CO129-592-10 Future Policy in Hong Kong- Port Administration 10-4-1946 - 15-4-1947 — Page 223

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Certificate of Registry, Transfer of Shares, Mortgaging, etc., is closely linked with the work of the Ship Surveyor. As soon as the Transfer Restrictions Act is suspended I anticipate considerable activity in this sub-department.

(ii) Shipping Surveys. Title

-

Harbour Master, Hong Kong, is the Issuing Authority.

These include the issue of International Convention Certificates

International Passenger and Safety Certificates, Loadline Certificates, etc.) Surveys for Registry, Classification, etc., Surveys for Emigration Licences as issued under the Asiatic Emigration Ordinance, Special Surveys as provided for under the Simla Rules, etc., and the Surveys of launches and lighters as provided for under local legislation.

The periodic inspection of vessels in order to see if the necessary standards are being maintained is not the business of a Port Trust.

(iii) Mercantile Marine Office. Title - Superintendent of

Mercantile Marine.

This office is devoted exclusively to the welfare of the seaman. His agreement with the Master, pay, conditions of service, sickness, Unemployment Insurance, National Health and Pensions Insurance, etc.

The work of this office has been greatly increased as a result of the war and legislation intended to better safeguard the interests of the seaman.

In addition, we have the problem of Chinese crews which is bound to become more complex as more definite relations are established with China.

(iv) Emigration Office. Title

Emigration Officer.

The duty of the Emigration Officer is to see that the provisions of the Asiatic Emigration Ordinance are correctly observed, e.g. the vessel is properly manned, equipped and stored, adequate safety measures are in order, etc., that the intended emigrant receives a fair deal with respect to his or her passage, etc.

In this connection I work closely with the Surveyors and The Secretary, Chinese Affairs.

The title is rather misleading if considered with "Immigration Officer" whose duties are entirely different.

(♥) Examinations of Masters and Mates. Title

Principal Examiner

of Masters, Mates and Engineers.

Nautical and Engineering Surveyors who are specially detailed carry out these duties under supervision, and the present Deputy Harbour Master usually takes the oral examination of Masters and Mates.

(vi) Discipline of Crews and Enforcement of By-Laws. Title -

Marine Magistrate.

The Deputy Harbour Master or myself sit in the Marine Magistrate's Court every morning and hear complaints directly concerned with offences on board vessels in the port or offences against the Port Regulations.

There can be no objection to the system, for officers so qualified are best able to decide such cases as are within our powers.

A Port Trust would prosecute in cases concerning offences against the "By-Laws".

(vii)Courts of Enquiry. Title - Marine Court (The Harbour Master

is Chairman).

A Marine Court is convened as provided for in the Shipping and Navigation Ordinance, and deals with Collisions, Strandings, Sinkings, Burnings etc.

2.