Hong Kong SAR China
- Who issues it
- Marine Department, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Communications Authority for radio certificates, through OFCA.
- Minimum age
- 18 years
- Buoyage
- IALA region A
Do you need a licence?
In Hong Kong waters, Class IV pleasure vessels and their tenders need a PVOC or specified equivalent if over 3 m overall or over 3 kW total propulsion power. No PVOC is required when neither limit is exceeded. Grade 2 exam applicants must be 18 or older.
Pleasure Vessel Operator Grade 2 Certificate
From 18
- What it lets you do
- Pleasure vessels up to 15 m overall in Hong Kong waters, subject to certificate endorsements; covers deck and engineering duties.
- How you get it
- Two multiple-choice papers: navigation/seamanship/safety and engineering; each 40 questions, 45 minutes, 60% pass. Approved course assessment also accepted.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Pleasure Vessel Operator Grade 1 Certificate
- What it lets you do
- Any pleasure vessel in Hong Kong waters; passenger charters over 15 m need navigation simulation assessment. Certificate endorsements apply.
- How you get it
- MD: 110-minute chart-work paper (70% pass), then seamanship oral; or an approved course and four-hour practical test.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Professional deck titles
Certificate of Proficiency for Navigational Watch Ratings
STCW II/4- What it lets you do
- Deck rating taking part in a navigational watch, including steering and lookout duties.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Certificate of Proficiency for Able Seafarers Deck
STCW II/5- What it lets you do
- Able deck rating duties, including watch support, mooring, cargo handling and maintenance.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Certificate of Competency (Deck Officer) Class 3
STCW II/1- What it lets you do
- Navigational watch officer on seagoing ships; unlimited service area.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Certificate of Competency (Deck Officer) Class 2
STCW II/2- What it lets you do
- Chief mate on seagoing ships; unlimited service area.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Certificate of Competency (Deck Officer) Class 1 (Master Mariner)
STCW II/2- What it lets you do
- Master of seagoing ships; unlimited service area.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Radio certificates
Certificate of Competency in Radiotelephony Restricted (Hong Kong Waters)
- What it lets you do
- Operate vessel radio equipment within Hong Kong waters.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Restricted Certificate of Competency in Radiotelephony
- What it lets you do
- Operate radiotelephone stations aboard Hong Kong local vessels, with Authority to Operate.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Restricted Certificate of Competency in Radiotelephony (Short Range)
SRC- What it lets you do
- Short-range GMDSS aboard non-SOLAS vessels, with Authority to Operate.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Restricted Certificate of Competency in Radiotelephony (Long Range)
LRC- What it lets you do
- Long-range GMDSS aboard non-SOLAS vessels, with Authority to Operate.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Restricted Operator's Certificate
ROC- What it lets you do
- Restricted GMDSS radio duties; STCW endorsement for Hong Kong registered ships.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
General Operator's Certificate
GOC- What it lets you do
- GMDSS radio duties; STCW endorsement for Hong Kong registered ships.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
First-Class Radio Electronic Certificate
- What it lets you do
- Professional GMDSS radio certificate available with an STCW endorsement.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
GMDSS Certificate of Equivalent Competency with Endorsement
- What it lets you do
- Recognises approved foreign GMDSS certificates for service on Hong Kong registered ships.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Ready to study for it?
The Academy is free with an account: lessons for every topic, timed mocks marked like the real exam, and your progress saved.
Official sources: Marine Department — Examination Rules for Pleasure Vessel Operator Certificate of Competency · Marine Department — Notes for Local Pleasure Vessels (Class IV Vessels), October 2025 · Marine Department — Certificates of Competency and Licences for Seagoing Deck Officers’ Determinations (2022 Edition) · Marine Department, Hydrographic Office — Paper Charts · Marine Department — Information Notes for Masters of Visiting Yachts/Pleasure Vessels · Office of the Communications Authority — Certification of Ship Station Operators (with linked guidelines and application forms) · Marine Department — Certificates of Proficiency for Navigational Watch Ratings’ Determinations (2022 Edition) · Marine Department — Certificates of Proficiency for Able Seafarers’ Determinations (2022 Edition)