Proposed amendments to five regulations under the Merchant Shipping (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Ordinance and the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) Ordinance were published in the Government Gazette today. The amendments incorporate the latest relevant requirements of international conventions.
 

The proposals would update the regulations to comply with the International Maritime Organization International’s Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, and the International Labour Organization’s Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.
 

The amendments cover new requirements relating to the keeping of Garbage Record Books, the designation of a new emission control area for sulphur oxides and particulate matter, and the welfare of seafarers.
 

The requirements on seafarers’ welfare relate to their recruitment, placement agents, the provision of drinking water and balanced meals, the transporting of the bodies or ashes of deceased seafarers, the reporting of relevant fatality data, and the provision of appropriately sized personal protective equipment.
 

The Transport & Logistics Bureau said the proposed amendments demonstrate Hong Kong’s ongoing commitment to marine environmental protection and seafarers’ welfare, both of which create a favourable environment for maritime activities in line with international standards.

 
The Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development and the relevant advisory committees of the Marine Department have been consulted on the legislative proposal. It will be tabled at the Legislative Council on February 28 for negative vetting.