Safety Tips for Boating
Safety Requirements of a Pleasure Vessel
Any pleasure vessel should comply with the safety requirements specified by the Code of Practice for Safety Standards for Class IV Vessels (the COP).
The Code of Practice for Safety Standards for Class IV Vessels (pdf file)
Passenger Capacity and Accommodation
- Depending on the size of the vessel, the boat should not hold more than the number of passengers specified by Chapter IV of the COP.
- There should be enough seating or resting facilities for the passengers on board.
- Accommodation spaces should be clean, well-ventilated with suitable lighting and efficient means of escape.
Safety Equipment
Safety equipment including fire-fighting apparatus and life-saving appliances should be an approved type, in good working order and easily accessible. You can check out Chapters V and VI of the COP for specific requirements.
Vessel Operators
A pleasure vessel can only be operated by qualified vessel operators who have acquired Local Certificates of Competency, depending on the vessel models they are to operate on. For specific vessel operator requirements, you can refer to Chapter IX of the COP.
Safe Navigation
To enjoy a fun and relaxing boat trip, you need to navigate your boat in a safe and considerate way. Below are some of the safety tips for boaters:
- Slow down, or give a wide berth, when passing small craft.
- Get yourself familiar with the Traffic Separation Schemes and try to stay clear of fairways when large vessels are using them.
- Do not exceed the speed limit in Speed Restricted Zones or Typhoon Shelters.
- Don’t stand up or change seats in a small boat, particularly when the boat is full.
- Don’t leave the tiller or helm unattended, especially when in crowded waters.
- Proceed with extra caution where divers or swimmers are in the water.
- Don’t sound your horn or bell unnecessarily.
Guidelines for Boaters – The Dos and Don’ts
Safe Operation of Small Pleasure Vessels (pdf file)
Observing the Safety advice Enjoying the fun at sea (pdf file)
Safe Navigation in Restricted Visibility (pdf file)
Traffic Separation Schemes and Principal Fairways
Speed Restricted Zones for vessels
Speed Limits of Vessels within Hong Kong Waters (pdf file)
Notes for Local Pleasure Vessels (Class IV Vessels) (pdf file)
Guidelines for Co-using Kwun Tong Typhoon Shelter (pdf file)
Map of typhoon shelters and sheltered anchorages (pdf file)
In Case of Emergency
When your vessel encounters emergency situations, distress or accident, you should call the Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC), either on V.H.F. (channel 02, 12, 14, 63, 67) or by telephone at 2233 7801 or 2233 7808.
Alternatively, you may contact the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre by telephone at 2233 7999 immediately.
Details you should include in an emergency message
More on Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
Other Safety Precautions
Fire hazards on vessels can be caused by short circuit of electric power, naked lights, overheating of machinery or simply by careless use of electricity and domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). You should take precautions to prevent your boat from fire and other hazards.
- Don’t overload the electrical appliances on board.
- Make sure electrical devices are properly installed and maintained.
- LPG cylinders should be stowed on open decks, and kept away from cooking appliances, air pipes and ventilators.
- Don’t smoke in engine rooms, where flammable items are stored.
- Keep your boat clean. Oil in the bilges or dirty rags can cause fire.
- Secure electrical wires in protected places to prevent damage.
More fire prevention tips (pdf file) (available in Chinese only)
More on safety use of electricity (pdf file) (available in Chinese only)
More on safety use of domestic LPG (Chapter VIII of the COP) (pdf file)
Useful References
The following links take you to comprehensive information for operating vessels safely in the waters of Hong Kong.