On 29 June 2026, the Hong Kong Marine Department introduced new facilitation measures for visiting yachts. For owners, skippers and visiting-yacht operators, the practical questions are straightforward: how to apply, when to submit information, whether a marina berth is still required, whether the yacht may cruise freely in Hong Kong waters, what equipment is needed for designated anchorage areas, and whether the skipper must complete Hong Kong local-waters knowledge requirements.
This guide summarises the official access points, eBS workflow, pre-arrival notification, designated anchorage areas, AIS/VHF requirements, insurance, port clearance, skipper qualifications and common operational questions. It is an information guide only and should not be treated as legal, insurance or licensing advice. Final arrangements should always follow the latest announcements from the Marine Department, Immigration Department, Department of Health and other relevant authorities.
Official starting points before applying
Before arranging a visiting yacht call in Hong Kong, start from the following official pages:
- eBS visiting yacht / pleasure vessel services: eBS visiting yacht services
- Visiting yacht services user manual: MD_eBS4_VY_User_Manual_tc_1.0_1.pdf
- Government press release: Marine Department implements facilitation measures for visiting yachts
- Notes to Masters of Visiting Yachts / Pleasure Vessels: Marine Department notes to masters
- Official facilitation leaflet: setsailhk_c.pdf
The eBS visiting-yacht page currently has two key entry points: EBS-V01 for applying for a password account for visiting-yacht / pleasure-vessel services, and EBS-V02 for using an existing password account to handle applications. First-time users should open an account through EBS-V01; existing users should log in through EBS-V02.
Step 1: create an eBS visiting-yacht services account
For first-time use, applicants should create a password account through EBS-V01. The basic process is to enter the visiting-yacht services page, select EBS-V01, accept the terms and personal-data statement, enter an email address and verification code, then use the password sent by the system to log in through EBS-V02.
After the first login, the system asks for account-holder information such as name, document type, document number, address and phone number. The vessel registration and subsequent applications can only be handled after the account details are completed.
Step 2: register vessel particulars and upload certificates
After the account is created, the next step is to register vessel particulars and submit electronic certificates. Before applying, prepare vessel name, flag state, registration certificate, dimensions, gross tonnage, draught, crew and passenger list, previous port clearance, third-party risk insurance, AIS/VHF equipment details and skipper/operator qualification documents.
| Document / information | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Vessel name, flag and registration certificate | Used for vessel registration, arrival and marine declarations. |
| Dimensions, tonnage and draught | Relevant to anchorage capacity and allocation. |
| Crew and passenger list | For advance review by immigration and relevant authorities. |
| AIS and VHF equipment details | Core requirement for using designated anchorage areas. |
| Skipper / operator qualifications | Relevant when applying for free cruising and local-waters knowledge requirements. |
Step 3: pre-arrival notification and pre-entry information
Digital submission does not mean a yacht may simply enter Hong Kong waters. The Marine Department’s notes state that no vessel may enter Hong Kong waters without the permission of the Director of Marine. The skipper or owner of a visiting yacht / pleasure vessel must submit pre-arrival notification at least 24 hours before entering Hong Kong waters.
Under the enhanced eBS, owners or skippers may submit vessel, crew and passenger information in advance for pre-vetting by the Marine Department, Immigration Department and Department of Health, without necessarily going through a local agent. The system also covers arrival declarations, applications to cruise in Hong Kong waters, designated anchorage arrangements, port clearance, payment and document downloads.
Designated anchorage areas: more flexible, not unrestricted
The measures relax the berth requirement for visiting yachts. A visiting yacht does not always have to reserve a berth at a privately operated yacht club or marina before arrival; it may apply to use designated anchorage areas. The five areas announced by the Marine Department are Stanley Bay, Tai Tam Bay, Repulse Bay, Kei Ling Ha Hoi in Sai Kung, and Tai O.
These areas are not “first come, first served” unlimited parking zones. The Marine Department will use the yacht dynamic monitoring system to assess declared vessel size, draught and anchorage utilisation, calculate permitted distribution, and monitor vessel movements in real time. A visiting yacht using a designated anchorage area must be equipped with AIS and VHF radio.
Free cruising in Hong Kong waters: skipper qualification matters
Entering Hong Kong waters, staying in a designated anchorage, and cruising freely in Hong Kong waters are different arrangements. If a visiting yacht plans to cruise freely, its operator must satisfy the requirements of the flag administration and also meet Hong Kong local-waters knowledge requirements.
To facilitate operators of Mainland visiting yachts, the Marine Department has authorised relevant Mainland organisations to arrange Hong Kong local-waters knowledge examinations and approved seven Mainland training bodies to provide recognised short courses. The official course document describes the course as Hong Kong local-waters knowledge and states that it lasts one day.
- Approved Mainland training course list: hkwl_course.pdf
- Marine Department examinations and certification: examination and certification page
- Mainland examination platform: China maritime examination platform
Insurance, stay period and port clearance
- Third-party risk insurance: when applying for permission to operate in Hong Kong waters, the applicant must produce valid third-party risk insurance for the vessel’s operation in Hong Kong waters, with coverage of not less than HKD 5 million.
- 182-day rule: if a visiting yacht / pleasure vessel stays in Hong Kong waters for more than 182 days in any continuous 365-day period, it must obtain the relevant local certificate and licence.
- Port clearance validity: port clearance expires 72 hours after issue. If the departure voyage is postponed for more than 72 hours, a new port clearance must be obtained.
Pre-arrival checklist
| Stage | Confirm before arrival |
|---|---|
| Account | Whether an EBS-V01 account has been created or EBS-V02 login is available. |
| Vessel particulars | Vessel name, flag, registration, dimensions, draught and certificates are ready. |
| Pre-arrival | At least 24 hours have been allowed for pre-arrival notification. |
| Cruising | The skipper meets flag-state requirements and any Hong Kong local-waters knowledge requirement. |
| Anchorage | The intended anchorage is suitable, and AIS/VHF equipment is installed. |
| Insurance | Third-party risk insurance meets the HKD 5 million minimum where applicable. |
| Departure | Port clearance has been arranged and the 72-hour validity period is understood. |
Official source images
The following are original Marine Department leaflet images. Readers may cross-check the policy details against the official links above.
FAQ: key points for visiting yacht arrangements
1. Can Mainland or overseas yachts visit Hong Kong under the new measures?
Yes. The measures are intended to facilitate visiting yachts from the Greater Bay Area and around the world. Owners or skippers may submit visiting yacht information, pre-arrival notification, crew and passenger details and related applications through eBS.
2. Is a private marina berth still required before visiting?
Not necessarily. A visiting yacht may apply to use designated anchorage areas instead of first reserving a private yacht club or marina berth. Actual use depends on vessel size, draught, capacity and the Marine Department’s system arrangement.
3. What is the difference between visiting, anchoring and cruising freely?
They are different levels of permission. A general visit still requires pre-arrival and immigration/marine submissions. Free cruising in Hong Kong waters requires the operator to satisfy flag-state requirements and Hong Kong local-waters knowledge requirements.
4. What requirements are most easily missed?
Timing, insurance and departure clearance. Pre-arrival notification must be submitted at least 24 hours before entry; third-party risk insurance must be at least HKD 5 million where applicable; and port clearance expires 72 hours after issue.
Need help organising visiting yacht documents?
If you are preparing a yacht visit to Hong Kong, organise the vessel particulars, insurance, AIS/VHF, skipper qualifications and voyage documents before submitting through eBS. BoatMarket can help you understand the article and prepare your enquiry direction.
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Email: enquiry@boatmarket.com.hk
