Shipping
TRANSPORT
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The Hong Kong Shipping Register
The Hong Kong Shipping Register is administered by the Marine Department. Its supporting legislation embodies international standards for the construction, equipment and manning of ships, and is consistent with Hong Kong's obligations under the International Maritime Organisation and
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 of 484 vessels, amounting to 5.66 million GRT, at the end of 1997.
The department's surveyors or authorised classification societies undertake statutory world-wide surveys of Hong Kong registered vessels to ensure these standards are met. Since established in 1990, the register has earned a reputation for high standards and good quality.
Seafarers
Hong Kong is a centre for employing well-trained seafarers. Some 870 Hong Kong officers and ratings serve on foreign-going ships flying flags of more than 17 different maritime administrations. The Marine Department's Mercantile Marine Office registers Hong Kong seafarers and regulates and supervises their engagement on board ships.
The Marine Department's Seafarers' Certification Section monitors training provided to seafarers and examines candidates for certificates of competency. Measures have been taken to give full effect to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 and its 1995 amendment.
The Hong Kong Seamen's Training Centre, a modern and well-equipped learning institute operated by the Vocational Training Council, provides training courses for new entrants and in-service training. The falling recruitment of local seafarers nevertheless continues to remain a major concern. Hong Kong shipping companies continue to sponsor cadets and trainees joining the Seamen's Training Centre.
Civil Aviation
In 1997, 28.3 million passengers passed through the terminal at the Hong Kong International Airport, which was 4.1 per cent less than the 29.5 million in 1996.
Some 1.79 million tonnes of cargo, valued at $654.9 billion, were handled, representing an increase of 14.3 per cent and 10 per cent respectively when compared with 1.56 million tonnes and $593.8 billion in 1996. Air transport continues to play an important role in Hong Kong's external trade in that goods carried by air account for about 24 per cent, 33 per cent and 17 per cent, in value terms, of Hong Kong's total imports, exports and re-exports respectively. The USA remains the major market for exports and re-exports by air, accounting for 34 per cent and 25 per cent respectively. An increase of 4.0 per cent in aircraft movements was recorded in 1997, bringing the annual total to 165 154, of which 81 per cent were wide-bodied aircraft.
Preparations for the opening of the new Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) at Chek Lap Kok were proceeding at full steam. The Air Traffic Control Complex building was completed in February. Some 20 major items of air traffic control