Marine Department Confirms Licensed 'Water Supercar' Spotted in Victoria Harbour During National Day
HK01 · 2 SOURCES1 day ago6 MIN
Summary
A sports-car-shaped boat that sped through Victoria Harbour during National Day fireworks on October 1 has been confirmed by the Marine Department as a licensed open-type pleasure vessel with valid operational credentials. The Hong Kong Yachting Association noted that similar Jet Cars have previously obtained licenses in Hong Kong waters, though it remains unclear whether the vessel originated from the mainland. The department reported finding no violations during enhanced patrols on the night of the fireworks display.
Key Points
- The Marine Department confirmed the vessel is an open-type pleasure boat holding a valid operating license under the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Certification and Licensing) Regulation (Cap. 548D), with no licence conditions prohibiting entry into Victoria Harbour .
- A reader reported spotting an identical coloured boat with the same hull number circling in Kwun Tong Typhoon Shelter on September 27, carrying three people and flying a flag, though it remains unconfirmed whether it was the same vessel .
- Hong Kong Yachting Association president Ho Wai-lok (何偉樂) stated that Jet Cars of this type previously appeared in Hong Kong waters and successfully obtained licences, but footage alone cannot determine whether the vessel came from the mainland or its actual speed .
- During the National Day fireworks, the Marine Department established a restricted zone in central Victoria Harbour and a prohibited zone off the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, with all spectator vessels confined to designated areas outside these zones .
- The Marine Department and Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration formally signed the "Guangdong Boats Southbound" and "Hong Kong Boats Northbound" arrangements on September 28, though implementation details for southbound boats have yet to be announced .
Why It Matters
As Hong Kong develops into an Asian yachting hub through Greater Bay Area yachting initiatives, this incident highlights the need for clear regulatory guidelines on novel vessel designs that blur the line between automobiles and boats. The Marine Department's confirmation that such vehicles can legally operate in Victoria Harbour sets an important precedent as cross-border yachting exchanges between Hong Kong and the mainland are expected to increase following the September 28 signing .
As Hong Kong develops into an Asian yachting hub through Greater Bay Area yachting initiatives, this incident highlights the need for clear regulatory guidelines on novel vessel designs that blur the line between automobiles and boats. The Marine Department's confirmation that such vehicles can legally operate in Victoria Harbour sets an important precedent as cross-border yachting exchanges between Hong Kong and the mainland are expected to increase following the September 28 signing .