of maritime qualifications. It then examines candidates for certificates of competency for service on vessels of all sizes and types, operating both internationally and locally.
The department's Seamen's Recruiting Office and the Mercantile Marine Office register and supervise the employment of about 3 000 seafarers.
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