Please download and install the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print PDF files.

Every vessel shall be certificated and licensed for the appropriate class and type specified in
Schedule I to the Merchant Shipping (Certification and Licensing) Regulation, Cap 548D prior to operating the vessel in the waters of Hong Kong. The owner of a vessel should firstly apply to the Director of Marine for an Approval-in-Principle Letter (AIP Letter) before applying for the approval of plans, survey, Certificate of Ownership (COO) and Operating Licence (OL) unless the vessel is not required to undergo survey prior to issue of the COO and OL as detailed in the guidelines below. Applicants are advised to read the relevant guidelines before submission of an application.

Download Application Guidelines & Forms:-

Class I, II & III Vessels (Other than Pleasure Vessels)

• Application for COO and OL for Local Vessel (for Class I, II & III Vessels) & form MD 517
• Application for AIP Letter for Certification and Licensing of a Local Vessel & form MD 521
• Application for Renewal of OL for Local Vessel & form MD 509
• Notification of Transfer of Ownership & form MD 513
• Notification of Change of Particular in COO or OL & form MD 511

Class IV Vessels (Pleasure Vessels)

• Application for COO and OL for Local Vessel (for Class IV Vessels) & form MD 515
• Application for AIP Letter for Certification and Licensing of a Local Vessel & form MD 521
• Application for Renewal of OL for Local Vessel & form MD 509
• Notification of Transfer of Ownership & form MD 513
• Notification of Change of Particular in COO or OL & form MD 511

Other application forms are also obtainable on the internet: Downloadable forms

Submission of Application

The completed application form together with the required documents and fee shall be submitted to any of the District Marine Offices with the exception that the following applications should be submitted to the Central Marine Office:

1. Application for temporary licence for a foreign vessel to operate in Hong Kong within a definite period;
2. Application for certification and licensing of an oil carrier; and
3. Notification of Transfer of Ownership of an oil carrier.

Contact Us

• Enquiries or applications for certification and licensing of local vessels, please contact the officer-in-charge of any District Marine Offices.
• Enquiries or applications for safety inspection / survey of local vessels, please contact Local Vessels Safety Section (LVS) at telephone number: (852) 2852 4444; fax Number: (852) 2542 4679 or visit its office at 23rd Floor, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong.