Views are being sought on a bill which aims to ensure better control of local vessels and effective operation of the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance. The public can send comments to the Legislative Council Secretariat by July 11.

The Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels & Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2005, gazetted on May 6, will pave the way for the implementation of the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance. The ordinance updates marine legislation to meet modern operational requirements and enhance safety.

The bill will make consequential amendments to nine ordinances and 13 pieces of subsidiary legislation and proposes improvements like adding new provisions to effect the policy of imposing compulsory third-party insurance on all local vessels to enhance passenger protection. It will also cover amendments to marine legislation. Click here details on the bill.

LegCo has formed a bills committee to study the proposal. People interested in commenting can send views to the clerk to the bills committee 3/F, Citibank Tower, 3 Garden Road, Central; faxing 2121 0420 or emailing wcheng@legco.gov.hk.

They have to indicate whether they intend to make representations to the bills committee at its meeting on July 13 at 2.30pm in the LegCo Building's Conference Room A. Submissions received will be made public and uploaded onto the LegCo website.