Hong Kong Shipping Register

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

    Substantial growth in the HKSR continued in 2002. By year-end, the register had grown to 758 vessels with a total of 16.23 million gross tonnage, representing an 18.2 per cent increase in tonnage over 2001. The HKSR is now ranked ninth in the world.

    The register has an excellent reputation for high quality and standards. Port State Control detention rates for the Hong Kong-registered ships continue to remain well below the world averages.

    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 monitors the performance of shipping companies and classification societies by means of an innovative Flag State Quality Control (FSQC) System, which ensures full compliance with the applicable international standards by Hong Kong-registered ships. Under the FSQC, the performance of all ships and companies on the HKSR is carefully monitored in accordance with established criteria. A computerised database is then used for selection of ships and companies for FSQC inspections. During the year, 38 FSQC inspections of ships and seven FSQC audits of companies were carried out by Marine Department surveyors.

    The second phase of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code came into force internationally on July 1, 2002. All Hong Kong-registered ships and their management companies succeeded in obtaining the required certification ahead of the deadline.

Marine Accident Investigations

In compliance with the obligations under the international conventions, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) of the Marine Department investigates all serious marine accidents involving any vessel in HKSAR waters. The department also investigates all major or serious accidents outside the HKSAR if a Hong Kong-registered ship is involved in the accident.

    Investigations aim to identify the cause of the accident as well as the circumstances under which the accident occurred, to prevent the occurrence of similar accidents. The lessons learnt are promulgated in the notices issued by the department. Summaries of the investigation reports are posted on the department's website for the purpose of promoting and enhancing maritime safety.

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

    In 2002, the MAIB investigated 13 accidents. One of the accidents investigated required the appointment of a Board of Investigation.

Seafarers

The Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation regulates 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 2002, some 11 000 seafarers of various nationalities served on board 547 ocean-going ships flying the Hong Kong flag. About 948 officers and ratings served on 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. Towards this end, the section works closely with various training institutions in the training of seafarers.