To implement the latest requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea on navigational safety, the Government has suggested introducing one new and one amendment regulation under the Merchant Shipping (Safety) Ordinance.

The proposed new regulation is the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Navigational Equipment and Safety of Navigation) Regulation. The current Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Minimum Safe Manning Certificate) Regulation will be amended and renamed the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Ship’s Manning) Regulation.

A spokesperson for the Transport and Housing Bureau said today (October 7) that the proposed new regulation will include the latest requirements on navigational equipment and daily reporting of whereabouts of ocean-going vessels to facilitate accident investigation and prevent collision. In addition, the amended regulation will also incorporate the requirements to regulate the language used on board to ensure effective communication by seafarers.

“The Panel on Economic Development of the Legislative Council (LegCo) and industry stakeholders have been consulted and they support the legislative proposals”, the spokesperson said.

The legislative proposals were gazetted today and will be tabled at LegCo on October 12 for negative vetting.