Southbound yacht scheme to launch Friday with real-time vessel monitoring
The southbound yacht scheme will start on Friday, allowing Guangdong-registered yachts to enter Hong Kong. Nearly 300 mainland captains have completed training, and the Marine Department has set up a real-time monitoring system and electronic platform for crew and passengers.
The southbound yacht scheme will officially launch on Friday, with the Marine Department fully prepared, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said on Tuesday.
Under the scheme, Guangdong-registered yachts will be permitted to enter Hong Kong. Nearly 300 mainland yacht captains have completed training and assessments in the city, Chan said.
The department has established a real-time monitoring system to track yacht movements and berthing arrangements, and will increase patrols in areas where yachts are expected to gather.
An electronic platform has also been introduced to provide one-stop services for crew members and passengers on Guangdong-registered yachts.
Chan said the authorities would maintain close contact with the industry to explore business opportunities and encourage operators to provide sufficient supporting facilities and services.