As a nautical hub in Asia, Hong Kong has strict requirements for the driver’s license of vessels to ensure maritime safety and environmental protection. The following is a detailed description of the driving licence restrictions, uses and how to obtain a driving licence for speedboats and yachts of different sizes in Hong Kong, with a particular focus on the 49-foot limit for Level 2 certificates. All information is sourced from the Marine Department of Hong Kong and other reliable sources.
An overview of Hong Kong Boat Driving Licences
According to the requirements of the Marine Department of Hong Kong, a proper driving licence is required for any type of speedboat or yacht (i.e. Class IV Vessel). All speedboat and yacht pilots must hold a Pleasure Vessel Operator Certificate of Competency, and the rating of the certificate must match the size of the vessel (length, engine type and power). In addition, the vessel itself must be registered with the Hong Kong Marine Department and insured with a third party liability insurance of at least HK$5,000,000 (HK$10,000,000 for chartering of more than 12 passengers).
Types of Clipper and Yacht Driver’s Licenses
There are two classes of speedboat driving licenses in Hong Kong, which are suitable for boats of different sizes, according to Local pleasure vessel operators | Maritime Industry：
- Grade 2:
- Restrictions: Speedboats or yachts up to 15 meters (about 49 feet) in length may be driven.
- Applicable vessels: including small speedboats (e.g. running boats, sports boats), small and medium-sized yachts, and other Class IV vessels such as auxiliary powered yachts, cruisers and open cruisers.
- Features: Suitable for beginners or boat owners who drive small to medium-sized boats, this is an entry-level license.
- Grade 1:
- Restrictions: Speedboats or yachts of any size can be piloted with no length restrictions.
- Applicable vessels: Includes large yachts, superyachts (over 100 feet), and all Class IV Vessels.
- Features: Suitable for experienced boat owners or driving large boats, usually requiring a Class 2 certificate with additional qualifications.
Detailed explanation of license restrictions
- Boat size restrictions:
- The Class 2 certificate is limited to vessels up to 15 meters (about 49 feet) in length, which is the official limit.
- The Level 1 certificate has no length limit and can be used to sail boats of any size.
- Engine Type & Power :
- The certificate grade must match the type of engine (diesel, petrol or plug-in) and power of the vessel.
- Other restrictions:
- All vessels must be registered with the Marine Department of Hong Kong and have a registration number on both sides of the hull.
- Vessels must have third-party liability insurance to comply with legal requirements.
The difference between a clipper and a yacht and the applicability of the license
- Speedboats:
- Commonly referred to as high-speed motor boats, such as Runabouts, Sport Boats and Racing Boats.
- In Hong Kong, speedboats are classified as “Open Cruisers” in Class IV Vessel.
- Driving a speedboat requires a proper speedboat pilot certificate (grade 1 or 2, depending on the size of the vessel) and no special speedboat license.
- Yachts:
- Including Sailboats and Motor Yachts.
- Sizes range from small (under 40 feet) to large (over 100 feet).
- A speedboat pilot’s certificate is also required to drive the yacht, and the certificate level must match the size of the yacht.
Note: Both clippers and yachts are subject to the same license requirements as long as they belong to Class IV Vessel.
How to get a speedboat driving license
To obtain a speedboat driving licence, you need to pass an examination conducted by the Hong Kong Marine Department. Here are the detailed steps:
- Age Request:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Acquisition of Level 2 Certificate:
- Exam content: Divided into two parts:
- Part A (Captain): Test of nautical knowledge, navigation techniques and safety regulations.
- Part B (Engine Worker): Test engine maintenance, operation, and related knowledge.
- Exam format: Each section consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, with a pass rate of 60%.
- Test Venue: The PEAK Test Centre of the Vocational Training Council (VTC) is in charge.
- Fees :
- The total fee for the two-part exam is HK$1,100 (HK$550 for each part).
- The certificate issuance fee is HK$220.
- Validity: The certificate is valid until the holder reaches the age of 65 and needs to be renewed at that time.
- Acquisition of Level 1 Certificate:
- Prerequisites: Level 2 certificate is required.
- Additional requirements: It may be necessary to hold an internationally recognised nautical certificate (e.g. RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate) or pass additional exams (e.g. local knowledge test and engine exam).
- Exam format: Similar to Level 2, but more difficult.
- Preparing for the Exam:
- The Hong Kong Marine Department provides sample examination questions and guidance documents for candidates’ reference.
- It is advisable to take relevant nautical training courses to increase the pass rate.
summary
In Hong Kong, a speedboat pilot certificate issued by the Hong Kong Marine Department is required to drive a speedboat or yacht. The certificates are divided into Class 1 and Class 2 and are suitable for different sizes of vessels:
- Level 2: Limited to vessels under 15 meters (approximately 49 feet).
- Level 1: No size restrictions.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have passed the appropriate examinations. The Level 2 certificate requires a two-part examination (Captain and Engineman) at a fee of HK$1,320 and is valid until the age of 65. Level 1 certificates require higher qualifications and experience.
Whether it’s a clipper or a yacht, as long as it belongs to the Class IV Vessel, it is subject to the same license regulations. Ensuring that vessels are registered, insured and operated by qualified pilots is an essential requirement for seafaring activities in Hong Kong.
For information on yacht licenses, please contact:
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Voy/Boatmarket Official Phone: 59048455
📧 Email – enquiry@boatmarket.com.hk
Cite:
- Local pleasure vessel operators | Maritime Industry
- How to get the [Pleasure Vessel Grade 2 Operator Certificate] – A & M Boating Limited
- Certification and Examination for Seafarers Including Examination Schedule – Marine Department
- GovHK: Licensing a Pleasure Vessel
- How to apply for a certificate to operate a pleasure vessel? – 1823
- Pleasure Vessel Operators Grade 1 Certificate – ASIA Pacific Yachting
- Sailing and Boating in Hong Kong – Hong-kong – Angloinfo
- Rules in Hong Kong when you want to buy a boat
- GovHK: Vessel Operator & Pilot Licensing
- Getting a boat licence in HK – Hong Kong Forums – GeoExpat.Com
