CO129-592-10 Future Policy in Hong Kong- Port Administration 10-4-1946 - 15-4-1947 — Page 224

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(viii)

(1x)

(x)

It is set up whenever there is a reason to believe that

incompetence has occurred which might involve a Certificate of Competency, or where the interests of a British Shipowner, Shipper or Merchant indicate such a procedure.

Courts of Survey Not mentioned in the Memorandum.

These are set up whenever a Shipowner objects to a decision made by a Surveyor in respect of the withholding of a Certificate etc., or where the crew of a vessel protest against the seaworthiness of a vessel, the conduct of the Master, etc.

Mercantile Marine Assistance Fund Not mentioned in the Memorandum.

I am Chairman of the Committee which administers this fund, and our primary duty is really the welfare of indigent seamen found in

Hong Kong.

Dangerous Goods

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Not mentioned in the Memorandum.

The question of the carriage of dangerous goods in ships has international implications, and we have an Ordinance and

Regulations specially devoted to this most important aspect of the stowage of such goods in ships.

There is no doubt in my mind that a Marine Department should be the proper authority for the correct observance of these Regulations.

Land storage is controlled by the Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade.

I am firmly convinced that the foregoing ten functions should be under the direct control of a Marine Department or Division of Government headed by a Director of Marine or Secretary for Marine.

This officer would be able to advise Government on all matters affecting shipping generally, and in a post war world of "Agreements", "Quotas", etc., I am sure he would justify the appointment.

and

Furthermore, the time is coming when the Workman's Compensation Act, or similar legislation, will be extended to cover Hong Kong seamen, the following problems would be best dealt with by such an Officer:-

(a) War Claims and Compensation for injury and loss of life at

sea (Chinese).

(b) The winding up of the Shipping Control Board involving a

huge problem.

(c) Relations with China concerning Chinese Seamen, and the

establishment in Hong Kong of a Chinese Shipping Consul.

(a) Relations with China concerning the coastal traffic.

(e) Liaison duties with the Chinese Seamen's Union.

For close working with the Port Authority, the Head of the Marine

Department should be a member of the Port Trust.

5. I will now discuss one or two functions which I feel would be best left to a Marine Department.

(1)

Notices to Mariners.

These Notices are international and are best dealt with by an officer trained in Hydrographic Survey ing.

3.