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2004 Manpower Survey Report

of the
Seafarers and Local Vessels' Crew

Maritime Services Training Board

Vocational Training Council


CONTENTS

Section Page

I. Introduction 2

II. Ocean-Going Sector 4

III. River Trade Sector 10

IV. Local Vessels Sector 13

Annex

1. Terms of Reference of Maritime Service Training Board

2. Composition of the Maritime Service Training Board

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SECTION I

INTRODUCTION

The Maritime Services Training Board

1.1 The Maritime Services Training Board (MSTB), formerly known as the Merchant
Navy Training Board, was set up in January 1998 under the Vocational Training Council
Ordinance. The Training Board is responsible for assessing the manpower and training needs
of the merchant navy and related sectors in the Maritime Services Industry, and for making
recommendations for the development of training facilities with a view to bringing about
sufficient trained manpower to meet the manpower training needs of the maritime services
industry. The HKSAR Go vernment appoints prominent people in the maritime industry, and
representatives from trade unions, Government departments and tertiary institutions as Training
Board members. The membership of the Training Board and its terms of reference are given in
Annexes 1 and 2.

Purpose of the Survey

1.2 In pursuance of its terms of reference, the MSTB conducted a survey in the
beginning of 2004 with the assistance of the Marine Department and the Census and Statistics
Department. The main purpose is to collect the latest manpower data of seafarers in the
ocean-going, river trade and local vessel sectors.

Scope of Survey

1.3 The survey covers 3 sectors of the shipping industry as follows:

(i) Ocean-going Sector

42 shipping companies, owning/managing vessels with Hong


Kong and Non-Permanent Resident seafarers.

(ii) River Trade Sector

2 ferry companies.

(iii) Local Vessel Sector

A random sampling of 39 local vessel companies operating


barges, ferries, tugboats and motor launches in the harbour.

Survey Method

1.4 Two weeks before the survey started, questionnaires and explanatory notes were
sent to the selected shipping companies of ocean-going sector. At the same time, separate sets
of questionnaires were sent to the river trade ferry companies and to participants of the local
vessel sector.

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1.5 During the survey period, staff members of the Census and Statistics Department
and the Marine Department visited the surveyed companies by prior appointment. They
collected the completed questio nnaires or assisted some of these companies in completing
them.

1.6 The completed questionnaires were carefully checked and if necessary, verified
with the respondents. The data were then processed by the Census and Statistics Department.

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SECTION II

Ocean-Going Sector

Summary of Survey Findings

Response

2.1 42 shipping companies in the ocean-going sector had responded to the manpower
survey. The other establishments either were closed, moved or did not employ any seafarers.

Nature of Business

2.2 The survey covered 42 shipping companies engaged in ownership, management or


crewing agency or a combination of them.

Table 2.1 Profile of Respondents of


the 42 Companies Surveyed

Nature of Business

Shipowner 12

Ship Management 24

Shipowner and Ship Management 1

Ship Management and Crewing Agency 3

Shipowner and Ship Management and


Crewing Agency 2

42

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Number and Type of Ocean-going Vessels

2.3 The 42 shipping firms surveyed operated 694 ocean-going ships. The distribution
by type and forecast for 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

Table 2.2 Distribution and Forecast of Vessels by Type


of the 42 Companies Surveyed

Present Forecast Forecast


Number of Number of Number of
Ships Ships in 2005 Ships in 2006

Tankers, Combination Carriers 131 137 141

Bulk Carriers 299 306 308

Container Vessels 155 165 167

General Cargo Ships 44 46 46

Passenger Ships 5 6 6

Other Ship Types 60 63 64

694 723 732

2.4 The distribution of these ships by flag and forecast for 2005 and 2006 are as
follows:

Table 2.3 Distribution and Forecast of Vessels by Flag


of the 42 Companies Surveyed

Present Forecast Forecast


Number of Number of Number of
Ships Ships in 2005 Ships in 2006

HKSAR 290 306 312


Peoples Republic of China (PRC) 11 13 13
Liberia 50 52 54
Panama 240 245 245
Other Ship Flags 103 107 108
694 723 732

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Number of Posts for Seafarers Onboard Ocean-going
Vessels under Hong Kong Ownership or Management

2.5 The 42 companies have provided information on the number of posts onboard
ships under their ownership and/or management. Tabulations of the information are as follows:

Table 2.4 Distribution of Active Ocean-going Officers of


the 42 Companies Surveyed

Total Hong
Kong % of All Total NPR % of All
Officers Officers Officers Officers

No. of Officers at Sea 118 0.73% 4 274 97.31%


38 2 104
No. of Officers ashore 0.89% 98.23%
Total No. of Active 156 6 378
Officers 0.77% 97.61%

Table 2.5 Distribution of Active Ocean-going Ratings of


the 42 Companies Surveyed

Total Hong
Kong % of All Total NPR % of All
Ratings Ratings Ratings Ratings

No. of Ratings at Sea 41 0.73% 5 544 99.27%


15 1 663
No. of Ratings ashore 0.89% 99.11%
Total No. of Active 56 7 207
Ratings 0.77% 99.23%

Table 2.6 Distribution of Active Ocean-going Seafarers of


the 42 Companies Surveyed

Total Hong
Kong % of All Total NPR % of All
Seafarers Seafarers Seafarers Seafarers

No. of Seafarers at Sea 159 1.59% 9 818 98.41%


No. of Seafarers 53 3 767
ashore 1.39% 98.61%
Total No. of Active 212 13 585
Seafarers 1.54% 98.46%

NPR=Non-Permanent Resident seafarers

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Ocean-going Manpower Demand Forecast

2.6 The 42 companies provided forecast on their demand for Hong Kong officers and
ratings in 2005 and 2006 as summarised in the following table:

Table 2.7 Demand for Hong Kong Ocean-going Seafarers


of the 42 Companies Surveyed

Officer Rating

2004 Actual 156 56

2005 Forecast 127 40

2006 Forecast 125 40

Age Distribution of Active Ocean-going Seafarers

2.7 The distribution of the active seafarers by age is tabulated below:

Table 2.8 Age Distribution of Active Ocean-going Officers of


the 42 Companies Surveyed

Age Hong Kong % of All NPR % of All


Officers Officers Officers Officers

Under 30 19 12.18% 2 032 31.86%


31 - 50 37 23.72% 4 163 65.27%
51 and Over 100 64.10% 183 2.87%
Total 156 100.00% 6 378 100.00%

Table 2.9 Age Distribution of Active Ocean-going Ratings of the


42 Companies Surveyed

Age Hong % of All NPR % of All


Kong Ratings Ratings Ratings
Ratings

Under 30 2 3.57% 1 270 17.62%


31 - 50 22 39.29% 5 511 76.47%
51 and Over 32 57.14% 426 5.91%
Total 56 100.00% 7 207 100.00%

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Training Requirements of Ocean-going Seafarers

2.8 The training requirements of the ocean- going seafarers as reported by the
respondents are listed as follows:

Table 2.10 No. of Active Ocean-going Seafarers


Requiring Certificates/Endorsements
Training of the 42 Companies Surveyed

Hong NPR All


Kong Officers Officers
Officers

Bridge Team Management including Shiphandling Simulation 5 119 124


Electronic Nav. System (ENS) 7 57 64
Navigation Control (NCC) 7 415 422
GMDSS GOC 7 504 511
GMDSS GOC (Conversion) 18 53 71
Ship Medical Care 10 321 331
Medical First Aid 14 365 379
Advanced Fire-fighting 22 1100 1122
Personal Survival Techniques 24 1158 1182
Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats 12 255 267
Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities 12 108 120
Crowd Management, Passenger Safety and Familiarisation Training 6 30 36
Tanker Familiarisation 0 29 29
Insert Gas System 0 6 6
Crude Oil Washing 0 6 6
Gas Tanker Safety 0 0 0
Petroleum Tanker Safety 0 91 91
Chemical Tanker Safety 0 91 91
Prep. Course for Ocean-Going Dk. Officer Exam. 0 17 17
Total Headcount 144 4725 4869

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Table 2.11 No. of Active Ocean-going Ratings
Requiring Certificates/Endorsements Training of
the 42 Companies Surveyed

Hong NPR All


Kong Ratings Ratings
Ratings

Efficient Deck Hand 0 4 4


Medical First Aid 1 221 222
Advanced Fire-fighting 2 1633 1635
Personal Survival Techniques 0 222 222
Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats 10 224 234
Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities 4 84 88
Crowd Management, Passenger Safety and Familiarisation
Training 0 23 23
Tanker Familiarisation 13 89 102
Insert Gas System 0 0 0
Crude Oil Washing 16 4 20
Gas Tanker Safety 0 0 0
Petroleum Tanker Safety 0 26 26
Chemical Tanker Safety 0 103 103
Prep. Course for Ocean-Going Dk. Officer Exam. 0 16 16
Total Headcount 46 2649 2695

Observations and Conclusion

2.9 The ageing and diminishing number of Hong Kong ocean-going seafarers is a
cause for concern for the maritime industry. Various studies (A Study on the Manpower
Demand for Ex-seafarers of the Port and Maritime Industry in Hong Kong published by The
Hong Kong Polytechnic University in June 2001 and the Study to Strengthen Hong Kong's Role
as an International Maritime Centre published by the Hong Kong Port and Maritime Board in
January 2003) stressed the need for local seagoing cadet officers. It may argue that even
though there are convenient substitutes to local seafarers such as those from aboard or from the
Mainland China, it will be for the long-term interest for Hong Kong to maintain a number of
local seafarers.

2.10 Through the effort of the business community, the education and training sector
and the Government, the Sea-going Training Incentive Scheme has been implemented in 2004.
Given the changing economic climate and higher public awareness of Hong Kong's status in the
international maritime scene, the Scheme will help to replenish the fast disappearing number of
local seafarers in the long run.

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SECTION III

River Trade Sector

Summary of Survey Findings

Number and Type of Ferries

3.1 A total of 43 passenger vessels were owned and/or operated by the 2 ferry
companies at the time of survey. The numbers and types of these ferries and the forecast for
2005 and 2006 are listed below:

Table 3.1 Number and Type of Ferries

Type Forecast Forecast


Present Number of Number of
Number of Vessels in Vessels in
Vessels 2005 2006

Jetfoils 15 15 15

Catamarans & Jetcats 20 22 22

Others 8 8 8

43 45 45

Number of Posts and Seafarers Employed onboard Ferries

3.2 The two ferry companies reported that 973 seafarers were employed onboard, as
follows:

Table 3.2 Distribution of River Trade Seafarers

Officers Ratings Total

No. of River Trade 395 578 973


Seafarers

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Age Distribution of River Trade Officers

3.3 The distribution of the river trade seafarers by age is tabulated below:

Table 3.3 Age Distribution of River Trade Seafarers

Age Officers % of All Ratings % of All


Officers Ratings

Under 30 33 8.35% 190 32.87%

31 - 50 183 46.33% 239 41.35%

51 and Over 179 45.32% 149 25.78%

Total 395 100% 578 100%

River Trade Manpower Demand Forecast

3.4 The 2 companies forecasted slight increases in seafarers as shown in the


following table:

Table 3.4 Employers Forecast for River Trade Seafarers

Officers Ratings

2004 Actual 395 578

2005 Forecast 414 601

2006 Forecast 414 601

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Training Requirements of River Trade Officers

3.5 The training requirements of the Hong Kong river trade seafarers as reported by
the respondents are listed as follows:

Table 3.5 No. of Hong Kong River Trade Seafarers


Requiring Certificates/Endorsements Training

Officer Rating Total

Bridge Team Management including Shiphandling Simulation 0 0 0


Electronic Nav. System (ENS) 26 0 26
Navigation Control (NCC) 106 0 106
High Speed Craft Radar Simulator 88 0 88
GMDSS GOC 0 0 0
GMDSS GOC (Conversion) 0 0 0
GMDSS ROC 10 3 13
Ship Medical Care 108 0 108
Medical First Aid 26 234 260
Advanced Fire-fighting 55 8 63
Personal Survival Techniques 24 86 110
Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats 0 0 0
Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities 0 0 0
Crowd Mana gement, Passenger Safety and Familiarisation
Training 182 368 550
River Trade Emergency Response Crew Team Refresher 293 479 772
Prep. Course for River Trade Class 3 Dk. Officer Exam. 8 5 13
Prep. Course for River Trade Class 1/2 Dk. Officer Exam. 40 0 40
Total Headcount 966 1183 2149

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SECTION IV

Local Vessel Sector

Summary of Survey Findings

Number and Type of Local Vessels

4.1 39 local vessel operators were randomly selected and surveyed. The survey
reveals that these companies owned and/or operated 193 local vessels. The distribution and
forecast of these vessels by type are listed as follows:

Table 4.1 Distribution of Local Vessels by Type of


the 39 Companies Surveyed

Forecast
Present Forecast Number Number of
Number of of Local Vessels Local Vessels
Local Vessels in 2005 in 2006
Ferries 30 30 30
Tug Boats 47 50 56
Motor Boats 17 17 17
Barge/Lighters 39 39 39
Others 60 61 62
193 197 204

Number of Seafarers Employed onboard Local Vessels

4.2 A total of 781 seafarers were employed by the 39 companies surveyed. Their
distribution and forecast by post is given in the following table:

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Table 4.2 Distribution and Forecast of Local Vessels' Crews
of the 39 Companies Surveyed

No of Crews Total No of Crews Total No of Crews


Employed on Board to be Employed on to be Employed on
at Present Board in 2005 Board in 2006

Coxswain 200 209 212

Assistant Coxswain 53 54 55

Sailor 243 246 249

Engineer 145 154 157

Assistant Engineer 41 42 43

Others - Crews 99 99 100

781 804 816

Age Distribution of Local Vessels' Crew

4.3 The distribution of the 781 local vessels' crew by age is tabulated below:

Table 4.3 Age Distribution of Local Vessels' Crews


of the 39 Companies Surveyed

Age No. %

Under 30 28 3.59%

31 - 50 429 54.93%

51 and Over 324 41.49%

Training Requirements of Local Vessels' Crew

4.4 Training requirements of local vessels' crew as reported by the respondents are
listed as follows:

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Table 4.4 No. of Hong Kong Local Vessels' Crew
Requiring Certificates/Endorsements Training of
the 39 Companies Surveyed

Number
Basic Radar Operator (Local Craft) 70
VHF (Restricted Operator) 42
Medical First Aid 85
Fire-fighting (Local Craft) 77
Personal Survival Techniques (Local Craft) 80
Crowd Management, Passenger Safety and Familiarisation Training 51
Tanker Familiarisation 60
Basis Maritime English 11
Prep. Course for Local Master (60T) Exam. 16
Prep. Course for Local Master (300T) Exam. 31
Prep. Course for Local Engineer (Up to 150HP) Exam. 12
Prep. Course for Local Engineer (Over 150HP) Exam. 28
Oil Carrier Safety (Local Waters) Training 46
Basic Safety Training for Local Vessels Crews 81
Total Headcount 690

Observations and Conclusions

4.4 Formal training for the local vessel sector has been minimal hitherto. The
Training Board had set up a Task Force on Training of Local Vessels' Crew in November 2002
to look into enhancing the training of crews in this sector. Since then, the Task Force has
advised on the development and endorsed relevant courses.

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Annex 1 to
2004 Manpower Survey Report of the Seafarers and Local Vessels' Crew

Terms of Reference of Training Boards

1. To determine the manpower demand of the industry, including the collection and
analysis of relevant manpower and student/trainee statistics and information on
socio-economic, technological and labour market developments.

2. To assess and review whether the manpower supply for the industry matches with the
manpower demand.

3. To recommend to the Vocational Training Council the development of vocational


education and training facilities to meet the assessed manpower demand.

4. To advise the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) and training &
development centres on the direction and strategic development of their programmes in
the relevant disciplines.

5. To advise on the course planning, curriculum development and quality assurance


systems of the IVE and training & development centres.

6. To prescribe job specifications for the principal jobs in the industry defining the skills,
knowledge and training required.

7. To advise on training programmes for the principal jobs in the industry specifying the
time a trainee needs to spend on each skill elements.

8. To tender advice in respect of skill assessments, trade tests and certification for
in-service workers, apprentices and trainees, for the purpose of ascertaining that the
specified skill standards have been attained.

9. To advise on the conduct of skill competitions in key trades in the industry for the
promotion of vocational education and training as well as participation in international
competitions.

10. To liaise with relevant bodies on matters pertaining to the development and promotion of
vocational education and training in the industry, including employers, employers’
associations, trade unions, professional institutions, training and educational institutions
and government departments.

11. To organize seminars/conferences/symposia on vocational education and training for the


industry.

12. To advise on the publicity relating to the activities of the Training Board and relevant
vocational education and training programmes of the VTC.

13. To submit to the Council an annual report on the Training Board’s work and its
recommendations on the strategies for programmes in the relevant disciplines.

14. To undertake any other functions delegated by the Council in accordance with Section 7
of the Vocational Training Council Ordinance.

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Annex 2 to
2004 Manpower Survey Report of the Seafarers and Local Vessels' Crew

Maritime Services Training Board

Membership List for 2004/05

Mr Andrew CHEN (Chairman) (nominated by the Hong Kong Shipowners Association)

Mr Arthur Bowring (nominated by the Hong Kong Shipowners Association)


(Vice-Chairman)
Mr CHOR Yee-on (representing the Commissioner of Police)
Mr Bruce CHUN Wah-tak (nominated by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Mr David HO Chi-shing (nominated by the Hong Kong Ferry Holdings Ltd.)

Mr HUNG Bing (nominated by the Harbour Transportation Workers’ General


Union)
Mr LEE Kwok-keung (nominated by the Amalgamated Union Seafarers, Hong
Kong)
Mr Thomson LEE Kwong-yin (nominated by the Hong Kong and Kowloon Motor Boats and
Tug Boats Association)
Mr LEUNG Hung-fei (representing the Commissioner for Labour)

Capt. LI Kwan-wood (nominated by the Dynamically Supported Craft and High


Speed Ferry Consultative Committee)
Dr Lawrence Chan Wan Ching (representing the Executive Director of the Vocational
Training Council)
Capt. NG Mun-lung (nominated by the Merchant Navy Officers’ Guild - Hong
Kong)
Mr POON Chi-kwok (nominated by the Hong Kong Seamen’s Union)

Mr SHUM Yum-pui (nominated by the Hong Kong General Chamber of


Commerce)
Mr Terence SIT (nominated by the Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong)

Mr SO Ping-chi (representing the Director of Marine)


Mr Ho Shiu Fai (nominated by the Hong Kong Institute of Marine
Technology)
Mr WONG Yiu-kwan (nominated by the Hong Kong Cargo-Vessel Traders'
Association Ltd.)

Mr Henry LEE Hing-wai


(Secretary)

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