TRANSPORT
The FSQC System was introduced on April 1 to replace the five yearly mandatory surveys previously conducted by the Marine Department surveyors on registered cargo ships. The new system would both reduce costs for shipowners and further enhance ship safety standards.
The FSQC System consists of an information bank and an operative part. Information is collected from the regional Port State Control Memorandums of Understandings, classification societies and other sources, and analysed. Physical audits or investigations are then carried out by surveyors from the Marine Department of the ships or the shipping companies whose performances are found to be deteriorating.
Upon the introduction of the FSQC System, classification societies had full authority to carry out the routine inspections and certification of ships and companies on behalf of the department. In 1999, six FSQC inspections were carried out by the department.
Seafarers
The Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) Ordinance and its 30 sets of regulations regulate the registration, employment, competence, discipline, health safety and welfare of Hong Kong seafarers. The Marine Department's Mercantile Marine Office registers. these seafarers and supervises their engagement on board ships.
In 1999, some 387 Hong Kong officers and ratings were serving on board 163 sea-going ships flying flags of more than 12 different maritime administrations, and about 853 officers and ratings were serving on passenger vessels plying within the river trade area.
The Marine Department Seafarers' Certification Section monitors training provided to seafarers and examines candidates for certificates of competency. The section works closely with the training institutions under the Vocational Training Council for the training of seafarers, and has acquired ISO 9002 quality certification for its examination system for sea-going officers. Full effect has been given to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, and its 1995 amendment.
Civil Aviation
Hong Kong is a major international and regional aviation centre and a gateway to the Mainland. Over 60 international airlines operate services between the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and about 120 cities world-wide. The airport is also one of the busiest in the world.
Air Traffic in 1999
The year saw the resumption of growth in both passenger and cargo throughput at the HKIA, following a year of decline due to Asia's financial turmoil. In 1999, a total of 29.1 million passengers (excluding 0.67 million in transit) passed through the airport, an increase of 6.8 per cent from 1998. The airport also handled 1.97 million tonnes of cargo valued at $664.3 billion, representing a growth of 21 per cent and 11.3 per cent respectively compared with the corresponding figures in 1998. Aircraft movements also increased by 2.5 per cent in 1999 to a total of 167 000, of which 78.5 per cent were wide-bodied aircraft.
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