Updates to seafarer training regulations proposed

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     The Government proposes to introduce a new regulation under the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) Ordinance and amend the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Passenger Ships - Training) Regulation to incorporate the latest seafarers' training requirements under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers of the International Maritime Organization into local legislation.

     A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau today (February 22) said, "The new Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Ships Using Low-flashpoint Fuels) Regulation makes it compulsory for seafarers working on those ships to receive training in handling low-flashpoint fuels and obtain relevant training certificates. The amended Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) (Passenger Ships - Training) Regulation requires that emergency plans and mustering procedures of ships must be included in crowd management training for seafarers working on passenger ships to ensure that those seafarers will have the knowledge and ability to deal with emergency situations."

     The Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development and the Shipping Consultative Committee of the Marine Department have been consulted. Members supported the legislative proposal.

     The legislative proposal was gazetted today and will be tabled at the Legislative Council on February 27 for negative vetting.

Ends/Friday, February 22, 2019
Issued at HKT 11:10

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