ENG-2006 — Page 325

Transport 269

Marine Accident Investigations

The department's Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) investigates all serious marine accidents involving vessels in HKSAR waters. The department also investigates all serious accidents outside the HKSAR involving Hong Kong-registered ships.

Summaries of the investigation reports are posted on the department's website and copies of the reports are made available to the public on request to promote maritime safety.

Depending on the seriousness of the accident and on public interest in it, a public inquiry to be carried out by a Marine Court may be ordered by the Chief Executive. In the case of an accident involving a licensed pilot, a Board of Investigation may be ordered by the Director of Marine. In 2006, the MAIB investigated 25 serious accidents.

Seafarers

The department's Shipping Registry and Seafarers Branch supervises the registration, employment, competence, discipline, health, safety and welfare of Hong Kong seafarers as well as seafarers working on board Hong Kong-registered ships. During the year, some 19 800 seafarers of different nationalities served on board Hong Kong-registered ships. About 1 150 officers and ratings served on high-speed passenger vessels plying within the river trade area.

The Sea-going Training Incentive Scheme was launched in July 2004 to meet the maritime industry's increasing demand for local qualified personnel with sea-going experience. The training scheme provides financial incentives for young people to take up sea-going training as cadets, which paves the way for them to become shore- based professionals in the maritime industry. By the end of 2006, a total of 58 cadets had joined the training scheme.

Participation in International Shipping Activities

International Maritime Organisation

The HKSAR Government participates in International Maritime Organisation (IMO) activities as an associate member under the name 'Hong Kong, China'. The Hong Kong maritime industry is consulted on, and kept well informed about, all issues discussed at IMO meetings that may affect Hong Kong. In 2006, government officers attended one conference and 18 IMO meetings in London. Topics discussed were related to training standards, certification for seafarers, fire protection, bulk carrier safety, radio communications, life-saving appliances, navigational safety, ballast water management, preventing marine pollution, casualty statistics and investigations, and maritime security.

Port State Control

Hong Kong is a member of the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (PSC) in the Asia-Pacific Region ('Tokyo MOU'). The Marine Department participated actively in various activities, and is the leader of two working groups