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Director of Marine returns from Beijing visit
The Director of Marine, Mr Ian Dale, returned from Beijing yesterday (Wednesday) after a two-day visit to discuss Hong Kong maritime safety and operational transitional issues with the Director General of the People's Republic of China Maritime Safety Administration (PRC MSA), Captain Lin Yunai issues.
The talks centred on the technical issues of International Maritime Organisation conventions, specifically international safety management, high speed craft, standards of training, certification and watchkeeping (STCW), and operational co-operation and co-ordination of search and rescue (SAR).
Two understandings were reached concerning Hong Kong's participation in the PRC MSA and STCW activities, and the attachment of SAR staff between PRC and Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Co-ordination centres.
At the end of the talks, Captain Lin Yunai remarked: "These discussions have been very constructive and have continued to strengthen the firm foundations on which the two maritime administrations will co-operate and co-ordinate the essential element of marine operations and communications both leading up to, and after July 1, 1997."
Mr Dale said: "I fully agree with Captain Lin's remarks and would add that my colleagues and I are most grateful for the arrangements made for the Beijing talks by Captain Lin, and the positive way that our questions and proposals have been received by the PRC MSA."
Mr Dale and his colleagues also paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Deputy Minister of Communications, Mr Liu Songjin, who confirmed the need for positive co- ordination of maritime transitional issues between his administration and Hong Kong.
It is anticipated the Mr Dale and Captain Lin will meet again in Hong Kong later this year.
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