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Transport

Marine Accident Investigations

The Marine Department's Marine Accident investigation and Shipping Security Policy Branch (MAISSPB) investigates all serious ship related accidents occurring on Hong Kong-registered ships and in Hong Kong waters. The purpose of the investigation is to determine the circumstances and the possible causes of the accident and recommend preventive measures against recurrences. In 2013, the MAISSPB investigated 27 serious accidents. To improve public awareness of maritime safety, investigation reports of all serious accidents are published on the department's website.

The Chief Executive may order a public inquiry by a Marine Court or a Commission of Inquiry into a serious accident. For accidents involving licensed pilots, a Board of Investigation may be ordered by the Director of Marine.

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. In 2013, 48,455 seafarers of different nationalities served on board Hong Kong-registered seagoing ships and 1,290 officers and ratings served on high-speed ferries plying within the Pearl River Delta Region.

The Sea-going Training Incentive Scheme is designed to attract local graduates to join the maritime profession in Hong Kong by providing financial incentives for them to take up sea- going cadetship training. By December 2013, 285 cadets had joined the scheme since it started in July 2004.

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 closely informed of, all issues discussed at IMO meetings that may affect Hong Kong. In 2013, HKSAR Government officials attended 19 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.

Port State Control

Hong Kong is a member of the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (PSC) in the Asia-Pacific Region. The Marine Department participates in its various activities, including leading the Advisory Group on Technical Co-operation Programmes and as a member of three other working groups.

In 2013, the Marine Department's officers conducted 740 initial PSC inspections on foreign. ocean-going ships, or 15 per cent of all foreign ocean-going ships that visited Hong Kong. About 5.4 per cent of ships inspected were detained because of serious deficiencies that needed immediate attention.

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