G.F. 323
0003230
會
機密
CONFIDENTIAL ##
2
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The Director of Marine said that the main worry of Hong Kong shipowners concerned Masters. Hong Kong could attract up to 20 million tons of shipping to the new registry but unless the present requirements were relaxed that Masters, First Mates and Chief Engineers had to be of British nationality, these ships would not come to the Registry. The Governor confirmed that the arrangements would probably be viable if restrictions on First Mates 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 provide details of the status of Hong Kong residents of non-British nationality who might apply for Certificates of Competency. The Governor confirmed that this could be done and that it would be easy to establish the length of residence of anyone wishing to obtain a Hong 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 the safety standards of ships constructed in Japan.
The Minister 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 Hong Kong could check the records of masters with Taiwan certificates and nominate those who, in the opinion of the Director of Marine, were competent both professionally and in their command of the English language. The Director of Marine confirmed that this could be done.
CONFIDENTIAL
機密
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