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Understanding (MoU) of Port State Control. In addition, ships flying the Hong Kong flag are also qualified as Low Risk Ships under the Paris MoU.

Marine Accident Investigations

The Marine Department's Marine Accident Investigation and 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 2010, the MAISSPB investigated 16 serious accidents.

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 26 700 seafarers of different nationalities served on board Hong Kong-registered ocean-going ships. About 1 450 officers and ratings served on high-speed passenger vessels plying within the Pearl River Delta Region.

The Sea-going Training Incentive Scheme, launched in July 2004, has been very successful in attracting local graduates to join the maritime profession to meet the manpower demand of the maritime industry in Hong Kong. The scheme provides financial incentives to attract local graduates to take up sea-going cadetship training. By year-end, 158 cadets had joined the scheme. The increase in applicants for the related programmes in training institutes and universities in the past two years reflects the interest of local youth in the maritime profession.

Participation in International Shipping Activities

International Maritime Organisation

The Hong Kong 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 about, all issues discussed at IMO meetings that may affect Hong Kong. In 2010, Hong Kong Government officials attended a total of 22 IMO meetings. Topics discussed included enhancing maritime safety and security, measures to reduce marine pollution, matters related to maritime laws, seafarers' training and certification of standards, facilitation of international maritime traffic, and other maritime matters.

To promote maritime safety and protection of the maritime environment, in 2006 the IMO initiated the Voluntary IMO Member State Audit Scheme. This lets