Hong Kong

1. Ngan Chau in East Lamma Channel Pilot boards22°13.0′N 114°09.8′E

Size limits

Harbour: LOA 400m, beam 61.5m, draught 19.3m, 272,373DWT.

Offshore: LOA 350m, draught 12.5m, 177,173DWT.

Water density

1017-1025. For vessels intending to arrive/sail with a draught exceeding 15.0m, their draught at calculated density and density of 1017 should be advised to VTC and pilots.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range 1.4m at Tsim Bei Tsui and approximately 1.0m at Wanglam Island and the Victoria Harbour.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

The main entrance to Hong Kong Harbour from the W is through Northern Fairway, but vessels of moderate draught can enter through Sulphur Channel and Southern Fairway. From the E, the harbour is entered through Eastern Fairway. The principal route to the NW approaches to Hong Kong is through Ma Wan Fairway. A shorter route, where special regulations apply, is through Kap Shui Mun Fairway.

From West: The East Lamma Channel to the W leads into the harbour mooring area, the container terminals, the Ocean Terminal and the 4 cross boundary ferry terminals.

From East: The Tathong Channel (Eastern Fairway) leads to through Hung Hom Fairway to Central Fairway. It has depths of 40m but is only 400m in width.

Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) are in operation at both approaches to the harbour. Local craft are requested to use Inshore Traffic Zones wherever possible.

When within the harbour, ocean going vessels can make use of the various fairways connecting the eastern and western parts of the harbour, the Northern Fairway to the W of Stonecutters Island and also the Ma Wan Fairway. Part of the Northern Fairway, connecting the Kwai Chung container terminals and the Western Fairway, has been dredged to 15.0m.

Mariners intending to proceed directly to a berth from sea, or vice versa, shall enter or leave through the approach channel that is closest to their berth; that is, Tathong Channel for berths to the E of Macao Ferry Terminal MFT1 Lightbuoy (22°17.4'N 114°09.3'E) and East Lamma Channel or West Lamma Channel for berths to the W of that lightbuoy.

The Hong Kong Marine Department advises that all ocean going vessels are requested not to transit the Central Fairway. This is to improve the general safety of navigation due to heavy ferry traffic movements in the central harbour on a daily basis. Vessels having a valid reason to transit this fairway should seek permission through the Vessel Traffic Centre.

PAFF Terminal: The compulsory approach route to this terminal is through the Ma Wan Channel. The Ma Wan Marine Traffic Control Station operates on VHF Ch 14. It will give warnings to approaching vessels on this frequency and, if necessary, by other available means including the patrol launch at scene. Vessels equipped with VHF should keep a listening watch on VHF Channel 14 when transiting this area.

Port limits

W limit: A line drawn from the NW extremity of Hong Kong Island (22°15.90'N 114°11.66'E) to the W extremity of Tsing Chau (Green Island), then 355° to Tsing Yi (22°21.37'N 114°05.97'E), then from the NW extremity of Tsing Yi due to N the mainland.

E limit: A line drawn from the light on the W tip of the Lie Yue Mun peninsula (22°17.28'N 114°14.19'E) in a 214° direction to the W extremity of A Kung Am.

Traffic schemes and VTS

The entry of all vessels over 300GT into Hong Kong Harbour is monitored by the Vessel Traffic System of the Marine Department. Traffic separation schemes have also been adopted as one of the routing measures in Hong Kong, aimed at improving the safety of navigation in converging areas and in areas where density of traffic is high.

Hong Kong VTS consists of 3 sectors:

Before navigating contact should be made. Hong Kong Eastern Approaches on VHF Ch 12; and Hong Kong Harbour on Ch 14, Western Approaches Ch 67, with the following information.

Guangzhou Traffic Separation Scheme (GZTSS): Includes the extension of its width, introduction of a separation zone at the middle of the GZTSS and a precautionary area at each of the east and west ends of the GZTSS, came into effect from 1 July 2010.The details of these arrangements are given in the circular issued by the China Maritime Safety Administration (China MSA).

Hong Kong registered high speed craft shall use the GZTSS when sailing eastbound and westbound between Hong Kong and Macao. Other Hong Kong river trade vessels shall navigate in the areas outside of the GZTSS. Anchoring and fishing are prohibited in the GZTSS, separation zone and precautionary areas.

Local and river-trade vessels of less than 300gt are not required to report to the VTC or KCCS but, when navigating in the KCCS area, should keep a listening watch on Ch 74 as far as practicable, give due consideration to other vessels moving within the Kwai Chung Basin and must not anchor or engage in fishing in that area.

KCCS have a patrol launch used for directing traffic and guiding small vessels not equipped with VHF. All vessels should follow the directions given by the patrol launch. This service may be suspended during bad weather.

MA WAN CHANNEL: Special arrangements are in place for passing through the Channel. Ma Wan Marine Traffic Control Station (22°.21.83'N 114.04.24'E) on Gemini Point, is a sub station of the VTC and will assist in the movement of local vessels to ensure safe passage of priority vessels in Ma Wan Fairway. These include large vessels; vessels constrained by draught, hampered vessels, vessels carrying specific categories of dangerous goods and other specialist craft in the Ma Wan area.

Restrictions

MA WAN CHANNEL: Deep draught coal carriers may be restricted to a certain tidal window.

UNDER KEEL CLEARANCE: 10% of the vessel's deepest draught is required in manoeuvring basins, sheltered fairways and approaches to berths. 15% under keel clearance for any exposed waterways including East Lamma Channel, West Lamma Channel, Western fairway, Ma Wan Fairway, Urmston Road and Tathong Channel.

DREDGING: Occurs frequently within the Hong Kong Harbour area. Vessels should be aware.

DUMPING GROUND: A disused explosives dumping ground is centred on 22°19.75'N 114°05.16'E

Zone A: That part of Hong Kong SAR lying within the following limits:

W boundary - From the N limit of the inshore traffic zone 0.6nm S of Green Island (22°17.0'N 114°07.0'E); then the E boundary of the Western Fairway as far as Kellett North Lightbuoy (22°19.1'N 114°06.1'E); then a straight line to the NE extremity of Stonecutters Island (22°19.0'N 114°08.0'E).

E boundary - A line drawn from the southern extremity of the Hung Hom Finger Jetty to the head of the E breakwater of Causeway Bay typhoon shelter (22°17.0'N 114°11.0'E).

Zone B: The part of Hong Kong SAR, not within Zone A or C, lying within the following limits:

W boundary - A line drawn from 22°15.4'N 114°07.9'E (shore) to Shek Kok Tsui (22°14.0'N 114°04.4'E); then due W to the separation line of the South Cheung Chau TSS; then to the E extremity of Sunshine Island (22°16.0'N 114°03.0'E); then to the NE extremity of Peng Chau (22°17.0'N 114°02.0'E); then to the W entrance to the former Penny's Bay (22°18.0'N 114°02.0'E).

NW boundary - A line drawn from 22°20.8'N 114°03.0'E (shore) to Ma Kok Tsui, the W extremity of Ma Wan (22°21.0'N 114°03.0'E) and a line from the NW extremity of Ma Wan due N to the mainline.

E boundary - A line from Cape Collinson (22°16.0'N 114°15.0'E) due E to the SW extremity of the reclaimed land close E of Tit Cham Chau.

Zone C: The NW end of the East Lamma Channel from the W boundary of Zone B; the Western Fairway, excluding that part due S of Tsing Yi (22°21.0'N 114°06.0'E); the Ma Wan Fairway to the NW boundary of Zone B; the Kap Shui Mau Fairway to the NW boundary of Zone B.

Tugs

Several companies operate fleets of modern tugs, some of which are suitable for salvage and ocean towage. The most powerful tugs have 4,000bhp with bollard pull of 55t.

Tug operations are controlled from a command centre, which provides information on all vessels entering and leaving Hong Kong. The callsign is "Hong Kong Tugs", all tugs listen on VHF Ch 09.

All tugs are placed on standby when a typhoon threatens the area.

Mooring

MID STREAM OPERATION: In Hong Kong some cargo handling takes place at mooring or at anchor, using lighters. This is know as Mid Stream Operation. Many companies, which use the port's facilities, have mooring buoys.

GOVERNMENT MOORING BUOYS: The Marine Department's buoys are known as Government Mooring Buoys. There are two classes, 'A' and 'B'.

A vessel must use its chain cable to secure to a Government Mooring Buoy. The slip wire, which is an aid to mooring and unmooring, must remain slack at all times when the weight of the vessels is taken up by the chain cable. Cargo lighters are permitted to lie alongside vessels in the stream but not more than three abreast on any side of the principal vessel.

The status of all Government Class 'A' and Class 'B' mooring buoys is subject to change without notice. Up to date information can be obtained from the Vessel Traffic Centre, Tel: +852 2233 7808, telex 63607 MDVTS or Fax: +852 2858 6646.

CLPTSK - China Light & Power (Tap Sheck Kok Coal Wharf): If the berth is partly occupied, then berth with bow pointing to each other at slack water (HW + 2 or LW + 2 to + 3, but may vary with seasons). Agents to be advised that limited anchorage off berth.

TPGAS - Tai Po Town Gas Berth, Toto Harbour:

Warning should be given if typhoon signal No 1 is hoisted or likely to affect HK as per Pilot's advice.

EUROASIA Berth Nos 1 & 2, Tsing Yi: VHF watch on Ch 11 by berths supervisor. Also Ch 08, 09, 15, 17, 69, 72, 73 and 77 are available.

Clearance from barges would be required during berthing and unberthing.

Bridge mark/light available.

SEA TRIALS: Due to the limited sea room and congested traffic flow in Hong Kong waters, sea trials will only be carried out in daylight hours for safety reasons. Water at W and S of Lamma Island are a suitable location to carry out sea trials, compass adjustment and DF calibration.

Charts and publications

BA 341, 937, 4117, 4118, 4119, 4121, 4122, 4123, 4126, 4129.

HK 0801, 0802, 0803, 1501, 1502, 1503, 1504, 2501, 2502, 3002, 3501. Admiralty Pilot NP30, NP286(6).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Additional Security Related Information: A ship calling at a port facility in Hong Kong or intending to transit Hong Kong waters for ports in the Pearl River Delta should provide the following additional security related information at the same time of tendering the Pre-arrival Notification (PAN) on a separated page at least 24 hours in advance to Hong Kong Vessel Traffic Centre by Fax: +852 2858 6646.

Further information is available at: http:// marsec.mardep.gov.hk/pdf/pasi.pdf.

VTS Reports: Vessel are required to give the following reports to Vessel Traffic Centre (VTC) callsign "MARDEP" when a vessel is in the vicinity of the seaward limit of the vessel traffic services coverage, the master should report the ship's name, callsign, position, confirmation of pilot boarding place or specified anchorage intended to use and ETA there, and change to the information provided in the relevant PAN (if any) on the VHF Ch appropriate to the VHF sector into which that vessels is to enter those waters.

See Navigation section for further details of reporting points.

Notice of readiness

Vessels can tender NOR on arrival at customary anchorage or at arrival at the pilot station, subject to conditions in the Charter Party.

If a tanker is to shift to another berth it should tender NOR again when the last hose is disconnected at the first berth, subject to conditions in the Charter Party.

Documents

Customs officers will board to collect documents related to customs & excise. Port agents will collect other documents and submit them to the port authority.

Health

All ships entering Hong Kong from a foreign port are required to obtain health clearance. Port health officers conduct health clearance and are available throughout 24 hours at the Western Quarantine and Immigration Anchorage and between 0630-1800hrs at the Eastern Quarantine and Immigration Anchorage. Vessels awaiting inspection at the quarantine anchorages should fly the appropriate quarantine signal, i.e. international code flag "Q" displayed during the day and a red over white light 2m apart.

The following documents must be available for inspection by port health officers

To obtain radio pratique a ship's master must supply the following information at least 8 hours before arrival and not more than 30 hours prior to arrival.

Upon arrival in the quarantine anchorage, vessels which have been granted radio pratique must display International Code flags "TO" by day or three white lights in a vertical line, 2m apart, by night.

The necessary documents must be forwarded to the port health office within 24 hours of arrival.

Hong Kong is a port designated in application of the international health regulations.

Ship Sanitation Control and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates can usually be renewed or issued within 2 working days, depending on the prevailing conditions in the port.

Customs and immigration

All "stateless" travel document holders are required to hold a valid visa for the HKSAR except holders of Portuguese aliens passports who have held identity cards for not less than 2 years may visit the HKSAR up to 7 days without a visa.

Flags

In addition to normally expected flags the international signal by day, the letter flags "HNN" in a vertical line and by night, 3 white lights in a vertical line shall be displayed for immigration inspection.

Notices and regulations

Scrubbers: (01/19): Cap. 311AB Air Pollution Control (Fuel for Vessels) Regulation replaces the previous ‘at berth’ fuel rules and sets a 0.5%m/m fuel sulphur limit for vessels operating within Hong Kong waters, including at berth. Scrubbers can be used as an alternative method of compliance subject to grant of an exemption (application to be submitted at least 14 days before first arrival or exemption expiry).

Notice of Arrival and Departure: Permission must be obtained from the Director of Marine before a vessel can enter Hong Kong waters.

An agent registration system has been set up to categorise as provisional and confirmed agent, (http://www.mardep.gov.hk/en/pub_services/proc.html).

A General Declaration Form (MO618), must be completed), preferably typewritten. (http://www.mardep.gov.hk/en/forms/home.html).

For a vessel calling at Hong Kong for the first time, (http://www.mardep.gov.hk/en/pub_services/proc.html), the agent should fax the "arrival" MO618 form to the central marine office, (http://www.mardep.gov.hk/en/forms/pdf/distoffi.pdf).

When the vessel is ready to depart a "departure" MO618 form should be faxed to the CMO for preparing of the Port Clearance Permit. Thereafter, the agent should bring along with the original/certified true copy of ship documents and proof of NT to the CMO. The vessels particulars are entered into the marine department's database and the Port Clearance is issued upon payment of prescribed fee.

On second or subsequent visits to Hong Kong only confirmed agents may send an "arrival" MO618 by fax to the CMO. When the vessel is ready to depart the agent sends a "departure" MO618 by fax. A Port Clearance Permit is prepared after checking the marine department's database to confirm that all the ship's documents are valid. If any documents have been renewed or re-validated it must be taken to the CMO for entry into the database. The agent can then collect the Port Clearance Permit at CMO or the fax PCP in their own office.

An advance Port Clearance Permit can be issued before a vessel arrives in order to avoid delay. The agent may request an Advance Clearance by sending a "departure" MO618 and a copy of a fax or telex from the vessel's master which should show details of all document valid dates and the vessel's NT. The CMO will issue a Port Clearance Permit after checking the marine department's database to confirm document validity. The agent may then collect the Port Clearance Permit from the CMO and when the vessel arrives in port the agent must send verification of the NT and an "arrival" MO618, by fax, to the CMO.

Registered users may submit e-form "arrival" MO618 and "departure" MO618 round the clock via web-based Electronic Business System (eBS). The system provides features such as auto approval of application, self-printing of permit, auto pay, and online application status enquiry (http://ebs.mardep.gov.hk).

The following documents are required by the CMO for entry into the marine departments database: http://www.mardep.gov.hk/en/notices/pdf/lvs0901.pdf.

There are also specific certificate requirements for oil tankers, chemical tankers and gas tankers as stated above.

Dangerous goods: Any dangerous goods moved in the waters of Hong Kong should strictly be in accordance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. Their movements must be recorded in Marine Department's Dangerous Goods Information System.

Port State Control: All foreign ships calling the Hong Kong Port are subject to port state control (PSC) inspections. Hong Kong is a member of the Tokyo MOU and the Marine Department Port State Control Section selects ships for PSC inspections at an inspection rate of about 15%. Ships found with detainable deficiencies in accordance with the Tokyo MOU PSC Manual will be detained until the deficiencies are rectified and re-inspected by Marine Department PSC officers or a surveyor of the concerned classification society.

Apart from PSC inspections, ships engaging in marine construction, cargo handling or are undergoing repairs may also be subject to inspections to ensure safety of works.

Entry is restricted into the following areas, without the permission of the Director of Marine:

Green Island: Within 100m of Green Island (22°17.09'N 114°06.78'E).

HK-Macao Ferry Terminal: The area surrounding the Terminal (22°17.38'N 114°09.16'E) and the NE and NW extremities of the area marked by MFT1 and MFT2 Lightbuoys (N Cardinal).

China Ferry Terminal: The area extending to approx 0.1nm from the Terminal (22°17.38'N 114°09.96'E) on the SW side of the Kowloon Peninsula.

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Marine Department , Port Security Administrative Section.

Contact person: Senior Marine Officer.

Address: 22nd Floor, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road Central, Hong Kong.

Tel: +852 2852 4429

Fax: +852 2581 1765

Email: [email protected]

Telex: 64553 MARHQ HX

Website: http://www.marsec.mardep.gov.hk

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Repairs

In addition to the drydock facilities, there are a number of smaller shipyards that can carry out repairs to ocean going vessels afloat.

Container Repairs: A number of companies operate container repair facilities which can be of a minor nature to complete refurbishment.

Dry docks

There are a number of companies in the area which have floating docks (max capacity up to 70,000DWT) and heavy lift floating cranes. Hull and machinery repairs of all kinds can be carried out.

Bunkers, water and stores

Bunkering: Available by barge or alongside at the tanker berths.

A full range of fuels and lubricants are available together with a fleet of supply barges. Details of local bunker companies can be found on the Marine Department website http://www.mardep.gov.hk

Fresh water: Ships alongside at Ocean Terminal and the container terminals can obtain fresh water ex berth.

Water boats are available to supply ships at anchor and at moorings with a 24 hour service. Port health inspectors frequently check the quality of the water.

Water boats have capacities between 300t and 450t and can deliver water at 120-150tph.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong. There are a number of government and private general hospitals in the area.

Transport

Nearest airport: Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau Island.

Nearest railway: Kowloon Canton Railway.

Working hours

Seven days per week: 0800-1700hrs; 1800-2300hrs; 0001-0400hrs; 0500-0800hrs.

Where it is

Hong Kong is situated off the coast of southern China in the South China Sea. It lies at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta.

The port

Hong Kong possesses one of the most perfect natural harbours in the world. At the centre of the Asia-Pacific Basin and strategically placed on the Far East trade routes, the port has been a key factor in the development of the area.

Port facilities include approx 8,500m of quays at Kwai Chung-Tsing Yi Basin, with nine terminals providing 20 berths for large vessels; approx 7,804m of quays at public cargo working areas; and 29 mooring buoys for ocean going vessels. There are eight public cargo working areas all of which are managed by the Marine Department. These are located at Tuen Mun; Yau Ma Tei; Kwun Tong; Western District; Rambler Channel; Chai Wan; Stonecutters Island and Cha Kwo Ling.

Hong Kong has four public passenger ferry terminals, which include China Ferry Terminal, Macao Ferry Terminal, Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal and Sky-Pier, also a private cruise terminal.

Hong Kong Harbour (also known as Victoria Harbour) covers an area of 4,900ha and varies in width between 1.2km and 9.6km. There are, on average, around 100 ocean going vessels working in the port; nearly 500 river trade vessels entering or leaving the port; the moorings include typhoon buoys at which vessels can lie during tropical storms.

Hong Kong was returned to China on July 1, 1997, and became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of that country. However, due to the special nature of Hong Kong, the entry has been kept separate from the China (mainland) section.

Traffic

Approx 177,000,000t of cargo, 14,000,000TEU, 100,000 vessels and 9,000,000 passengers handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Hong Kong?

The pilot boards at Ngan Chau in East Lamma Channel, 22°13.0′N 114°09.8′E.

What time zone is Hong Kong in?

Local time at Hong Kong is UTC+8. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Hong Kong?

The deepest berth listed is at Sinopec Oil Depot (Tsing Yi): 19.30 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Hong Kong?

1017-1025. For vessels intending to arrive/sail with a draught exceeding 15.0m, their draught at calculated density and density of 1017 should be advised to VTC and pilots.

Which load line zone is Hong Kong in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Hong Kong?

Port State Control at Hong Kong: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Hong Kong?

The UN/LOCODE of Hong Kong is HKHKG.

What crews who called at Hong Kong say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

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