News - 消息

Dear Members,

Please use the following links to access the results from the recent poll and the summary from the round-table meeting with the Chief Executive's Policy Unit and Industry Representatives held on 6 March 2025:

Poll Results.pdf

Report on meeting with the Chief Executives Policy Unit and industry representatives.pdf

Yours Sincerely,

Lawrence Chow

Chair

•  Dear HKBIA Members,

   

  The HKBIA has been in active dialogue with the HK Govt and has been actively advocating for sheltered mooring spaces on various media channels. To highlight;

• 
  

• 1.    HK Macau Liaison Office - Round Table Discussion – 15 Nov 2024

• 2.    HK Policy Unit -  Industry Update – 14 Feb 2025

• 3.    HK Policy Unit – Round Table Discussion – Upcoming – 5 March 2025

• As you may have heard on various news outlets, the Government is proposing three new berthing areas in HK for pleasure vessels.

  After many years, the Government is now engaging with the HKBIA and asking for input on the new marinas planned and input for the future planning of pleasure vessel rules and regulations.

  The HKBIA is therefore polling our members to ask what they think of the locations chosen by the Government for the first three marinas planned and the Airport  Authorities’ Skytopia Marina.

  The four locations are:

• 1.    ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER

• 2.    LAMMA ISLAND

• 3.    HUNG HOM PIER

• 4.    AIRPORT SKYTOPIA MARINA

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• 
  

• The HKBIA has a meeting with the Chief Executives Policy Unit next week and we wish to poll members on their thinking on the four proposals prior to the meeting.  Would you please answer the questions below and return the answers to us before Tuesday 4^th of March.

  Email: chair@hongkongbia.com or whatsapp +852 9707 2391.

  We look forward to receive your feedback. 

   

  Yours sincerely, 

  Lawrence Chow

  Chair

  Hong Kong Boating Industry Association

• 
  

• LINK TO POLL

• LINK TO PREVIOUS HKBIA PROPOSAL

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• 
  

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• 1.    ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER

The expansion area of Aberdeen typhoon shelter for which the Government have already issued and Expression of Interest to the industry.

• The EOI can be found here.

  https://www.iiso.gov.hk/files/studies/ATS_EOI.pdf

   

   

   

• 2.    LAMMA ISLAND

The second area proposed by Government is in Sok Kwu Wan on Lamma Island southwest of Aberdeen typhoon shelter south entrance.

 

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• 3.    HUNG HOM PIER

The third area is in the harbour off of the old Hung Hom pier.

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• 4.    AIRPORT SKYTOPIA MARINA

Meanwhile the Airport Authority has also proposed to build a Marina at the airport as part of the Skytopia project.

 

The ARUP report for the AA can be found here.

https://www.epd.gov.hk/eia//register/profile/latest/esb372/esb372.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

POLL

Location	Aberdeen	Lamma	Hung Hom	Airport
Do you agree that this is a good location for a marina?	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______
If you answer no please explain why?
Would you advise your clients to apply for a berth here?	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______
Which location do you think your clients would like to moor their boat in if given a choice?	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______
Would you like to see public berthing being available at the location?	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______
Do you think that overseas visiting boats would like to use the location?	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______
Should HK MarDep make it easier for non HK registered boats to visit and cruise in HK?	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______	Yes.   ______   No.    ______
Do you have any comments of the Government Proposals?

 

• The Southeast Asia Yachting Conference 2025 (SEAYC), scheduled for 8 - 9 April at ONE15 Marina Sentosa Cove, is a key channel for visionaries, policymakers and industry leaders to connect and shape the future of yachting. The SEAYC has proudly announced that Wicky Sundram will be the Master of Ceremonies and the conference is supported this year by collaborations with seven leading industry Associations.

   “We are thrilled to welcome Wicky Sundram back as Master of Ceremonies for this year’s conference. His expertise and charisma add immense value to the discussions. We’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming interest in attendance and partnership since announcing the event. This proves that the yachting industry in Southeast Asia is eager for a dedicated platform to discuss key issues, share insights, and explore new opportunities.” said Jonathan Sit, Regional General Manager, Marina Division, SUTL Enterprise Ltd.

  Event Sponsors and Supporting Partners include the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association (HKBIA) and the Singapore Boating Industry Association (SBIA), Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (an HKBIA member), ICOMIA, AIMEX, Superyacht Australia, and the Marina Industries Association (MIA), 

  The SEAYC 2025 will tackle critical challenges, emerging opportunities, and innovative solutions shaping the maritime future of Southeast Asia. Key sessions include:

• ·       Master Planning: Future Southeast Asia Coastal Developments
• Exploring transformative coastal projects aimed at establishing Southeast Asia as a premier yachting destination.
• ·       Navigating Regional Waters: Regulation Challenges in Southeast Asia
• Examining regional maritime regulations and strategies to streamline navigation across borders.
• ·       Tourism and Chartering: Market Trends Across Southeast Asia
• Delving into the market dynamics driving growth in the region’s tourism and yacht chartering sectors.
• ·       Where to Next?: The rise of Alternatives and Sustainable Solutions
• Discussing the adoption of sustainable practices and alternative energy solutions for the yachting industry. 
• ·       SEA Superyacht Connection: Working with neighbouring regions
• Addressing the evolving expectations and training needs for yacht owners and crew. 
• ·       Ready the Yards: Infrastructure Opportunities and Warranty Constraints
• Unpacking challenges and opportunities in yacht maintenance infrastructure in Southeast Asia.

The SEAYC 2025 is expected to host over 150 industry leaders, including global media, offering unparalleled exposure to Southeast Asia’s yachting trade. APSA members are eligible for a discount code please email admin@apsuperyacht.org for the discount code and then register online at:

https://singaporeyachtingfestival.com/index/registration?utm_source=eDM+-+SYF&utm_medium=ODO&utm_campaign=2025_SYF_Ticket+Purchase

Sponsorship Opportunities are also available and include: 

Brand visibility throughout the event, including key sessions and networking breaks. 

Opportunities to showcase products and innovations directly to industry decision-makers. 

Direct access to influential leaders shaping the future of yachting in Southeast Asia. For more information contact Wade Pearce at syf@one15marina.com and click on the link for the sponsorship package.

https://di9mr54a05a64.cloudfront.net/api-one15events.expoplatform.com/files/SEAYC-2025-Sponsorship-Deck_LR.pdf

EVENT DETAILS dates: 8-9 April 2025 Venue: ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove Singapore

www.singaporeyachtingfestival.com

There are new regulations that have been taken in by MarDep on Li Ion battery for both house and propulsion. Members please note: 

CHAPTER XI SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BATTERY POWERED VESSELS

1       Application to Battery Powered Vessels

1.1    This chapter applies to local vessels that use electric power for the propulsion or general electrical loads with an installed battery capacity greater than 600Wh using cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes.  Such vessels shall comply with the requirements of this chapter in addition to any other applicable requirements of this code of practice.

2       Requirements for Battery Powered Vessels

2.1    Batteries shall be constructed and tested in accordance with the relevant IEC Publications or equivalent where applicable.

2.2    Any lithium-ion batteries and battery systems with a capacity greater than 600 Wh installed a local vessel shall comply with the Technical Specification Small Craft – Lithium-ion batteries (ISO/TS 23625:2021) or equivalent.   

2.3    Any local vessels of 24 meters or above, or any of the vessel type listed below, shall comply with the relevant rules published by an Authorized Organization for Electric Propulsion Systems or equivalent.

o Class I vessels; 

o Dangerous goods carriers;

o Oil / Noxious liquid substance / Gas carriers; 

o Special purpose vessels;

o Mobile fishing vessels; and

o Any Class II vessels that may navigate within river trade limits.

2.4 Any local vessels which do not belong to the vessels in paragraph 2.3 shall comply with the following:

(a) (c) (d) Vessels shall be constructed to the International Standards – Small Craft – Electric Propulsion System (ISO 16315:2016) and Small craft — Fire protection (ISO 9094), or their equivalent.

(b) Batteries shall be positioned aft of the collision bulkhead. 

(c) Boundaries of battery compartment which is part of a vessel’s structure orenclosures shall be of equivalent structural integrity and A-60 fire integrity.

(d) A battery compartment shall be fitted with fire/heat detectors or detection system where suitable.

(e) A battery compartment with combined stored energy over 50 kWh in lithium ion batteries shall be equipped with a type of fixed fire extinguishing system recommended as suitable for suppressing battery fire by the battery maker of the battery/ies.

Members purchasing Li-Ion batteries with a combined rating of above 600Wh should ensure that the batteries, whether they are for propulsion or house use, are rated as IEC 62619 or IEC 62620.

Li-Ion batteries MUST have a battery management system to disconnect the batteries if they reach over-temperature, high/low voltage and charging/ discharging current limits. Batteries should be located away from hot areas, be securely fastened down, be away from water and have a battery disconnect service fitted.

A fire detection system should be fitted when Li-Ion batteries are in an enclosed compartment. Batteries should not be in a habitable space unless they can be vented outside the space.  More information can be found in ISO/TS 23625.

COP Class 4 - Chpt XI - Battery requirement.pdf

 

From the 15 April 2025 a Medical Fitness Certificate must be submitted to MarDep when applying for a new Pleasure Vessel Certificate of Competency.

The same goes for those renewing their PVOC from the age of 65 years. Click the link: lvacp11_24.pdf

REMINDER: the above legislation and associated regulations came into effect on 01 January 2025. 

"A BILL to provide for restrictions in connection with operating vessels, and performing certain duties on board vessels, in the waters of Hong Kong after consumption or use of alcohol or drugs; to provide for procedures to obtain specimens of breath, blood and urine, and to test for the presence of alcohol and drugs in the specimens and for impairment by drugs; to provide for disqualification from operating vessels and performing certain duties on board vessels on conviction of certain offences; to provide for enforcement powers; and to provide for related matters."

Any questions? Actually, yes, there are a few questions, mostly concerning the definition of "person in charge", but all active boaters need to read this and be familiar with it anyway. 

It's 86 pages long...

gld_eng_20231222_Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Bill.pdf

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uADSYgUcr10

The HKBIA has sent a letter to the Chief Executive and Secretary for Development to request for specific actions to be addressed to support the industry. 

Letter and PDF can be accessed from the link below:

LETTER

PRESENTATION

Dear Member,

The HKBIA has been aiming to conduct an economic impact study to highlight how important our industry is in Hong Kong. We shall use this to gain support from the various HK Govt departments and to lobby for a dedicated committee for the Leisure Boating Industry within the HK Government.

We would like to invite you to participate in our survey to share sales data that can be extrapolated to identify the economic impact our industry has to the Hong Kong economy, an unprecedented study that will put us on the city’s economic map and allow us for more impactful initiatives and discussions.

The data is going to be collected anonymously and will be collated by our independent Honorary Treasurer, Andrew Barclay from Stepping Stone.

We hope to collect all data by 25 October and look forward to share the results by the end of October with the HKBIA community. We hope to leverage this study to continue our dialogue with the HK Government.  

 

For BOAT SALES – Yacht Dealers, Brokers

https://form.jotform.com/242608797822468

 

For CHARTER – Companies, Agencies

https://form.jotform.com/242609172904457

 

Your support here is invaluable to all of the industry in Hong Kong. We thank you for your participation.

For reference, we also attach our letter that was sent to the Chief Executive on 11 Sept 2024. 

File can be accessed here: 

20240911_Letter to CE.pdf

Yours sincerely,

Lawrence Chow

Chair of HKBIA