Some documents are in PDF (Portable Document Format). Please download and install the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print PDF files.
New Vessels or vessels apply for initial licence
- Before building any vessels of the types listed in Surveying of Local Vessels - General, the owner/builder should submit an initial application to the Licensing and Port Formalities Section giving details of the intended operation of the vessel together with a general arrangement drawing for assessment. If the application is accepted , the owner/ builder will be advised to submit the appropriate plans, drawings and j relevant data for approval. It is important that approval for these plans is obtained before commencement of construction. Owners/builders are therefore advised to submit their application well in advance of the building schedule.
- The hull construction and machinery installation of low risk local vessels (i.e. all Class II vessels (other than oil tankers, noxious liquid substance carriers and dangerous goods carriers), all Class III vessels and those Class IV vessels for carrying passengers and engaged in chartering) can be surveyed by authorized surveyors (AS), authorized organizations (AO) and recognized authorities (RA) in addition to Marine Department officers.
The owner/builder will still be required to submit the construction and machinery drawings examined by the recognized classification society for approval. Besides drawing approval, these vessels are also required to be surveyed by the Department while under construction. Details of the requirements can be obtained from the Senior Surveyor/Local Vessels Safety. - For Class III wooden vessels and outboard open sampan, there is no requirement for drawing approval and new construction survey. However, these vessels are required to have safety surveys afloat before they are licensed.
Existing vessels
- All existing Hong Kong licensed commercial vessels are required to be surveyed before renewal of the licences. The intervals of the surveys may be annual, biennial or triennial, depending on the types and areas of operation of the vessels. They usually coincide with the lengths of validity of the certificates of surveys/inspections or the periods between endorsement of the certificates.
Compliance of Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Safety & Survey) Regulation and Code of Practices
- Both new and existing vessels are required to comply with relevant requirements specified in the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Safety & Survey) Regulation and Code of Practices before licence or certificates are issued.
Survey Form
| Form | Form No. | Download | Accompanying Notes | Fax Application | Submitted to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application for Plan Approval, survey &/or re-inspection of vessels licensed under the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance | MD 610 (Form Surveys 6B) |
Total 2 pages (fillable PDF form) | no notes | Not accepted | Local Vessels Safety Section, 23/F, Harbour Bldg, 38 Pier Rd, Central, Hong Kong Enq: (852) 2852 4444 |