TNAG-2308-FCO40-3345-Future-of-Hong-Kong-shipping-register-1991 — Page 205

CEN

IV.

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TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS

(a) Training

It is suggested to improve the present training system as follows :-

i) to set up Maritime Academy with Government funds

(from registration fee) to centralise and consolidate the various separate training resources and facilities that exist at present;

ii) to study the training system in Japan, China and

Taiwan and adjust the examination requirements and syllabuses for each grades taking into account the local situation. The pre-requisite courses (i.e. electronic navigation system course) should be consolidated into the main training course;

iii) to introduce bilingual teaching; and

iv) to introduce in-service course to train-up local

master mariners and chief engineers to be surveyors and examiners. (IST)

The current training scheme is modelled on that of the UK Department of Transport. Consideration should now be given to reviewing the scheme, possibly through the Merchant Navy Training Board of the Vocational Training Council, having regard to the future requirements of Hong Kong. It should be noted that while engineer training programmes might be excellent in general, the resources for some areas of training are lacking. example, there is not available an engine simulator which is increasingly necessary and used for training in many countries given the complexity of automatic control systems used on ships nowadays.

For

Immediate action should be taken to expand the training programme for officers in order to meet the present manpower shortage. (MNOBA)

The Government should establish more training centres and sea schools to train more young men to support the industry. (AUS)

A body should be set up to co-ordinate the present proliferation of training schools and examination systems in Hong Kong.