DO

  • assist any vessel in distress.
  • slow down and proceed with caution when passing dredgers or waters where divers may be working.
  • slow down when making sharp turns or in bad weather.
  • slow down, or give a wide berth, when passing smaller vessels.
  • familiarize with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
  • carry distress signals, especially when operating at night.
  • keep the vessel clean. Oil in the bilges or dirty rags are a fire hazard.
  • familiarize with the limitations of the vessel.
  • carry an anchor and sufficient length of cable or rope.
  • where practicable, join a boat club and keep yourself fully up-to-date with all the relevant regulations.
  • get familiar with the Traffic Separation Schemesand keep clear of fairways when larger vessels are using them.
  • take note of the latest tropical cyclone information and related announcements broadcasted on radio / TV and given on the Hong Kong Observatory's Internet website, Hong Kong Observatory's mobile application, and Dial-a-Weather system (Tel.: No.: 1878 200).
  • keep to the outer limit of fairways and narrow channels which lies on the starboard side of the vessel
  • keep the licence number of the vessel well painted and without obscure. Keep the mooring well maintained (if any), and make sure the number on the mooring is clearly visible.
  • take note of the Marine Department Notices and Notices to Mariners on the Marine Department website.
  • carry charts of the areas in which you are operating, or installing the "eSeaGo" mobile application
  • stop immediately and wait for instructions if the signal "L" (._..)is made to you by light, sound, or flag from a Government or Police launch.
  • familiarize with the International and Local signals by their flag codes and in some cases in Morse code equivalents where such signals can be made by sound.
  • Local vessel shall possess valid Declaration of Fitness and Conveyance Permit for carrying of Dangerous Goods.
  • The total quantity of compressed air contained in pressure receptacles (for example, diving air cylinders) and carried by a local vessel shall not exceed 150 liters. Otherwise, Declaration of Fitness and Conveyance Permit are required.
  • When encountering marine mammals (including Chinese white dolphins) or sea turtles, maintain a safe speed, distance and course; do not touch, chase, approach or disturb marine life.
  • Fish only by specified methods, including hand-lining, hand net, without any fishing gear and SCUBA diving.

DON'T

  • pass close to another vessel when underway.
  • stand up or change seats in a smaller vessel, particularly when the vessel is full.
  • operate vessel under the influence of alcohol or drug.
  • use a leaky or poorly built vessel.
  • enter statutory restricted areas.
  • operate near swimmers.
  • navigate at a fast speed near a smaller vessel, the wake could cause it to capsize, or cause damage to the vessel or injuries to the persons on board.
  • leave the tiller or helm unattended, especially in confined waters.
  • marine littering, including waste generated by daily operation of yachts, is strictly prohibited .
  • sound the horn unnecessarily.
  • make or emit annoying noise on board (e.g. improper use of loudspeakers/amplifiers, engaging in rowdy activities, etc.).
  • wait until the last moment before complying with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
  • anchor closed to other vessels, which caused inconvenience.
  • anchor in principal fairways or designated restricted areas.
  • drop anchor, fishing, or by any other means contact the seabed in areas marked on the charts as "Submarine Cable Area", "Cable Reserve", or similar notation.
  • exceed the speed limit in Typhoon Shelter, which is 5 knots.
  • proceed at a speed exceeding 10 knots in a marine park or marine reserve.
  • swim, dive, carry out water-skiing or any boating activities within a marine reserve.
  • anchor, moor, fish, hunt, disturb and collect animals and plants in a marine park or marine reserve without permission.
  • enter in Fish Culture Zones.
  • anchor in "No-anchoring area" and area with corals.
  • Local oil carrier must not anchor or berth at any place within Hong Kong Waters other than an approved wharf or a dangerous goods anchorage (other than WDGA).
  • Local Oil Carrier must not berth alongside another vessel except for the purpose of transferring or receiving those dangerous goods as fuel or oily residue to or from the other vessel, and then only for the period reasonably required for that purpose.

Speed Restricted Zones For Vessels

The Marine Department established Speed restricted zones for all vessels to ensure the safety of navigation in Hong Kong waters. Details may be referred to the Speed Limits of Vessels within Hong Kong Waters.