TNAG-2308-FCO40-3345-Future-of-Hong-Kong-shipping-register-1991 — Page 108

22

3.21.

We believe that only (a) above need be changed

in the context of the new register.

Whilst we respect

the genuine concern of seafarers' representatives that

they should be given preferential employment

opportunities, we do not consider this should be made a

legal requirement in the new register nor in supporting

legislation.

3.22.

Rather, we believe that the setting of

internationally recognised standards, equivalent to

those now obtaining for the employment of both officers

and crew, and the provision of adequate training and

examination facilities in Hong Kong should be

sufficient. We discuss Training and Qualifications in

Chapter 6. (The alternative is to specify proportions

of crew strength to be recruited locally; the greater

this is the greater the job opportunities for local

seamen. The difficulties here would be in the

administration of such a system and the availability and

demand for local seamen. We do not favour this

alternative.)

3.23.

It may well be that the system for maritime

training should be re-organised

-

and much useful