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The Economic Development and Labour Bureau (EDLB) today (July 26) launches the Sea-going Training Incentive Scheme to encourage more Hong Kong youngsters to join the maritime industry.

"Following the rapid growth and diversification of the Hong Kong economy in recent years, only a handful of young people are interested in pursuing a career in the maritime industry. As a result, the industry is faced with the problems of an ageing seafaring workforce and a lack of new blood for shore-based professional jobs," an EDLB spokesman said.

"To maintain and develop Hong Kong's role as an international maritime centre, it is essential to encourage more Hong Kong youngsters to take on and complete sea-going training with a view to developing their careers in the maritime industry."

With this in mind, the government has been working closely with the maritime industry and maritime training institutes in the development and formulation of the Sea-going Training Incentive Scheme through the Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council (MIC). The scheme will help enhance the supply of local qualified personnel with sea-going experience to work in the maritime industry.

Administered by the Marine Department, the scheme provides financial incentives for qualified youngsters to take up sea-going training as cadets during the training period. At the end of the training period, the cadets will qualify to sit for the Class 3 Deck/Engineer Officer Examination, which will pave the way for them to become shore-based professionals in the maritime industry.

An applicant under the scheme should meet the following requirements:

(1) The applicant must be a Hong Kong permanent resident and a graduate from a maritime training institute recognised by the Marine Department.

(2) The applicant must provide proof of employment as a cadet and register as a seafarer with the Marine Department.

(3) The applicant has not been granted other kinds of similar financial assistance for the same sea-going training period.

The scheme is open for applications all year round and serving cadets at sea can also apply. The incentive will be awarded to successful applicants on a first-come-first-served basis.

Those interested are welcome to contact the Seafarers' Certification Section of the Marine Department for details at 2852 4368 or 2852 4362. Application forms are available at the Seafarers' Certification Section office at 3/F, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central or be downloaded from the website of the Marine Department at www.mardep.gov.hk/en/forms/pdf/mo904.rtf.

Information on the scheme can also be found at the MIC website at www.mic.gov.hk.

Ends/Monday, July 26, 2004

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