TNAG-0419-FCO40-465-Registration-of-merchant-shipping-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 98

difficulty of comparing these with our own. Apart from

ranslating papers written in Chinese into English, we would zeed to satisfy ourselves regarding marking standards and oral rests in Taiwan itself. We are at a loss to know how we could Tackle this effectively.

With regard to the suggestion in paragraph 7 that masters and senior officers with Taiwan certificates might be examined by

e Director of Marine, much depends on the type of examination. A short oral test would be inadequate, particularly as the Director of Marine would be under considerable pressure to pass experienced officers. As you know, we have already suggested

at below the level of Master, non-British subjects might become eligible to take our examinations in English but I doubt if this is what Mr Chao had in mind.

Meeting on 24.3.73

ere is a reference in paragraph 2(a) to the Director of Marine olicing the register and ensuring high standards. We doubt if is would be possible given the few calls the ships would make a: Hong Kong: certainly his staff is far too small to cope with a much larger register. As regards secondment of our staff to his, there are shortages here and, while we would not want to rule this out, we would have to ensure that our surveyors were not put in an embarrassing position.

I paragraph 2(b) I see that the Governor thinks our proposals would probably be viable if restrictions on First Hates and Chief Engineers could be removed, leaving Masters to be taken later following negotiations with EEC. I would expect strong oppositior from the Unions to this but we could try it out on them.

is brings me to the present state. of play with both sides of the industry. As you know, we have sent them the consultative Cocument and the MNAOA included a critical piece in their journal last week which was taken up by Lloyd's List (see clippings attached). The Daily Telegraph has been in touch

ith the Press Office about this. The Chamber of Shipping and Shipping Federation are also concerned and would like to meet The Minister. I think it would probably be advisable for the

Enister to see them and also give the Unions concerned en opportunity to meet him before decisions are taken: the Unions

are:

Merchant Navy and Airline Officers Association National Union of Seamen

The Mercantile Marine Service Association Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers Radio and Electronic Officers' Union

J

The Radio and Electronis Officers' Union have just replied

ressing deepest concern and saying that they are referring the latter to the British Seafarers' Joint Council.

I would therefore suggest that when we get the Governor's ymituon comments on the consultative document we have an

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