TNAG-0419-FCO40-465-Registration-of-merchant-shipping-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 105

923

CC:3230

CONFIDENTIAL #

機密

(b)

(c)

(a)

(e)

- 2 -

The Director of Marine said that the main worry of Hong Kong shipowners concerned Masters. long Kong could attract up to 20 million tons of shipping to the new registry but unless the present requirements were relaxed tht Masters, First Mates and Chief Engineers had to be of British nationality, these ship would not come to the Registry. The Governor confirmed that the arrangements would probly be viable if restrictions on First Mat; and Chief Engineers could now be removed, with the prospect of a relaxation of restrictions on Masters later on following negotiations within the E.E.C.

The Minister asked if the Hong Kong Government could pro ide details of the status of Hong Kong resiconts of non-British nationality who might apply for Certificates of Competency. The Goveror confirmed that this could be done and that it would be easy to establish the length of residence of anyone wishing to obtain a long Kong Certificate as a senior officer. The Director of Marine said that he thought a person should have seven years' Hong Kong residence before being allowed to sit examinations for Certificates of

Competency.

The Minister confirmed that D.T.I. was now checking he safety standards of ships constructed in Japan.

The Minis er said he was concerned about the standards of Certificates of Competency obtained in Taiwan and the standard of English of the holders. The main point was that as Minister, he would take the ultimate respons- ibility for such masters and their ships if they were admitted to a Hong Kong Registry. He therefore had to be satisfied that the standards were up to those of the U.K. He asked if long Kong could check the records of masters 4th Taiwan certificates and nominar those who in the opinion of the Director of Marine, re competent both professionally in their command of the English language." i Director of Marine confirmed that this could be done.

CONEID INTIAL

機密

Page 105Page 106

PIP

2063230-