Sessional_Paper_1927 — Page 129

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As Hong Kong is one of the world's most important seaports, possessing excellent facilities for the building, docking and repairing of comparatively large ships of all types, I am of the opinion that the Marine Survey Staff should be placed on a scale somewhat comparable with that of the largest Home ports, and I am convinced that the Board of Trade would support this view.

In formulating a staffing scheme on this basis it should be noted that the Board of Trade has a central Survey Branch known as the Consultative Branch, which is an essen- tial part of the Marine Survey Department.

In this Port, consultative work and the necessary checking of all important calcula- tions, such as those connected with the measurement of tonnage, subdivision, assignment of loadline, and stability, must be provided for in the re-organization of the survey staff.

The numbers of surveyors of the various classes must also allow for the absence of part of the staff on long leave, and should, I suggest, permit of the short annual leave granted in accordance with the Regulations. The exacting climatic conditions, and the possible absence of members of the staff through sickness are also important factors to be considered in arriving at a decision on the staffing question, while the considerable portion of the surveyors time taken up by travelling to and from their various centres of duty must not be overlooked.

Finally it should not be necessary for surveyors to work overtime except when the nature of a particular case renders such a course unavoidable.

After going carefully into this matter on the lines indicated in the foregoing I am of the opinion that the following staff is necessary to ensure efficient service in this Branch :---

1 Principal or Chief Surveyor.

1 Senior Engine Surveyor.

*6 Engineer Surveyors.

1 Senior Ship Surveyor.

3 Ship Surveyors.

2 Nautical Surveyors.

*Including Examiner of Engineers (Steam and Motor).

I would suggest the introduction of not less than two outdoor officers (Chinese) to assist the Surveyors in such duties as the measurement of ships for tonnage and similar work. A draughtsman would also be an asset to the office in dealing with the design of special craft, etc.

The appointment of an English clerk, preferably one acquainted with mercantile marine procedure, might be considered in the interests of office efficiency, in view of the large number of important documents to be filed and registered.

For your information and guidance I append a list of the Board of Trade Surveyors at Southampton and Liverpool as given in Board of Trade Circular (E), No. 297, and some general particulars of the Consultative Branch:--

Principal Officer

Senior Engineer Surveyor

Southampton. Liverpool.

1

1

1

1

Engineer Surveyors

5

10

Senior Ship Surveyor

1

1

Ship Surveyors

4

Senior Nautical Surveyor

1

1

Nautical Surveyors

3

3

15

21

Outdoor Officers.

Clerks

Typists

2

559

10

7

(Some of the Engineer, and Nautical Surveyors are also Examiners of

Engineers and Masters and Mates).