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A series of activities aiming to raise public awareness of Hong Kong's maritime industry is to be held during Maritime Awareness Week (MAW) from October 25 to 31.
With "Go Maritime, See the World" as the slogan, MAW shows the significance of the maritime industry and the contributions of seafarers to society. It is also intended to promote careers in the maritime industry to young people during the week.
In addition, MAW will represent Hong Kong's main contribution to the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) Year of the Seafarer and mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the autonomous Hong Kong Shipping Registry.
On October 25 (Monday), the week will start off with an opening ceremony and reception, where invited guests will be treated to an exhibition of maritime memorabilia and models.
This will be followed on October 26 (Tuesday) by a full-day seminar organised by the Hong Kong Shipowners Association and Hong Kong Seamen's Union. The seminar will cover the Maritime Labour Convention, China Oil Pollution Regulation and Maritime Security. China recently introduced new legislation similar to that of the United States, which requires all vessels visiting the country to have an agreement with an approved local pollution contractor to ensure a rapid response to any pollution incident. The topic is timely and may shed light on how it will work in practice.
October 27 (Wednesday) is designated "Think Maritime Day", and will feature career talks and a tree-planting ceremony. Volunteers from the industry will give careers talks at a number of selected secondary and post-secondary schools or institutes, while guests will attend a tree-planting ceremony at the Maritime Services Training Institute in Tuen Mun.
October 28 (Thursday) will be "Seafarer's Day", highlighting the opening of a new study centre at the Hong Kong Seamen's Union. This centre will be equipped with a library and computers which will be used by youngsters preparing for professional maritime examinations. Separately, the Mariners' Club in Tsim Sha Tsui will also be open to seafarers to commemorate the International Maritime Organisation's Year of the Seafarer and to recognise the contribution of seafarers of all nationalities. A church service dedicated to seafarers will also be observed at St Peter's Church, Mariners' Club.
October 29 (Friday) will bring a commemorative luncheon to formally mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the autonomous Hong Kong Shipping Registry. Several awards will be presented to companies and individuals who have supported the Sea-going Training Incentive Scheme. The scheme, introduced in 2004, aims to attract youngsters by offering them incentives to join the maritime industry and become home-grown sea-going professionals. In May this year, the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved a $19.2 million commitment to further support the scheme.
On Friday there will also be an afternoon seminar organised by the Hong Kong Shipowners Association and Civic Exchange to present the findings of a major research project on ship-sourced pollution.
As for the weekend, the Maritime Fair cum Government Dockyard Open Day will be held on Stonecutters Island on October 30 (Saturday). There will be parades by the Hong Kong Sea Cadet Corps, visits to government vessels and vessel repairing workshops, a display of the largest ship anchor in the world, and exhibitions mounted by the maritime industry and maritime-related government departments. Free admission tickets are available at the Central Marine Office, Aberdeen Marine Office, Sai Kung Marine Office of the Marine Department and the Public Enquiry Service Centre of Sham Shui Po District Office on a first-come, first-served basis. Free transport to the Government Dockyard by launch or shuttle bus will be provided for admission ticket holders aged 10 or above.
To round off MAW, the maritime industry will hold a Beach Cleaning Day at Hung Shing Yeh Beach on Lamma Island on October 31 (Sunday). About 150 people will take part in this activity to disseminate the environmental protection message by keeping the harbour clean.
The MAW is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council and Hong Kong Shipowners Association. Supporting groups include the Marine Department, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong Institute of Marine Technology, Hong Kong Joint Branch of RINA and IMarEST, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Hong Kong Seamen's Union, Institute of Seatransport, Nautical Institute, Hong Kong Branch, Sailors' Home & Missions to Seamen and Women's International Shipping & Trading (HK) Association. Tai Chong Cheang Steamship Co (HK) Ltd, Valles Steamship Company Limited and Clarkson Asia Limited are the major sponsors of MAW.
For details of the activities, please visit www.maritimeawarenessweek.org.hk.
Ends/Thursday, October 7, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:46
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