In a memorandum signed at the end of the three-day Fourth Asia Regional Marine Accidents Investigators Meeting, they acknowledged the importance of international cooperation in the prevention, investigation and handling of maritime accidents.

They also agreed to share valuable experience while rendering technical support in cases of real need.

A suggestion that the fifth such meeting should be staged in Hong Kong next year was endorsed by the participants who believed dialogue was especially helpful in enhancing mutual understanding, and providing an essential foundation for quick and effective reactions at critical times.

Marine investigation refers especially to the work of various maritime safety administrations in the aftermath of an accident at sea. The investigation is not only based around discovering who was responsible and arranging for compensation, but also providing recommendations to prevent such costs in the future.

This is the first time China has hosted the meeting since it was initiated in 1998, which indicated the nation's increased attention to the matter as well as its willingness to expand global cooperation, said Liu Shi, deputy director of the Maritime Safety Administration of China.

The administration introduced to the meeting the system of communication and the "black box'' adopted by Chinese ships.

China has been committed to improving its maritime safety in past years by increasing international cooperation in the field, tightening related management, and enhancing the safety awareness of related personnel.

As a result, the country reported a "big improvement'' in maritime safety in 1999.

Altogether 633 maritime accidents happened last year, with 576 lives lost, 243 ships sunk, and caused an estimated 136 million yuan (US$16.4 million) in damage. These figures were down by 23.9 percent, 25.1 percent, 2.3 percent, and 48 percent respectively on the previous year.

"Although the specific statistics were not yet available, we have reasons to expect this year's performance to be better than last year based on the reports received from the regions so far,'' said Wang Tao, an official with the administration.

But as cold seasons always bring about inclement and potentially hazardous climate like thick fogs and blizzards -- while sea-going traffic increases during festivals and holidays -- the administration still needs to ensure all shipping units have taken enough precautions and its local branches are prepared to handle any arising emergencies.

(China Daily 09/21/2001)