VICTORIA HARBOUR AND SAI KUNG / PORT SHELTER, HONG KONG

Hong Kong (Victoria Harbour & Sai Kung): boating safety

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Hong Kong's yachts are based at clubs around Victoria Harbour, Aberdeen and Sai Kung, where Hebe Haven and Port Shelter open onto island waters in the east. The harbour is a very busy port with heavy ferry and ship traffic, and typhoons affect the area.

LIFE IN DANGER AT SEA
Call +852 2233 7999
Call MRCC Hong Kong on +852 2233 7999. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF 16, or DSC on channel 70.

Hong Kong: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →

Harbour and marinas

The Marine Department's Vessel Traffic Centre (call sign "Mardep") keeps watch on VHF 02, 12, 14, 63 and 67. Every vessel in Hong Kong waters must listen on the VHF channel for the sector it is in.

Marine Department, Hong Kong · Marine Department, Hong Kong ▾
mardep.gov.hk (2026-10-14): “call sign "Mardep" maintains a continuous listening watch on channel 02, 12, 14, 63 and 67.”
mardep.gov.hk (2026-10-14): “every vessel within the waters of Hong Kong must maintain continuous listening watch on the VHF radio channel appropriate to the VHF sector in which the vessel is located”

Visiting yachts should arrange berths with a local club before arrival; Hebe Haven Yacht Club's marine office is on 2719 3673.

Marine Department, Hong Kong · Hebe Haven Yacht Club ▾
mardep.gov.hk (2026-10-14): “Masters/owners/agents of visiting yachts/pleasure vessels are advised to contact local clubs to obtain up-to-date information and to make berthing arrangements before calling Hong Kong.”
hhyc.org.hk (2026-10-14): “General Office 2719 9682 Marine Office 2719 3673”

Weather

The Hong Kong Observatory issues special weather bulletins for Hong Kong waters, with winds at various locations, for sailing boats and small craft on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (not when tropical cyclone signals are up).

Hong Kong Observatory · Hong Kong Observatory ▾
hko.gov.hk (2026-10-14): “Special weather bulletins for Hong Kong waters are issued on Saturdays, Sundays and other general holidays except when tropical cyclone signals are issued in Hong Kong.”
hko.gov.hk (2026-10-14): “They are issued specially for sailing boats and small craft.”

Local rules

Hebe Haven (Pak Sha Wan) has a 5-knot limit every day from 08:00 to midnight. Typhoon shelters and their entrances are 5 knots at all times.

Marine Department, Hong Kong · Marine Department, Hong Kong ▾
mardep.gov.hk (2026-10-14): “The speed limit of the following restricted zone is 5 knots between 8 a.m. and 12 midnight on all days in a year - PORT SHELTER AND ROCKY HARBOUR K3 Hebe Haven (Pak Sha Wan)”
mardep.gov.hk (2026-10-14): “The maximum permitted speed in the entrance to or within a typhoon shelter is 5 knots.”

In marine parks (e.g. Hoi Ha Wan) keep below 10 knots and anchor only in designated anchoring areas. Do not anchor in principal fairways or designated restricted areas.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department · Marine Department, Hong Kong ▾
afcd.gov.hk (2026-10-14): “other boating activities (with speed limit below 10 knots and anchor within the designated anchoring areas) without a permit”
mardep.gov.hk (2026-10-14): “Don't anchor in principal fairways or designated restricted areas”

Hazards

Tropical cyclones here are often severe, with winds often over 150 km/h. Take precautions early whenever any tropical cyclone warning signal is issued.

Marine Department, Hong Kong ▾
mardep.gov.hk (2026-10-14): “Tropical cyclones in this area are often severe with winds frequently exceeding 150km/hr. Masters are advised to take early precautionary action whenever any tropical cyclone warning signal is issued.”

Hospital and medical

18 Hospital Authority public hospitals have Accident & Emergency departments; the nearest to Sai Kung and Port Shelter is Tseung Kwan O Hospital.

Hong Kong SAR Government (LegCo reply) · Hong Kong SAR Government (LegCo reply) ▾
info.gov.hk (2026-10-14): “At present, there are 18 public hospitals under the HA providing Accident and Emergency (A&E) services for the critically ill or seriously injured people and victims of disasters.”
info.gov.hk (2026-10-14): “Kowloon East Tseung Kwan O Hospital”

Arriving from abroad

Send a Pre-Arrival Notification to the Marine Department at least 24 hours before entering Hong Kong waters. Arrival formalities follow with Health, Immigration and the Marine Department.

Marine Department, Hong Kong ▾
mardep.gov.hk (2026-10-14): “Not less than 24 hours prior to entering into Hong Kong waters, masters/owners/agents of visiting yachts/pleasure vessels shall apply in writing for permission by providing a Pre-Arrival Notification ("PAN") to the Marine Department (MD).”

Frequently asked

Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Hong Kong (Victoria Harbour & Sai Kung)?

Call MRCC Hong Kong on +852 2233 7999. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

How do I contact the harbour in Hong Kong (Victoria Harbour & Sai Kung)?

The Marine Department's Vessel Traffic Centre (call sign "Mardep") keeps watch on VHF 02, 12, 14, 63 and 67. Every vessel in Hong Kong waters must listen on the VHF channel for the sector it is in.

Where do I get the marine forecast for Hong Kong (Victoria Harbour & Sai Kung)?

The Hong Kong Observatory issues special weather bulletins for Hong Kong waters, with winds at various locations, for sailing boats and small craft on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (not when tropical cyclone signals are up).

Read before you sail

Thunderstorms, lightning and squalls on the water: what to doRan aground? What to doCold water shock and hypothermia: what to doPerson overboard: what to do

Nearby destinations

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