TNAG-2816-FCO40-4062-Future-of-Hong-Kong-International-Rights-and-Obligations-(IR-1993 — Page 161

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Article 3

The

Articles of Agreement are read and explained to Hong Kong seamen when they are selected for employment on board ship, whether registered in Hong Kong or not, at the Seamen's Recruiting Office, or when they sign on at the Mercantile Marine Office. Any questions with regard to the conditions of employment are answered and any other related problems resolved at that time.

So far as practicable, Hong Kong seamen are advised of the possible consequences of signing on a ship registered by a State which has not ratified this convention. Such advice is given on condition that it- will not interfere with the free movement of seamen.

Article 4

Kong.

A system of spot checks is in existence for ships calling at Hong Officers of the Marine Department investigate complaints and take the necessary measures, if such complaints are substantiated, to rectify those conditions on board which are hazardous to safety or health. The appropriate consular officer is advised of the complaint and of the action taken. There are no specific measures envisaged for forwarding a copy of such a report to the Director-General of the International Labour Office.

Article 5

(a) The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 and

the 1978 Protocol have been extended to Hong Kong.

(b)

The International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 has been extended to Hong Kong.

(c)

The Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 is applied to Hong Kong.

QUESTION III

No decisions have been passed down by Courts of Law or other tribunals involving questions of principle relating to the application of this convention.

QUESTION IV

The convention is applied by both legislation and agreements made by the marine industry in the United Kingdom as amended to suit Hong Kong conditions.

Representatives from the seamen's unions and the Officers Guild are members of the Consultative Committee, Ship Personnel Management and the Hong Kong Merchant Navy Training Board.