CO129-619-3 Marine Court of Inquiry to investigate stranding of S.S. HONG KHENG- proceedings 1-7-1947 - 31-7-1947 — Page 34

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(15).

EVIDENCE OF MR. WILLIAM RICHARD HILLYER DEPUTY SHIPPING MASTER, HARBOUR OFFICE-Sworn.

My name is William Richard Hillyer and I

an Deputy Shipping Master in the Harbour Office, Hong

Kong. The "Hong Kheng" arrived in Hong Kong on Tues- day the 15th July, 1947, On the 18th July, 1947, the

Master called to see me and informed me that the

Chief officer would have to be left behind owing to

an accident to his left eye which had been caused by

a screwdriver. The vessel was sailing for Swatow

and Amoy and returning to Hong Kong. The question

as to whether the Chief officer would be fit to rejoin

on the vessel's return was doubtful. At that time

there were no officers holding a 1st Mates Foreign Going Certificate available for the proposed voyage. The Master informed me that a second officer hold ing

a 2nd Hates Foreign going Certificate was ready for

examination for his 1st Mates Certificate and he had

an extra 2nd Officer with a Home Trade Coasting Mate's

with in Certificate for any tonnage with prescribed limits. As no suitably qualified officers were available he

suggested the 2nd Officer should be promoted to Aot.

Chief Officer so as not to hold up the vessel.

This procedure was agreed to.

Owing to the extreme shortage of certificated

officers both deck and Engine Room

particularly

engine room, many vessels are at present operating

in and out of Hong Kong with officers who do not fully comply with Statutory requirements.

The foregoing is a true record of the evidence I have given.

Sd. W. R. Hillyer.