The local vessel trade covers a wide spectrum of services. Apart from the ferries which we usually have more opportunities to take, there are various types of vessels operating in the waters of Hong Kong, providing a host of services. The local vessel trade is essential.
| Inner harbour passenger ship： | To provide inner harbour ferry services, excursion or other passenger services. |
| Outlying island ferry, passenger ship and kaito: | To provide services to residents living on outlying islands or in remote areas so as to facilitate them travelling to and from the urban areas. |
| Transportation launch: | To take sea-going vessel crew and other port users to anchorages or mooring buoys. |
| Tug boat: | To tow barges and ocean-going vessels to and from anchorages and ports, participate in marine infrastructure works, rescue at sea operations or venture in operations in other ports of the Mainland. |
| Barge: | A dumb lighter must be towed by a tug boat. It provides carriage and loading and unloading services for the logistics industry in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta Region. It also takes part in various marine construction works. |
The deck department is mainly responsible for ensuring safe navigation of vessels, safe handling and maintaining cargo on the vessels in good condition.
Responsible for navigation of the vessel and management of the vessel and crew members.
Take ferries as an example, a coxswain of local ferries must possess the Local Coxswain Grade 1 Certificate and certificates in relation to personal survival, first aid at sea, fire prevention and fire fighting, and radar and radio equipment, etc. Holders of Local Coxswain Grade 2 or Grade 3 Certificate may serve as an assistant coxswain on board local ferries, or serve as a coxswain on board some ferries with smaller size.
To become a coxswain of local ferries, one must first complete recognised maritime courses and training, and receive in-service training. Upon acquiring sufficient sea time, one may apply for the examination for a Local Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate. Having accumulated more sea time, one may sit for examinations to acquire Grade 2 and Grade 1 certificates progressively. After acquiring the Grade 1 certificate, the person is eligible to serve as a coxswain.
Responsible for handling moorings when vessels berth at piers, cleansing work on board vessels, rendering assistance to passengers when they embark on/disembark from vessels, etc.
No specific requirement in general. Some employers may require that job applicants be able to swim or possessing relevant working experience on board vessels.
The engineering department is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all machinery and electrical appliances on board, as well as ensuring that the vessel has sufficient fuel reserves.
To manage engine operation and maintenance of machinery on board the vessel, etc.
Possession of Engine Operator Certificates. Holders of various level of certificates can serve as Chief Engineers/ Second Engineers of local vessels that have different levels of aggregate power.
To become a chief engineer of the engineering department of local vessels, one must first complete recognised training and in-service training. Upon acquiring sufficient sea-going experience, one may apply for the examination for an Engine Operator Grade 3 Certificate. Having accumulated more sea time, one may sit for examinations to acquire Grade 2 and Grade 1 certificates progressively. After acquiring the Grade 1 certificate, the person is eligible to serve as a chief engineer.
Responsible for managing pier operation, deploying ferries, rendering assistance to passengers in ticket matters, managing passenger flow and answering enquiries.
Some employers may require job applicants possessing working experience in customer services or good communication skills.
Responsible for work such as handling moorings at piers.
Some employers require that job applicants be able to swim or possessing relevant working experience on board vessels.
