Upcoming events - 即將舉行的活動

    • 31 Jul 2025
    • 15:30 - 16:30
    • 1/F, Club Marina Cove, Marina Cove, Sai Kung, Hong Kong
    Register

    HONG KONG BOATING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

    New Requirements for Application or Revalidation of Local Certificates of Competency held by Local Vessel Operators



     

    EVENT DETAILS:


    各位會員、船長及船員:

    香港遊艇業總會(HKBIA) 將舉辦簡報會,以提供有關年滿 65 歲或以上人士之遊樂船隻操作證書續期之最新資訊

    海事處將於會上簡介相關變更

    地點:匡湖居遊艇會, 1/F

    日期:2025年7月31日

    時間:下午3時30分

    屆時將提供咖啡、茶點及小食。


    Yours sincerely,

    Lawrence Chow

    Chairman


    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



    船隻操作員的身體狀況對確保香港水域使用者的安全十分重要。即使在風險相對較低的遮敝水域,對船長在緊急情況下仍有特殊的要求,以保障船上人員安全。

    現時,對於申請本地合格證明書申請人士的健康要求,只限於通過海事處主考人員目測及醫療專業人員進行的視力測驗。本地合格證明書發出後其有效期至年屆65歲時期滿,在有效期內不需進行健康檢查或評估。在65歲期滿時只需進行視力測驗以延展其本地合格證明書。如年齡少於71歲,每次申請延展3年。如71歲或以上,則每次申請可延展1年。另外,獲准載客超過100人的第I類則船隻船長的僱主,必須為船長安排定期體格檢驗。

    為確保船隻掌管人個人適合其需負責的工作,同時考慮與海上工作相關的特殊風險,體格檢驗是這個過程中的關鍵要素,本處聘請了醫療顧問和專家,制定了一套適合本地合格證明書申請人/持有人的醫療評估準則和有關標準。包括,健康評估表和健康評估指引分別列載於附件,以協助認可醫生對本地合格證明書申請人/持有人的健康狀況就是否適合操作船隻進行評估。而在釐訂健康標準時採用了以風險為本的方法,確保本地船員的健康狀況適合履行其職責。
     

    有關制度最先會在兩個目標群組施行,第一組涉及所有新申請簽發任何級別本地合格證明書和申請為其合格證明書續期的人士。第二組屬主管高風險船隻(即包括:載客船隻;及石油/氣體運輸船)操作的船長及輪機操作員,須定期進行健康檢查。

    第一目標群組

    當申請新的本地合格證明書或為已持有的本地合格證明書續期時,申請人須提交由海事處認可醫生簽發的健康證明書。

    如申請被接納,會獲簽發本地合格證明書或為其證明書續期,有關持證人在證明書的有效期間內不再需要進行健康檢查,但需操作高風險船隻人士除外。而已遞交的健康證明書的有效日期會登記在海事處的系統內,並能經網上電子證書核證系統查核本地合格證明書時顯示。

    第二目標群組
    所有操作高風險船隻人士(即的船長及輪機操作員)須每隔五年獲取健康證明書。

    高風險船隻的運作牌照上將附加條件以執行健康要求,牌照的附加條件會列明操作高風險船隻人士須持有有效的健康證明書及該證明書須向海事處提交作記錄。海事處會通知高風險船隻的船東有關的運作牌照上附加條件的安排。海事處會在日常和特別巡邏時對高風險船隻上人士檢查健康證明書以監察執行情況。

    本處因應去年十月已完成的健康評估試行結果,並根據參與者的意見,優化整體健康評估表使流程更暢順。

    目前已有76位獲承認的註册醫生登記在方案的認可醫生名單內為申請人提供服務。當方案會在202556日舉行的經濟發展事務委員會中對本地合格證明書申請人/持有人實施健康證明要求徵詢委員意見,之後,便可作推廣,預計在2025616日提供健康證明書要求便開始實施,而有關的健康證明要求將會在修訂後的考試規則反映,屆時亦會出版海事處佈告通知公眾。

    本處亦編製了宣傳單張供貴公司員工閱覽。

    為使新要求能順利實施,如需本處派代表到貴會就方案再作簡介及向會員解答疑問,可與本人聯絡安排。

    鑑於認可醫生名單的76位醫生中不清楚有沒有貴會會員常用的醫生,為方便貴會會員們,如貴會會員常用的醫生能提供服務,可給我他們的聯絡電郵,以便本處邀請他們參與本計劃。

    如有任何問題歡迎與我聯絡。


    List of RRMP.pdf

    Medical Assessment Form (MD 818).pdf

    健康評估 - 宣傳單張.pdf

    附件 -Medical Assessment Form.pdf

    附件 -健康評估指引.pdf


    https://hongkongbia.com/news/13514076





    • 31 Jul 2025
    • 18:30 - 19:30
    • Main Lawn, RHKYC, Kellet Island, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
    Register

    HONG KONG BOATING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

    New Requirements for Application or Revalidation of Local Certificates of Competency held by Local Vessel Operators


    When: 31 July 2025, 18:30
    Where: RHKYC (Main Lawn)

     

    EVENT DETAILS:


    Dear Members,


    The Marine Department has implemented new requirements for the Revalidation of Certificate of Competency. This new requirement is particularly important to those with licenses that are above the age of 65. A briefing session will be held at RHKYC, and Marine Department would be able to answer any questions.

    Questions and answers will be recorded and shared to members. It will also be posted on the HKBIA as an FAQ page.


    Yours sincerely,

    Lawrence Chow

    Chairman


    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Coxswains and engine operators (collectively referred to as “operators”) are responsible for operating local vessels whose work is essential for maritime safety. To ensure that operators are qualified to perform the duties concerned, the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Certification and Licensing) Regulation (Cap. 548D) requires all local vessel operators to hold local CoCs. Local CoCs are issued by the Director of Marine. 

    Currently, applicants for local CoCs are not required to undergo any medical examination unless they are applying for a coxswain certificate1 . Once issued, a local CoC will remain valid until the holder reaches the age of 65. 

    When a holder of local CoC reaches the age of 65, he may apply to the Director of Marine for an extension of its validity period for three years. The validity period of a local CoC will be one year once the holder turns 71. Holders of local CoC (including coxswains and engine operators) are required to notify the Director of Marine as soon as possible if they suffer from any physical or other disabilities which render them incapable of performing their duties on board a vessel. 

    To enhance maritime safety, the Marine Department (“MD”) revise the eligibility criteria for applying for or revalidating local CoCs by introducing a medical fitness certificate requirement to ensure that holders of local CoCs are physically fit to operate vessels. To ensure maritime safety while balancing the operational needs of the industry, the medical fitness certificate requirement will follow a two-tier system: Tier 1 covers all new applicants for the issuance of any level of local CoCs and applicants for revalidation of their CoCs; Tier 2 only covers persons operating specific categories of vessels such as those carrying passengers (i.e. Class I vessels) and those carrying dangerous goods (i.e. Class II vessels) (collectively referred to as “high-risk vessels”). 
     
    Tier 1 - All new and revalidation applications for local CoCs
    All applicants for issuance of new local CoCs and revalidation of existing local CoCs are required to submit to MD a medical fitness certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner recognised by MD (“recognised medical practitioner”) together with the application form. Once a local CoC is issued or revalidated, the holder is not required to undergo another medical assessment during its validity period (except for persons operating high-risk vessels). In other words, holders of local CoCs who wish to revalidate their certificates after reaching the age of 65 will have to undergo a medical assessment every three years. After reaching the age of 71, a holder must undergo and pass a medical assessment every year in order to revalidate his/her certificate. 

    Tier 2 - Persons operating high-risk vessels 
    Considering the relatively higher maritime safety risks associated with operation of high-risk vessels, persons operating high-risk vessels are required to undergo a medical assessment once every five years to ensure that their physical condition is suitable for operating the relevant vessels. MD will specify an additional condition in the Operating Licence of highrisk vessels, stating that operators must possess a valid medical fitness certificate. If the conditions attached to an Operating Licence are breached, both the shipowner and the coxswain concerned shall commit an offence. 

    To ensure that medical practitioners responsible for conducting medical assessments fully understand the shipboard duties of local crew, MD has been inviting registered medical practitioners to register as recognised medical practitioners through various medical groups and professional associations, as well as medical service providers, etc., since December last year to provide medical assessment services and issue medical fitness certificates to applicants/holders of CoCs. MD will provide recognised medical practitioners with relevant information on the general duties and physical requirements of local crew. As of May 2025, 86 registered medical practitioners have registered as recognised medical practitioners. MD will continue to encourage registered medical practitioners to sign up and maintain an updated list of recognised medical practitioners on its website for the industry’s reference. 


    MD will amend the “Examination Rules for Local Certificates of Competency” and the “Examination Rules for Pleasure Vessel Operator Certificate of Competency” to update the qualifications for applying for and revalidating local CoCs by introducing the requirement to provide a medical fitness certificate; and include relevant terms when issuing or revalidating the Operating Licences of high-risk vessels to enforce the Tier 2 medical fitness certificate requirement on high-risk vessels. MD will implement the new arrangement in June 2025 and inform the public of the relevant measures through Marine Department Notices.


    船隻操作員的身體狀況對確保香港水域使用者的安全十分重要。即使在風險相對較低的遮敝水域,對船長在緊急情況下仍有特殊的要求,以保障船上人員安全。

    現時,對於申請本地合格證明書申請人士的健康要求,只限於通過海事處主考人員目測及醫療專業人員進行的視力測驗。本地合格證明書發出後其有效期至年屆65歲時期滿,在有效期內不需進行健康檢查或評估。在65歲期滿時只需進行視力測驗以延展其本地合格證明書。如年齡少於71歲,每次申請延展3年。如71歲或以上,則每次申請可延展1年。另外,獲准載客超過100人的第I類則船隻船長的僱主,必須為船長安排定期體格檢驗。

    為確保船隻掌管人個人適合其需負責的工作,同時考慮與海上工作相關的特殊風險,體格檢驗是這個過程中的關鍵要素,本處聘請了醫療顧問和專家,制定了一套適合本地合格證明書申請人/持有人的醫療評估準則和有關標準。包括,健康評估表和健康評估指引分別列載於附件,以協助認可醫生對本地合格證明書申請人/持有人的健康狀況就是否適合操作船隻進行評估。而在釐訂健康標準時採用了以風險為本的方法,確保本地船員的健康狀況適合履行其職責。
     

    有關制度最先會在兩個目標群組施行,第一組涉及所有新申請簽發任何級別本地合格證明書和申請為其合格證明書續期的人士。第二組屬主管高風險船隻(即包括:載客船隻;及石油/氣體運輸船)操作的船長及輪機操作員,須定期進行健康檢查。

    第一目標群組

    當申請新的本地合格證明書或為已持有的本地合格證明書續期時,申請人須提交由海事處認可醫生簽發的健康證明書。

    如申請被接納,會獲簽發本地合格證明書或為其證明書續期,有關持證人在證明書的有效期間內不再需要進行健康檢查,但需操作高風險船隻人士除外。而已遞交的健康證明書的有效日期會登記在海事處的系統內,並能經網上電子證書核證系統查核本地合格證明書時顯示。

    第二目標群組
    所有操作高風險船隻人士(即的船長及輪機操作員)須每隔五年獲取健康證明書。

    高風險船隻的運作牌照上將附加條件以執行健康要求,牌照的附加條件會列明操作高風險船隻人士須持有有效的健康證明書及該證明書須向海事處提交作記錄。海事處會通知高風險船隻的船東有關的運作牌照上附加條件的安排。海事處會在日常和特別巡邏時對高風險船隻上人士檢查健康證明書以監察執行情況。

    本處因應去年十月已完成的健康評估試行結果,並根據參與者的意見,優化整體健康評估表使流程更暢順。

    目前已有76位獲承認的註册醫生登記在方案的認可醫生名單內為申請人提供服務。當方案會在202556日舉行的經濟發展事務委員會中對本地合格證明書申請人/持有人實施健康證明要求徵詢委員意見,之後,便可作推廣,預計在2025616日提供健康證明書要求便開始實施,而有關的健康證明要求將會在修訂後的考試規則反映,屆時亦會出版海事處佈告通知公眾。

    本處亦編製了宣傳單張供貴公司員工閱覽。

    為使新要求能順利實施,如需本處派代表到貴會就方案再作簡介及向會員解答疑問,可與本人聯絡安排。

    鑑於認可醫生名單的76位醫生中不清楚有沒有貴會會員常用的醫生,為方便貴會會員們,如貴會會員常用的醫生能提供服務,可給我他們的聯絡電郵,以便本處邀請他們參與本計劃。

    如有任何問題歡迎與我聯絡。


    List of RRMP.pdf

    Medical Assessment Form (MD 818).pdf

    健康評估 - 宣傳單張.pdf

    附件 -Medical Assessment Form.pdf

    附件 -健康評估指引.pdf


    https://hongkongbia.com/news/13514076





Past events - 過去的活動

8 May 2025 ASIA SUPERYACHT NIGHT HONG KONG 2025
15 Mar 2025 HKBIA - Electric Propulsion and Lithium Batteries: Myth and Misinformation -
29 Nov 2024 HK INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW - HKBIA COCKTAIL 2024
29 Nov 2024 HKBIA AGM - 2024
29 Nov 2024 HKBIA CONFERENCE AND UPDATE
6 Jun 2024 Asia Superyacht Night (Hong Kong)
3 Jun 2024 HKBIA - Industry Update & Members Networking Event
1 Dec 2023 HKBIA - Hong Kong International Boat Show 2023 - Cocktail Reception
29 Mar 2023 HKBIA AGM - 2023
9 Nov 2022 HKBIA - Speaker Talk & Networking Event: Professional Indemnity Insurance by Colin Dawson
22 Jun 2022 HKBIA AGM - 2022
15 Jul 2021 HKBIA Online Series: Low Impact Boating Initiative (LIBI) by Simon Boyde
25 Feb 2021 HKBIA - Online Series: Post Mangkhut protection works by Paul Zimmerman
29 Sep 2020 ASIA BOATING DIALOGUE - SESSION 2
15 Jul 2020 POSTPONED | HKBIA - Speaker Talk & Networking Event: Post Mangkhut protection works by Paul Zimmerman
17 Jan 2020 HKBIA - IDEC SPORT Maxi-Trimaran Tour w/ Gilles Chiorri & Presentation by Francis Joyon
28 Nov 2019 HKBIA Speaker & Networking Event (rescheduled)
28 Mar 2019 Hong Kong BIA Meets the ICOMIA Executive 香港遊艇業總會會見ICOMIA 執行委員會
6 Dec 2018 yacht CN 2018
14 Nov 2018 Sustainable Ocean Summit
13 Nov 2018 METS - Marine Equipment Trade Show
22 Oct 2018 Members Evening 會員邀請晚會
27 Mar 2018 Annual General Meeting
16 Dec 2017 Public Meeting to Establish the HKBIA
14 Dec 2016 Preliminary Meeting

A meeting of the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association on Monday 3 June 2024 at the Lipton Room, Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, began with drinks and canapés, and was followed by opening remarks from HKBIA Chair, Lawrence Chow. This was an Industry Update and Members' Networking event. As the saying goes, "it's good to talk".

Presentations came from Ewa Stachurska, VP Marketing of Simpson Marine; Alan Reid, Marine Manager at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club; and Paul Zimmerman, Founder and CEO of Designing Hong Kong Limited.

Ewa Stachurska, VP Marketing of Simpson Marine, presented a huge amount of up-to-date information on the Economic Value of Boating from the yacht dealership and services perspective. There was a great deal to digest. Yacht sales at Simpson Marine are estimated at 3,500+ units over the past four decades of business operations, and when annual maintenance, crew expenses, marina berthing, fuel and provisions are added in, a boat owner puts the same value as the boat back into the economy in less than 10 years.  Simpson's own figures indicate that on average USD500M to up to US$1bn is injected into the economic community every decade. 

Charter operations are only a little less valuable. Chartering puts money into crew, service teams, marinas, provisioning, shore services, sub-contractors and more. Simpson has 50 directly-managed charter boats throughout its Asian charter bases, and in 2023 recorded 350 days of charter in Hong Kong alone. 

Service operations generate value from everything from painting to engine maintenance, and we all know the rule of thumb that says a boat cost 10% of its purchase price in annual running costs. Lifestyle promotion is often overlooked as a money-generator. Think creative agencies, photographers, F&B providers, shore venues (marinas, clubs, hotels, more...) Sales and Marketing consume (and recycle) 2-10% of a boat's value when it comes to lifestyle and charter brand and sales marketing. 

In summary, it was pointed out that Asia is the fastest growing region in the world for yacht and boat sales, that Hong Kong is a mature market and the hub of the activity. Numbers of HNWI and UNHWI individuals are expanding rapidly, we enjoy year-round boating conditions (no need to shrink-wrap and winterise your boat in Asia ha ha!), and the infrastructure is in place. Yes, more moorings are needed in Hong Kong, but the first step is to get the governments and regulators to appreciate that boating is a money- and livelihood-generating industry. 

Alan Reid, Marine Manager at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, spoke about the "decarbonisation" of the yachting industry. Main message here was that there is very little that boat manufacturers and owners can contribute in practical terms. LPG engines, battery power, hydrogen power, and efficient hull shapes can contribute, but the percentage contribution of individual pleasure vessels to a world problem when viewed alongside commercial vessels is practically negligible. If you really want to reduce the carbon footprint of your boat, forget the 35kts planing 80-footer and go cruising in an 8kts displacement design. Some of us actually think this preferable, and you won't spill your gin-and-tonic.

More important is what people like government agencies are doing to reduce marine emissions. Singapore aims to have all harbour craft 'decarbonised' by 2050. Singapore MPA have taken in 32 proposals from the marine industry to support an electrification scheme - electric vessels, charging infrastucture and so on. 11 proposals are being funded by the Singapore Government: they are actually doing something.

Engine manufacturer Yamaha has a 450hp prototype hydrogen engine under test, their outboards are suitable for use with biofuels (30% reduction in emissions) and the company now owns the electric outboard company, Torqueedo. All positive. 

Furthermore, 'the younger generation' is changing its boating habits. Why buy (with all the attendant costs and hassles of marinas, trailers, maintenance etc) when you can join something like the Freedom Boat Club? The 'gig economy' goes boating! 

Last presentation of the evening came from Paul Zimmerman, former District Councillor, and Founder and CEO of Designing Hong Kong Limited, a not-for-profit organization promoting sustainable urban planning in Hong Kong. Zimmerman and Designing HK have a well-earned reputation as well-intentioned agitators.

Between 2007 and 2022 the commercial marine fleet in Hong Kong grew by 7%. At the same time the Class IV Pleasure Vessels fleet grew by 120%, and pleasure vessels now make up 60% of all registered vessels in Hong Kong. At the same time the number of mooring provided and administered by the Marine Dept (MarDep) has remained static.

The unwillingness of government agencies, especially MarDep, but also Leisure & Cultural Services (LCSD), Tourism, and Planning, to engage in any meaningful way with the water sports and boating sector is remarkable. Physical access to water (steps, ramps) are few and far between. Storage facilities for water sports equipment is non-existent.  LCSD provides water sports training facilities, but does not support boat owning in any way.

MarDep acknowledges its responsibility for "the safety of vessels, and marine traffic" but nobody appears to hold a portfolio for the recreational boating industry.

Hong Kong is - or should be - mad keen on recreational boating. It has the longest coastline of any global city (722km), 263 islands >500sqm, and more water (1,647 km2) than land (1,108 km2). Designing Hong Kong have identified 10 locations where the government could usefully and easily construct or provide access facilities to the water, or enhance existing facilities.

Locations range from Tolo Harbour - surely the most underutilised stretch of recreation water in Hong Kong - to Tai Tam and Tung Chu. One of them, the Tsung Kwan O Sheltered Anchorage, was proposed in 2013 and gazetted in 2023. The wheels of government grind slowly. A proposal for a private development of a marina in Yau Tong Bay capable of accommodating vessels of up to 70m appears to be stalled. The Kwun Tong Typhoon Shelter is an unregulated and disorganised mess, and a request for water-access steps was rejected on grounds of "insufficient space". Promised facilities (space for waterfront al fresco dining) at North Point have been downgraded to a mere footpath.

This is all very disappointing, but provoked some lively discussion among the audience when the canapés and drinks were resumed. Zimmerman stressed the point that it is one of the responsibilities of the HKBIA to take up cudgels on these matters, with the full weight of the membership behind it: people and companies in the leisure boating industry with a vested interest in helping the Government to understand that leisure marine is real and valuable business, and should be taken seriously and treated better than it is at present.

Many thanks to all the presenters for providing a great deal of interesting and valuable information.



Hong Kong BIA – A new voice for the leisure marine trade in Hong Kong

香港遊艇業總會- 一個新的香港休閒海事行業發聲平台


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