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TRANSPORT
Depending upon the seriousness of the accident and the public interest involved, a public inquiry in the form of a Marine Court may be ordered by the Chief Executive, or, in case of an accident involving a licensed pilot, a Board of Investigation by the Director of Marine.
In 2003, the MAIB investigated 12 serious accidents.
Seafarers
The Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation regulates 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 2003, some 14 300 seafarers of various nationalities served on board 668 ocean- going ships flying the Hong Kong flag. About 1000 officers and ratings served on passenger vessels plying within the river trade area.
The department's Seafarers' Certification Section monitors training provided to seafarers and examines candidates for the issue of certificates of competency. Towards this end, the section works closely with various training institutions in the training of seafarers.
Participation in International Shipping Activities
International Maritime Organisation
As an Associate Member in the name of Hong Kong, China, the HKSAR participates in the activities of the IMO. The Hong Kong maritime industry is consulted and kept well informed of all the issues discussed in the IMO that may affect the HKSAR. In 2003, the HKSAR attended one conference and 18 IMO meetings on various maritime issues in London. These issues related to the standards of training and certification for seafarers, fire protection, bulk carrier safety, radio communications, revision of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, safety of navigation, prevention of marine pollution, casualty statistics and investigation, suppression of maritime piracy and maritime security.
Port State Control
The department is actively involved in the technical cooperation programmes under the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (PSC) in the Asia-Pacific Region ('Tokyo MOU'). In 2003, it sent a Senior Surveyor to Yokohama, Japan, to give lectures on subjects relating to Port State Control inspections under the MOU's Expert Mission and Basic Training Course programmes.
The department also participated in various working groups under the MOU in formulating general policies, evaluation of technical cooperation programmes and improvement of a computerised information system and data exchange. Hong Kong is currently the leader of the Action Group on technical cooperation.
In 2003, the department introduced Port State Control inspections during weekends. PSC officers of the department conducted 915 inspections of ocean-going vessels, amounting to 20.3 per cent of ocean-going vessels visiting Hong Kong. About 89.5 per cent of these vessels had deficiencies which were required to be rectified.