International Maritime Organisation

Hong Kong is an associate member of the International Maritime
Organisation (IMO) and since July 1, 1997, it is officially known as 'Hong
Kong, China' in its participation in IMO activities and other international
maritime forums.

Various international conventions which were extended to Hong Kong
before July 1, 1997, continue to apply to Hong Kong after the reversion
of sovereignty to China. Since Hong Kong waters have become internal
waters of China, administrative procedures for the conventions such as
reporting to the IMO, liaison with neighbouring countries and areas that
apply only voluntarily to internal waters of a country will be changed. In
1997, Hong Kong representatives attended 23 meetings on various
subjects.

Hong Kong was particularly active on several issues, including measures
to control air pollution from ships, contamination by transport of aquatic
organisms in ballast water, major revision and interpretation of a chapter
on fire prevention within the International Convention for the Safety of
Life at Sea, revision of the High Speed Craft Code, safety management
systems for ships and bulk carrier safety, which will have long-term
effects on Hong Kong registered ships as well as ships owned or
managed by Hong Kong companies.

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