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The Marine Department today (October 3) received an ISO 9001 certificate from external certification body BSI Asia Pacific.

The certificate attests that the Quality Management System set up by the Ship Safety Branch (SSB) of the Marine Department's Shipping Division has met the requirements of the ISO 9001 Standard.

"I am glad to say that Hong Kong is one of the most quality-conscious flags in the world and therefore it is natural that we should be among those to have sought ISO 9001 certification for Quality Management," the Director of Marine, Mr S.Y Tsui, told the presentation ceremony.

"There are several reasons for the Ship Safety Branch to implement a Quality Management System, the foremost being that the Marine Department must maintain its credibility and preserve the respect of the shipping industry.

"Increasingly, shipping companies and classification societies are moving towards being certified to a quality standard. If we are to audit or monitor them, we must be able to demonstrate that we too are operating to at least an equivalent standard.

"Obtaining a quality certification demonstrates our ability to implement and administer international rules and regulations in a systematic and consistent manner," he said.

Equally important is compliance with obligations under international maritime conventions, he added.

"By implementing a documented quality system duly certificated by an independent assessment body, we demonstrate that we fully comply with this duty."

Mr Tsui said the Shipping Division of the department was gradually working towards ISO 9001 certification for all its branches.

"The certification of the Ship Safety Branch to the ISO 9001 standard marks only the first move in proving quality service to our customers. The Shipping Registry and Seafarers' Branch is expected to complete the process by early 2004.

"The Local Vessels Safety Branch is currently undergoing a major re-engineering process which will lead to delegation of most survey functions of local vessels to recognised organisations by the year 2006. ISO 9001 certification of that branch will be undertaken in due course following the re-engineering.

"The implementation of a Quality Management System within the Shipping Division will not only help us carry out our functions more effectively; it will also enhance our reputation for quality, customer-friendliness and efficiency in managing the Hong Kong Shipping Register."

End/Friday, October 3, 2003

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