Points to note after buying a boat in Hong Kong

What do you need to do when you’ve bought your own boat with all your heart? Where should the boat be moored? What conditions do you need to sail to sea? How will it be maintained in the future? and so on, this article will solve your doubts in the clearest way.

Once a vessel is purchased, owning a vessel in Hong Kong involves a number of key areas, including registration and licensing, insurance, maintenance, storage, legal and environmental norms, and community support. Below is a detailed analysis of each aspect, designed to provide comprehensive guidance for new boat owners.

1. Registration & Insurance

In Hong Kong, all vessels are required to register with the Marine Department, especially pleasure boats (Class IV vessels).

The registration process consists of the following steps:

Application for Permit: Ship owners are required to complete Form MD 515 and submit it to the Marine Department.

Required documents: including proof of ship owner’s identity (e.g. Hong Kong Identity Card or Certificate of Incorporation), proof of address (letter within the last 6 months), diesel engine emission certificate (if applicable), copy of third party insurance policy, etc. If the owner is unable to apply in person, additional documents such as an authorisation letter will be required.

Fees & Renewals: Permit fees are calculated based on vessel length, engine type (diesel, petrol or outboard) and power, and are typically annual permits for periods ranging from 1 to 12 months.

Display Permit Number: Once registered, the assigned title certificate number must be painted or affixed on both sides of the boat near the middle of the boat.

2. Insurance

Insurance is another important thing that ship owners must deal with:

Mandatory Third Party Liability Insurance: According to the laws of Hong Kong, all boats are only required to purchase a third party liability insurance of at least HKD 5,000,000 to cover bodily injury and property damage to third parties.

Additional Coverage Options: In addition to basic liability insurance, boat owners may consider hull insurance (which covers damage to the boat), personal effects insurance (which covers the contents of the boat), and rental insurance (if planning to rent out the boat).
Choosing an insurance company: It is advisable to compare the quotes and coverage of different insurance companies and choose a plan that suits the type and value of the vessel. Some companies that specialize in marine insurance, such as Hong Kong Boat Insurance, offer competitive rates.

Insurance is not only a legal requirement, but also protects the shipowner from unexpected losses.

3. Maintenance

Maintenance is key to ensuring the safety and longevity of a vessel, especially in Hong Kong’s subtropical climate:

Scheduled maintenance tasks: including engine inspections and services, hull overhauls (checking for corrosion or damage), cleaning the vessel for marine life from attached, replacing filters, fluids and batteries, and ensuring that all safety equipment (e.g., life jackets, fire extinguishers) is working properly.
Climatic considerations in Hong Kong: High humidity and salt exposure may accelerate corrosion, so regular inspection and treatment of raw or decayed parts are required. Wooden parts need to be protected with appropriate sealants to ensure ventilation to prevent mold.
Recommended Service Providers: There are a number of professional maintenance companies in Hong Kong, such as Ocean Services Asia, VoY Yacht Club, that provide services from routine inspections to major repairs to ensure that the boat is in top condition.

A good maintenance plan saves costs and avoids surprises.

4. Storage and mooring

Boat storage is another area to look out for:

Storage options: Mainly available through marinas and yacht clubs, such as the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, Hebe Haven Yacht Club, etc. These sites provide parking facilities, and some include additional facilities such as fuel stations and security surveillance.

Cost vs. availability: Berthing fees vary depending on location and vessel size, and are typically thousands to tens of thousands of Hong Kong dollars per month. Demand is high and many clubs have waiting lists, such as the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, which has a waiting time of up to 5 years.
Alternative: Typhoon shelters offer economical protection, but have fewer facilities and are suitable for short-term mooring. Private storage facilities are rare and require additional enquiries.
For more berths and yacht club memberships, please visit: Boatmarket berths, yacht club memberships.

5. Legal and environmental considerations

Ship owners are subject to a number of laws and environmental norms:

Safety equipment requirements: The boat only needs to be equipped with life jackets, fire extinguishers, navigation lights, etc., and ensure its workability. Familiarity with the International Maritime Collision Avoidance Code to ensure safe navigation.
Waste Disposal Practices: Properly dispose of waste, especially oils and hazardous substances, and comply with the regulations of the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department to avoid pollution.
Navigation and Rules: Follow the speed limit in the designated area (e.g. 5 knots in the typhoon shelter), pay attention to the priority of the lane, and keep the latest maritime notices and weather reports.

These norms ensure the safety of navigation and environmental protection.

6. Community & Support

Join shipowners’ associations and clubs for support and advice:

Ship owners’ associations, such as the Hong Kong Yacht Industry Association, which represents the leisure marine industry and provides industry information and networks; The Cruiser Owners Association focuses on the promotion of sailing events.
Resources and advice: The Marine Department provides official norms and guidance, and local nautical forums and social media groups such as Facebook also provide peer advice.

These community resources help new boat owners integrate into Hong Kong’s seafaring culture and solve practical problems.

Appendix: Common Costs and Resources for Hong Kong Ship Owners

project	detail
Registration Fees	Depending on the length of the vessel and the type of engine, the annual license is 1-12 months
Insurance minimums	Third Party Liability Insurance, HKD 5,000,000
Frequency of maintenance	Inspect the engine monthly, overhaul the hull quarterly, and replace parts as needed
Parking fee range	HKD 5,000-20,000 per month, depending on location and facilities
Major associations	Hong Kong Yacht Industry Association, Cruiser Owners Association

conclusion

By carefully handling registration, insurance, maintenance, storage, legal and environmental regulations, and leveraging community support, new owners can enjoy a safe and enjoyable sailing experience in Hong Kong. Remember to update your information regularly to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.

Key takeaways:

Studies have shown that it is necessary to register and purchase insurance immediately after buying a boat to ensure that it can be used legally.
Vessel maintenance needs to be checked regularly, with particular attention to corrosion that can occur due to the humid climate in Hong Kong.
Storage options include marinas and yacht clubs, but demand is high and queues may occur.
Laws and environmental norms need to be followed, including safety equipment and waste disposal.
Joining a shipowners’ association provides support and advice to help you integrate into the local seafaring community.