Hong Kong Boating Industry Association: Update Dec 2024

Some years ago, when the then head of MarDep, Roger Tupper, was interviewed by members of the boating media, he noted that he had heard many positive and useful suggestions for the development of boating in Hong Kong, "but Government does not engage with individuals. To engage with Government, the industry needs an Association. The Hong Kong Boating Industry Association was created in 2018 in order to represent the leisure marine sector, especially where Government is concerned. The industry is substantially under-estimated in official circles, and there have long been calls for an increase in numbers of moorings, streamlining of restrictions and regulations, re-thinking of licensing, and more.

The Asia-Pacific Superyacht Summit, organised by Superyacht Times and supported by the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA), in June this year drew a good deal of welcome attention to boating in Hong Kong. InvestHK were not just present, but also an event sponsor, and it seems that the message has gone 'up the line' that leisure boating is bigger than the HK Government recognises, and possibly 'yacht tourism' is a significant industry worthy of official attention.

The Chief Executive has recently made public comments about a 'yacht and boating hub for Asia', to which the Hong Kong BIA has responded to with a number of significant and relevant suggestions, knowing that the Hong Kong government needs to be supplied with the right information by the right people in order for the industry to grow in a responsible, professional and safe manner.

Even more recently, questions have been raised by the Hon Benson Luk in the Legislative Council. Mr Luk tabled questions concerning objectives to be set by the Government in relation to 'international yacht tourism', existing numbers of 'international yacht tourists', CIQ regulations for visiting yachts, and the further promotion of yacht-based industries including manufacture, maintenance, chartering, marketing, registration, certification and insurance.     

The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, replied providing information on the state of the industry, and proposals to develop marine facilities or yacht clubs in three locations (Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, the ex-Lamma Quarry area, and the development of the waterfront near Hung Hom Station), and added that "we will collect the industry's views on the related ancillary facilities and improvement suggestions, and provide them to relevant bureaux and departments for their review of the relevant policies, with a view to facilitating the formulation of a more holistic yacht industrial policy in the future."

That is a very positive statement, as long as the authorities are talking to the right people – ie representatives of the boating industries such as the HKBIA and APSA, and not just property developers  with an eye for quick waterfront development profits.

Ms Linn reiterated the numbers that we all know (12,000+ registered Class IV vessels; rather fewer moorings), and also pointed out that a registered vessel can moor anywhere within Hong Kong waters, "provided that no obstruction is caused to marine traffic. No permission from the MD is required." Ms Linn further mentioned that the Airport Authority of Hong Kong is considering a marina at the airport "to open up the sea-air passenger market and to promote high-end commercial, tourist and leisure activities." An Interesting development for the industry

Hong Kong port formalities (or CIQ), follow international marine standards, and all relevant documentation can be submitted via the Marine Department's electronic business system. However, vessels intending to cruise or otherwise move around locally still have to file an application for what is effectively a cruising permit. This is an unnecessary restriction where visiting yachts under the command of a Captain with internationally-recognised 'tickets' is concerned. A Master with a 500GT license is just as capable of operating a superyacht in Hong Kong waters as she or he is in driving in any Mediterranean port. The need for a Hong Kong PVOL is superfluous, as is the requirement that a superyacht's tender be registered in Hong Kong before it can be deployed and used to take the visiting owner ashore for a or gourmet meal.

All these questions are a good start, but more needs to be done. A restatement of the current regulations is fair enough, since that is what was requested, and those unfamiliar with the industry need information with which to begin.

Talking to Government involves talking to numerous different parties:  the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB), the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CST), the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB), the Marine Department (MD) and the Immigration Department (ImmD). Maybe office within the Marine Department responsible for leisure and private vessels might be a good idea?

But at least the talking has started. With some new heads of departments coming onboard in Government, the Hong Kong BIA looks forward to some fruitful discussions in 2025, and putting the leisure boating industry on the Hong Kong Government’s tourism map.

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202411/20/P2024112000439.htm