Maritime and Aviation Training Fund
Local Vessel Competency Enhancement Scheme

    General Information

  1. The Transport and Logistics Bureau launched the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund (“MATF”) on 1 April 2014 to support the manpower training of the maritime and aviation industries. The Local Vessel Competency Enhancement Scheme (the “Scheme”) is an initiative under the MATF. The Scheme is administered by the Marine Department (“MD”).
  2. The objective of the Scheme is to encourage more local vessel industry practitioners to acquire professional qualification by providing financial incentive. Under the Scheme, eligible applicant who passes the examination and successfully obtains the Coxswain Grade 2 Certificate or Engine Operator Grade 2 Certificate may receive a one-off financial incentive. A one-off financial incentive may also be provided to those who obtain Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate or Engine Operator Grade 3 Certificate (except those successfully joined the Local Vessel Trade Training Incentive Scheme).

    3. Format and level of support

  3. A successful applicant will be provided with a one-off financial incentive. Incentive will be disbursed within 4 to 6 weeks upon receipt of an application. The incentive amounts are:
    $15,000 for those passed examination and obtained Grade 2 Certificate on/after 1 December 2023 ($12,000 between April 2019 and November 2023); and
    $12,000 for those passed examination and obtained Grade 3 Certificate on/after 1 December 2023.
  4. The amount will be disbursed to the applicant by cheque and it will be sent by post to the applicant’s address made on the application form.
  5. Each person who passes the examination and successfully obtains the Coxswain Grade 2 Certificate or Engine Operator Grade 2 Certificate can receive incentive from the Scheme once for each type of certificate.
  6. Each person who passes the examination and successfully obtains the Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate or Engine Operator Grade 3 Certificate can receive incentive from the Scheme once for each type of certificate.
  7. Incentive will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis, until funding for the Scheme has been expended.

    8. Persons who are eligible to apply

  8. The applicant obtained Coxswain Grade 2 Certificate or Engine Operator Grade 2 Certificate must –
    1. be a resident of the HKSAR and lawfully employable in Hong Kong to work on the local vessels;
    2. not be in possession of any Coxswain Grade 2 Certificate or Engine Operator Grade 2 Certificate; or any equivalent certificate before 1 April 2019; and
    3. the applicant has taken the Coxswain Grade 2 Certificate or Engine Operator Grade 2 Certificate examination (except local knowledge examination for coxswain certificate) conducted by Marine Department on or after 1 April 2019, and has passed the examination and granted the Coxswain Grade 2 Certificate or Engine Operator Grade 2 Certificate.
  9. The applicant obtained Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate or Engine Operator Grade 3 Certificate must –
    1. be a resident of the HKSAR and lawfully employable in Hong Kong to work on the local vessels;
    2. not be in possession of any Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate or Engine Operator Grade 3 Certificate; or any equivalent certificate before 1 December 2023;
    3. not be successfully applied for the Local Vessel Trade Training Incentive Scheme;
    4. the applicant has taken the Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate or Engine Operator Grade 3 Certificate examination (except local knowledge examination for coxswain certificate) conducted by Marine Department and has passed the examination; and
    5. fulfilled the requirements of and be granted the Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate or Engine Operator Grade 3 Certificate on/after 1 December 2023.
  10. Irrespective of the source of funding except from the schemes under MATF, applicants must not receive double benefits, i.e. they should not receive any other form of financial assistance, for acquiring their Coxswain Grade 2 or 3 Certificate or Engine Operator Grade 2 or 3 Certificate (the same grade as the grade applying for) when they are receiving incentive under the Scheme.

    11. Application Procedures

  11. Prospective applicants should submit their applications within four months after passing the examination and successfully obtaining the related certificate. Late applications will normally not be accepted.
  12. Applicants should submit their completed Application Form and documentary proof in person during office hours to the River Trade and Local Examination Section, Marine Department at Room 303, 3/F., Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong.
  13. Applicants should complete all sections of the Application Form, sign the form and attach as required a copy of all the documents stated in paragraph 14 below. Incomplete application forms will not be processed.
  14. In submitting the application form, applicants should attach a copy of each of the following:
    1. Hong Kong Identity Card; and
    2. the Coxswain Grade 2 or Grade 3 Certificate / Engine Operator Grade 2 or Grade 3 Certificate.
    Applicants should also produce the original of the above documents for on-site verification by staff of MD.
  15. Applicants may be required to verify the information submitted and to provide supplementary information for processing the applications further.
  16. All documents submitted (including the application form and copies of the supporting documents) are not returnable. Applicants are advised to retain copies for their own reference.

    17. Enquiries

  17. For enquiries, please contact River Trade and Local Examination Section, Marine Department(Email:sasmcrt@mardep.gov.hk , Tel.: 2852 3069).

Download the application form (PDF)