TNAG-2308-FCO40-3345-Future-of-Hong-Kong-shipping-register-1991 — Page 202

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The planned annual output of 440 new ratings from the permanent training centre to be established in Tai Lam East together with graduates from the Stanley Sea School will ensure that there will be sufficient adequately trained local seamen to man ships registered under the new Hong Kong Register of Shipping. Consideration should therefore be given to introducing a legal requirement that all Hong Kong registered ships should employ an appropriate number of properly qualified Hong Kong seamen. This requirement would satisfy Articles 94.3(b) and 4 (b) of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 and will also ensure that the public funds spent on the two training institutes are not wasted. Furthermore, the manning requirement will help prevent the Hong Kong flag from being considered as a flag of convenience. (DTEIT)

Careful consideration should be given to the training and certification of seafarers. The resources of UK certificated masters should be drawn on and would be adequate to meet the manning requirements of the register during the transitional period. (NUMAST)

The master or master and senior officers should have

some acceptable link with Hong Kong. (POLY(DNS))

Hong Kong and Chinese seafarers should be given priority but foreign seafarers may be engaged with the agreement of the unions. (AUS)

A major purpose of the establishment of the Register must be the provision of employment for residents of Hong Kong. It is important that the manning standards and opportunities for employment remain the same after 1997 as before 1997. Thus, although there may be a sufficient number of qualified British and Commonwealth officers available now, it would be unwise to give special priority to British or Commonwealth officers given the need for the Register to continue to function after 1997.

It is thought impractical and inappropriate to impose residential or right of abode requirements on masters or officers. If the Register is a success, it may be necessary to recruit properly qualified personnel from many different parts of the world. Such persons must be able to aspire to the various anks, including that of master, without having to show residence in Hong Kong for the requisite period to establish a right of abode.