Hong Kong proposes changes to shipping regulations 

The proposal will undergo Legislative Council review on 28 February.

The Government Gazette has proposed amendments to five regulations under the Merchant Shipping (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Ordinance and the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) Ordinance. 

The proposed changes seek alignment with key international agreements, including the International Maritime Organisation's Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, and the International Labour Organization's Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.

The amendments address issues such as Garbage Record Books, the establishment of a new emission control area for sulfur oxides and particulate matter, and improvements in seafarers' welfare standards.

Specifically, the welfare requirements address aspects such as recruitment processes, obligations of placement agents, provisions for drinking water and nutritious meals, protocols for transporting deceased seafarers, reporting of fatality data, and the provision of appropriately sized personal protective equipment.

The proposal will undergo Legislative Council review on 28 February.