The Hong Kong Boating Industry Association (HKBIA), in collaboration with Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC), International Council Of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU), and the HKSAR Marine Department, along with a number of Hong Kong based consultants, met to discuss a vision for the future of boating in Hong Kong – including not just HK Waters, but also the Greater Bay archipelago area.
Presentations on the day included a keynote speech on the Blue Economy by Joe Lynch (ICOMIA), an overview of a ‘blueprint for yachting tourism in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) by Lawrence Chow, Chairman of the HKBIA, a panel discussions on the importance of Hong Kong’s marine tourism as a driver for economic development, and another panel discussion on fostering sustainable developments within the industry. Finally, there was a presentation on the Freedom Boat Club and a panel discussion on how to encourage a new boating generation.
As a result of industry involvement, a number of boating proposals and developments are now in planning, and these include the building of the new sea wall of the expanded Aberdeen South Typhoon Shelter, with a tender having recently been issued. MarDep is also in discussion with mainland China over the easing of access to Hong Kong Pleasure Vessels, to make it easier to cruise in the region. The Greater Bay archipelago waters is a cruising area which containing 1,000 islands and 24 marinas, and although the full details are yet to be released the HKBIA has been advised that a proposal is being assessed for Hong Kong registered pleasure vessels to be able to apply for a “passport” that enables yachts to visit mainland China. Each boat will need to have its own AIS, radio and life raft, and these yachts will need to be surveyed, but there will be some areas where the boat will not be allowed to sail.
MarDep’s focus will be on the development of a “safety culture”, and a manual on safety procedures is in development to assist boat owners and crew. Procedures that enhance safety on board, as well as adherence to safety protocols and record keeping will be required. MarDep has been in consultation with a number of insurance companies who have indicated that a discount on insurance premiums may be possible if there is full compliance with the new safety protocols.
MarDep is also setting up five specific pleasure craft anchorage areas in Stanley, Tai Tam, Repulse Bay, Tai O and Tai Po. At present, overseas visiting yachts must have a berthing location arranged with a marina before they are allowed to enter HK waters. In future they will be allowed to moor at one of the designated anchorages to arrange inward clearance. As now, all vessels must show insurance cover for the vessel, and have their AIS and VHF switched on at all times during their visit to HK Waters. MarDep will also be offering a short ‘local knowledge’ course for visiting yacht captains that will permit them to cruise the yacht in Hong Kong waters, and with this ‘visiting vessel registration’ the yacht will be able to cruise and anchor anywhere in Hong Kong waters. MarDep is also considering the idea of allowing tenders to be included under a yacht’s visiting registration.
The HKBIA and the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) are actively involved in promoting the advantages of cruising in the region. The Hong Kong Government, along with regional SEA authorities, are now open to suggestions from the industry, and working collaboratively to provide information and advice to the relevant government officials.
Some ideas currently in discussion include a Hong Kong Ships Registry that will become more open to registering superyachts, and when changing flags on the sale of a vessel the yacht will be allowed to stay in Hong Kong waters, instead of having to leave and come back again. The Hong Kong Boating Forum was a strong demonstration of how far the industry has come in the last seven years since the HKBIA was founded. The active participation and collaboration at the forum demonstrated the positive approach that the yachting industry is taking to work with local Government departments, especially MarDep, in order to actively plan the future of the whole boating industry in Hong Kong.
Thanks to the HK Boating Forum Sponsors:
Gold Sponsors;Cheoy Lee Shipyard, HK Airport Authority – Skytopia, and Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club
Silver Sponsors: Beneteau Group, Hong Kong Shipyard, Kingship and Simpson Marine