Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Safety and Survey) Regulation
(Enacting provision omitted—E.R. 4 of 2024)
[2 January 2007] L.N. 284 of 2006
(Format changes—E.R. 4 of 2024)
(Omitted as spent—E.R. 4 of 2024)
In this Regulation, unless the context otherwise requires—
agent (代理人), in relation to the owner of a local vessel, means a person appointed by the owner as his agent under section 4; category (分類), in relation to a local vessel, means a category of local vessel specified in column 3 of Schedule 1; Category A vessel (A類船隻) means a local vessel that is— (a)of a class and type specified in columns 1 and 2 of Schedule 1; and (b)categorized as a Category A vessel in column 3 of Schedule 1; Category B vessel (B類船隻) means a local vessel that is— (a)of a class and type specified in columns 1 and 2 of Schedule 1; and (b)categorized as a Category B vessel in column 3 of Schedule 1; certificate of inspection (檢查證明書) means a certificate of inspection issued under section 19(2); certificate of survey (驗船證明書) means a certificate of survey issued under section 24(1); Certification and Licensing Regulation (《證明書及牌照規例》) means the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Certification and Licensing) Regulation (Cap. 548 sub. leg. D); class (類別), in relation to a local vessel, means a class of local vessel specified in column 1 of Schedule 1 to the Certification and Licensing Regulation; Class I vessel (第I類別船隻) means a local vessel that is certificated for Class I under the Certification and Licensing Regulation; Class II vessel (第II類別船隻) means a local vessel that is certificated for Class II under the Certification and Licensing Regulation; Class III vessel (第III類別船隻) means a local vessel that is certificated for Class III under the Certification and Licensing Regulation; Class IV vessel (第IV類別船隻) means a local vessel that is certificated for Class IV under the Certification and Licensing Regulation; competent surveyor (合資格驗船師), in relation to the carrying out of any survey or the approval of any plan of any local vessel, means— (a)an authorized surveyor; or (b)a recognized authority; conditions of assignment (勘定條件) means the requirements of the Load Lines Convention that relate to the assignment of freeboard; (L.N. 44 of 2018) declaration of fitness (適合運載危險品聲明) means a declaration of fitness for the carriage of dangerous goods issued under section 54 or 65(4); FA certificate (乾舷勘定證明書) means a freeboard assignment certificate issued under section 46 or 65(4); HKLL certificate (香港載重線證明書) means a Hong Kong load line certificate issued under section 46 or 65(4); length (長度) or the symbol (L), in relation to a local vessel, means the greater of the following— (a)the distance between the foreside of the stem and the axis of the rudder stock; (b)96% of the distance between the foreside of the stem and the aftside of the stern, measured on a waterline at 85% of the least moulded depth, except that— (c)if the vessel has a rake of keel, the waterline on which the distance is measured shall be parallel to the designed waterline; and (d)if the vessel is not fitted with a rudder stock, the length shall be determined in accordance with paragraph (b); Load Lines Convention (《載重線公約》) means the International Convention on Load Lines signed in London on 5 April 1966, or any convention that replaces that Convention or any successor convention, as amended from time to time and as applicable to Hong Kong; (10 of 2009 s. 51 and E.R. 5 of 2021) Marine Department Notice (海事處佈告) means a notice issued by the Director which is described as such, and any reference to a particular Marine Department Notice includes a reference to that Notice as amended from time to time by a subsequent Marine Department Notice; moulded depth (型深), in relation to a local vessel, means the vertical distance measured from the top of the keel to the top of the freeboard deck beam at side, except that— (a)if the vessel is a wood or composite vessel, it shall be measured from the lower edge of the keel rabbet; (b)if the form at the lower part of the midship section of the vessel is of a hollow character, or if thick garboards are fitted, it shall be measured from the point where the line of the flat of the bottom continued inwards cuts the side of the keel; (c)if the vessel has rounded gunwales, it shall be measured to the point of intersection of the moulded lines of the deck and side shell plating, the lines extending as though the gunwales were of angular design; (d)if the freeboard deck of the vessel is stepped and the raised part of the deck extends over the point at which the moulded depth is to be determined, it shall be measured to a line of reference extending from the lower part of the deck along a line parallel to the raised part of the deck; new vessel (新船隻) means— (a)a local vessel—(i)that has never been licensed under Part IV of the Shipping and Port Control Ordinance (Cap. 313) before the commencement date of this Regulation; and(ii)in respect of which an application for an operating licence is made for the first time on or after the commencement date of this Regulation, but does not include a vessel the keel of which is laid, or which is at a similar stage of construction, within 12 months immediately before that date and is still under construction on that date; (b)a local vessel that does not fall within paragraph (a) and undergoes, on or after the commencement date of this Regulation, alteration—(i)of—(A)its length, breadth or depth as recorded in the certificate of ownership issued or endorsed under the Certification and Licensing Regulation;(B)the output of its main propulsion engine so that—(I)the output is increased by 10% or more than what is recorded in its certificate of inspection or certificate of survey; or(II)particulars relating to the materials, scantlings or design of the propulsion shafting or stern tube, as shown in the plans approved under Part 3, are no longer accurate; or(C)its passenger capacity so that it increases from not more than 60 to more than 60, or from not more than 100 to more than 100; or(ii)to an extent that it is no longer suitable—(A)to remain certificated for the particular class or type that it is certificated for under the Certification and Licensing Regulation; or(B)to be categorized as a Category A vessel or a Category B vessel; plan (圖則) includes drawings, diagrams and calculations; (L.N. 70 of 2020) prescribed fee (訂明費用), in relation to any matter, means the fee prescribed for that matter in the regulation made under section 88 of the Ordinance; recognized authority (獲承認的當局) means a government authority recognized under section 7A of the Ordinance; river trade limits (內河航限) means— (a)the waters in the vicinity of Hong Kong within the following boundaries—(i)to the East, meridian 114°30´ East;(ii)to the South, parallel 22°09´ North; and(iii)to the West, meridian 113°31´ East; and (L.N. 127 of 2024) (b)all inland waterways in the Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region which have navigational access to the waters referred to in paragraph (a); SOLAS Convention (《人命安全公約》) means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea signed in London on 1 November 1974, or any convention that replaces that Convention or any successor convention, as amended from time to time and as applicable to Hong Kong; (10 of 2009 s. 51 and E.R. 5 of 2021) specified sheltered waters (指明遮蔽水域) means the waters specified in Schedule 2 to the Certification and Licensing Regulation; (E.R. 4 of 2024) survey record of safety equipment (安全設備檢驗紀錄) means the survey record of safety equipment issued under section 39 or 65(4); type (類型), in relation to a local vessel, means a type of local vessel specified in column 2 of Schedule 1 to the Certification and Licensing Regulation; typhoon shelter (避風塘) has the meaning given by section 2 of the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Typhoon Shelters) Regulation (Cap. 548 sub. leg. E); (L.N. 154 of 2019) Victoria port (維多利亞港口) means the area of the waters of Hong Kong declared under section 56 of the Shipping and Port Control Ordinance (Cap. 313) as Victoria port.This Regulation applies to local vessels to which Part IV of the Ordinance applies.
The owner of a local vessel may appoint another person as his agent for the purposes of this Regulation.
Where the owner of a local vessel has appointed an agent, he shall, within 14 days after the appointment, deliver to the Director—
a notice of appointment that complies with subsection (3); and
a certified copy of the document of identification of the agent.
A notice of appointment shall contain the following particulars—
the name of the local vessel concerned, if any;
if a certificate of ownership is in force in respect of the vessel, the number of the certificate;
the name, telephone number and address in Hong Kong of the owner of the vessel;
the name, telephone number and address in Hong Kong of the agent;
a statement by the owner that he has appointed the agent for the purposes of this Regulation;
a statement by the agent that he has accepted the appointment to be the agent of the owner for the purposes of this Regulation;
the date of appointment;
the signature or, if applicable, the company seal of the owner; and
the signature or, if applicable, the company seal of the agent.
If there is any change in a particular given under section 4(3), the owner of the local vessel concerned or his agent shall, within 14 days after the change, give a written notice of it to the Director.
A person who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 1.
Where the appointment of an agent is terminated for any reason, both the owner of the local vessel concerned and the agent shall immediately give a written notice of the termination to the Director.
A notice given under subsection (1) shall be signed by or stamped with the company seal of (as may be appropriate) the person who gives the notice.
A person who, without reasonable excuse, contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 2.
Subject to subsection (2), this Part applies to a local vessel—
that is a new vessel; or
in respect of which an application is made for the first time for approval of plans with a view to apply for any of the following items—
a certificate of inspection;
a certificate of survey;
a survey record of safety equipment;
a HKLL certificate;
a FA certificate; or
a declaration of fitness.
This Part does not apply to—
a Class II vessel that falls within Schedule 2;
a Class III vessel (including a Class III vessel that falls within Schedule 2) unless it is—
a fish carrier that is a Category A vessel;
a fishing sampan made of glass reinforced plastic; or
a fishing vessel that is a Category A vessel; and
subject to subsection (3), a Class IV vessel.
This Part applies to a Class IV vessel that is—
licensed to carry more than 60 passengers;
licensed to carry not more than 60 passengers but is let for hire or reward, except a vessel that also falls within paragraph (ba), (bb), (c) or (d); (L.N. 70 of 2020)
not less than 24 metres in length, of not more than 150 gross tonnage and licensed for the first time on or after 1 August 2020, except a vessel that also falls within paragraph (d); (L.N. 70 of 2020)
not less than 24 metres in length, of more than 150 gross tonnage and licensed for the first time on or after 1 August 2020; (L.N. 70 of 2020)
of more than 150 gross tonnage and licensed before 1 August 2020; or (L.N. 70 of 2020)
of novel construction.
(Repealed L.N. 70 of 2020)
Subject to subsection (2), the Director or a competent surveyor may, upon application, approve plans relating to a local vessel in accordance with this Part.
Plans relating to a Class IV vessel that falls within section 7(3)(b) or (ba) shall be approved— (L.N. 70 of 2020)
by a competent surveyor; or
where the Director so directs in any particular case, by the Director.
Where the Director directs under subsection (2)(b) that the plans shall be approved by him, an application shall be made to the Director under subsection (1).
The following provisions apply in relation to an application made to the Director under subsection (1)—
the application shall be in the specified form;
plans that have to be approved under section 9(1), (2), (3) or (4) may be submitted separately;
approval of plans under more than one subsection of section 9 may be applied for in a single application;
3 copies of each of the plans to be approved shall be submitted; and
the applicant shall, at the request of the Director, pay the prescribed fee for—
considering the plans; and
if the plans are approved, the approval of the plans.
The Director may—
by a written notice to an applicant, require the applicant to provide such information that the Director considers necessary for determining the application; and
refuse to proceed with the application if the applicant fails to comply with the notice.
Where an application is made to a competent surveyor under subsection (1), the applicant shall, as soon as practicable after engaging the surveyor and in any event before any plans are submitted to the surveyor, notify the Director of the engagement in the specified form.
No certificate of inspection or certificate of survey shall be issued in respect of a local vessel that falls within section 7(1)(a) or (b)(i) or (ii) unless plans relating to the following parts or aspects of the vessel, in so far as they are applicable, have been approved under this Part—
general arrangements;
tonnage measurements and calculations;
structures and scantlings;
freeboard calculations;
arrangements relating to watertightness, weathertightness, bulkheads, hatchways, coamings, side scuttles, air vents, freeing ports, scuppers, inlets and discharges;
stability;
accommodation layouts;
passenger space, seating arrangements, number of passengers and escape routes;
fuel, machinery, shafting and electrical systems;
safety equipment including life-saving appliances, fire-fighting apparatus and emergency controls;
structural fire protection;
navigational and communication equipment including lights, shapes and sound signals;
lifting appliances;
prevention and control of pollution; and
measures against potential hazards to the safety of the vessel and any person or property on board the vessel.
No survey record of safety equipment shall be issued in respect of a local vessel that falls within section 7(1)(a) or (b)(iii) unless plans relating to the following parts or aspects of the vessel, in so far as they are applicable, have been approved under this Part—
general arrangements;
stability;
safety equipment including life-saving appliances, fire-fighting apparatus and emergency controls;
navigational and communication equipment including lights, shapes and sound signals; and
emergency electrical systems.
No HKLL certificate or FA certificate shall be issued in respect of a local vessel that falls within section 7(1)(a) or (b)(iv) or (v) unless plans relating to the following parts or aspects of the vessel, in so far as they are applicable, have been approved under this Part—
general arrangements;
structures and scantlings;
conditions of assignment;
freeboard calculations; and
stability.
No declaration of fitness shall be issued in respect of a local vessel that falls within section 7(1)(a) or (b)(vi) unless plans relating to the following parts or aspects of the vessel, in so far as they are applicable, have been approved under this Part—
general arrangements;
electrical systems, installations and equipment;
safety equipment including life-saving appliances, fire-fighting apparatus and emergency controls;
structural fire protection; and
measures against potential hazards to the safety of the vessel and any person or property on board the vessel.
After considering an application made under section 8(1) for approval of any plan, the Director may—
approve the plan;
approve the plan subject to any reasonable conditions or alterations that he may endorse on the plan;
refuse to approve the plan; or
temporarily withhold the approval of the plan.
The Director shall only approve a plan if he is satisfied that the local vessel concerned or any part of it, if built or arranged in accordance with the plan, will comply with the requirements under this Regulation for the issue of the certificate, record or declaration in respect of which approval of such plan is required under section 9.
Upon approving a plan, the Director shall, in respect of each copy of the plan submitted to him, endorse and sign on—
every page of the plan; and
where the plan includes any booklet, a conspicuous part of the booklet.
The following particulars shall be entered in the plan and booklet referred to in subsection (3)—
the name of the public officer to whom the power to approve the plan is delegated under section 72 of the Ordinance;
the rank of the public officer; and
the date of approval.
The Director shall retain one copy of each plan approved by him and forward the other 2 copies to the applicant.
Within 7 days after refusing to approve a plan under subsection (1)(c), the Director shall—
give a written notice of the refusal to the applicant; and
state in such notice the reasons for the refusal.
Within 7 days after deciding to temporarily withhold the approval of a plan under section 10(1)(d), the Director shall—
give a written notice of the decision to the applicant; and
state in such notice—
the reasons for the decision; and
the requirements as regards rendering the plan fit for re-submission for approval.
An applicant to whom a notice is given under subsection (1) may, when he considers the requirements stated in the notice have been complied with, apply to the Director for approval of the re-submitted plan.
An application made under subsection (2) shall be in the specified form and the applicant shall, at the request of the Director, pay the prescribed fee for—
considering the re-submitted plan; and
if the re-submitted plan is approved, the approval of the plan.
If the Director is satisfied that the requirements stated in a notice given under subsection (1) have been complied with, he shall—
approve the re-submitted plan; or
approve the re-submitted plan subject to any reasonable conditions or alterations that he may endorse on the plan.
Where an application is made to a competent surveyor under section 8(1), he shall only approve the plan if he is satisfied that the local vessel concerned or any part of it, if built or arranged in accordance with the plan, will comply with the requirements under this Regulation for the issue of the certificate, record or declaration in respect of which approval of such plan is required under section 9.
Upon approving a plan, a competent surveyor shall, in respect of each copy of the plan submitted to him, endorse and sign on—
every page of the plan; and
where the plan includes any booklet, a conspicuous part of the booklet.
The following particulars shall be entered in the plan and booklet referred to in subsection (2)—
the name of the competent surveyor;
if the plan is approved by a recognized authority, the name of the individual who is authorized to approve the plan for and on behalf of the authority;
the post title of the individual referred to in paragraph (b); and
the date of approval.
The competent surveyor shall retain at least one copy of each plan approved by him and forward the other copies to the applicant.
This section applies to any plan relating to a local vessel that has been approved by a competent surveyor under this Part, except plans relating to a Class IV vessel that falls within section 7(3)(b) or (ba). (L.N. 70 of 2020)
A competent surveyor who has approved a plan shall submit a declaration of plan approval to the Director within 14 days after the date of approval.
A declaration of plan approval shall be in the specified form.
If a plan approved by a competent surveyor relates to any of the following parts or aspects of a local vessel, he shall submit a copy of the plan together with the declaration of plan approval to the Director—
general arrangements;
tonnage measurements and calculations;
freeboard calculations;
stability;
passenger space, seating arrangements, number of passengers and escape routes;
fuel systems;
safety equipment including life-saving appliances, fire-fighting apparatus and emergency controls;
structural fire protection;
navigational and communication equipment including lights, shapes and sound signals;
prevention and control of pollution; and
measures against potential hazards to the safety of the vessel and any person or property on board the vessel.
This section applies to any plan relating to a local vessel that has been approved by the Director or a competent surveyor under this Part.
The Director may, at any time before he issues the certificate, record or declaration in respect of which any plan is approved under this Part, require—
the plan be amended in such manner as he considers appropriate; and
the amended plan be submitted for further approval by the Director, or the competent surveyor who is initially engaged to approve the plan.
Where the Director requires an amended plan be submitted to him for further approval, the applicant who made the initial application for approval of plan under section 8(1) shall, at the request of the Director, pay the prescribed fee for—
considering the amended plan; and
if the amended plan is approved, the approval of the plan.
The owner of the local vessel concerned or his agent shall ensure that the vessel is built or arranged in accordance with the amended plan.
One set of the plans of a local vessel that are approved under this Part must at all times be kept on board the vessel.
If a local vessel is—
a Class I vessel that is licensed to carry more than 100 passengers; or
a Class IV vessel that is licensed to carry more than 100 passengers,
the vessel’s plans referred to in subsection (1) (except plans containing information on the vessel’s stability) must at all times be displayed in a conspicuous place on the vessel.
If, without reasonable excuse, subsection (1) or (2) is contravened, the owner of the local vessel, the owner’s agent and the coxswain of the vessel each commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 2.
For the purposes of subsection (1), the plans of a local vessel include plans that contain the following information in so far as such information is applicable to the vessel—
the general arrangements of the vessel;
if the vessel is involved in the carriage of passengers, the seating arrangements and escape routes;
the types and dispositions of life-saving appliances, fire-fighting apparatus, lights and sound signals;
the stability information of the vessel;
instructions to be followed in the case of an emergency.
This Part does not apply to—
a Class II vessel or a Class III vessel that falls within Schedule 2; and
subject to subsection (2), a Class IV vessel.
This Part applies to a Class IV vessel that is—
licensed to carry more than 60 passengers;
licensed to carry not more than 60 passengers but is let for hire or reward, except a vessel that also falls within paragraph (ba), (bb), (c) or (d); (L.N. 70 of 2020)
not less than 24 metres in length, of not more than 150 gross tonnage and licensed for the first time on or after 1 August 2020, except a vessel that also falls within paragraph (d); (L.N. 70 of 2020)
not less than 24 metres in length, of more than 150 gross tonnage and licensed for the first time on or after 1 August 2020; (L.N. 70 of 2020)
of more than 150 gross tonnage and licensed before 1 August 2020; or (L.N. 70 of 2020)
of novel construction.
A local vessel shall not be operated unless—
in the case of a Class IV vessel that falls within section 15(2)(b) or (ba), a certificate of inspection; or (L.N. 70 of 2020)
in the case of any other local vessel, a certificate of survey,
is in force in respect of the vessel.
If, without reasonable excuse, subsection (1) is contravened, the owner of the local vessel concerned, his agent and the coxswain each commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3 and to imprisonment for 6 months.
Subject to subsection (2), the Director or a competent surveyor may, upon an application by the owner of a local vessel or his agent, carry out a survey of the vessel in order that a certificate of inspection or certificate of survey may be issued in respect of the vessel.
A survey of a Class IV vessel that falls within section 15(2)(b) or (ba) shall be carried out— (L.N. 70 of 2020)
by a competent surveyor; or
where the Director so directs in any particular case, by the Director.
Where the Director directs under subsection (2)(b) that a survey shall be carried out by him, the owner of the vessel or his agent shall make an application to the Director under subsection (1).
The following provisions apply in relation to an application made to the Director under subsection (1)—
the application shall be in the specified form; and
the applicant shall, at the request of the Director, pay the prescribed fee for—
the survey; and
if a certificate of inspection or certificate of survey is issued, the issue of the certificate.
Where an application is made to a competent surveyor under subsection (1), the applicant shall, as soon as practicable after engaging the surveyor and in any event before the survey is carried out, notify the Director of the engagement in the specified form.
Subsection (5) does not apply to a survey of a Class IV vessel that falls within section 15(2)(b) or (ba). (L.N. 70 of 2020)
A certificate of inspection or certificate of survey shall only be issued in respect of a local vessel if the vessel is fit for the service intended and in good condition.
In determining whether a local vessel is fit for the service intended and in good condition, the Director or the competent surveyor who carries out the survey shall, in addition to any other matters that he considers relevant, have regard to—
the vessel’s compliance with requirements stated in the following provisions or regulations in so far as they are applicable—
section 31;
section 32(1) and (2);
section 33(1) and (2);
section 69 or 70;
section 76 or 77;
section 80;
section 80A; (L.N. 187 of 2016)
section 80B; (L.N. 187 of 2016)
section 81;
the collision regulations;
the use of signals of distress regulations;
in the case of a local vessel to which Part 3 applies, whether the vessel is built or arranged in accordance with the plans approved under section 9(1) and the plans amended under section 14, if any; and
without limiting the generality of paragraph (a)(v), if the Director has issued a notice under section 78(2) in respect of the vessel, whether the notice has been complied with.
This section applies to a Class IV vessel that falls within section 15(2)(b) or (ba). (L.N. 70 of 2020)
If, upon completion of a survey of a Class IV vessel, the Director or competent surveyor who carries out the survey is satisfied that the vessel is fit for the service intended and in good condition, he shall issue a certificate of inspection in respect of the vessel.
A certificate of inspection may be subject to such reasonable conditions or restrictions as the Director or competent surveyor (as may be appropriate) may impose.
The Director or competent surveyor (as may be appropriate) may, by giving a written notice to the owner of a Class IV vessel or his agent—
amend or revoke any conditions or restrictions imposed by him; or
impose such new conditions or restrictions as may be reasonable in the circumstances.
The Director or competent surveyor (as may be appropriate) may, for the purposes of subsection (4), direct the owner of a Class IV vessel or his agent to deliver to him the certificate of inspection issued in respect of the vessel.
A certificate of inspection shall be in the specified form.
This section applies to a survey carried out by the Director on a Class IV vessel that falls within section 15(2)(b) or (ba). (L.N. 70 of 2020)
If, having regard to the findings in a survey of a Class IV vessel, the Director is not satisfied that the vessel is fit for the service intended and in good condition, the Director may either—
refuse to issue a certificate of inspection in respect of the vessel; or
temporarily withhold the issue of the certificate of inspection.
Within 14 days after refusing to issue a certificate of inspection under subsection (2)(a), the Director shall—
give a written notice of the refusal to the applicant; and
state in such notice the reasons for the refusal.
Within 14 days after deciding to temporarily withhold the issue of a certificate of inspection in respect of a Class IV vessel under section 20(2)(b), the Director shall—
give a written notice of the decision to the applicant; and
state in such notice—
the reasons for the decision;
the requirements as regards rendering the vessel fit for the issue of the certificate; and
if the Director sees fit, a requirement that the vessel be re-inspected by him.
If, in a notice given under subsection (1), the Director requires a re-inspection of the Class IV vessel concerned, the owner of the vessel or his agent may, when he considers the requirements stated under subsection (1)(b) have been complied with, apply to the Director for the re-inspection.
An application made under subsection (2) shall be in the specified form and the applicant shall, at the request of the Director, pay the prescribed fee for the re-inspection.
If the Director is satisfied that the requirements stated under subsection (1)(b) have been complied with, he shall issue a certificate of inspection in respect of the Class IV vessel concerned under section 19.
This section applies to a survey carried out by a competent surveyor under this Part, except a survey of a Class IV vessel that falls within section 15(2)(b) or (ba). (L.N. 70 of 2020)
A competent surveyor who has carried out a survey of a local vessel shall, if he considers appropriate to do so, submit a declaration of survey to the Director within 14 days after the date of completion of the survey.
A declaration of survey submitted under subsection (2) shall state—
whether, in the opinion of the competent surveyor, the vessel is fit for the service intended and in good condition;
in the case of a local vessel to which Part 3 applies, whether the vessel is built or arranged in accordance with the plans approved under section 9(1) and the plans amended under section 14, if any;
any conditions or restrictions that the operation of the vessel should be made subject to; and
any other observations, elaborations, qualifications or explanations that are relevant to the issue of the certificate of survey.
A declaration of survey shall be in the specified form.
Upon the receipt of a declaration of survey, the Director may—
by a written notice require—
the competent surveyor who submitted the declaration; or
the owner of the local vessel concerned or his agent,
to provide any information that the Director considers relevant to the issue of the certificate of survey; and
refuse to proceed with the application if the information required under paragraph (a) is not provided.
Where a declaration of survey is submitted to the Director in respect of a local vessel, the owner of the vessel or his agent shall, at the request of the Director, pay the prescribed fee for—
considering the declaration of survey; and
if a certificate of survey is issued, the issue of the certificate.
Notwithstanding section 22, where a survey is carried out by a recognized authority, the Director may recognize another document submitted by the authority as equivalent to a declaration of survey.
Where a document is recognized under subsection (1), references to “declaration of survey” in this Part shall be construed as references to that document.
The Director shall issue a certificate of survey in respect of a local vessel if—
in a case where the survey is carried out by the Director, he is satisfied that; or
in a case where the survey is carried out by a competent surveyor, the matters stated in the declaration of survey submitted under section 22(2) and any information provided pursuant to section 22(5)(a) show that,
the vessel is fit for the service intended and in good condition.
A certificate of survey may be subject to such reasonable conditions or restrictions as the Director may impose.
The Director may, by giving a written notice to the owner of a local vessel or his agent—
amend or revoke any conditions or restrictions imposed by him; or
impose such new conditions or restrictions as may be reasonable in the circumstances.
The Director may, for the purposes of subsection (3), direct the owner of a local vessel or his agent to deliver to him the certificate of survey issued in respect of the vessel.
A certificate of survey shall be in the specified form.
If, having regard to the findings in a survey of a local vessel carried out by the Director, or to the matters stated in the declaration of survey submitted under section 22(2) and any information provided pursuant to section 22(5)(a), the Director is not satisfied that the vessel is fit for the service intended and in good condition, the Director may either—
refuse to issue a certificate of survey in respect of the vessel; or
temporarily withhold the issue of the certificate of survey.
Within 14 days after refusing to issue a certificate of survey under subsection (1)(a), the Director shall—
give a written notice of the refusal to the applicant; and
state in such notice the reasons for the refusal.
Within 14 days after deciding to temporarily withhold the issue of a certificate of survey in respect of a local vessel under section 25(1)(b), the Director shall—
give a written notice of the decision to the applicant; and
state in such notice—
the reasons for the decision;
the requirements as regards rendering the vessel fit for the issue of the certificate; and
if the Director sees fit, a requirement that the vessel be re-inspected by him or the competent surveyor who submitted the declaration of survey in respect of the vessel under section 22(2).
If, in a notice given under subsection (1), the Director requires a re-inspection of the local vessel concerned and such re-inspection is to be carried out by the Director, the owner of the vessel or his agent may, when he considers the requirements stated under subsection (1)(b) have been complied with, apply to the Director for the re-inspection.
An application made under subsection (2) shall be in the specified form and the applicant shall, at the request of the Director, pay the prescribed fee for the re-inspection.
If the Director is satisfied that the requirements stated under subsection (1)(b) have been complied with, he shall issue a certificate of survey in respect of the local vessel concerned under section 24.
If the issue of a certificate of survey in respect of a local vessel is temporarily withheld under section 25(1)(b), any full licence or temporary licence issued under Part 2 of the Certification and Licensing Regulation in respect of the vessel is regarded as having been suspended pending the issue of the certificate of survey.
A certificate of inspection is valid for the period specified in the certificate, which shall not exceed 12 months from—
the date of completion of the survey; or
if, on the date of completion of the survey, the period of validity of the existing certificate of inspection issued in respect of the local vessel concerned has not expired, the expiry date of such existing certificate, (L.N. 265 of 2006)
whichever is the later.
Notwithstanding subsection (1), in no circumstances shall the validity of a certificate of inspection exceed 14 months.
A certificate of survey is valid for—
12 months from the date of completion of the survey; or
such longer or shorter period as the Director may specify in the certificate.
The Director may, for any of the reasons prescribed in subsection (2), cancel or suspend a certificate of inspection or certificate of survey.
The reasons prescribed for the purposes of subsection (1) are—
the Director reasonably believes that—
in a case where Part 3 applies, any information provided in the application for approval of any plan leading to the issue of the certificate of inspection or certificate of survey is erroneous, false or misleading in a material particular;
any information provided in the application for the issue of the certificate of inspection or certificate of survey is erroneous, false or misleading in a material particular;
the survey leading to the issue of the certificate of inspection or certificate of survey is founded on information that is erroneous, false or misleading in a material particular;
in a case where the survey leading to the issue of the certificate of survey is carried out by a competent surveyor, any matters stated in the declaration of survey submitted under section 22(2), or any information provided pursuant to section 22(5)(a), is erroneous, false or misleading in a material particular;
any material change occurs after the survey leading to the issue of the certificate of inspection or certificate of survey;
any condition or restriction imposed under section 19(3) or (4)(b) or 24(2) or (3)(b) is contravened;
any provision of the Ordinance or any regulation made under it is contravened in relation to the local vessel concerned; or
the local vessel concerned is no longer—
fit for the service intended; or
in good condition;
the local vessel concerned is arrested, detained, removed or seized pursuant to any provision of any Ordinance.
Within 14 days after deciding to cancel or suspend a certificate of inspection or certificate of survey under subsection (1), the Director shall—
give a written notice of the decision to the owner of the local vessel concerned or his agent; and
state in such notice—
the reasons for the decision;
the date on which the cancellation or suspension takes effect; and
if applicable, the time within which and the manner in which the owner or agent shall return the certificate to the Director.
Where a certificate of inspection or certificate of survey is suspended under this section, the Director may, upon application made to him or on his own initiative, lift the suspension either conditionally or unconditionally.
A person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to return in accordance with a notice given under subsection (3) a certificate of inspection or certificate of survey that is cancelled or suspended commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3.
A certificate of survey in force in respect of a local vessel shall—
be kept at all times on board the vessel; and
be produced for inspection on request by an authorized officer.
If a certificate of survey issued in respect of a local vessel is returned to or deposited with the Director for any reason other than cancellation or suspension, the Director shall issue an official receipt as proof of the return or deposit of the certificate.
An official receipt issued under subsection (2) shall—
be kept at all times on board the vessel to which it relates; and
be produced for inspection on request by an authorized officer,
in lieu of the certificate of survey.
If, without reasonable excuse, subsection (1) or (3) is contravened, the owner of the local vessel concerned, his agent and the coxswain each commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 2.
The—
certificate of inspection in force in respect of a Class IV vessel; or
certificate of survey in force in respect of—
a Class I vessel;
a Class II vessel that is—
a pilot boat;
a transportation boat; or
a tug;
a Class IV vessel that is licensed to carry more than 60 passengers,
shall be displayed at all times in a conspicuous place on the vessel.
If, without reasonable excuse, subsection (1) is contravened, the owner of the local vessel concerned, his agent and the coxswain each commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 2.
A local vessel shall be—
of good design and construction;
of adequate stability;
of sufficient freeboard;
made of sound materials;
properly assembled;
properly maintained;
regularly inspected;
fit for the service intended; and
in good and serviceable condition.
All life-saving appliances provided on board a local vessel shall be—
sufficient to ensure the safety of persons on board the vessel;
properly maintained;
regularly inspected;
fit for the function intended; and
in good and serviceable condition.
Without limiting the generality of subsection (1)—
every local vessel shall comply with the general requirements as regards the provision of life-saving appliances set out in Part 1 of Schedule 3; and
every local vessel belonging to any class, type, category or description of vessel specified in any Table in Part 2 of Schedule 3 shall comply with the specific requirements as regards the provision of life-saving appliances set out in that Table.
If, without reasonable excuse, subsection (1) or (2) is contravened, the owner of the local vessel concerned, his agent and the coxswain each commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3 and to imprisonment for 6 months.
The measures to be taken to prevent, detect and deal with outbreaks of fire on board a local vessel, including the fire-fighting apparatus provided on board the vessel, shall be—
sufficient to protect the persons and property on board the vessel;
properly maintained;
regularly inspected;
fit for the function intended; and
in good and serviceable condition.
Without limiting the generality of subsection (1)—
every local vessel shall comply with the general requirements as regards fire protection and the provision of fire-fighting apparatus set out in Part 1 of Schedule 4; and
every local vessel belonging to any class, type, category or description of vessel specified in any Table in Part 2 of Schedule 4 shall comply with the specific requirements as regards fire protection and the provision of fire-fighting apparatus set out in that Table.
If, without reasonable excuse, subsection (1) or (2) is contravened, the owner of the local vessel concerned, his agent and the coxswain each commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3 and to imprisonment for 6 months.
Subject to subsection (2), this Division applies to a Class II vessel that is fitted with a propulsion engine and is—
a dry cargo vessel—
of 24 m or more in length; and
that operates within the river trade limits; or
a dangerous goods carrier, a gas carrier, a noxious liquid substance carrier, an oil carrier or a special purpose vessel— (L.N. 25 of 2023)
of 24 m or more in length; and
that operates within the waters of Hong Kong or the river trade limits.
This Division does not apply to a Class II vessel if a cargo ship safety equipment certificate issued by—
a recognized authority; or
an organization approved under section 8(1) of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) Ordinance (Cap. 369) for the purposes of issuing such a certificate,
is in force in respect of the vessel.
A Class II vessel to which this Division applies shall not be operated unless a survey record of safety equipment is in force in respect of the vessel.
If, without reasonable excuse, subsection (1) is contravened, the owner of the Class II vessel concerned, his agent and the coxswain each commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3 and to imprisonment for 6 months.
The Director or a competent surveyor may, upon an application by the owner of a Class II vessel that falls within section 34(1)(a) or his agent, carry out a survey of the vessel in order that a survey record of safety equipment may be issued in respect of the vessel.
The Director may, upon an application by the owner of a Class II vessel that falls within section 34(1)(b) or his agent, carry out a survey of the vessel in order that a survey record of safety equipment may be issued in respect of the vessel.
A survey record of safety equipment shall only be issued in respect of a Class II vessel if sections 31, 32(1) and (2), 33(1) and (2) and 81, in so far as they are applicable, have been complied with in relation to the vessel.
A competent surveyor who has carried out a survey under section 36(1) shall, if he considers appropriate to do so, submit a declaration of survey to the Director within 14 days after the date of completion of the survey.
A declaration of survey submitted under subsection (1) shall state—
whether, in the opinion of the competent surveyor, sections 31, 32(1) and (2), 33(1) and (2) and 81, in so far as they are applicable, have been complied with in relation to the Class II vessel concerned;
in the case of a Class II vessel to which Part 3 applies, whether the vessel is built or arranged in accordance with the plans approved under section 9(2) and the plans amended under section 14, if any; and
the matters stated in section 58.
The Director shall issue a survey record of safety equipment in respect of a Class II vessel to which this Division applies if—
in a case where the survey is carried out by the Director, he is satisfied that; or
in a case where the survey is carried out by a competent surveyor, the matters stated in the declaration of survey submitted under section 38(1) and any information provided pursuant to section 60(a) show that,
sections 31, 32(1) and (2), 33(1) and (2) and 81, in so far as they are applicable, have been complied with in relation to the vessel.
A survey record of safety equipment is valid for—
12 months from the date of completion of the survey; or
such longer or shorter period as the Director may specify in the record.
Subject to subsection (2), this Part applies to a Class II vessel—
which belongs to a type, category or description of vessel specified in Part 1 of Schedule 5; and
in respect of which it is specified in that Part that a HKLL certificate or FA certificate is required.
This Part does not apply to a Class II vessel if an international load line certificate issued by—
a recognized authority; or
an organization approved under section 8(1) of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) Ordinance (Cap. 369) for the purposes of issuing such a certificate,
in accordance with the Load Lines Convention is in force in respect of the vessel.
A Class II vessel to which this Part applies shall not be operated unless a HKLL certificate or FA certificate is in force in respect of the vessel.
If, without reasonable excuse, subsection (1) is contravened, the owner of the Class II vessel concerned, his agent and the coxswain each commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3 and to imprisonment for 6 months.
The Director or a competent surveyor may, upon an application by the owner of a Class II vessel to which this Part applies or his agent, carry out a survey of the vessel in order that a HKLL certificate or FA certificate may be issued in respect of the vessel.
A HKLL certificate or FA certificate shall only be issued in respect of a Class II vessel if—
in a case where the vessel has to be issued with a HKLL certificate for the first time—
the conditions of assignment are complied with; and
its load lines are calculated and marked in accordance with the Load Lines Convention;
in a case where the vessel has to be issued with a FA certificate for the first time—
its freeboard is calculated in accordance with Part 2 of Schedule 5; and
its freeboard marks are marked in accordance with Part 3 of Schedule 5;
in a case where the vessel has been issued with a HKLL certificate or FA certificate (whether or not such certificate has expired)—
the conditions of assignment are complied with;
no alteration that would affect the accuracy of the data based on which freeboard was assigned to the vessel has been made to the vessel; and
the load line marks or freeboard marks are correctly and permanently marked on the vessel.
A competent surveyor who has carried out a survey under section 43 shall, if he considers appropriate to do so, submit a declaration of survey to the Director within 14 days after the date of completion of the survey.
A declaration of survey submitted under subsection (1) shall state—
whether, in the opinion of the competent surveyor, section 44, in so far as it is applicable, has been complied with in relation to the Class II vessel concerned;
in the case of a Class II vessel to which Part 3 applies, whether the vessel is built or arranged in accordance with the plans approved under section 9(3) and the plans amended under section 14, if any; and
the matters stated in section 58.
The Director shall issue a Hong Kong load line certificate or freeboard assignment certificate in respect of a Class II vessel to which this Part applies if—
in a case where the survey is carried out by the Director, he is satisfied that; or
in a case where the survey is carried out by a competent surveyor, the matters stated in the declaration of survey submitted under section 45(1) and any information provided pursuant to section 60(a) show that,
section 44, in so far as it is applicable, has been complied with in relation to the vessel.
A HKLL certificate or FA certificate is valid for—
12 months from the date of completion of the survey; or
such longer or shorter period as the Director may specify in the certificate.
A person who, without reasonable excuse, obliterates or alters any load line marks or freeboard marks marked on a Class II vessel commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3.
Subject to subsections (2) and (3), this Part applies to a local vessel that is used or to be used for carrying any dangerous goods.
This Part does not apply to the carrying in a local vessel of—
any Class 1 dangerous goods (as defined by section 2 of the Dangerous Goods (Shipping) Regulation 2012 (Cap. 295 sub. leg. F)) that are—
materials (as defined by section 2 of the Entertainment Special Effects Ordinance (Cap. 560)); and
conveyed in compliance with the terms and conditions specified in a conveyance permit issued under section 22(2) of that Ordinance for the conveyance of the materials;
any liquefied petroleum gas that is—
contained—
in a cylinder that has a water capacity of less than 130 litres; or
in a combination of cylinders that have a combined water capacity of less than 130 litres; and
conveyed for and incidental to the production of entertainment special effects (as defined by section 2 of the Entertainment Special Effects Ordinance (Cap. 560)); or
any other dangerous goods, if the conveyance of the dangerous goods is exempt from the operation of section 6 of the Dangerous Goods Ordinance (Cap. 295) under Part 3 of the Dangerous Goods (Application and Exemption) Regulation 2012 (Cap. 295 sub. leg. E). (29 of 2021 s. 64)
This Part does not apply to a local vessel if a document of compliance issued by—
a recognized authority; or
an organization approved under section 8(1) of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) Ordinance (Cap. 369) for the purposes of issuing such a document,
is in force in respect of the vessel.
In this Part—
dangerous goods (危險品) has the meaning given by section 3 of the Dangerous Goods (Shipping) Regulation 2012 (Cap. 295 sub. leg. F); (29 of 2021 s. 64) document of compliance (符合證明) means a document evidencing compliance with the special requirements for ships carrying dangerous goods issued in accordance with Chapter II-2 of the SOLAS Convention.A local vessel to which this Part applies shall not be operated unless a declaration of fitness is in force in respect of the vessel.
If, without reasonable excuse, subsection (1) is contravened, the owner of the local vessel concerned, his agent and the coxswain each commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3 and to imprisonment for 6 months.
The Director or a competent surveyor may, upon an application by the owner of a local vessel to which this Part applies or his agent, carry out a survey of the vessel in order that a declaration of fitness may be issued in respect of the vessel.
A declaration of fitness for the purposes of carrying any type of dangerous goods on a local vessel shall only be issued in respect of the vessel if, having regard to the structures, equipments, signals, flags and arrangements of the vessel, the Director is satisfied that the vessel is suitable and fit to carry that type of dangerous goods.
A competent surveyor who has carried out a survey under section 51 shall, if he considers appropriate to do so, submit a declaration of survey to the Director within 14 days after the date of completion of the survey.
A declaration of survey submitted under subsection (1) shall state—
whether, in the opinion of the competent surveyor, the local vessel concerned is suitable and fit to carry the type of dangerous goods concerned;
in the case of a local vessel to which Part 3 applies, whether the vessel is built or arranged in accordance with the plans approved under section 9(4) and the plans amended under section 14, if any; and
the matters stated in section 58.
The Director shall issue a declaration of fitness for the carriage of dangerous goods in respect of a local vessel to which this Part applies if—
in a case where the survey is carried out by the Director, he is satisfied that; or
in a case where the survey is carried out by a competent surveyor, the matters stated in the declaration of survey submitted under section 53(1) and any information provided pursuant to section 60(a) show that,
the vessel is suitable and fit to carry the type of dangerous goods concerned.
A declaration of fitness is valid for—
12 months from the date of completion of the survey; or
such longer or shorter period as the Director may specify in the declaration.
In this Part—
declaration of survey (檢驗聲明) means a declaration of survey submitted under section 38(1), 45(1) or 53(1), as may be appropriate; statutory instrument (法定文書) means—(a)a survey record of safety equipment;(b)a HKLL certificate;(c)a FA certificate; or(d)a declaration of fitness,as may be appropriate depending on the provision under which a survey is applied for; survey (檢驗) means a survey carried out under section 36(1) or (2), 43 or 51, as may be appropriate.An application to the Director for survey of a local vessel shall be in the specified form and the applicant shall, at the request of the Director, pay the prescribed fee for—
the survey; and
if a statutory instrument is issued, the issue of the instrument.
Where a survey of a local vessel is to be carried out by a competent surveyor, the owner of the vessel or his agent shall, as soon as practicable after engaging the surveyor and in any event before the survey is carried out, notify the Director of the engagement in the specified form.
A declaration of survey shall state—
any conditions or restrictions that the operation of the local vessel concerned should be made subject to; and
any other observations, elaborations, qualifications or explanations that are relevant to the issue of the statutory instrument.
A declaration of survey shall be in the specified form.
Where a declaration of survey is submitted to the Director in respect of a local vessel, the owner of the vessel or his agent shall, at the request of the Director, pay the prescribed fee for—
considering the declaration of survey; and
if a statutory instrument is issued, the issue of the instrument.
Upon the receipt of a declaration of survey, the Director may—
by a written notice require—
the competent surveyor who submitted the declaration; or
the owner of the local vessel concerned or his agent,
to provide any information that the Director considers relevant to the issue of the statutory instrument; and
refuse to proceed with the application if the information required under paragraph (a) is not provided.
Where a survey is carried out by a recognized authority, the Director may recognize another document submitted by the authority as equivalent to a declaration of survey.
Where a document is recognized under subsection (1), references to “declaration of survey” in this Part and Part 5, 6 or 7 (as may be appropriate) shall be construed as references to that document.
A statutory instrument may be subject to such reasonable conditions or restrictions as the Director may impose.
The Director may, by giving a written notice to the owner of a local vessel or his agent—
amend or revoke any conditions or restrictions imposed by him; or
impose such new conditions or restrictions as may be reasonable in the circumstances.
The Director may, for the purposes of subsection (2), direct the owner of a local vessel or his agent to deliver to him the statutory instrument issued in respect of the vessel.
A statutory instrument shall be in the specified form.
If, having regard to the findings in a survey of a local vessel carried out by the Director, or to the matters stated in a declaration of survey and any information provided pursuant to section 60(a), the Director is not satisfied that a statutory instrument should be issued in respect of the vessel, the Director may either—
refuse to issue the instrument; or
temporarily withhold the issue of the instrument.
Within 14 days after refusing to issue a statutory instrument under subsection (1)(a), the Director shall—
give a written notice of the refusal to the applicant; and
state in such notice the reasons for the refusal.
Within 14 days after deciding to temporarily withhold the issue of a statutory instrument in respect of a local vessel under section 64(1)(b), the Director shall—
give a written notice of the decision to the applicant; and
state in such notice—
the reasons for the decision;
the requirements as regards rendering the vessel fit for the issue of the instrument; and
if the Director sees fit, a requirement that the vessel be re-inspected by him or the competent surveyor who submitted the declaration of survey in respect of the vessel.
If, in a notice given under subsection (1), the Director requires for a re-inspection of the local vessel concerned and such re-inspection is to be carried out by the Director, the owner of the vessel or his agent may, when he considers the requirements stated under subsection (1)(b) have been complied with, apply to the Director for the re-inspection.
An application made under subsection (2) shall be in the specified form and the applicant shall, at the request of the Director, pay the prescribed fee for the re-inspection.
If the Director is satisfied that the requirements stated under subsection (1)(b) have been complied with, he shall issue a statutory instrument in respect of the local vessel concerned.
For the avoidance of doubt, sections 62 and 63 applies to a statutory instrument issued under subsection (4).
The Director may, for any of the reasons prescribed in subsection (2), cancel or suspend a statutory instrument.
The reasons prescribed for the purposes of subsection (1) are—
the Director reasonably believes that—
in a case where Part 3 applies, any information provided in the application for approval of any plan leading to the issue of the statutory instrument is erroneous, false or misleading in a material particular;
any information provided in the application for the issue of the statutory instrument is erroneous, false or misleading in a material particular;
the survey leading to the issue of the statutory instrument is founded on information that is erroneous, false or misleading in a material particular;
in a case where the survey leading to the issue of a statutory instrument is carried out by a competent surveyor, any matters stated in the declaration of survey or any information provided pursuant to section 60(a), is erroneous, false or misleading in a material particular;
any material change occurs after the survey leading to the issue of the statutory instrument;
any condition or restriction imposed under section 62(1) or (2)(b) is contravened;
any provision of the Ordinance or any regulation made under it is contravened in relation to the local vessel concerned; or
the local vessel concerned is no longer—
fit for the service intended; or
in good condition;
the local vessel concerned is arrested, detained, removed or seized pursuant to any provision of any Ordinance.
Within 14 days after deciding to cancel or suspend a statutory instrument under subsection (1), the Director shall—
give a written notice of the decision to the owner of the vessel or his agent; and
state in such notice—
the reasons for the decision;
the date on which the cancellation or suspension takes effect; and
if applicable, the time within which and the manner in which the owner or agent shall return the statutory instrument to the Director.
Where a statutory instrument is suspended under this section, the Director may, upon application made to him or on his own initiative, lift the suspension either conditionally or unconditionally.
A person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to return in accordance with a notice given under subsection (3) a statutory instrument that is cancelled or suspended commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3.
A statutory instrument in force in respect of a local vessel shall—
be kept at all times on board the vessel; and
be produced for inspection on request by an authorized officer.
If a statutory instrument issued in respect of a local vessel is returned to or deposited with the Director for any reason other than cancellation or suspension, the Director shall issue an official receipt as proof of the return or deposit of the statutory instrument.
An official receipt issued under subsection (2) shall—
be kept at all times on board the vessel to which it relates; and
be produced for inspection on request by an authorized officer,
in lieu of the statutory instrument.
If, without reasonable excuse, subsection (1) or (3) is contravened, the owner of the local vessel concerned, his agent and the coxswain each commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 2.
This section applies to any local vessel other than a Class IV vessel in respect of which a certificate of inspection is required.
The Director shall determine the number of passengers that—
a local vessel may carry; or
local vessels belonging to a class, type, category or description of vessel may carry.
When making a determination under subsection (2), the Director shall, in addition to any other matter that he considers relevant, have regard to—
the material considerations defined in section 68; and
in a case where a certificate of survey is issued in respect of the local vessel concerned and the survey concerned is carried out by a competent surveyor, any information regarding the carriage of passengers contained in the declaration of survey submitted under section 22(2).
The number of passengers that a local vessel may carry as determined under subsection (2) shall be specified in—
its operating licence; and
if a certificate of survey is issued in respect of the vessel, the certificate.
This section applies to a Class IV vessel in respect of which a certificate of inspection is required.
The number of passengers that a Class IV vessel to which this section applies may carry shall be determined by—
if the survey leading to the issue of the certificate of inspection in respect of the vessel is carried out by the Director, the Director; or
if the survey is carried out by a competent surveyor, the competent surveyor.
When making a determination under subsection (2), the Director or competent surveyor shall, in addition to any other matter that he considers relevant, have regard to the material considerations defined in section 68.
The number of passengers that a Class IV vessel to which this section applies may carry as determined under subsection (2) shall be specified in—
its operating licence; and
the certificate of inspection issued in respect of the vessel.
This section applies when the number of passengers that a local vessel may carry as shown in its existing operating licence is different from the number of passengers specified in the certificate of inspection or certificate of survey issued in respect of the vessel.
The owner of the local vessel concerned or his agent shall, within 7 days after the date of issue of the certificate of inspection or certificate of survey, return the existing operating licence to the Director, and the Director shall, subject to subsection (3), issue a new operating licence in respect of the vessel in which the same number of passengers as that specified in the certificate shall be shown.
If—
the number of passengers as shown in the existing operating licence of the local vessel concerned is less than the number of passengers specified in its certificate of inspection or certificate of survey, the issue of a new operating licence is subject to payment of the prescribed fee; and
the number of passengers as shown in the existing operating licence of the local vessel concerned is more than the number of passengers specified in its certificate of inspection or certificate of survey, the issue of a new operating licence shall be free of charge.
A new operating licence issued under subsection (2) is valid for the remainder of the period of validity of the existing operating licence.
If, having regard to the material considerations defined in section 68 and any special circumstances of the case, the Director considers a local vessel—
should no longer carry the number of passengers that it is allowed to carry; or
should not be allowed to carry the number of passengers that local vessels of the same class, type, category or description of vessel may carry,
the Director may, by a written notice given to the owner of the vessel or his agent, direct that the vessel shall only carry such lesser number of passengers as he may determine.
The Director shall state in a notice given under subsection (1)—
the reasons for making the direction; and
the time within which and the manner in which the owner of the local vessel concerned or his agent shall return to the Director—
the operating licence; and
the certificate of inspection or certificate of survey, if any,
issued in respect of the vessel.
Where an operating licence, certificate of inspection or certificate of survey is returned to the Director pursuant to subsection (2), the Director shall, upon payment of the prescribed fee, issue a new operating licence, certificate of inspection or certificate of survey, as the case may be, in respect of the local vessel concerned in which the lesser number of passengers shall be specified.
A new operating licence, certificate of inspection or certificate of survey issued under subsection (3) is valid for the remainder of the period of validity of the existing operating licence, certificate of inspection or certificate of survey.
A person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a notice given under subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3.
Unless the Director directs otherwise, no space below the main deck of a local vessel shall be used as a passenger space.
If, without reasonable excuse, subsection (1) is contravened, the owner of the local vessel concerned, his agent and the coxswain each commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 2.
Any space in a Class I vessel that is a Category A vessel at which the noise level exceeds 85 dB(A) when measured at the maximum operating speed of the propulsion engine shall not be used as a passenger space.
In this section—
maximum operating speed (最高運作速度) means the greatest speed that the propulsion shafting of a local vessel can achieve; noise level (噪音聲級) means “A” weighted sound pressure level in decibels dB(A) as defined and tabulated in—(a)the British Standards specification number BS 5969:1981; or(b)any other equivalent standard.This Part applies to a local vessel—
in respect of which one or more of the following instruments is in force—
a certificate of inspection;
a certificate of survey;
a survey record of safety equipment;
a HKLL certificate;
a FA certificate;
a declaration of fitness; and
that is to be altered—
to an extent that will render the particulars stated in any certificate, record or declaration referred to in paragraph (a) inaccurate; but
not to the extent that will render the vessel a new vessel.
Subject to section 77(5), this section applies to a local vessel other than a Class IV vessel in respect of which a certificate of inspection is issued by a competent surveyor.
The owner of a local vessel to which this section applies or his agent shall apply for a written permission of the Director before making any alteration to the vessel.
An application made under subsection (2) shall be—
in the specified form; and
accompanied by information that the applicant considers necessary to enable the Director to determine the application.
Upon considering an application made under subsection (2), the Director may—
either unconditionally or subject to any reasonable conditions or restrictions, give the applicant a written permission to make the alteration concerned; or
temporarily withhold the giving of the written permission and state, by a written notice to the applicant, the requirements to be complied with before a permission may be given.
Without limiting the generality of subsection (4)(b), the Director may require—
the approval of plans relating to the alteration;
the survey of the local vessel concerned after the alteration;
the re-issue of any certificate, record or declaration referred to in section 75(a);
the payment of—
the prescribed fee for—
considering the plans; and
if the plans are approved, the approval of the plans;
the prescribed fee for surveying the local vessel concerned; and
the prescribed fee for re-issuing any certificate, record or declaration referred to in section 75(a).
If the Director is satisfied that the requirements stated in a notice given under subsection (4)(b) have been complied with, he may either unconditionally or subject to any reasonable conditions or restrictions, give the applicant a written permission to make the alteration concerned.
This section applies to a Class IV vessel in respect of which a certificate of inspection is issued by a competent surveyor.
The owner of a Class IV vessel to which this section applies or his agent shall apply for a written permission of the competent surveyor who issued the certificate of inspection in respect of the vessel before making any alteration to the vessel.
Upon considering an application made under subsection (2), a competent surveyor may—
either unconditionally or subject to any reasonable conditions or restrictions, give the applicant a written permission to make the alteration concerned; or
temporarily withhold the giving of the written permission and state, by a written notice to the applicant, the requirements to be complied with before a permission may be given.
If a competent surveyor is satisfied that the requirements stated in a notice given under subsection (3)(b) have been complied with, he may either unconditionally or subject to any reasonable conditions or restrictions, give the applicant a written permission to make the alteration concerned.
If for any reason the competent surveyor who issued the certificate of inspection in respect of the Class IV vessel concerned is unable to give a written permission under this section, the owner of the vessel or his agent may refer the matter to the Director and section 76 applies to the vessel accordingly.
If a written permission given under section 76(4)(a) or (6) or 77(3)(a) or (4) is required under this Part for the alteration of a local vessel but the alteration is made, without reasonable excuse, in the absence of such permission, the person who makes or causes the making of the alteration commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3.
If a local vessel has been altered as described in subsection (1), the Director may, by a written notice given to the owner of the vessel or his agent, require that the vessel be restored to the condition the vessel was in immediately before the alteration.
The Director may suspend any certificate, record or declaration referred to in section 75(a) until he is satisfied that a requirement under subsection (2) has been complied with in relation to the local vessel concerned.
(Format changes—E.R. 1 of 2025)
(L.N. 187 of 2016; 27 of 2024 s. 29)
In this Part—
VHF (甚高頻) means very high frequency.A Class II vessel of 24 m or more in length that—
is—
a flat-top work barge;
a floating workshop;
a pilot boat;
a transportation boat; or
a work boat,
fitted with any propulsion engine; or
is—
a crane barge;
a flat-top work barge;
a floating workshop;
a landing platform;
a landing pontoon;
a stationary vessel; or
a work boat,
not fitted with any propulsion engine,
shall not ply beyond the waters of Hong Kong.
A Class II vessel of less than 24 m in length that—
is—
a dangerous goods carrier;
a dredger;
a dry cargo vessel;
an edible oil carrier;
a flat-top work barge;
a floating workshop;
a noxious liquid substance carrier;
an oil carrier;
a pilot boat;
a transportation boat;
a transportation sampan;
a water boat; or
a work boat,
fitted with any propulsion engine; or
is—
a crane barge;
a dangerous goods carrier;
a dumb lighter;
an edible oil carrier;
a flat-top work barge;
a floating workshop;
a hopper barge;
a landing platform;
a landing pontoon;
a noxious liquid substance carrier;
an oil carrier;
a stationary vessel;
a transportation sampan; or
a work boat,
not fitted with any propulsion engine,
shall not ply beyond the waters of Hong Kong.
If, without reasonable excuse, subsection (1) or (2) is contravened, the owner of the Class II vessel concerned, his agent and the coxswain each commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3 and to imprisonment for 6 months.
This section applies to a Class I vessel—
that is a ferry vessel or launch;
that operates a franchised service or a licensed service as defined in the Ferry Services Ordinance (Cap. 104); and
that plies outside the boundaries of the Victoria port.
This section also applies to a Class I vessel that is licensed to carry more than 100 passengers except—
a floating restaurant;
a stationary vessel;
a vessel the operating licence of which restricts the vessel to plying within a typhoon shelter; or
a vessel—
that is in use on or is reserved for a franchised service or a licensed service as defined in the Ferry Services Ordinance (Cap. 104);
that is subject to the maximum permitted speed specified in Schedule 2 to the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (General) Regulation (Cap. 548 sub. leg. F); and
the operating licence of which restricts the vessel to plying within the boundaries of the Victoria port. (L.N. 187 of 2016)
This section also applies to a Class IV vessel that is licensed to carry more than 100 passengers. (L.N. 70 of 2020)
A Class I vessel or Class IV vessel to which this section applies shall be fitted with radar equipment that is capable of determining whether any risk of collision exists, including equipment that can, by long-range scanning, give early warning of any risk of collision. (L.N. 70 of 2020)
If, without reasonable excuse, subsection (2) is contravened, the owner of the Class I vessel or Class IV vessel concerned, his agent and the coxswain each commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3. (L.N. 70 of 2020)
This section applies to a Class I vessel that is licensed to carry more than 100 passengers except—
a floating restaurant;
a stationary vessel; or
a vessel the operating licence of which restricts the vessel to plying within a typhoon shelter.
This section also applies to a Class II vessel that is—
a dangerous goods carrier;
a gas carrier; (L.N. 25 of 2023)
a noxious liquid substance carrier;
an oil carrier; or
a vessel of 300 gross tonnage or above fitted with a propulsion engine.
This section also applies to a Class IV vessel that is licensed to carry more than 100 passengers. (L.N. 70 of 2020)
A vessel must be fitted with an automatic identification system.
The following information must be stored and maintained in the automatic identification system—
the Maritime Mobile Service Identity number of the vessel;
the name of the vessel as specified in its certificate of ownership; and
the identifier number of the vessel.
If subsection (3) or (4) is contravened, each person specified in subsection (6) commits an offence if the person has no reasonable excuse for the contravention.
The persons are—
the owner of the vessel;
the owner’s agent; and
the coxswain of the vessel.
A person who commits an offence under subsection (5) is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3.
In this section—
automatic identification system (自動識別系統) means a system that— (a)meets the relevant requirements in Annex 2 to the ITU recommendation; and (b)is capable of—(i)providing the specified information automatically to appropriately equipped shore stations, other vessels and aircraft;(ii)receiving the specified information automatically from other vessels fitted with the system;(iii)monitoring and tracking other vessels fitted with the system; and(iv)exchanging data with shore-based facilities; certificate of ownership (擁有權證明書) has the meaning given by section 2(1) of the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Certification and Licensing) Regulation (Cap. 548 sub. leg. D); identifier number (標識符編號), in relation to a vessel, means the identifier number describing the type of the vessel according to the table entitled “Identifiers to be used by ships to report their type” in the ITU recommendation; ITU recommendation (《國際電信聯盟建議書》) means the Recommendation ITU-R M.1371 “Technical characteristics for an automatic identification system using time division multiple access in the VHF maritime mobile frequency band” approved by the International Telecommunication Union, as amended from time to time; Maritime Mobile Service Identity number (MMSI編號), in relation to a vessel, means the maritime mobile service identity number specified in the licence of the vessel granted by the Communications Authority under the Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap. 106), for the use of the automatic identification system fitted on the vessel; specified information (指明資料), in relation to a vessel, includes the identity, type, position, course, speed, navigational status and other safety related information of the vessel.This section applies to a Class I vessel that is licensed to carry more than 12 passengers except—
a floating restaurant;
a stationary vessel;
a vessel to which Part 9 of the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (General) Regulation (Cap. 548 sub. leg. F) applies; or
a vessel the operating licence of which restricts the vessel to plying within a typhoon shelter.
This section also applies to—
a Class IV vessel that is licensed to carry 13 to 60 passengers and is let for hire or reward; and
a Class IV vessel that is licensed to carry more than 60 passengers. (L.N. 70 of 2020)
A vessel must have on board radiotelephone equipment for VHF radiotelephone communication that is capable of operation on specified VHF channels.
The radiotelephone equipment must be available for operation from the navigational bridge of a vessel, or if there is no navigational bridge on the vessel, from its steering position.
If subsection (2) or (3) is contravened, each person specified in subsection (5) commits an offence if the person has no reasonable excuse for the contravention.
The persons are—
the owner of the vessel;
the owner’s agent; and
the coxswain of the vessel.
A person who commits an offence under subsection (4) is liable on conviction to a fine at level 3.
In this section—
Radio Regulations (《無線電規則》) means the Radio Regulations complementing the Constitution and Convention of the International Telecommunication Union as in force from time to time; (L.N. 127 of 2024) specified VHF channel (指明甚高頻頻道), in relation to VHF radiotelephone communication, means a radiotelephone channel in the VHF band provided for in the Radio Regulations and specified in column 1 of the First Schedule to the Shipping and Port Control Regulations (Cap. 313 sub. leg. A); steering position (操舵位置) means the position from which the vessel is steered.Subject to subsection (2), a Class I vessel, Class II vessel or Class III vessel shall not be fitted with an engine that uses petroleum fuel with a flash point of less than 60°C (closed cup test). (L.N. 187 of 2016)
A local vessel must not be fitted with an engine or equipment that uses gaseous or liquid fuel (other than petroleum fuel) with a flash point of less than 60 C (closed cup test), unless the fitting of such engine or equipment is approved by the Director. (27 of 2024 s. 31)
Subsection (1) does not apply to a local vessel specified in Schedule 6. (L.N. 25 of 2023)
A person who, without reasonable excuse—
uses or operates;
permits to be used or operated; or
is in charge of,
a local vessel in respect of which subsection (1) or (1A) is contravened commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 2.
The owner, the owner’s agent and the coxswain of a gas carrier fitted with an engine or equipment that uses low-flashpoint fuel must ensure that the liquefied gases in bulk on board are conveyed and handled in a manner such that the following risks are minimized—
risk to the safety of the gas carrier;
risk to the health and safety of any person on board;
risk of damage to the environment.
The owner, the owner’s agent and the coxswain of a vessel (other than a gas carrier) fitted with an engine or equipment that uses low-flashpoint fuel must ensure that low-flashpoint fuel is used and handled in a manner such that the following risks are minimized—
risk to the safety of the vessel;
risk to the health and safety of any person on board;
risk of damage to the environment.
If subsection (1) or (2) is contravened in respect of a vessel, the owner, the owner’s agent and the coxswain of the vessel each commit an offence and are liable on conviction to a fine at level 2.
It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (3) to prove that the person had a reasonable excuse for contravening subsection (1) or (2) (as the case requires).
In this section—
low-flashpoint fuel (低閃點燃料) means gaseous or liquid fuel (other than petroleum fuel) with a flash point of less than 60 C (closed cup test).A local vessel belonging to any class, type, category or description of vessel specified in Schedule 7 shall comply with the requirements of the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations (Cap. 413 sub. leg. A).
This section applies where this Regulation requires—
a local vessel to be fitted with, or to carry on board, any fitting, material, appliance or apparatus of a particular description or type; or
any particular provision be made for a local vessel.
The Director may permit—
a local vessel to be fitted with, or to carry on board, any other fitting, material, appliance or apparatus; or
any other provision be made for a local vessel,
as an alternative to that required by this Regulation if the Director is satisfied by trial or otherwise that such fitting, material, appliance, apparatus or provision is at least as effective as that required under this Regulation.
For the purposes of providing practical guidance with respect to specifications, standards or requirements relating to local vessels, the Director may from time to time issue instructions or directions by way of a Marine Department Notice.
This section applies where—
any of the following instruments is in force in respect of a local vessel—
a certificate of inspection;
a certificate of survey;
a survey record of safety equipment;
a HKLL certificate;
a FA certificate;
a declaration of fitness; and
such instrument is, for any reason, destructed, defaced or lost.
The Director may, upon an application by the owner of a local vessel or his agent and upon being satisfied of the destruction, defacement or loss of an instrument referred to in subsection (1), issue to the owner or his agent a duplicate of the instrument.
A duplicate issued under subsection (2) in respect of an instrument referred to in subsection (1) shall be regarded for the purposes of this Regulation as the instrument.
An application made under subsection (2) shall be—
in the specified form; and
accompanied by the prescribed fee.
Every duplicate issued under subsection (2) shall be clearly endorsed in a conspicuous place with the English word “DUPLICATE” and the Chinese characters “複本”.
A duplicate issued under subsection (2) shall supersede the original concerned which shall cease to have effect and shall be returned to the Director—
if the original is not totally destructed or is only defaced, on the making of an application under subsection (2); or
if the original is lost, as soon as it is found.
Where, without reasonable excuse, the original of an instrument referred to in subsection (1) is not returned as required by subsection (6), the owner of the local vessel concerned and his agent each commits an offence and is liable to a fine at level 3.
A person who is aggrieved by a decision made by the Director in respect of the person under any of the following provisions may appeal to the Administrative Appeals Board—
section 10(1)(c) and (d) (refusing to approve or temporarily withholding the approval of any plan);
section 19(3) (imposing conditions or restrictions on a certificate of inspection);
section 19(4) (amending or revoking conditions or restrictions imposed on a certificate of inspection, or imposing new conditions or restrictions on it);
section 20(2) (refusing to issue or temporarily withholding the issue of a certificate of inspection);
section 24(2) (imposing conditions or restrictions on a certificate of survey);
section 24(3) (amending or revoking conditions or restrictions imposed on a certificate of survey, or imposing new conditions or restrictions on it);
section 25(1) (refusing to issue or temporarily withholding the issue of a certificate of survey);
section 28(1) (cancelling or suspending a certificate of inspection or certificate of survey);
section 62(1) (imposing conditions or restrictions on a survey record of safety equipment, HKLL certificate, FA certificate or declaration of fitness);
section 62(2) (amending or revoking conditions or restrictions imposed on a survey record of safety equipment, HKLL certificate, FA certificate or declaration of fitness, or imposing new conditions or restrictions on it);
section 64(1) (refusing to issue or temporarily withholding the issue of a survey record of safety equipment, HKLL certificate, FA certificate or declaration of fitness);
section 66(1) (cancelling or suspending a survey record of safety equipment, HKLL certificate, FA certificate or declaration of fitness).
An appeal under subsection (1) shall be made within 14 days after the following date— (L.N. 265 of 2006)
in the case of a decision referred to in subsection (1)(a), (c), (d), (f), (g), (h), (j), (k) or (l), the date on which the person aggrieved has received notice of the decision; or
in the case of a decision referred to in subsection (1)(b), (e) or (i), the date on which the person aggrieved has received the certificate, survey record or declaration concerned.
Unless it is in the opinion of the Director inappropriate to do so, an appeal under subsection (1) shall not render a decision that is appealed against ineffective.
The Director may, by notice in the Gazette, amend any of the Schedules.
The transitional provisions specified in Schedule 8 have effect.
During the transitional period, a local vessel that complies with the former requirements is taken to be in compliance with the new requirements.
In this section—
amending Regulation (《修訂規例》) means the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Safety and Survey) (Amendment) Regulation 2019 (L.N. 154 of 2019); (E.R. 4 of 2024) former requirements (原有規定) means the requirements for life-saving appliances and fire-fighting apparatus in this Regulation as in force immediately before it was amended by the amending Regulation; new requirements (新規定) means the requirements for life-saving appliances and fire-fighting apparatus in this Regulation as amended by the amending Regulation; transitional period (過渡期) means the period of 2 years beginning on 23 December 2019.| Class | Types | Category | |
| A | B | ||
| I | ferry vessel | * | |
| floating restaurant | * | ||
| launch | * | ||
| multi-purposes vessel | * | ||
| primitive vessel | * | ||
| stationary vessel | *(1) | *(2) | |
| crane barge | *(1) | *(2) | |
| dangerous goods carrier | *(1) | *(2) | |
| dredger | * | ||
| dry cargo vessel | *(3) | * | |
| dumb lighter | * | ||
| edible oil carrier | * | ||
| flat-top work barge | *(4) | * | |
| floating dock | * | ||
| floating workshop | *(1) | *(2) | |
| gas carrier | * | ||
| hopper barge | * | ||
| II | landing platform | * | |
| landing pontoon | * | ||
| noxious liquid substance carrier | * | ||
| oil carrier | * | ||
| pilot boat | *(1) | *(2) | |
| special purpose vessel | * | ||
| stationary vessel | *(5) | * | |
| transportation boat | * | ||
| transportation sampan | * | ||
| tug | * | ||
| water boat | *(4) | *(2) | |
| work boat | *(1) | *(2) | |
| III | fish carrier | *(4) | * |
| fishing sampan | *(6) and (7) | ||
| fishing vessel | *(4) | *(8) | |
| outboard open sampan | * | ||
Notes:
“*” means applicable.
Applicable only to new vessels.
Applicable only to local vessels that are not new vessels.
Dry cargo vessels that are of wooden construction and operate solely within the waters of Hong Kong are categorized as Category B vessels. In any other case, they are categorized as Category A vessels.
Flat-top work barges, water boats, fish carriers and fishing vessels that are of wooden construction are categorized as Category B vessels. In any other case, they are categorized as Category A vessels.
New vessels that are kitchen boats only.
Fishing sampans made of glass reinforced plastic and less than 15 m in length.
Fishing sampans that are of wooden construction and less than 8 m in length.
Fishing vessels that are of wooden construction and 8 m or more in length.
Parts 3 and 4 of this Regulation do not apply to a Class II vessel or Class III vessel that complies with the requirements in Schedules 3 and 4 (as applicable) and meets the following descriptions— (L.N. 154 of 2019)
for a Class III vessel, the vessel— (L.N. 154 of 2019)
is a Category B vessel;
is an outboard open sampan;
is of less than 10 m in length overall;
is fitted with a petrol outboard engine of a power not exceeding 12 kW;
carries no fare-paying passengers;
carries not more than 4 persons (including the crew); and (L.N. 154 of 2019)
carries no fuel other than in a portable tank fitted with a fuel pipe line all of a type approved by the manufacturer of the engine; or (L.N. 154 of 2019)
(Repealed L.N. 154 of 2019)
for a Class II vessel or Class III vessel, the vessel— (L.N. 154 of 2019)
is not fitted with any propulsion engine;
is not fitted with any internal combustion engine; and (L.N. 154 of 2019)
(Repealed L.N. 154 of 2019)
is of the type and description of vessel shown in the following table—
| Class | Types | Material of construction | Length overall × extreme breadth(note) |
| II | transportation sampan | any material | not exceeding 25 m2 |
| II | work boat | other than metal | not exceeding 25 m2 |
| III | fishing sampan | other than metal | not exceeding 25 m2 |
Note:
extreme breadth (最大寬度), in relation to a local vessel, means the athwartship distance between the extremity of the outermost permanent structure on the port side and the extremity of the outermost permanent structure on the starboard side of the vessel.Where a life-saving appliance on a local vessel is marked with an expiry date, the appliance shall be replaced on or before that date.
Whenever a local vessel is being used or operated, every life-saving appliance carried on board the vessel shall be—
in working order;
ready for immediate use; and
placed in a position easily accessible.
(Repealed L.N. 70 of 2020)
For the purposes of assessing the adequacy of life-saving appliances on board a local vessel, each lifebuoy is taken to be for use by 2 persons on board the vessel.
A lifebuoy may be fitted with a buoyant lifeline or self-igniting light, but not both.
A local vessel must carry on board the required quantity of lifejackets.
If there are any persons on board the vessel, the lifejackets carried on board (excluding infant lifejackets) must include at least 1 suitable lifejacket for each person on board, excluding a person for whom the suitable lifejacket is an infant lifejacket.
This section does not apply to—
a Class II vessel or Class III vessel that falls within paragraph (a) or (b) of Schedule 2, except a transportation sampan;
a Class II vessel that is licensed as—
a landing platform;
a landing pontoon; or
a stationary vessel that is a separation barge; or
a floating restaurant to which section 7 of this Schedule applies.
This section also does not apply to a local vessel if—
the operating licence of the vessel restricts it to plying within specified sheltered waters or a typhoon shelter;
the vessel carries on board a combination of lifejackets and lifebuoys that is adequate for the permitted number of persons;
each of the lifejackets is suitable for all persons, except a person for whom the suitable lifejacket is an infant lifejacket; and
the quantity of the lifejackets is not less than 50% of the permitted number of persons.
In this section—
permitted number of persons (獲允許人數), in relation to a local vessel, means the total number of persons the vessel is permitted to carry under the conditions of its operating licence; required quantity of lifejackets (規定數量的救生衣), in relation to a local vessel, means a quantity of lifejackets (excluding infant lifejackets) that is not less than the permitted number of persons.This section applies to—
a Class I vessel, except a floating restaurant to which section 7 of this Schedule applies; or
a Class IV vessel that—
is let for hire or reward; and
is permitted to carry more than 12 passengers under the conditions of its operating licence.
The vessel must carry on board a quantity of infant lifejackets that is not less than 2.5% of the permitted number of passengers.
In subsection (2)—
permitted number of passengers (獲允許乘客人數), in relation to a Class I vessel or Class IV vessel, means the total number of passengers the vessel is permitted to carry under the conditions of its operating licence.This section applies to a floating restaurant—
the operating licence of which restricts the floating restaurant to plying or operating within specified sheltered waters or a typhoon shelter; and
that—
is attached to the shore and is provided with adequate gangways; or
is not attached to the shore but is provided with—
above-water flotation in the form of a steel embarkation pontoon moored alongside; or
steel tenders at both ends capable of being towed to a safe place away from the floating restaurant.
The floating restaurant must carry on board a quantity of lifejackets (excluding infant lifejackets) that is not less than 50% of the permitted number of persons.
However, the floating restaurant may, instead of complying with subsection (2), carry on board a combination of lifejackets and lifebuoys that is adequate for 50% of the permitted number of persons but only if—
each of the lifejackets is suitable for all persons, except a person for whom the suitable lifejacket is an infant lifejacket; and
the quantity of the lifejackets is not less than 25% of the permitted number of persons.
In addition to complying with subsection (2) or (3), the floating restaurant must also carry on board a quantity of infant lifejackets that is not less than 1.25% of the permitted number of passengers.
In this section—
permitted number of passengers (獲允許乘客人數) has the meaning given by section 6(3) of this Schedule; permitted number of persons (獲允許人數) has the meaning given by section 5(5) of this Schedule.Table 1
Class I vessels
Class IV vessels that are licensed to carry more than 60 passengers
Class IV vessels that are licensed to carry 13 to 60 passengers but are let for hire or reward
| Operation area Life-saving appliances | Specified sheltered waters, a typhoon shelter or anywhere within waters of Hong Kong |
| lifebuoy | minimum number per Table 2 |
| buoyant lifeline(3) | 1 for vessel (L)<12 m 2 for vessel (L)≥12 m |
| self-igniting light(4) | 2 |
Notes:
(Repealed L.N. 154 of 2019)
The minimum length of buoyant lifeline for a Class I vessel or Class IV vessel that is licensed to carry more than 60 passengers is 30 m.
The minimum length of buoyant lifeline for a Class IV vessel that is licensed to carry not more than 60 passengers is—
| For (L)<21 m | 18 m | |||
| For (L)≥21 m | 27.3 m. |
Required for a Class I vessel or Class IV vessel that carries more than 100 passengers.
(Repealed L.N. 187 of 2016)
| Vessel length (L) (m) | Number of lifebuoys |
| (L)<12 | 2 |
| 12≤(L)<15 | 4 |
| 15≤(L)<18 | 6 |
| 18≤(L)<21 | 8 |
| 21≤(L)<24 | 10 |
| (L)≥24 | 12 |
Class II vessels that operate within waters of Hong Kong
Class IV vessels that are licensed to carry not more than 12 passengers but are let for hire or reward
| Operation area Life-saving appliances | Specified sheltered waters, a typhoon shelter or anywhere within waters of Hong Kong |
| lifebuoy(1) and (4) | minimum number per Table 5 |
| buoyant lifeline(4), (6) and (7) | 1 for vessel (L)<12 m 2 for vessel (L)≥12 m |
| | 2 |
Notes:
For a transportation sampan that falls within paragraph (b) of Schedule 2, instead of the life-saving appliances stated in the Table, at least 1 lifebuoy is required.
For a work boat that falls within paragraph (b) of Schedule 2, instead of the life-saving appliances stated in the Table, a quantity of suitable lifejackets or lifebuoys, or a combination of both, that is adequate for the total number of persons on board is required. (L.N. 154 of 2019)
(Repealed L.N. 154 of 2019)
Special requirements for a floating dock—
(Repealed L.N. 154 of 2019)
the total number of lifebuoy provided shall not be less than that required in Table 5, or 1 lifebuoy for every 26 m or part thereof of each of the side wall, whichever is the greater;
4 buoyant lifelines shall be provided and placed at each corner of the dock; and
if the dock is not attached to the shore, 1 or more launches shall be provided to carry the workmen to shore.
Requirements in angle brackets (“< >”) are for new vessels only.
The minimum length of buoyant lifeline is 30 m.
Buoyant lifeline is not required for a Class II vessel that falls within paragraph (b) of Schedule 2. (L.N. 154 of 2019)
| Type of vessel Life-saving appliances | Vessels having cargoes in bulk with flash point not exceeding 60°C (closed cup test) | Other vessels |
| lifebuoy | minimum number per Table 5 | |
| line throwing appliance | 1(2) | |
| buoyant apparatus | 100%(1), (3) and (4) | |
| inflatable liferaft | 100%(1) | 100%(1), (3) and (4) |
| | 100%(1) and (6) | |
| VHF (very high frequency) radio installation | 1 | 1(4) |
| buoyant lifeline(7) | 2 | |
| self-igniting light | 2 | |
| rocket parachute flare(4) | 6 | |
Notes:
Where the required quantity of life-saving appliances is expressed as a percentage, it means the percentage of the total number of persons on board.
This only applies to—
a dangerous goods carrier, dry cargo vessel, edible oil carrier, gas carrier, noxious liquid substance carrier, oil carrier, special purpose vessel or water boat that— (27 of 2024 s. 33)
is of 500 gross tonnage or above;
is fitted with any propulsion engine; and
operates within the river trade limits; or
a tug that operates within the river trade limits.
Buoyant apparatus is not required if the inflatable liferaft is transferable to either side of the vessel.
For a dumb lighter or hopper barge, the prescribed appliances may be waived if it is at all times accompanied by another local vessel (e.g. a tug) equipped with appliances sufficient for complements of both vessels.
Requirements in angle brackets (“< >”) are for new vessels only.
An oil carrier of 37 m or more in length shall be provided with a motor lifeboat which may be of rigid top open type.
For an oil carrier of less than 37 m in length, such motor lifeboat may be substituted by an additional 100% inflatable liferaft.
The minimum length of buoyant lifeline is 30 m.
| Vessel length (L) (m) | Number of lifebuoys |
| (L)<12 | 1 |
| 12≤(L)<24 | 2 |
| 24≤(L)<37 | 4 |
| (L)≥37 | 6 |
| Life-saving appliances | Category of vessel | A | B(1A) | ||
| Vessel length (L) (m) | (L)<24 | 24≤(L)<45(1) | (L)<24 | 24≤(L)<45(1) | |
| lifebuoy | 2 | 4 | 2(3) | 2 or <4>(5) | |
| buoyant apparatus (for vessel (L)>30 m) | ─ | 100%(2) | ─ | ||
| inflatable liferaft | 100%(2) (type, equipment, location and arrangement of liferaft shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation) | ─ | |||
| buoyant lifeline(6) | 2 | 2(2) | |||
| | 1(7) | 1(7) | |||
| self-igniting light | 1(7) | 2(7) | 1(7) | 2(7) | |
| | 4(7) | 4(7) | |||
| | 1(7) | 1(7) | |||
| radiocommunications equipment | description, quantity, type, function and location of equipment shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation | ─ | |||
Notes:
For a Class III vessel that falls within paragraph (a) or (b) of Schedule 2, instead of the life-saving appliances stated in the Table, a quantity of suitable lifejackets or lifebuoys, or a combination of both, that is adequate for the total number of persons on board is required. (L.N. 154 of 2019)
The requirement for a Class III vessel of 45 m or more in length shall be specified by the Director on a case-by-case basis.
Where the required quantity of life-saving appliances is expressed as a percentage, it means the percentage of the total number of persons on board.
1 lifebuoy with 30 m buoyant lifeline is sufficient for—
a fishing sampan—
made of glass reinforced plastic; and
of less than 15 m in length;
a fishing sampan—
of wooden construction; and
of less than 8 m in length; and
a fishing vessel—
of wooden construction; and
of less than 12 m in length.
(Repealed L.N. 154 of 2019)
Requirements in angle brackets (“< >”) are for new vessels only.
The minimum length of buoyant lifeline is 30 m.
Applicable to a Class III vessel that—
holds a valid port clearance; or
is exempted under section 69(1) of the Ordinance from complying with section 28(1) of the Ordinance.
| Life-saving appliances | Quantity | |
| lifebuoy | Vessel length (L) (m) | Number |
| L<12 | 1 | |
| 12≤(L)<21 | 2 | |
| 21≤(L)<37 | 4 | |
| (L)≥37 | 6 | |
| buoyant lifeline(2) | 1 | |
Notes:
(Repealed L.N. 154 of 2019)
The minimum length of buoyant lifeline is—
| For (L)<21 m | 18 m | |||
| For (L)≥21 m | 27.3 m. |
A Class IV vessel that is licensed before 1 August 2020 to carry not more than 60 passengers and is let for hire or reward (except a Class IV vessel that is an open cruiser)
A Class IV vessel that is an open cruiser licensed to carry not more than 60 passengers and is let for hire or reward
A Class IV vessel of more than 150 gross tonnage and is licensed before 1 August 2020
| Life-saving appliances | Number |
| Lifebuoy | sufficient for use by the maximum number of persons that the vessel is licensed to carry(1) |
Note:
For a Class IV vessel that is an open cruiser licensed to carry not more than 60 passengers and is let for hire or reward, this requirement is exempted if the passengers on board the vessel wear suitable lifejackets while the vessel is underway.
In this Schedule, unless the context otherwise requires—
cargo pump room (貨泵房) means a room in which any pump used for loading, discharging or transferring cargoes is located; engine room (輪機室) means a space which contains propulsion machinery and generators; machinery space (機艙) means a space which contains internal combustion engines, electrical machinery, ventilation and air conditioning machinery and any similar space; service space (服務艙) include galleys, pantries containing cooking appliances, lockers and store rooms, workshops (other than those forming part of machinery spaces) and any similar space and any trunk to such space.Where a local vessel is required by this Schedule to be provided with fire pumps operated by power—
unless otherwise specified in this Schedule, such fire pumps shall be— (L.N. 187 of 2016)
driven by means other than the vessel’s main engines; and
capable of delivering at least one jet of water from any hydrant provided in the vessel while simultaneously maintaining sufficient pressure; and
arrangements shall be made to ensure immediate availability of a water supply from the fire main at the appropriate pressure by suitably placed remote starting of the fire pumps, unless the machinery space is continually manned.
The following pumps are fire pumps that comply with this Schedule—
sanitary pumps;
ballast pumps;
bilge pumps; or
general service pumps.
Where a local vessel is required by this Schedule to be provided with apparatus capable of delivering one jet of water, sufficient number of hydrants shall be so positioned on the vessel as to deliver one jet of water from a single length of hose to reach any part of the vessel.
Whenever a local vessel is being used or operated, every fire-fighting apparatus carried on board the vessel shall be—
in working order;
ready for immediate use; and
placed in a position easily accessible.
All portable fire-fighting apparatus (other than the firemen’s outfits) carried on board a local vessel shall be—
arranged in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation; and
placed in a position where they will be easily accessible from the spaces in which they are intended to be used and, in particular, one of the portable fire extinguishers intended to be used in any space shall be placed near the entrance to that space.
Table 1
Class I vessels (excluding floating restaurants, and stationary vessels that are ceremonial boats)
Class IV vessels that are licensed to carry more than 60 passengers
Class IV vessels that are licensed to carry 13 to 60 passengers but are let for hire or reward
| Vessel length (L) (m) Fire-fighting apparatus | (L)<15 | 15≤(L)<24 | 24≤(L)<60 | 60≤(L)<75(1) | |
| portable fire extinguisher | passenger accommodation space | 1 on each deck (minimum 2) | 1 within not more than 10 m walking distance , but at least 2 on each deck | ||
| wheel house | 1 | ||||
| galley | 1 | ||||
| engine control room | 1 | ||||
| engine room | 3 | 4 | 1 for each 750 kW or part thereof of the power output of the engine and electric motor, but at least 4 and not more than 6 in each room | ||
| machinery space | 1 within each space | ||||
| | engine room | ─ | gas quantity, storage, piping, nozzle, alarm, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation | ||
| | ─ | quantity, type, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation | |||
| main fire pump | power | — | 1(4) | 1(5) | 1 |
| manual | — | — | |||
| emergency fire pump | power | — | 1(4) | 1(4) | |
| manual | |||||
| fire main + hose + hydrant + jet nozzle | — | 1 set | 1 set to be provided for each pump(6) | ||
| fireman’s axe | — | 1 | |||
Notes:
The requirement for a local vessel of 75 m or more in length shall be specified by the Director on a case-by-case basis.
Required for any local vessel that is licensed to carry more than 12 passengers and installed with internal combustion engines of aggregate propulsion power of 375 kW or over.
The fixed CO2 fire extinguishing system may be substituted by a non-portable fire extinguisher (45 L foam or equivalent CO2 type) if it can be satisfactorily demonstrated that the jet of the fire extinguishing media can reach any part of the engine room.
For local vessels of 24 m or more in length and that are not new vessels, one 45 L foam or 16 kg CO2 fire extinguisher shall be provided in the engine room.
Requirements in angle brackets (“< >”) are for new vessels only.
The fire pump and its sea suction shall be situated outside the engine room.
The fire pump may be propulsion engine driven, provided it can be readily engaged to the engine.
A Class I vessel or Class IV vessel of 24 m or more in length shall be provided with the following additional appliances—
1 hydrant in each engine room; and
1 spray nozzle on each deck and in each engine room.
| Fire-fighting apparatus | Floating restaurant and | |
| portable fire extinguisher | dining space | 1 within not more than 10 m walking distance, but at least 2 within the space |
| service space | 1 | |
| machinery space | 1 for each 750 kW or part thereof of the power output of the engine and electric motor, but at least 2 and not more than 6 within each space | |
| | machinery space | gas quantity, storage, piping, nozzle, alarm, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation |
| | service space | quantity, type, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation |
| machinery space | ||
| main fire pump | power(1) | 2 |
| emergency fire pump | power(1) | 1 |
| fire main + hose | quantity, size, length, type, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation | |
| hydrant(1) | deck | quantity, size, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation |
| machinery space | 1 | |
| nozzle | jet | quantity, size, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation |
| spray | 1 on each deck 1 in each machinery space | |
| | dining space | quantity, type, size, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulations |
| service space | ||
| | 2 on each deck | |
| | 2 on each deck | |
| | 1 on each deck | |
Notes:
If no independent fire pump is installed on a stationary vessel that is a kitchen boat, the fire pump available shall be capable of delivering at least one jet of water from one hydrant to the kitchen boat.
Requirements in angle brackets (“< >”) are for new vessels only.
Each fire station shall be provided with the following appliances—
| portable fire extinguisher | 2 | |
| water bucket with lanyard (on main deck only) | 1 | |
| fire hose (20 mm diameter) | 1 on each deck | |
| starting button for fire pump | 1 on each deck | |
| nozzle | jet | 1 |
| spray | 1 | |
| fireman’s axe | 1 on each deck | |
| fire blanket | 1 on each deck | |
Class II vessels (excluding floating docks, floating workshops, oil carriers and stationary vessels that are kitchen boats) that operate within waters of Hong Kong(1)
Class IV vessels that are licensed to carry not more than 12 passengers but are let for hire or reward
| Vessel length (L) (m) Fire-fighting apparatus | (L)<12 | 12≤(L)<24 | 24≤(L)<75(2) | ||
| For Class II Category A or B vessels(3) and Class IV vessels | |||||
| portable fire extinguisher | accommodation space | 1 on each deck | 2 on each deck | ||
| wheel house | 1 | ||||
| galley | 1 | ||||
| engine control room | 1 | ||||
| engine room | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||
| machinery space | 1 within each space | ||||
| fire bucket with lanyard(4) | 1 | 2 | 3 | ||
| For Class II Category A vessels only | |||||
| main fire pump | power | 1(5) | 1(5) | 1(6) | |
| manual | ─ | ||||
| emergency fire pump | power | ─ | ─ | 1(5) and (7) | |
| manual | |||||
| fire main + hose + hydrant + jet nozzle | quantity, size, length, type, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation | quantity, size, length, type, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation(8) | |||
(L.N. 154 of 2019; L.N. 70 of 2020)
Notes:
A flat-top work barge, a landing pontoon and any other type of local vessel having no engine, oil fuel tank, electrical switchboard and combustible materials on board is not required to be provided with any fire-fighting apparatus.
A local vessel that is used or to be used for carrying any dangerous goods other than oil shall be provided with such additional fire-fighting apparatus as the Director may specify in writing.
The requirement for a local vessel of 75 m or more in length shall be specified by the Director on a case-by-case basis.
For a Class II vessel that falls within paragraph (b) of Schedule 2, instead of the fire-fighting apparatus stated in the Table, at least 1 fire bucket with lanyard is required. (L.N. 154 of 2019)
For Class II Category B vessels and Class IV vessels, if a fire main is provided, then no fire bucket is required. (L.N. 70 of 2020)
The fire pump and its sea suction shall be situated outside the engine room.
The fire pump may be propulsion engine driven, provided it can be readily engaged to the engine.
Only for a Class II vessel that is fitted with any propulsion engine.
A Class II vessel of 24 m or more in length shall be provided with the following additional appliances—
1 hydrant in each engine room; and
1 spray nozzle on each deck and in each engine room.
| Type of Vessel Fire-fighting apparatus | Floating dock | Floating workshop (including welding barge) | Kitchen boat | ||
| portable fire extinguisher | service space | 1 within each space | |||
| galley | 1 within not more than 10 m walking distance, but at least 2 on each deck, and not less than half must be foam/CO2 fire extinguishers | ||||
| workshop | |||||
| engine control room | at least 2 and not more than 6 in each room | ||||
| machinery space | 1 for each 750 kW or part thereof of the power output of the engine and electric motor, but at least 2 and not more than 6 within each space | ||||
| | 1 for each wing | ─ | ─ | ||
| fixed CO2 fire extinguishing system | machinery space | gas quantity, storage, piping, nozzle, alarm, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation | ─ | ─ | |
| main fire pump | power | 1 for each wing | (L)<24 m | (L)≥24 m | 1(2) |
| 1 | 1 | ||||
| manual | ─ | ─ | |||
| emergency fire pump | power | 1(3) | ─ | 1 | ─ |
| manual | ─ | ||||
| fire main + hose + hydrant + jet nozzle | quantity, size, length, type, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation | ||||
| spray nozzle | 1 on each deck 2 within each machinery space | 1 on each deck 1 within each machinery space | |||
| foam applicator + 2 20 L mobile foam | machinery space | 1 for each wing | ─ | ─ | |
| fireman’s axe | 1 for each wing | 1 | 1 | ||
| fire blanket | ─ | ─ | 1 within not more than 10 m walking distance on deck fitted with stoves | ||
| fireman’s outfit | 1 for each wing | ─ | ─ | ||
| fire control plan | 1 for each wing | ─ | 1 | ||
| international shore connection device | 1 for each wing | ─ | ─ | ||
Notes:
Requirements in angle brackets (“< >”) are for new vessels only.
The requirement for fire pump may be waived if the fire main installed on the floating restaurant is extended to the kitchen boat.
Not required if each main fire pump is independently driven.
| Vessel length (L) (m) Fire-fighting apparatus | (L)<24 | 24≤(L)<37 | 37≤(L)<50 | 50≤(L)<60 | 60≤(L)<75(2) | |
| portable fire extinguisher | accommodation space | 1 on each deck | 2 on each deck | |||
| wheel house | 1 | |||||
| galley | 1 | |||||
| engine control rooms | 1 | |||||
| engine room | 3 | 4 | 1 within not more than 10 m walking distance, but at least 4 in each room | |||
| machinery space | 1 within each space | |||||
| non-portable fire extinguisher | engine room | ─ | ─ | 1(3) | 1(3) | 1 |
| fixed CO2 fire extinguishing system | engine room(5) | ─ | ─ | ─ | ─ | gas quantity, storage, piping, nozzle, alarm, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation |
| main fire pump | power | 1(4) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| manual | ─ | ─ | ─ | ─ | ||
| emergency fire pump | power | ─ | 1(4) | 1(4) | 1(4) | 1(4) |
| manual | ─ | ─ | ||||
| fire main + hose + hydrant + jet nozzle | quantity, size, length, type, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation | |||||
| hydrant | engine room | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| spray nozzle | — | 1 on each deck 1 in each engine room | 1 on each deck 1 in each engine room | 2 on each deck 1 in each engine room | 2 on each deck 2 in each engine room | |
| foam applicator + 2 20 L mobile foam | — | — | — | — | 1 | |
| fireman’s outfit | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| international shore connection device | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | |
Notes:
If a dumb lighter and hopper barge is at all times accompanied by another local vessel (e.g. a tug), fire-fighting apparatus may be provided according to the scale at Table 3.
The requirement for a Class II vessel of 75 m or more in length shall be specified by the Director on a case-by-case basis.
Non-portable fire extinguisher is not required if a fixed fire extinguishing system is provided in each engine room.
The fire pump and its sea suction shall be situated outside the engine room.
For engine room that contains internal combustion type machinery having in aggregate a total power output of not less than 375 kW.
| Vessel length (L) (m) Fire-fighting apparatus | (L)<24 | 24≤(L)<37 | 37≤(L)<50 | 50≤(L)<60 | 60≤(L)<75(1) | |
| portable fire extinguisher | accommodation space | 1 on each deck | 2 on each deck | |||
| wheel house | 1 | |||||
| galley | 1 | |||||
| engine control rooms | 1 | |||||
| engine room | 3 | 4 | 1 within not more than 10 m walking distance, but at least 4 in each room | |||
| machinery space | 1 within each space | |||||
| non-portable fire extinguisher | engine room | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| fixed CO2 fire extinguishing system(2) | engine room | gas quantity, storage, piping, nozzle, alarm, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation | ||||
| cargo pump room | ||||||
| main fire pump | power | 1(3) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| emergency fire pump | power | 1(4) | 1(4) | 1(4) | 1(4) | 1(4) |
| manual | ─ | ─ | ||||
| fire main + hose + hydrant + jet nozzle | quantity, size, length, type, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation | |||||
| hydrant | engine room | ─ | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| spray nozzle | 1 on each deck | 1 on each deck 2 in each engine room | 1 on each deck 2 in each engine room | 2 on each deck 2 in each engine room | 3 on each deck 2 in each engine room | |
| foam applicator + 2 20 L mobile foam | engine room | ─ | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| cargo manifold area | ─ | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| fireman’s outfit | ─ | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| fire control plan | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| international shore connection device | ─ | ─ | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
Notes:
The requirement for a Class II vessel of 75 m or more in length shall be specified by the Director on a case-by-case basis.
In vessels having cargoes with flash point exceeding 60°C (closed cup test), such system may be substituted by a non-portable fire extinguisher if it can be satisfactorily demonstrated that the jet of the fire extinguishing media can reach any part of the engine room and cargo pump room. (L.N. 187 of 2016)
The fire pump may be propulsion engine driven, provided it can be readily engaged to the engine.
The fire pump and its sea suction shall be situated outside the engine room.
| Vessel length (L) (m) Fire-fighting apparatus | (L) <24 | 24≤(L) <37 | 37≤(L) <50 | 50≤(L) <60 | 60≤(L) <75(1) | |
| portable fire extinguisher | accommodation space | 1 on each deck | 2 on each deck | |||
| wheel house | 1 | |||||
| galley | 1 | |||||
| engine control rooms | 1 | |||||
| engine room | 3 | 4 | 1 within not more than 10 m walking distance, but at least 4 in each room | |||
| machinery space | 1 within each space | |||||
| non-portable fire extinguisher | engine room | — | — | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| fixed CO2 fire extinguishing system(2) | engine room | gas quantity, storage, piping, nozzle, alarm, location and arrangement must be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation | ||||
| cargo pump room | ||||||
| main fire pump | power | 1(3) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| emergency fire pump | power | 1(4) | 1(4) | 1(4) | 1(4) | 1(4) |
| manual | — | — | ||||
| fire main + hose + hydrant + jet nozzle | quantity, size, length, type, location and arrangement must be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation | |||||
| hydrant | engine room | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| spray nozzle | 1 on each deck | 1 on each deck 2 in each engine room | 1 on each deck 2 in each engine room | 2 on each deck 2 in each engine room | 3 on each deck 2 in each engine room | |
| foam applicator + 2 × 20 L mobile foam | engine room | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| cargo manifold area | — | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| fire control plan | <1>(5) | 1 | ||||
Notes:
The requirement for a Class II vessel of 75 m or more in length is to be specified by the Director on a case-by-case basis.
In vessels having cargoes with flash point exceeding 60°C (closed cup test), such system may be substituted by a non-portable fire extinguisher if it can be satisfactorily demonstrated that the jet of the fire extinguishing media can reach any part of the engine room and cargo pump room.
The fire pump may be propulsion engine driven, provided that it can be readily engaged to the engine.
The emergency fire pump and its sea suction must be situated outside the engine room.
Requirement in pair of angle brackets (“< >”) is applicable to new vessels only.
(L.N. 70 of 2020; E.R. 4 of 2024)
| Type of vessel | Requirement |
| gas carrier | there must be on board the gas carrier fire-fighting apparatus for preventing, detecting and dealing with outbreaks of fire on board a vessel carrying liquefied gases in bulk |
| Fire-fighting apparatus | Category of vessel | A | B(1), (1A) and (1B) | ||
| Vessel length (L) (M) | (L)<30 | 30≤(L)<45(2) | (L)<10 | (L)≥10(2) | |
| portable fire extinguisher | accommodation space | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 within not more than 10 m walking distance, but at least 2 and not more than 4 within each space |
| wheel house | 1 | 1 | |||
| engine room | 2 | 4 | |||
| machinery space | 1 | 1 | |||
| non-portable fire extinguisher | engine room | — | 1 | — | — |
| main fire pump | power | 1(4) | 1 | — | — |
| emergency fire pump | power | 1 | 1 | — | <1>(5) and (6) |
| manual | |||||
| fire main + hose + hydrant + jet nozzle | quantity, size, length, type, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation | — | <1 set>(5) and (6) | ||
| hydrant | engine room | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| spray nozzle(7) | 1 on each deck 1 in each engine room | 1 on each deck 1 in each engine room | — | — | |
| fire bucket with lanyard | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| additional requirements for a Class III vessel with any engine room that may be periodically unattended when the vessel is being used or operated | |||||
| | engine room | quantity, type, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation(8) | quantity, type, location and arrangement shall be in accordance with the relevant plans approved under Part 3 of this Regulation(8) | — | — |
Notes:
For a fishing sampan made of glass reinforced plastic, only the following fire-fighting apparatus are required—
if the sampan is less than 8 m in length, 1 portable dry powder fire extinguisher that has a capacity of not less than 2.7 kg of dry powder and 1 fire bucket with lanyard; and
if the sampan is 8 m or more in length, 2 portable dry powder fire extinguishers each of a capacity of not less than 2.7 kg of dry powder and 2 fire buckets with lanyard.
For a Class III vessel that falls within paragraph (a) of Schedule 2, instead of the fire-fighting apparatus stated in the Table, the following apparatus is required—
at least 1 portable dry powder fire extinguisher that has a capacity of not less than 1.25 kg of dry powder;
at least 1 fire bucket with lanyard. (L.N. 154 of 2019)
For a Class III vessel that falls within paragraph (b) of Schedule 2, instead of the fire-fighting apparatus stated in the Table, at least 1 fire bucket with lanyard is required. (L.N. 154 of 2019)
The requirement for a Class III vessel of 45 m or more in length shall be specified by the Director on a case-by-case basis.
(Repealed L.N. 154 of 2019)
The fire pump may be propulsion engine driven, provided it can be readily engaged to the engine.
Applicable to a Class III vessel that—
holds a valid port clearance; or
is exempted under section 69(1) of the Ordinance from complying with section 28(1) of the Ordinance.
Requirements in angle brackets (“< >”) are for new vessels only.
An engine room that contains internal combustion type machinery having in aggregate a total power output of not less than 375 kW shall be provided with at least one dual purpose nozzle.
The fire detection and alarm system may be waived, provided the location of the machinery space facilitates the detection of fire by persons on board.
| Vessel length (L) (m) Fire-fighting apparatus | (L)<5.5 | 5.5≤(L)≤9 | 9<(L)<15 | 15≤(L)<24 | (L)≥24 | |
| portable fire extinguisher(2) | 1.4 kg | 1(1) | 2 | ─ | ─ | ─ |
| 2.3 kg | ─ | ─ | 2 | ─ | ─ | |
| 4.5 kg | ─ | ─ | ─ | 2 | 2 | |
| engine room | ─ | ─ | 2(3) | 2(3) | 2(3) | |
| fire bucket with lanyard(4) | 1 (or 1 bailer) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | |
| main fire pump | power | ─ | ─ | ─ | 1(5) | 1 |
| manual | ─ | ─ | ─ | ─ | ||
| emergency fire pump | power | ─ | ─ | ─ | ─ | 1(5) |
| manual | ─ | ─ | ─ | ─ | ||
| hydrant | ─ | ─ | ─ | capable of delivering one jet of water having a throw of not less than 6 m which can be directed on to any part of the vessel through a hose with a 10 mm diameter nozzle | ||
| hose | ─ | ─ | ─ | 1 | 2 | |
| nozzle | jet | ─ | ─ | ─ | 1 | 2 |
| spray | ─ | ─ | ─ | ─ | 1 | |
| fireman’s axe | ─ | ─ | ─ | ─ | 1 | |
Notes:
Portable dry powder fire extinguisher or equivalent.
No fire extinguisher is required for a jetski.
Two extinguishers should be provided if there is a galley on board.
For engine room that contains internal combustion type machinery having in aggregate a total power output of not less than 375 kW.
Fire buckets may be substituted by an equal number of portable dry powder fire extinguishers each of a capacity of not less than 4.5 kg of dry powder or equivalent.
The fire pump and its sea suction shall be situated outside the engine room.
| Type of vessel | Vessel length (L) (m) | (L)≥24 | (L)<24 | ||
| Propulsion Plying limits | Fitted with propulsion engine | Not fitted with propulsion engine | Fitted with propulsion engine | Not fitted with propulsion engine | |
| Category A dry cargo vessel | HKW | HKLLC | ─ | FAC(1) | ─ |
| RTL | HKLLC | ─ | not permitted | ─ | |
| Category B dry cargo vessel | HKW | FAC(1) | ─ | FAC(1) | ─ |
| RTL | HKLLC(1) | ─ | not permitted | ─ | |
| crane barge | HKW | ─ | (2) | ─ | (2) |
| RTL | ─ | not permitted | ─ | not permitted | |
| dangerous goods carrier | HKW | HKLLC | FAC | FAC | FAC |
| RTL(3) | HKLLC | FAC | not permitted | not permitted | |
| dredger | HKW | HKLLC | ─ | FAC(1) | ─ |
| RTL | HKLLC | ─ | not permitted | ─ | |
| dumb lighter | HKW | ─ | FAC | ─ | FAC |
| RTL(3) | ─ | FAC | ─ | not permitted | |
| edible oil carrier | HKW | HKLLC | FAC | FAC(1) | FAC |
| RTL(3) | HKLLC | FAC | not permitted | not permitted | |
| flat-top work barge | HKW | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) |
| RTL | not permitted | not permitted | not permitted | not permitted | |
| floating dock | HKW | ─ | HKLLC | ─ | ─ |
| RTL | ─ | ─ | ─ | ─ | |
| floating workshop | HKW | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) |
| RTL | not permitted | not permitted | not permitted | not permitted | |
| gas carrier | HKW | HKLLC | HKLLC | HKLLC | HKLLC |
| RTL | HKLLC | HKLLC | not permitted | not permitted | |
| hopper barge | HKW | ─ | FAC | ─ | FAC |
| RTL(3) | ─ | FAC | ─ | not permitted | |
| landing platform | HKW | ─ | (2) | ─ | (2) |
| RTL | ─ | not permitted | ─ | not permitted | |
| landing pontoon | HKW | ─ | (2) | ─ | (2) |
| RTL | ─ | not permitted | ─ | not permitted | |
| noxious liquid substance carrier | HKW | HKLLC | FAC | FAC | FAC |
| RTL(3) | HKLLC | FAC | not permitted | not permitted | |
| oil carrier | HKW | HKLLC | FAC | FAC | FAC |
| RTL(3) | HKLLC | FAC | not permitted | not permitted | |
| pilot boat | HKW | (2) | ─ | (2) | ─ |
| RTL | not permitted | ─ | not permitted | ─ | |
| special purpose vessel | HKW | HKLLC | HKLLC | FAC | FAC |
| RTL | HKLLC | HKLLC | not permitted | not permitted | |
| stationary vessel | HKW | ─ | (2) | ─ | (2) |
| RTL | ─ | not permitted | ─ | not permitted | |
| transportation boat | HKW | (2) | ─ | (2) | ─ |
| RTL | not permitted | ─ | not permitted | ─ | |
| transportation sampan | HKW | ─ | ─ | (2) | (2) |
| RTL | ─ | ─ | not permitted | not permitted | |
| tug | HKW | (2) | ─ | (2) | ─ |
| RTL | (2) | ─ | (2) | ─ | |
| water boat | HKW | HKLLC | ─ | FAC(1) | ─ |
| RTL | HKLLC | ─ | not permitted | ─ | |
| work boat | HKW | (2) | (2) | (2) | (2) |
| RTL | not permitted | not permitted | not permitted | not permitted | |
| Abbreviations: | ||
| HKW | = | waters of Hong Kong |
| RTL | = | river trade limits |
| HKLLC | = | HKLL certificate |
| FAC | = | FA certificate |
Notes:
“—”Such vessel does not exist.
Applicable only to new vessels.
Subject to any conditions or restrictions specified in their certificates of survey, such vessels can ply in the waters of Hong Kong or to the river trade limits without a HKLL certificate or FA certificate.
Operate under favourable weather only.
Assignment of the following freeboard, appropriate to the length of a Class II vessel is as follows—
| Vessel length (L) (m) | Freeboard (mm)(1) | |
| Hopper barge(2) and oil carrier(3) | Other vessels | |
| (L)≤30 | 380 | 530 |
| (L)=40 | 500 | 650 |
| (L)=50 | 660 | 810 |
| (L)=60 | 850 | 1 000 |
| (L)=70 | 1 080 | 1 230 |
| (L)=80 | 1 330 | 1 480 |
| (L)=90 | 1 600 | 1 750 |
Freeboard of intermediate lengths shall be obtained by interpolation.
Notes:
Where the height of coaming for openings leading to below deck space is less than 600 mm, the above freeboard shall be increased by 12.5 mm for each 25 mm that is below 600 mm in height. The coaming height shall in no case be less than 300 mm.
Vessels with bottom door which can be opened to the sea.
This includes vessels having cargo tanks with small openings closed by steel watertight cover.
On receiving particulars of the assigned freeboard, the owner of the Class II vessel concerned or his agent shall cause to be marked on each side of the vessel, to the satisfaction of the Director or competent surveyor, the appropriate marks in accordance with this Schedule.
The lines described in section 3 shall be marked in such a manner as to make them plainly visible. They shall be painted in white or yellow on a dark background or in black on a light background, and shall be carefully cut in or centre punched.
A Class II vessel to which this Part applies shall be marked on each side at amidships, with a deck line and freeboard line as follows—
Figure
The deck line shall be a horizontal line of 300 mm in length and 25 mm in breadth marked amidships with its upper edge passing through the point where the continuation outwards of the upper surface of the freeboard deck intersects the outer surface of the shell. Where the deck is partly sheathed amidships, the upper edge of the deck line shall pass through the point where the continuation outwards of the upper surface of the actual sheathing at amidships intersects the outer surface of the shell.
The horizontal freeboard line shall be 380 mm in length and 25 mm in breadth, and 2 additional lines each 75 mm in length and 25 mm in breadth, shall be located with their upper edges at distances of 150 mm, one above, and one below, the upper edge of the horizontal freeboard line. All horizontal lines shall be at right angles to a vertical line 325 mm in depth and 25 mm in width which bisects the horizontal lines.
The assigned freeboard shall be measured from the upper edge of the deck line to the upper edge of the horizontal freeboard line.
(Repealed 27 of 2024 s. 34)
(Heading repealed 27 of 2024 s. 34)
A Class III vessel that falls within paragraph (a) of Schedule 2.
A Class III vessel that—
is made of glass reinforced plastic;
is of less than 15 m in length;
has a total engine power not exceeding—
for a vessel of 5 m or more but less than 6 m in length—30 kW;
for a vessel of 6 m or more but less than 8 m in length—56 kW; or
for a vessel of 8 m or more but less than 15 m in length—67 kW; and
is equipped with the following life-saving appliances and fire-fighting apparatus, all of which are in good and serviceable condition—
at least 1 lifejacket for every person on board;
at least 1 lifebuoy;
for a vessel of less than 8 m in length—at least 1 portable dry powder fire extinguisher that has a capacity of not less than 2.7 kg of dry powder, and 1 fire bucket that is fitted with a lanyard; and
for a vessel of 8 m or more in length—at least 2 portable dry powder fire extinguishers, each of capacity of not less than 2.7 kg of dry powder, and 2 fire buckets, each fitted with a lanyard.
(Schedule 6 replaced L.N. 25 of 2023)
| Type of vessel | Category of vessel | A | B | ||
| Propulsion | Fitted with propulsion engine | Not fitted with propulsion engine | Fitted with propulsion engine | Not fitted with propulsion engine | |
| Gross tonnage | Gross tonnage | Gross tonnage | Gross tonnage | ||
| Class I vessel | |||||
| ferry vessel | ≥80 | — | — | — | |
| floating restaurant | — | ≥80 | — | — | |
| launch | ≥80 | — | — | — | |
| multi-purposes vessel | ≥80 | — | — | — | |
| primitive vessel (kaito) | ≥80 | — | ≥400 | — | |
| Class II vessel | |||||
| dangerous goods carrier | ≥80 | — | ≥400 | — | |
| dredger | ≥80 | — | — | — | |
| dry cargo vessel | ≥80 | — | ≥400 | — | |
| edible oil carrier | ≥80 | — | — | — | |
| floating dock | — | ≥80 | — | — | |
| floating workshop (including repair pontoon, welding barge) | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | |
| gas carrier | of any tonnage | of any tonnage | — | — | |
| noxious liquid substance carrier | ≥80 | — | — | — | |
| oil carrier | of any tonnage | of any tonnage | — | — | |
| pilot boat | ≥80 | — | ≥400 | — | |
| special purpose vessels | ≥80 | — | — | — | |
| transportation boat | ≥80 | — | — | — | |
| transportation sampan | — | — | ≥400 | — | |
| tug | ≥80 | — | — | — | |
| water boat | ≥80 | — | ≥400 | — | |
| work boat | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | ≥80 | |
| Class III vessel | |||||
| fish carrier | ≥80 | — | ≥400 | — | |
| fishing sampan | — | — | ≥400 | — | |
| fishing vessel | ≥80 | — | ≥400 | — | |
| Class IV vessel | |||||
| auxiliary powered yacht of 400 gross tonnage or above | |||||
| cruiser of 400 gross tonnage or above | |||||
| open cruiser of 400 gross tonnage or above | |||||
In this Schedule—
relevant day (有關日期) means the day of commencement of this Regulation; repealed Launches and Ferry Vessels Regulations (已廢除的《小輪及渡輪船隻規例》) means the Merchant Shipping (Launches and Ferry Vessels) Regulations (Cap. 313 sub. leg. E) repealed under section 91(1) of the Ordinance; repealed Miscellaneous Craft Regulations (已廢除的《雜類航行器規例》) means the Merchant Shipping (Miscellaneous Craft) Regulations (Cap. 313 sub. leg. F) repealed under section 91(1) of the Ordinance.This section applies to—
a certificate of inspection referred to in regulation 10 or 47H(2) of the repealed Miscellaneous Craft Regulations; or
a certificate of survey issued under any of the provisions of the repealed Launches and Ferry Vessels Regulations,
that was in force immediately before the relevant day.
A certificate to which this section applies shall be regarded as a certificate of survey issued under section 24(1) of this Regulation in respect of the local vessel to which it relates during the remainder of its period of validity, and the provisions of this Regulation shall apply accordingly.
Section 16(1)(a) of this Regulation shall not apply to a Class IV vessel that falls within section 15(2)(b) of this Regulation in the 12 months after the relevant day.
Section 16(1)(b) of this Regulation shall not apply to a Class IV vessel—
that is not a new vessel; and
that falls within section 15(2)(a), (c) or (d) of this Regulation,
in the 12 months after the relevant day.
This section applies to a written document titled “Survey Record—Safety Equipment”—
issued by the Director in respect of a Class II vessel to which Division 2 of Part 5 of this Regulation applies; and
that was in force immediately before the relevant day.
A document to which this section applies shall be regarded as a survey record of safety equipment issued under section 39 of this Regulation in respect of the Class II vessel to which it relates during the remainder of its period of validity, and the provisions of this Regulation shall apply accordingly.
Section 35(1) of this Regulation shall not apply to a Class II vessel—
to which Division 2 of Part 5 of this Regulation applies; and
that does not have a document that falls within section 4 in force in respect of it on the relevant day,
in the 12 months after the relevant day.
This section applies to an assignment of freeboard certificate—
issued under regulation 45B(2)(b) of the repealed Miscellaneous Craft Regulations; and
that was in force immediately before the relevant day.
Subject to subsection (3), a certificate to which this section applies shall be regarded as a FA certificate issued under section 46 of this Regulation in respect of the Class II vessel to which it relates during the remainder of its period of validity, and the provisions of this Regulation shall apply accordingly.
Regulation 45C of the repealed Miscellaneous Craft Regulations that was in force immediately before the relevant day shall continue to apply to a Class II vessel that falls within subsection (2), and the owner of such vessel or his agent shall, at the request of the Director, pay the appropriate fee prescribed in the relevant fee regulation in respect of any periodical inspection under that regulation 45C.
Section 42(1) of this Regulation shall not apply to a Class II vessel—
to which Part 6 of this Regulation applies; and
that is not a new vessel or dumb lighter,
in the 12 months after the relevant day.
This section applies to—
a declaration issued under regulation 34(1)(a) of the repealed Miscellaneous Craft Regulations; or
a permission granted under regulation 12(1) of the Dangerous Goods (Shipping) Regulations (Cap. 295 sub. leg. C),
that was in force immediately before the relevant day.
A declaration or permission to which this section applies shall be regarded as a declaration of fitness issued under section 54 of this Regulation in respect of the local vessel to which it relates during the remainder of its period of validity, and the provisions of this Regulation shall apply accordingly.
During the 12 months after the relevant day, section 32(2)(b) of this Regulation shall not apply to a local vessel to which Table 1 in Part 2 of Schedule 3 to this Regulation applies in so far as the provision of lifejacket on board the vessel in accordance with the Table is concerned.
During the 12 months after the relevant day, section 33(2)(b) of this Regulation shall not apply to a local vessel to which Table 1 in Part 2 of Schedule 4 to this Regulation applies in so far as the provision of emergency fire pump on board the vessel in accordance with the Table is concerned.
During the 12 months after the relevant day, section 33(2)(b) of this Regulation shall not apply to an oil carrier to which Table 6 in Part 2 of Schedule 4 to this Regulation applies in so far as the provision of main fire pump and emergency fire pump on board the oil carrier in accordance with the Table is concerned.