TNAG-0323-FCO40-359-Legislation-for-merchant-shipping-registered-in-Hong-Kong-1971 — Page 146

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(b)

introduced which would permit non British masters to be appointed to British registered vegsels.

Although the principle of accepting alien national qualifications in other positions, may reasonably be considered; to implement this would require considerable consultation within the Commonwealth followed by new legislation. Changes of this nature could not be introduced within two or three years, even if the policy was accepted.

Tonnage Assessment and Crew Accommodation

Whatever the country of registry, it is necessary for a ship to be measured for connage, and for crew accomodation to be provided. The difference between British registry and say, Liberian' registry is that the accomodation must comply with the detailed British rules. Ghese are based on an 1.1.0. Convention. The standards applied are very similar to those obtaining in traditional maritime countries. Many British shipowners in order to attract and retain a ship's company of high quality provide accommodation far superior to that lala down by the rules, which represent miniam criteria.

I know that you pride yourself on the high standards of accommodation within your chips and there is little doubt that this would meet our approval. I cannot see that this subject should raise any difficulties. Iły Surveyors would deal with these matters as presented,

We cannot of course givo carte blanche approval to materials of which we have no knowledge. This does not mean that the Japanese shipyards do not build to British standards, or carry out equivalent tests. It is a problem of communication, and I feel sure that the Japanese shipyarús with which you deal have on record, specifications and standard fire tests, carried out on their materials.

Fixo fighting appliances and Life saving appliances

In dealing with the safety equipment (Firo Appliances, Life-saving Appliances, Light and Sound Signais etc.) to be fitted to ships coming ca to Hong Kong Registry, there are three separate situations 3-

(a) low Construction

If, at the time the contract for building is

Time scale? negotiated, it is stipulated that these itens

are to meet the approval of the Hong Kong authority then there is no difficulty.