The Government today proposed amendments to update regulations on merchant shipping safety to comply with international standards.

The proposal introduces a new regulation under the merchant shipping safety law to incorporate into local legislation the latest requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of the International Maritime Organization.

Amendments to the Safety Ordinance's schedule were also proposed for the same purpose.

The proposed legislative amendments aim to provide safety standards for ships that carry industrial personnel and for the personnel themselves, and to address specific risks of maritime operations within the offshore and energy sectors.

Apart from noting that Hong Kong is a staunch supporter of maritime safety, sparing no effort to safeguard the safety of industrial personnel engaged in maritime operations in line with the international standards, the Transport & Logistics Bureau pointed out that the proposed amendments demonstrate the city’s continual commitment in this regard.

The Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development and the Fleet Operation Advisory Committee of the Marine Department have been consulted on the legislative proposal and their members support it.

The proposed legislative amendments were published in the Government Gazette today and will be tabled at the Legislative Council on June 26 for negative vetting.