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New classification for marine pilots proposed
The Marine Department is proposing to introduce a new classification structure of licensed pilots which is characterised by the length of ships to ensure competency for each class of pilotage, a Marine Department spokesman said today (Wednesday).
Under the current classification, Class IIC is pilotage of ship not exceeding 153 metres, Class IIB not exceeding 168 metres, Class IIA not exceeding 229 metres and Class I pilotage is for ships of any length.
"As the number of container ships between 220 and 260 metres arriving Hong Kong have increased considerably in recent year, there is a need to review our pilotage structure," the spokesman said.
In August 1993, the Marine Department had commissioned the Rotterdam Pilots Consultancy to conduct a review on pilotage.
"Based on the recommendations of the consultancy report, the department decided to revise the current structure," the spokesman said.
The proposed classification structure is:
Class IID is pilotage of ships not exceeding 150 metres;
Class IIC is pilotage of ships not exceeding 165 metres;
Class IIB is pilotage of ships not exceeding 220 metres:
Class IIA is pilotage of ships not exceeding 260 metres;
Class I is pilotage of ships of any length.
The proposal is incorporated in the Pilotage (Amendment) Order 1996 which will be gazetted on Friday (March 1).
"It is intended to bring the amendment Order into operation on April 9, 1996," the spokesman said.
The new classification structure will apply to those who are applying a licence after April 9.