TNAG-0421-FCO40-467-Registration-of-merchant-shipping-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 23

Thursday, December 13, 1973

-6.

Since the safe and efficient operation of ships depends to a

high degree on the standards of directed training and associated professional education of the ships' officers and crews, the team was particularly interested in the education and training facilities available to prospective

and serving personnel. Several educational and training establishments

were inspected and discussions were held on the nature and duration of the

courses with college staffs and school instructors.

Just over two weeks of the team's programme were spent in Japan where inspections were made of ships under construction for Hong Kong

shipowners in a number of shipyards. Testing, research and other establish-

ments were inspected and manufacturers of safety and related equipment were

visited.

During their stays in Hong Kong and Japan the members of the team

discussed on an informal basis various aspects of ship operation with government and classification society surveyors, superintendents, manufacturers, shipbuilders, training officers, ship-repairers, educationalists and seamens'

welfare officers and representatives.

All were most helpful.

The team also met several Hong Kong shipowners and were impressed by their approachability and by the close contact they maintained with their

superintendents and other support staff.

Whilst making its investigations the team has been working with

and received full o-operation from the Director of Marine and his staff.

**

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