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(15).
EVIDENCE OF MR. WILLIAM RICHARD HILLYER DEPUTY SHIPPING MASTER, HARBOUR OFFICE-Sworn.
My name is William Richard Hillyer and I
an Deputy Shipping Master in the Harbour Office, Hong
Kong. The "Hong Kheng" arrived in Hong Kong on Tues- day the 15th July, 1947, On the 18th July, 1947, the
Master called to see me and informed me that the
Chief officer would have to be left behind owing to
an accident to his left eye which had been caused by
a screwdriver. The vessel was sailing for Swatow
and Amoy and returning to Hong Kong. The question
as to whether the Chief officer would be fit to rejoin
on the vessel's return was doubtful. At that time
there were no officers holding a 1st Mates Foreign Going Certificate available for the proposed voyage. The Master informed me that a second officer hold ing
a 2nd Hates Foreign going Certificate was ready for
examination for his 1st Mates Certificate and he had
an extra 2nd Officer with a Home Trade Coasting Mate's
with in Certificate for any tonnage with prescribed limits. As no suitably qualified officers were available he
suggested the 2nd Officer should be promoted to Aot.
Chief Officer so as not to hold up the vessel.
This procedure was agreed to.
Owing to the extreme shortage of certificated
officers both deck and Engine Room
particularly
engine room, many vessels are at present operating
in and out of Hong Kong with officers who do not fully comply with Statutory requirements.
The foregoing is a true record of the evidence I have given.
Sd. W. R. Hillyer.