The attention of yachtmasters/owners/agents of visiting yachts/pleasure vessels is drawn to the following information:

1. Port Formalities

2. Use of Visiting Yachts/Pleasure Vessels in Hong Kong

It is an offence to use a yacht/pleasure vessel in Hong Kong unless the vessel is issued with a valid local licence or a permission to navigate, and in addition, the vessel should possess valid third party risks insurance. In the case the yacht/pleasure vessel stays in Hong Kong waters for more than 182 days out of 365 consecutive days, it should be licensed in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Certification and Licensing) Regulation, Cap. 548D. Application for a permission to navigate or licensing of the yacht/pleasure vessel can be made at one of the District Marine Offices. Yachtmasters may obtain further boating information on Marine Department’s website.

3. Vessel Traffic Services

The Vessel Traffic Centre, call sign “Mardep” maintains a continuous listening watch on channel 12, 14 and 67. Yachtmasters may obtain navigational information from the Centre when navigating in or near the waters of Hong Kong.

4. Yacht and Boat Clubs

Berths and repair facilities, in addition to social and recreational facilities, are available at various yacht and boat clubs which are conveniently located at various parts of Hong Kong. Visiting yachtsmen are advised to contact local clubs to obtain up-to-date information and to make berthing arrangements before calling Hong Kong. The popular boat and yacht clubs in Hong Kong are listed below:

5. Departure Clearance

6. Mailing of Arrival Notice

7. Communication Equipment

The Director of Marine of Hong Kong co-ordinates Search and Rescue (SAR) operations in an area north of 15°North Latitude and west of 120°East Longitude. It is important to note that the degree of success of any SAR operation depends on the availability of information pertaining to the position of a vessel in distress. Yachtmasters are reminded to ensure that the communication equipment on their vessels is properly maintained at all times.

8. Liaison with a Local Coordinator before Sailing

The local coordinator as stated in item (8) of the Sailing Notice should be given as much sailing information as possible, as he reports directly to the Marine Department should he discover that the vessel arrival at the destination is overdue or other concerns of the safety of the vessel. The precise and comprehensive sailing information enables save of lives at sea expeditiously in SAR operations.

9. Tropical Cyclone

Tropical cyclones in this area are often severe with winds frequently exceeding 150km/hr. Yachtmasters are advised to take early precautionary action whenever any tropical cyclone warning signal is issued. Latest tropical cyclones and weather information can be obtained from the Hong Kong Observatory.

10. Nautical Chart

Yachtmasters are advised to carry up-to-date nautical charts and publications on board for the intended voyage. Details of bilingual (Chinese and English) nautical charts and publications can be obtained from the Hydrographic Office of the Marine Department.

11. In Case of Emergency

When your vessel encounters emergency situations, distress or accident, you should call the Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC), either on V.H.F. (channel 12, 14, 67) or by telephone at 2233 7801 or 2233 7808. Alternatively, you may contact the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre by telephone at 2233 7999 immediately. You should include details of the emergency in your call.