TRANSPORT
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The Marine Department designs, procures and maintains all government vessels. It has a rolling 10-year fleet development plan to replace old vessels with new ones. In 1998, 13 vessels costing $182 million were delivered to the department and 25 construction contracts, worth $245 million, were awarded to shipbuilders in Hong Kong and overseas.
Shipping
The Hong Kong Shipping Register
The Hong Kong Shipping Register is administered by the Marine Department. Its supporting legislation embodies international standards and is consistent with Hong Kong's obligations under the International Maritime Organisation, International Labour Organisation and other international conventions. The Shipping Consultative Committee was formed to advise the government on the efficient operation of the Register. It had a total fleet of 479 vessels, amounting to 6.2 million GRT, at the end of 1998.
The department's surveyors or authorised classification societies undertake statutory surveys of Hong Kong registered vessels to ensure the high standards are met. Since the Register was established in 1990, it has earned a reputation for quality and reliability. Hong Kong-registered ships have one of the best records for port state control.
Seafarers
Hong Kong is a centre for employing well-trained seafarers. Some 870 Hong Kong officers and ratings serve on board more than 200 sea-going ships flying flags of more than 16 different maritime administrations. The Marine Department's Mercantile Marine Office registers Hong Kong seafarers and regulates and supervises their engagement on board ships.
The Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) Ordinance and its 28 sets of Regulations have been enacted to consolidate and amend the extant laws relating to the registration, employment, discipline, health, safety and welfare of Hong Kong seafarers.
The Marine Department's Seafarers' Certification Section monitors training provided to seafarers and examines candidates for certificates of competency. Measures have been taken to give full effect to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, and its 1995 amendment.
The Hong Kong Seamen's Training Centre, a modern and well-equipped learning institute operated by the Vocational Training Council, provides training courses for new entrants and in-service training. The falling recruitment of local seafarers nevertheless continues to remain a major concern. Hong Kong shipping companies continue to sponsor cadets and trainees joining the Seamen's Training Centre.
Civil Aviation
It was a landmark year for Hong Kong's civil aviation industry. The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) at Kai Tak was formally closed when the runway lights were switched off at 1.16 a.m. on July 6, 73 years after the first recorded flight in
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