THE Director of Marine has expressed fears that the pilots who hold a lucrative monopoly over Hong Kong's shipping could be committing commercial crimes far outside his jurisdiction.
Allan Pyrke said the pilotage service needed to be seen as ''fair and impartial'', and he was concerned at any issue which affected that.
''Historically, pilots in many world ports have been suspected of using their position to obtain an unfair advantage for other marine services in which they have financial interest,'' said Mr Pyrke, whose position also makes him Pilotage Authority boss.
''These days, speculation about such action may linger on but in reality it is not against any marine law in Hong Kong, although it may break other laws.'' He added that he believed the present set-up served the port safely, effectively and at a competitive price compared with other ports.
His comments follow recent Post reports that some of the 65 pilots licensed to guide large or dangerous ships around Hong Kong waters have private financial interest in shipping companies and may be pushing ship's captains into using certain tug companies.
Industry concern is mounting, and the Pilotage Advisory Committee is preparing to heed consultants' advice to legally enshrine the Hong Kong Pilots' Association, a private company.
The committee includes an association representative and sets the pilotage dues annually, but does so without knowing what individual pilots earn or the profits of the company.