Hong Kong Shipping Register

The Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR) has gained a reputation as a world-class register with excellent services. In 2005, it qualified for the second year running for the demanding US Coast Guard's QUALSHIP 21 Scheme confirming its reputation as a high quality flag. There were continuous improvements throughout the year designed to attract top quality tonnage. The HKSR reached the 29.9-million gross tonnage mark at the end of the year, securing its position among the world's top ten shipping registers.

The HKSR is administered by the Marine Department. The supporting legislation related to the register embodies international standards under the IMO, the International Labour Organisation and other international conventions applicable to Hong Kong.

Substantial growth in the HKSR continued in 2005. By year-end, it had grown to 1 085 vessels with a total of 29.9 million gross tonnage, representing a 17 per cent increase in tonnage over 2004.

The HKSR maintains an excellent reputation for high quality and standards. To support this, the Marine Department conducts a pre-registration quality control assessment for ships with dubious quality intending to join the register.

Statutory surveys of passenger ships are undertaken by Marine Department surveyors, while statutory surveyors of cargo ships and verifications under the International Safety Management Code and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code are fully delegated to accredited recognised organisations and recognised security organisations. The department closely monitors the performance of Hong Kong-registered ships and their management companies as well as that of recognised organisations and security organisations by means of the Flag State Quality Control (FSQC) System, which ensures that ships comply fully with the applicable international standards. During the year, a total of 54 FSQC visits for ship inspections and company monitoring were carried out by the department's surveyors and auditors.

As a result of the quality control measures, Port State Control detention rates for Hong Kong-registered ships continue to remain well below the world average.

Marine Accident Investigations

To discharge its obligations as a responsible maritime administration, 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 a Hong Kong-registered ship.

Investigations are carried out to identify the cause of accidents as well as the circumstances under which they occurred to avoid similar accidents happening again. 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 and enhance maritime safety.

Depending upon the seriousness of the accident and the public interest involved, a public inquiry in the form of a Marine Court may be ordered by the Chief Executive, or, in the case of an accident involving a licensed pilot, a Board of Investigation by the Director of Marine. In 2005, the MAIB investigated 25 serious accidents.

Seafarers

The Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation regulate the registration, employment, competence, discipline, health, safety and welfare of Hong Kong seafarers. The Marine Department's Mercantile Marine Office registers these seafarers and supervises their engagement on board ships.

During the year, some 19 000 seafarers of various nationalities served on board Hong Kong-registered ships. About 1 100 officers and ratings served on high-speed passenger vessels plying within the river trade area.

The department's Seafarers' Certification Section monitors training provided to seafarers and examines candidates for the issue of certificates of competency. To this end, the section works closely with various training institutions in the training of seafarers.

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 youngsters 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 2005, a total of 46 cadets had joined the training scheme.