Mainland Jet Ski rider enters Victoria Harbour
發佈日期: 2025-07-08 20:57
TVB News
A man was suspected to have ridden a Jet Ski from the mainland into Hong Kong waters in recent days.
The saga has not only "made waves" online but also sparked concerns over border control and maritime safety issues.
Online footage shows a man allegedly jet-skiing from the mainland all the way to Victoria Harbour.
Other clips circulating on Chinese social media platforms also capture the man from Guangxi riding the watercraft in Hong Kong waters.
Being Hong Kong's iconic, and often busy, waterway, is Victoria Harbour off-limits to Jet Skis?
According to local boating experts, Jet Skis are treated as pleasure vessels such as yachts and may enter the harbour but must adhere to strict speed limits.
Terry Fung, founder of the Club Cyclone Runner, which offers courses to yacht operators, said all Jet Skis must be registered with a licence number. Operators are also required to hold a valid Pleasure Vessel Operator Grade 2 Certificate.
However, in mainland China, personal watercraft usually do not require registration, insurance or a licence to operate, Fung said.
Under the Shipping and Port Control Regulations, all vessels including yachts and personal watercraft must obtain prior permission from the Marine Department at least 24 hours before entering Hong Kong waters. Failure to comply with the rule may result in a maximum fine of 50,000 dollars.
According to the Immigration Ordinance, all incoming or outgoing vessels are required to submit crew and passenger details to the Immigration Department for clearance as well. Non-compliance carries a maximum fine of 120,000 dollars.
In the case of illegal entry, offenders may face a maximum fine of 25,000 dollars and imprisonment for up to three years.
Terry Fung added that in areas with heavy Jet Ski traffic, the marine police often conduct routine checks on licences to ensure compliance.
Transport sector lawmaker Frankie Yick said larger vessels are equipped with automatic identification systems, which must be switched on while sailing.
Once activated, Hong Kong authorities are able to detect them via radar systems.
Yick suggests the government should upgrade the system to flag any non-local vessel that has not been pre-registered entering Hong Kong waters. He has also proposed deploying more drones for surveillance.
The marine police said enforcement actions will be taken upon any detection of illegal activities.
