Last Wednesday, Shadow Minister of Tourism Mr. David Allen told the House of Assembly, "Cruise ships are now the destination and hotels should be offering introductory packages to attract more ...'' He was misquoted in Thursday's report from the House.

Minister of Tourism David Dodwell outlined for the House the operations of Marine and Ports, which also falls under his portfolio.

Largely a service-oriented wing of Government, Marine and Ports is a revenue generating operation, raising income from ferries, pilotage fees, dockage fees, and tug fees.

In contrast nearly 72 percent of its expenditures are consumed by wages and salaries, he told the House.

The department has nearly concluded a review of cruise ship policy -- the first since 1989 -- and that report is now before Cabinet and the cruise ship owners.

The public should have its first look at the new policy by the end of the month, he told members.

Since 1989 the cruiseline industry has changed dramatically Mr. Dodwell said, and the advent of "mega-ships'' capable of carrying more than 3000 passengers has introduced new questions of how, even if Bermuda can physically accommodate them.

The report will also address the Island relationships between business and the cruiselines.

Mr. Dodwell then turned his attention to the Registry of Ships, one of the more lucrative forms of revenue in that department.

There are currently 105 Bermudian-registered ships plying the world's waterways, he told the House.

And there are plans to revise the present fee structure and market the Registry.

The department meanwhile spent $3.26 million providing for the safety of shipping within the Island's waters. This includes channel markers and buoys, and lighthouse operations, he told the House.

The Minister also revealed that due to lack of demand the Canima , one of two Government tenders operating out at Dockyard, is to be sold.

Mr. Dodwell then pointed out nearly 6000 private watercraft were registered in by his department, which is also mandated to provide safety inspections.

Additionally the department is about to bring in new SCUBA diving regulations, initiate a study on para-sailing, and study regulations for jetskis.

All these initiatives are being done in consultation with private sector stakeholders, he said.

The department's search and operations section meanwhile responded to 348 incidents last year, and Bermuda has been selected to host the North American Search and Rescue Conference later this year.

The Minister also revealed sale of the Chinese freighter Xing Da to Bermuda for $1 was nearly complete, and the boat would be sunk as a dive attraction within the next couple of months.

Shadow Minister David Allen agreed Marine and Ports was a most important resource, and commended Government on boosting Bermuda's profile on the international shipping registry.

Mr. Allen directed most of his attention to cruise ship policy, calling on Government to scale fees on a seasonal basis and to consider adding incentives such as decreased dock fees to attract more cruise ships.

Signals are being sent he said, when a cruise ship such as the Dreamward cancels its September run to the Island.

"Cruise ships are now the destination and we should be offering introductory packages to attract more,'' he told the House. Mr. Allen also called on Government to allow at least one cruise ship to the Island on weekends.

Department of Marine and Ports 1997/98 estimates Ministry Responsibility: To provide the necessary services to ensure the safe operation of international shipping and local craft in Bermuda waters. To contribute to the public transportation system through the operation of the ferry services, to support other agencies in marine search and rescue, and to administer the merchant shipping acts.

Budget Estimate: $9,176,000 (last year $8,970,000) Budget Allocations Registration of Ships $520,000 West End (Dockyard) $3,260,000 Central (Hamilton) $3,761,000 East End (Fort George) $1,628,000