XN000022-1995-05-30 — Page 5

"The nearer we get to 1997 the more apparent it becomes that the foundations for the future of Hong Kong are in place, that the economy continues to perform well and that the markets are not going into terminal decline.

"In short, that 'one country, two systems' can and should mean: one country, two ratings, separate ratings to reflect the different strengths and characteristics of the two separate economies of Hong Kong and China," he said.

End/Tuesday, May 30, 1995

Reservoir of fully trained marine rescue co-ordinators

Keeping a reservoir of maritime search and rescue mission co-ordinators (SMC) available for the Marine Department's Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) is a proactive approach to keep up the standards of co-ordinating search and rescue operations in Hong Kong waters and the 500,000 square miles of the South China Sea over which Hong Kong has SAR responsibility.

This was stated by the Director of Marine, Mr Ian Dale, today (Tuesday) when he presented certificates to Marine Department, Royal Hong Kong Police Force and Government Flying Service officers who have successfully completed the Maritime Search and Rescue Mission Co-ordinator Course run by the Marine Department.

Noting that Hong Kong has a well established search and rescue system, Mr Dale said: "We have done exceptionally well in search and rescue operations over the past few years. We are considered as one of the best in the world."

"More importantly, the people who are handling search and rescue operations are regarded as among the best world-wide. We want to keep this up.

**

Mr Dale said to maintain a reserve of maritime search and rescue mission co- ordinators for the MRCC through training courses could ensure the high standards of search and rescue operations.

The 10 certificate recipients on the Maritime Search and Rescue Mission Co- ordinator Course including four Marine Officers, four officers of the Marine Police, and a fixed wing aircraft pilot and a helicopter pilot of the Government Flying Service, attended the two-week course.