The Government proposes to amend the Schedule to the Specification of Public Offices Notice (Cap. 1C) to delegate the power currently vested with the Director of Marine (DM) in issuing exemptions to Hong Kong registered ships to other officers of the Marine Department (MD).

     A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau said today (January 17), "Under the proposal, relevant legislative provisions in the merchant shipping statutes will be added to the Schedule to enable the DM to delegate his or her power to approve exemptions in person to other MD officers with the necessary expertise and qualifications. The proposal will enhance the efficiency and timeline in handling exemption applications from ship owners and operators, thus minimising delays in ship schedules and/or port state control detention of Hong Kong registered ships."

     The Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development and the Hong Kong Fleet Operation Advisory Committee have been consulted and they supported the legislative proposal.

     The legislative proposal was gazetted today and will be tabled at the Legislative Council on February 12 for negative vetting.

Ends/Friday, January 17, 2020
Issued at HKT 11:00

NNNN