TNAG-2308-FCO40-3345-Future-of-Hong-Kong-shipping-register-1991 — Page 187

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7.3.3

11

It is proposed

Commonwealth certificates

be accepted

at least

that officers should hold certificates of competency issued after examination in Hong Kong. British and would however continue to during the transitional paragraph 7.3.2.

7.4 Training

period referred to in

The manning requirements for ships on the Hong Kong Register could well mean a greater reliance on locally based training than is currently the case. In such circumstances given the excellent existing training programmes:-

(a) for officers run by the Hong Kong

Polytechnic; and

(b)

for seamen run by the Seamen's Training School

there is no reason to suppose that such training would be difficult either in terms of resources or quality.

7.5 Language

7.5.1 At present the language of examination is English. In principle, Cantonese (or Putonghua) could be adopted. However, practical constraints could arise from the present lack of qualified Cantonese speaking examiners.

7.5.2

The language of command is at present English and, on balance, it is considered that its retention is the only realistic option. English is the international maritime language and a simplified standard form

form (Seaspeak) is being introduced through the IMO.

7.6 Equipment Standards

7.6.1

It is proposed that Hong Kong merchant shipping safety regulations should be amended to provide for approval by Hong Kong, based on internationally recognised equipment standards. It is important that close governmental control of standards and approvals should be retained.

7.6.2

a

Tests

Equipment would normally be accepted on type-approval basis after appropriate tests. conducted by approved independent national authorities would also be considered. In every case the Marine Department would require to be satisfied with national machinery for quality control

standardisation.

the

and