TNAG-0419-FCO40-465-Registration-of-merchant-shipping-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 147

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would be carefully assessed utilising existing British requirements as a criterion. On these bases, it is felt from a professional point of view, that many foreigners should be acceptable for filling officer posts aboard ilong Kong registered ships, including those of master, mate, chief engineer and radio operator. So far as "foreign masters" are concerned however, national requirements may need to be taken into account, although it is assumed that if necessary at all, prior arrangements could be made for dealing with states of emergency and the like. Doubtless Hong Kong shipowners would co-operate fully in such circumstances, so far as their property could be placed in jeopardy.

Note:

These proposals are associated essentially with the shortage of British and Commonwealth officers prevailing, which tends to indicate that the position of such officers would not be prejudiced in the event a more liberalised approach is adopted in Hong Kong. The reasons for shortages prevailing are not fully known, and it can be stated that salaries and general conditions of service are in the majority of cases comparable with those offered by U.K. shipowners. Considering recruitment unfortunately the number of young men embarking upon sea-going careers, has not been proportionate to the rise in population. Y.K. Pao, whose company zun their own training schools, has had a certain measure of success in recruiting trainees and cadets, but currently the majority of his courses are under- subscribed and the drop-out rate is fairly high. Y.K.'s viewpoint, which can be supported, is that the creation of a separate Hong Kong register could act as a great incentive in these respects, and perhaps assist in making a sea career a desirable goal for our young people once again.

(c) Crew Accommodation

The Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Regulations are made under section 13 of the M.S.O., and apply solely to Hong Kong registered vessels. An amendment to the Ordinance/Regulations will be necessary, to indicate that all material and items of equipment associated with crew accommodation aboard such vessels, must be of a quality, and

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