TNAG-0420-FCO40-466-Registration-of-merchant-shipping-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 62

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At present the acute shortage of British merchant navy officers in the Far East makes it very difficult to comply with the existing conditions for ships registered in Hong Kong that officers should be British; and the excention that Second Officers and Second Engineers may be aliens who have passed British examinations has not in practice been much benefit to Hong Kong shipowners whose fleets are growing considerably. It has been proposed that all officers below the level of Master could be aliens and that Hong Kong certificates might be granted by virtue of previous training and experience, non-British qualifications and an adequate command of spoken English as an alterative to success in appropriate British examinations. The feasibility of doing this while maintaining the highest standards appropriate to ships flying the Red Ensign will be studied by the UK team who will interview a selection of officers serving on Hong Kong shipowners' ships. The arrangements for type-testing safety equipment and materials used on ships which might be brought on to a separate register will also be

considered.

3. No differences between Hong Kong and UK requirements are contemplated with and regard to manning and qualifications of ratings and crew accomodation, Masters would be British. In the event of special conditions being agreed for officers below the Master and for type-testing equipment and materials, UK marine surveyors would be seconded to Hong Kong to work with the Director of Marine to ensure the correspondence of standards between the two countries.

4. It is envisaged that it would take at least two years to establish a separate Hong Kong register on these broad lines. The preparation of detailed guidance on acceptability of officers for the purpose of the register would require considerable experience of the qualifications and background of officers now serving with Hong Kong shipowners and a closer knowledge than is now available of the standard of foreign certificates. Similarly, guidance on acceptance of materials and safety equipment will call for close acquaintance with foreign suppliers especially the Japanese shipyards. It will also be necessary to decide on conditions for access to the register if established and to introduce appropriate Hong Kong legislation.

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