The Hong Kong Shipping Register (HKSR) is administered by the Marine Department. The register's supporting legislation embodies international standards under the International Maritime Organisation, the International Labour Organisation and other international conventions applicable to Hong Kong. The Shipping Consultative Committee, which consists of representatives of major shipowners, shipping law firms and seafarers unions in Hong Kong, advises the Director of Marine on the efficient operation of the register.

The improvement measures that were implemented since April 1999 to make the HKSR more user-friendly, cost effective and efficient have attracted overwhelming support from the industry. At the end of 2000, the register had drawn 577 vessels with a total of 10.4 million gross registered tones, representing a 64 per cent growth in tonnage since April 1999.

The HKSR has maintained its reputation as a register of high quality. Hong Kong registered ships continue to have a very low detention rate under Port State Control inspections. While statutory surveys on passenger ships are undertaken by Marine Department surveyors, statutory surveys on cargo ships are fully delegated to accredited classification societies. The Marine Department maintains its monitoring role on the performance of shipping companies and classification societies by means of a Flag State Quality Control (FSQC) System which ensures that international standards are met by Hong Kong registered ships.

During the year, 15 FSQC inspections and six FSQC audits were carried out by the Marine Department. Ships and companies continued to be selected manually for inspection and audit in accordance with agreed criteria while the FSQC Computer Information System was being developed.

The first phase of this information system was completed in June and information collected from various sources was transferred to its database for processing. The second phase of the software development programme commenced in October. The system will be commissioned by March 2001.

To comply with obligations under international conventions, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) of the Marine Department investigates all significant marine accidents involving any vessels within Hong Kong waters, or involving Hong Kong registered ships anywhere in the world.

These investigations aimed to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident, to learn safety lessons and to prevent similar accidents in the future. The lessons learnt are promulgated in notices issued by the Marine Department. In addition, the summaries of the investigation reports are posted on the department's web site and copies of the full reports are made available to all interested parties.

In more serious accidents, a formal investigation presided by a judicial officer, who will be assisted by one or more assessors, may be ordered. These cases are heard in public.

In 2000, a total of 23 accidents were investigated by the MAIB and there were no cases that required formal investigation.

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.

In 2000, some 1 227 Hong Kong officers and ratings served on board 326 ocean-going ships flying flags of more than 12 different maritime administrations, and about 901 officers and ratings served on passenger vessels plying within the river trade area.

The Marine Department Seafarers' Certification Section monitors training provided to seafarers and examines candidates for the issue of certificates of competency. The section works closely with various training institutions in the training of seafarers.