TNAG-2816-FCO40-4062-Future-of-Hong-Kong-International-Rights-and-Obligations-(IR-1993 — Page 159

The

handles and employment.

10 -

(SRO)

Seamen's Recruiting Office

of the Marine Department investigates complaints from seafarers in connection with Seafarers can refer their complaints, including those in relation to trade union

union participation, to the SRO. The SRO provides conciliation services and, if required, arranges meetings for the parties concerned, including trade union representatives, to attend.

Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98)

This convention is applied without modification in Hong Kong by provisions of Part IVA of the Employment Ordinance, Chapter 57. The last report on the application of this convention was submitted in 1990.

subparagraph (b)

·

All ships are surveyed and certificated on first registry in Hong Kong. Surveys for renewal of certificates are in accordance with the relevant provisions of the International Maritime Organisation Conventions, the Merchant Shipping (Safety) Ordinance and regulations made or adopted thereunder.

are

Certificates of Competency of officers and Articles of Agreement scrutinised by staff of the Mercantile Marine Office when seafarers sign

on their ships to ensure that they are up to standard and comply with the appropriate requirements. Safety certificates in respect of ships are produced for inspection by officers of the Port Formalities Office prior to a ship being allowed to

to clear Hong Kong. Spot checks of ships are carried out by officers of the Marine Department.

subparagraph (c)

Negotiations on conditions of employment between shipowners or their organisations and seafarers organisations are mediated by the Marine Department. The agreements reached through such negotiations are incorporated in the standard clauses and terms of service of the Articles of Agreement. Three copies of the revised standard clauses and terms of service are attached herewith.

subparagraoh (d)

The Articles of Agreement are read and explained to seafarers before or at the time they sign on by an officer of the Mercantile Marine Office or the Seamen's Recruiting Office of the Marine Department or the Permitted Crew Department of a shipping company as the case may be.

All relevant complaints by seafarers are investigated. A standard grievance procedure for use on board ship is attached to the service agreement which provides avenues for a seaman who wishes to express a grievance to follow. He may request an interview with the master if по satisfactory outcome is reached with the head of the department in which he serves. If no satisfactory result is achieved with the master, he may further appeal to the management of the company or to any other appropriate authority he wishes, including the Seamen's Recruiting Office, the Mercantile Marine Office, or a consular officer.