ENG-2008 — Page 321

Transport 257

Marine Accident Investigations

The Marine Department's Marine Accident Investigation & Shipping Security Policy Branch (MAISSPB) investigates all marine accidents involving vessels in Hong Kong waters. The department also investigates all serious accidents outside Hong Kong involving Hong Kong-registered ships. The purpose of the investigation is to identify the root causes of the accidents to prevent them from happening again.

Investigation reports of all serious accidents are posted on the department's website and copies are made available to the public on request to promote maritime safety.

Depending on the seriousness of the accident and public interest, a public inquiry 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 2008, the MAISSPB investigated 17 serious accidents.

Hong Kong is a member of the Marine Accident Investigators Forum in Asia (MAIFA). The department has participated actively in its various activities. Hong Kong hosted the 11th Marine Accident Investigators Forum in Asia between September 17 and 19. This Forum provides a good opportunity to foster co-operation and communication between MAIFA members in conducting marine accident investigations.

Seafarers

The Marine 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 23 000 seafarers of different nationalities served on board Hong Kong-registered ocean-going ships. About 1 600 officers and ratings served on high-speed passenger vessels plying within the Pearl River Delta Region.

A Sea-going Training Incentive Scheme was launched in July 2004 to boost the supply of local professionals with sea-going experience to meet the increasing demand of the maritime industry. The scheme provides financial incentives to school leavers to take up sea-going cadetship training, which paves the way for them to become shore-based professionals in the maritime industry. By year-end, a total of 109 cadets had joined the training scheme.

Participation in International Shipping Activities

International Maritime Organisation

The HKSAR Government, under the name 'Hong Kong, China', is an associate member of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and has a permanent representative in London. The Hong Kong maritime industry is consulted on, and kept well informed of, all issues discussed at IMO meetings that may affect Hong Kong. In 2008, HKSAR government officials attended a total of 21 IMO meetings. Topics discussed included requirements to enhance maritime safety and security, measures to reduce marine pollution, matters related to maritime laws, seafarers'