2016 — Page 51

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE REPORT (CONTINUED)

4.

HUMAN CAPITAL - OUR GREATEST ASSET (Continued)

b.

Staff Training and Development

C.

d.

The continuous development of all our staff is in the best interest of the Hong Kong Ferry Group. During the reporting period, our employees benefited from a total of approximately 4,087 training hours.

The Group performs an annual gap analysis to determine the training needs of our different operations. Customised internal training courses for our senior management underscore strategic management and corporate governance. Our technical managers and engineers undertake specialised training in their respective departments. As we also recognise the benefits of external accredited courses, a separate budget is allocated to provide sponsorship for interested staff.

Occupational Health and Safety

Workplace health and safety is a priority for all operations of the Hong Kong Ferry Group. The Group's Safety Committee governs the management of all health and safety risks at the Shipyard and other business units. There have been no non- compliance issues with relevant standards and regulations for the reporting period.

A clear set of safety protocols is laid out to safeguard employees from occupational hazards. Safety messages are communicated through internal memos, guidelines and training. Prior to high-risk activities, such as working at heights or confined spaces, employees are thoroughly briefed on the use of personal protection equipment. Routine safety inspections not only allow for immediate rectification of faulty measures, but also help to improve protocols based on the

feedback received.

The Hong Kong Ferry Group recognises that the effectiveness of our safety policies hinges upon the mind-set of our staff. Thus, we promote a cohesive culture in which the workforce is alert for the safety of one another. This is encouraged by morning group exercise sessions, which nurtures rapport and like-mindedness. Regular seminars advocating safe and healthy lifestyles also allow our staff to come together.

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To take further steps into nurturing the safest work culture, employees of the Harbour Cruise - Bauhinia and Dangerous Goods Vehicular Ferry Services are required to adhere to stringent protocols. Staff of the Harbour Cruise - Bauhinia are also required to attend courses on occupational safety.

Anti-Corruption

The highest level of ethical business standards steer our operations. The Hong Kong Ferry Group prohibits corruption or malpractice of any form in bribery, money laundering, extortion and fraud. An explicit set of professional guidelines is outlined in the Group's Code of Conduct, which requires due diligence from all employees. During the reporting period, there were no confirmed cases of non-compliance with the anti-corruption regulations of Hong Kong.

Our staff remains fully apprised of relevant anti-corruption laws through seminars conducted by the Independent Commission Against Corruption ("ICAC") every two years. Under the Company's whistle-blowing policy, employees are given full confidentiality to report any concern to the Internal Audit Manager.

Hong Kong Ferry (Holdings) Company Limited

Annual Report 2016

49