- Legal Reminder to Vessel Operators on Speed Regulations.
- 5-Knot Speed Limit Enforced in Designated Areas from 8 a.m. to Midnight.
- Tolo Harbour and Surrounding Areas Restricted from July to September.
The Hong Kong Marine Department would like to remind all boat owners, operators, coxswains, and masters of pleasure and other vessels that speed regulations are in place within certain restricted zones. These rules are set out in section 9(3) of the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (General) Regulation (Cap. 548F) and regulation 19(3) of the Shipping and Port Control Regulations (Cap. 313A). You can find the details of these restricted zones in the Eighteenth Schedule of the Shipping and Port Control Regulations, reports Safety4Sea.
Speed Limit Regulations
All vessels are required to stick to a maximum speed limit of 5 knots from 8 a.m. to midnight within these restricted zones, as detailed below.
Tolo Harbour and Surrounding Zones
This speed restriction applies on any Saturday, any public holiday, and on all days from 1 July to 15 September (inclusive). The restricted areas include:
- T1 Plover Cove
- T2 Sha Tin Hoi
- T3 Ko Tong Hau
- T4 Three Fathoms Cove
- T5 Wu Kai Sha
- T6 Sam Mun Tsai
Port Shelter and Rocky Harbour
The same restrictions apply—Saturdays, public holidays, and 1 July to 15 September—for the following zones:
- K1 Tai She Wan
- K2 Tsam Chuk Wan
- K4 East Kiu Tsui Chau
- K5 West Kau Sai Chau
- K6 South Kau Sai Chau
- K7 Bluff Island
- K8 Clear Water Bay
- K9 Sor Sze Mun
- K10 Ma Tau Wan
- K11 High Island
- K12 Yeung Chau
Hong Kong Island (South)
In these waters, the 5-knot speed limit is in effect from 8 a.m. to 12 midnight on any Saturday, any public holiday, and on all days from 1 April to 31 October (inclusive). The restricted zones are:
- A1 To Tei Wan
- A2 Tai Tam Harbour
- A3 Stanley Bay
- A4 Chung Hom Wan
- A5 South Bay
- A6 Deep Water Bay
- A10 Tai Tam Bay
- A11 Repulse Bay
Lamma Island
The same restrictions as above apply to the following locations around Lamma Island:
- A7 Luk Chau Wan
- A8 Sham Wan
Cheung Chau
For Cheung Chau, the 5-knot speed limit applies on Saturdays, public holidays, and from 1 April to 31 October. The restricted zone is A9 Tung Wan.
Lantau Island
Around Lantau Island, the restriction applies to L1 Discovery Bay. The regulation is effective on Saturdays, public holidays, and from April 1 to October 31.
Year-Round Restrictions
In Hebe Haven (Pak Sha Wan), which is marked as zone K3 in Port Shelter and Rocky Harbour, there’s a 5-knot speed limit that’s in effect every day of the year from 8 a.m. to midnight.
General Safety Advisory
Coxswains and boat operators are encouraged to navigate carefully, especially when handling larger or more powerful vessels. It’s important to avoid creating excessive wake, particularly near swimming areas and fish farming zones. All mariners should keep the safety of others in mind while out on the water.
In narrow channels like Fat Tong Mun (Tung Lung Chau), vessels need to slow down to a safe speed, typically not exceeding 5 knots. Those operating speedboats and jet skis should be particularly vigilant in tight waterways, such as river channels, and should always maintain safe speeds.
Reporting Vessel Misconduct
If you witness any improper handling or speeding of vessels, you can report it to the Harbour Patrol Section of the Marine Department by calling 2385 2791.
If you make a complaint, you might need to provide a written statement and, if necessary, appear in court as a witness if the situation leads to prosecution.
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Source: Safety4Sea
