The Government proposes to amend regulations under the Merchant Shipping (Safety) Ordinance to incorporate the latest requirements set out in the International Convention on Load Lines (Load Lines Convention) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) into local legislation.
 
     Amendments will be made to the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Load Line) Regulation and the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Load Lines) (Deck Cargo) Regulation. With the latest requirements incorporated in the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Load Line) (Amendment) Regulation, the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Load Lines) (Length of Ship) Regulations will be repealed.
 
     A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau said, "The proposed legislative amendments seek to enhance the safety and stability of a ship by implementing the latest requirements of the Load Lines Convention, which is amended by the IMO from time to time to keep international standards in relation to load lines in tandem with new shipping technological and operational practices.
 
     "The latest requirements to be incorporated include the improved calculation and determination of a ship's freeboard, intact stability and structural requirements, as well as the safe carriage of deck cargo consisting of timber on a ship."
 
     The Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development and the relevant consultative committee of the Marine Department have been consulted. Members supported the legislative proposal.
 
     The proposed legislative amendments were gazetted today (March 23) and will be tabled at the Legislative Council on March 28 for negative vetting.

Ends/Friday, March 23, 2018
Issued at HKT 11:00

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