CO129-608-7 Future policy- Report on Port Administration by Sir David Owen 24-2-1941 - 24-2-1941 — Page 119

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I now propose to deal with "Functions" as outlined in your paragraph 10.

(i) Registry of Shipping. Title- Registrar of Shipping.

The Registrar of Shipping has nothing to do with

The former the Superintendent of Mercantile Marine. deals with the issue of a vessel's "Birth Certificate" and the latter with ships' personnel. The issue of a ship's Certificate of Registry, Transfer of Shares, Mortgaging, etc., is closely linked with the work of the Ship Surveyor. As soon as the Transfer Restric- tions 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 botter to 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 Enigration Officer is to poe 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.