Hong Kong shipping legislation and local regulations applicable to local craft
What the exam tests
Legislation questions test the local rules that govern small craft in Hong Kong: licensing, certification, equipment, passenger limits, safe operation and reporting. The exam expects you to know which authority and which local regulation applies.
Core rules and concepts
- The Shipping and Port Control Ordinance (Cap. 313) and its subsidiary regulations provide the main framework for local craft, their licensing, survey and operation. A local craft must have the required licence and certificate of ownership, and must be operated within its licence conditions.
- The coxswain must hold the certificate appropriate to the craft and must operate within its conditions. Coxswain Grade 3 is an entry-level local certificate; do not exceed the craft size, area or passenger limits shown on the certificate or licence.
- Safety equipment must be carried and maintained: lifejackets for all persons on board, fire extinguishers, anchor and line, bailer, navigation lights, sound signalling device and VHF where required.
- Passenger limits and loading must be observed. Overloading is an offence and reduces freeboard, stability and life-saving capacity.
- Report collisions, accidents, pollution and other reportable incidents to the Marine Department and, in an emergency, the Police. Keep documents on board and produce them on demand.
- Other relevant law includes the Merchant Shipping (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Ordinance (Cap. 413), the Dumping at Sea Ordinance (Cap. 466), the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap. 354) and the Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap. 476).
Worked example
You are asked to take 12 people on a launch licensed for 10. You decline. You check the licence passenger limit, the coxswain certificate conditions, lifejackets for the permitted number, fire extinguishers and the required documents. You tell the organiser that the limit is legal, not negotiable, and arrange a second craft. If the trip proceeds, you brief passengers on lifejackets and loading before departure.
Traps
Assuming the owner's licence covers any driver; ignoring certificate limits; carrying extra passengers for a short trip; operating without required equipment; and failing to report a collision or pollution incident.