Hong Kong Ordinances

MERCHANT SHIPPING (SAFETY) ORDINANCE - SECT 78

Assistance to be rendered in the event of collisions

(1) Where two ships collide and either of those ships is registered in Hong
Kong it shall be the duty of the master or person in charge of the ship
registered in Hong Kong involved in the collision, if and so far as he can do
so without danger to his own ship, crew and passengers (if any)-

   (a)  to render to the other ship, the master, crew and passengers

(if any) such assistance as may be practicable and may be necessary to save
them from any danger caused by the collision, and to stay by the other ship
until he has ascertained that there is no need of further assistance; and

   (b)  to give to the master or person in charge of the other ship-

        (i)    the name of his own ship;

        (ii)   the name of the port to which it belongs; and

        (iii)  the names of the ports from which it comes and to which it is
               bound.

(2) If the master or person in charge of any ship involved in a collision
fails without reasonable cause to comply with subsection (1)-

   (a)  he commits an offence and is liable to a fine of $50000; and

   (b)  if he is a certificated officer, an inquiry into his conduct may be
        held.