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The Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Entry into Dangerous Spaces) Regulation requires the master of a ship to ensure that all entrances to unattended spaces on the ship be secured against entry, and requires the employer to ensure that procedures for safe entry and working in dangerous spaces be clearly laid down and observed.
It provides that drills be carried out in tankers of 500 tons or over and on other ships of 1,000 tons or over, and requires the employer to ensure that equipment for testing dangerous spaces be carried and maintained in good working order.
The regulation also provides the Director of Marine with the powers to inspect and detain Hong Kong ships and other ships while they are within the waters of Hong Kong.
The Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Health and Safety: General Duties) Regulation requires the employers of seafarers on board Hong Kong ships, other than certain fishing vessels, to ensure the health and safety of all those seafarers and of other persons who may be affected by their acts and omissions.
In particular, the regulation provides for the maintenance of plant, machinery and equipment, the use, handling, stowage and transport of articles and substances, the provision of information, instruction and training, the maintenance of the ship in a safe condition, the maintenance of a safe environment on board the ship, and collaboration with other employers.
It requires a seafarer to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and other persons.
The regulations provides for the inspection and detention of Hong Kong ships and other ships by the Director of Marine while they are within the waters of Hong Kong.
The Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Hours of Work) Regulation which applies to all seagoing Hong Kong ships of 500 GRT (gross registered tons) and over but excluding fishing vessels, requires masters of, and employers of seafarers on, ships to ensure that seafarers do not, except in an emergency, undertake navigational or engine room or machinery watchkeeping duties unless they are adequately rested, and that when in charge of such watches, they do not undertake excessively long periods of duty.