The Government of Hong Kong proposed to make a new regulation under the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) Ordinance to include the latest seafarers’ training requirements as described in the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters of the International Maritime Organization into local legislation.
Namely, a spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau informed on February 22, that the:
The proposed Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Ships Operating in Polar Waters) Regulation mandates all seafarers serving on Hong Kong-registered ships operating in polar waters to receive relevant training and obtain the necessary certificates
The Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development and the Shipping Consultative Committee of the Marine Department have been consulted, with the Members supporting the legislative proposal.
In addition, Hong Kong has also proposed to amend the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution) Regulation. This move aims to incorporate the new requirements of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of the IMO, regarding the prevention of air pollution from ships into local legislation.
Providing his comment on the proposal, a spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau stated that these amendments include measures to improve the requirements on the emission standard of nitrogen oxides in emission control areas. What is more, they establish a data collection system for fuel oil consumption of ships.
The Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development and the Hong Kong Fleet Operation Advisory Committee of the Marine Department was consulted once again, with Members support is as well.
