I want to learn how to drive a power engine boat.

Can you please help me find out the following:

1. How to obtain the marine licence?
2. Where can I learn?
3. How long does it take to learn?
4. Does I need to take any examination and if so it is necessary?
5. How much does it cost?
6. Where can I learn how to drive a boat? could u list a couple of options?

Many thanks!!

Dear Thomas,
>> 1. How to obtain the marine licence?
You can refer to the Marine Dept web site www.mardep.gov.hk

>> 2. Where can I learn?
You can learn from some of the boat schools in HK.
The charge, on the average, is HK$1500 per course.

Alternatively, there is an e-learning web-site in
HK for boat lic. Unfortunately, the materials are
in Chinese.

The third alternative is to self study. But I think
there is only 1 Eng book in the market.

>> 3. How long does it take to learn?
It really depends on your progress. I would say 1
month for preparation should be enough. According
to the queueing time, you need to wait for 2 months
at least anyways.

>> 4. Does I need to take any examination and if so it is necessary?
Of course you need to take the exams. It is a
computer exam.

>> 5. How much does it cost?
HK$660 per lic. You need 2 licenses.

>> 6. Where can I learn how to drive a boat? could u list a couple of options?
The boat school usually come with boat-driving lessons
(at extra fee of course. Alternative, you can post here to see if anyone can teach you.

Guess these help.

Hi David,
If you would like to have more info about how to obtain a license or seeking a lesson schedule, please feel free to call Kevin (webmaster) at 852.2384.1083. I know for sure he'll be glad to communicate w/ you and answer your questions as much as he can.

>> 5. How much does it cost?
>>>>HK$660 per lic. You need 2 licenses.
I think something wrong with the cost. For Part A and B exam, the cost should be HKD 1,255. Only part A or part B, the cost is HKD 660 each.

I heard the rules have changed recently. I have Class II licences for captain and engineer. I recently bought a 48-foot power boat with 2 X 440 hp engines. Can I pilot this boat????

>> I heard the rules have changed recently. I have
>> Class II licences for captain and engineer. I
>> recently bought a 48-foot power boat with 2 X 440
>> hp engines. Can I pilot this boat????

David,

Under the new rule, old Class II Captain + Engineer
will automatically becomes Class II Operator [Section 9.2], which can operate boat under 15m [Section 2.2].

So congratulations, you can pilot this boat.

Many thanks. Good buddy Simon.

David,

Pleae note that Aberdeen Boat Club and Hong Kong Yacht Club offer courses for members and non members. These lessons are mostly conducted in English. They also provide English Studying materials. You could call these two clubs to check the lesson schedule.