ENG-2001 — Page 327

Shipping

TRANSPORT

Hong Kong Shipping Register

The Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR) is administered by the Marine Department. The register's supporting legislation embodies international standards. under the International Maritime Organisation, the International Labour

International Organisation and other international conventions applicable to Hong Kong. The Shipping Consultative Committee, which consists of representatives of major shipowners, shipping law firms and seafarers unions in Hong Kong, advises the Director of Marine on the efficient operation of the register.

At the end of 2000, the HKSR had reached a record high of 10.4 million gross tons and ranked tenth among the world-class ship registers. Substantial growth in the HKSR continued in 2001. By the end of the year, the register had drawn 653 vessels with a total of 13.7 million gross tons, representing a 32 per cent increase over 2000.

The HKSR has maintained its reputation as a register of high quality. Hong Kong- registered ships continue to have a very low detention rate under Port State Control inspections. While statutory surveys on passenger ships are undertaken by Marine. Department surveyors, statutory surveys on cargo ships are fully delegated to accredited classification societies. The Marine Department maintains its monitoring role on the performance of shipping companies and classification societies by means of a Flag State Quality Control (FSQC) System, which ensures that international standards are met by Hong Kong-registered ships.

During the year, 30 FSQC inspections and seven FSQC audits were carried out by the Marine Department. Ships and companies were screened in accordance with agreed criteria. Only those ships and companies that match the criteria are selected for inspection and audit.

To speed up the selection process, an FSQC Information System was developed to hold and categorise information from various sources for analysis. The software development for the system was completed. The feeding of information to the system. and the analysis of the data within the system is a continuous process.

Marine Accident Investigations

In compliance with the obligations under the international conventions, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) of the Marine Department investigates all serious marine accidents involving any vessel in HKSAR waters. The department also investigates all major or serious accidents outside the HKSAR if a Hong Kong- registered ship is involved in the accident.

Investigations aim to identify the cause of the accident as well as the circumstances under which the accident occurred, in order to avoid similar accidents from happening again. The lessons learnt are promulgated in the notices issued by the department. The investigation reports are posted on the department's web site, and copies of the report are available to the public.

Depending upon the seriousness of the accident and public interest involved, occasionally formal investigations are ordered by the Chief Executive to be heard in public. In such a case, the investigation is presided over by a judicial officer, who will be assisted by at least two assessors.

267