TNAG-2308-FCO40-3345-Future-of-Hong-Kong-shipping-register-1991 — Page 141

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Additional Points to Note

5.32.

Neither the Japanese classification society

Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK) nor the PRC society Zhong Chuan

(ZC) is approved. The former was not accepted by the UK

because Japan would not reciprocate by permitting other

classification societies to class Japanese ships. ZC

has failed to gain recognition from the International

Association of Classification Society. This is thought

to be because of the the ambiguous status of ZC which as

a state institution also operates as a national

regulatory authority (and until recently superintended

ship construction).

5.33.

Although the UK is likely to continue to

exclude Japan, Hong Kong may wish to take a separate

line once the new register is established.

5.34.

The delicate matter of ZC might be got around

by the expedient of requesting China, as a signatory to

SOLAS, to survey HK vessels in China and issue

international certificates in accordance with the

Conventions. Although the work would be done by the

same officials, no appointment of ZC as a classification

society would be necessary for the time being.