Assistant Marine Officer / Marine Officer

Parties interested in joining the Marine Officer grade can apply for Assistant Marine Officer or Marine Officer post.

Assistant Marine Officer

Main duties at assistant professional level

(a) Controlling and regulating ports, shipping and local craft, public cargo working areas and ferry terminals, and coordinating search and rescue operations in the region;
(b) Managing Government Fleet operations and district marine offices;
(c) Planning the development of the port;
(d) Assisting in training officers in the Department;
(e) Combating marine pollution; and
(f) Providing harbour mooring services and hydrographic charting services.

Entry requirements

(a) A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline relating to the maritime field from a university in Hong Kong or equivalent, acceptable to the Director of Marine;
(b) A Certificate of Competency (Deck Officer) Class 3 or above issued by or a certificate acceptable to the Director of Marine; and
(c) Met the language proficiency requirements of "Level 2" or above in Chinese Language and English Language in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSEE) or the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE), or equivalent.

Pay scale

Master Pay Scale Point 19 to 27

Marine Officer

Main duties at professional level

(a) Controlling and regulating ports, shipping and local craft, public cargo working areas and ferry terminals, and coordinating search and rescue operations in the region;
(b) Examining local masters for certificates of competency;
(c) Managing Government Fleet operations and district marine offices;
(d) Planning the development of the port;
(e) Training officers in the Department;
(f) Combating marine pollution; and
(g) Providing harbour mooring services and hydrographic charting services.

Entry requirements

(a) A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline relating to the maritime field from a university in Hong Kong or equivalent, acceptable to the Director of Marine;
(b) A Certificate of Competency (Deck Officer) Class 1 (Master Mariner) issued by or a certificate acceptable to the Director of Marine;
(c) One year's experience as Chief Officer or above on sea-going ships; and
(d) Language proficiency requirements of "Level 2" or above in Chinese Language and English Language in HKDSEE or HKCEE, or equivalent.

Pay scale

Master Pay Scale Point 32 to 44

Promotion Prospect of the Marine Officer Grade

Rank	Pay scale
Marine Officer Senior Marine Officer	Master Pay Scale Point 32 to 44 Master Pay Scale Point 45 to 49
Principal Marine Officer	Directorate Pay Scale Point D1
Assistant Director of Marine	Directorate Pay Scale Point D2
Deputy Director of Marine	Directorate Pay Scale Point D3
Director of Marine	Directorate Pay Scale Point D6

Note: Please refer to the recruitment advertisement of the post to learn about the latest recruitment information and requirements.

(Please view the video to learn more about the duties, required qualifications and career prospect.)

Transcript for Video of Assistant Marine Officer / Marine Officer

Marine Department - Marine Officer

Marine Officer

Man: Life is short, we should seize the moment to broaden our horizons when we are young. I choose the seafaring career which is uncommon for a female, because it taught me how to be independent. I am even working as a Marine Officer in the Marine Department now.

Him: Working on an ocean-going vessel gave me the opportunity to experience the cultures of different countries. I have been to Gothenburg in Sweden and Bremerhaven in Germany to experience their architecture and cultural heritage. If you enjoy experiencing different cultures through travelling as much as I do, do consider to pursue a seafaring career. You may even have the chance to join the Marine Department as a Marine Officer to put what you have learnt into practice.

The Duties of Marine Officers

Man: As a Marine Officer, my daily duties are all related to the harbor, such as controlling and regulating the marine traffic in Hong Kong waters, planning effective port management policies, enforcing related maritime laws and planning major fairways and port facilities.

Him: We will also provide professional consultation on the planning and development of ports for major infrastructures, and evaluate the impact of such infrastructures on marine traffic and safety. The Marine Department is also responsible for combating marine pollution. We will hold periodical drills to enhance the crisis management capability of the department. In case of marine accidents, we are also responsible for coordinating maritime search and rescue operations.

Man: So a Marine Officer requires knowledge in seamanship, as well as the design and handling characteristics of different types of vessels. We also need to be familiar with the operations of ocean-going vessels and the relevant professional details to ensure safety and the smooth running of the ports.

The Traits of Marine Officers

Man: Marine Officers have to be bold but cautious. For example, in case of marine accidents, we have to make meticulous response, take different environmental factors into consideration and use our experience accumulated in the seafaring industry to make determined decisions.

Him: We are all on the same boat, we need to have good management skills and a spirit of teamwork to lead colleagues to complete different tasks. We also have to keep close contact with the industry and different stakeholders, so qualities such as leadership and self-confidence which contribute to good communication are very important.

The Career Path of Marine Officers

Him: Each Marine Officer is responsible for different duties, so we will be deployed to different sections and to accumulate experience. After accumulating a certain amount of experience and the performance being appraised and affirmed by seniors and the department, as well as fulfilling the promotion requirements set by the government, Assistant Marine Officer may get promoted to Marine Officer, Senior Marine Officer, Principal Marine Officer and even directorate posts.

The Fascinating Seafaring Career

Man: Before joining the Marine Department, I had worked in the seafaring industry for ten years. I have no regrets looking back because I had experienced things that an ordinary person will never have. Our ship once entered the waters near New Guinea, I managed to break free from a motorboat full of masked men. We received a notification afterwards that another ship in the same waters was hijacked by pirates. This was an unforgettable experience. There were a lot of hardships in these ten years of seafaring, but the magnificent sceneries that I have seen, the foreign cultures and faces of different races that I have encountered made it all worth it.

The Mission of Marine Officers

Him: I hope to put my professional knowledge into practice to reduce marine accidents and to build a better harbour for Hong Kong where I was born and raised.

Man: In the near future, I would like to accumulate experience in different units and gradually advance to the senior management. I wish to become the second-ever female Director of Marine.

Assistant Surveyor of Ships / Surveyor of Ships

Parties interested in joining the Surveyor of Ships grade can apply for Assistant Surveyor of Ships or Surveyor of Ships post.

Assistant Surveyor of Ships (Three streams: Engineer and Ship, Nautical and Ship)

Main duties at assistant professional level

All streams
Undertaking statutory and other related duties under the Merchant Shipping Ordinances pertaining to maritime safety, pollution prevention, security, seafarers welfare and management including casualty investigations and audits on Hong Kong registered ships and their companies.

(A) Engineer and Ship Stream
(a) Undertaking duties as a marine engineer consultant or manager for the Government on the construction of new vessels and maintenance of the Government Fleet;
(b) Assisting in the conduct of examination for marine engineer officers' certificates of competency; and
(c) Undertaking statutory and other related duties under the Boiler and Pressure Vessels Ordinance.

(B) Nautical Stream
(a) Assisting in the conduct of examination for deck officers' certificates of competency; and
(b) Undertaking duties as a nautical consultant for the Government.

(C) Ship Stream
Undertaking duties as a naval architect for the Government on the construction of new vessels and maintenance of the Government Fleet.

Entry Requirements

All Streams
Language proficiency requirements of "Level 2" or above in Chinese Language and English Language in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSEE) or the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE), or equivalent.

(A) Engineer and Ship Stream
(a) A Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline from a university in Hong Kong, or equivalent; and
(b) A Certificate of Competency (Marine Engineer Officer) Class 3 or above issued by or a certificate acceptable to the Director of Marine.

(B) Nautical Stream
(a) A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline relating to the maritime field from a university in Hong Kong or equivalent, acceptable to the Director of Marine ; and
(b) A Certificate of Competency (Deck Officer) Class 3 or above issued by or a certificate acceptable to the Director of Marine.

(C) Ship Stream
A Bachelor's degree in naval architecture or related technology from a university in Hong Kong, or equivalent.

Pay scale
Engineer and Ship Stream

Master Pay Scale Point 19 to Point 27

Master Pay Scale Point 19 to Point 27

Master Pay Scale Point 16 to Point 27

Surveyor of Ships (Three streams: Engineer and Ship, Nautical and Ship)

Main duties at professional level

All streams
Undertaking statutory and other related duties under the Merchant Shipping Ordinances pertaining to maritime safety, pollution prevention, security, seafarers welfare and management including casualty investigations and audits of Hong Kong registered ships and their companies.

(A) Engineer and Ship Stream
(a) Undertaking duties as a marine engineer consultant or manager for the Government on the construction of new vessels and maintenance of the Government Fleet;
(b) Conducting examinations for all classes of marine engineer officers' certificates of competency; and
(c) Undertaking statutory and other related duties under the Boiler and Pressure Vessels Ordinance.

(B) Nautical Stream
(a) Conducting examinations for all classes of deck officers' certificates of competency; and
(b) Undertaking duties as a nautical consultant for the Government.

(C) Ship Stream
Undertaking duties as a naval architect for the Government on the construction of new vessels and maintenance of the Government Fleet.

Entry Requirements

All Streams
Language proficiency requirements of "Level 2" or above in Chinese Language and English Language in the HKDSEE or HKCEE, or equivalent.

(A) Engineer and Ship Stream
  (a)(i) A Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline from a university in Hong Kong, or equivalent, or a corporate membership of an engineer institution acceptable to the Director of Marine;
       (ii) A Certificate of Competency (Marine Engineer Officer) Class 1 issued by or a certificate acceptable to the Director of Marine; and
       (iii) Two years' experience as second engineer or above on sea-going ships or at equivalent responsible level in the marine engineering related industry; or
  (b)(i) A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering/Marine Engineering from a university in Hong Kong, or equivalent;
       (ii) A corporate membership of an engineer institution acceptable to the Director of Marine;
       (iii) A Certificate of Competency (Marine Engineer Officer) Class 2 issued by or a certificate acceptable to the Director of Marine; and
       (iv) Four years' experience as second engineer or above on sea-going ships or at equivalent responsible level in the marine engineering related industry.

(B) Nautical Stream
(a) A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline relating to the maritime field from a university in Hong Kong or equivalent, acceptable to the Director of Marine;
(b) A Certificate of Competency (Deck Officer) Class 1 (Master Mariner) issued by or a certificate acceptable to the Director of Marine; and
(c) Two years' experience as Chief Officer or above on sea-going ships or at equivalent responsible level in the nautical related industry.

(C) Ship Stream
(a) A Bachelor's degree in naval architecture or related technology from a university in Hong Kong, or equivalent;
(b) A corporate membership of a naval architect institution acceptable to the Director of Marine; and
(c) Two years' relevant experience after obtaining the corporate membership.

Pay scale

Master Pay Scale Point 34 to Point 44

Promotion Prospect of the Surveyor of Ships Grade

Rank	Pay scale
Surveyor of Ships Senior Surveyor of Ships	Master Pay Scale Point 34 to Point 44 Master Pay Scale Point 45 to 49
Principal Surveyor of Ships	Directorate Pay Scale Point D1
Assistant Director of Marine	Directorate Pay Scale Point D2
Deputy Director of Marine	Directorate Pay Scale Point D3
Director of Marine	Directorate Pay Scale Point D6

Note: Please refer to the recruitment advertisement of the post to learn about the latest recruitment information and requirements.

(Please view the video to learn more about the duties, required qualifications and career prospect.)

Transcript for Video of Assistant Surveyor of Ships / Surveyor of Ships (Three streams: Engineer and Ship, Nautical and Ship)

Marine Department - Surveyor of Ships

Surveyor of Ships

Tak: There were two reasons for me to choose this occupation, the first reason is that I am very interested in machines, the second reason is that I wish to have the opportunity to broaden my horizons. When I was in university, one of my seniors was in the seafaring industry, I started my career under his encouragement.

Tai: Just like Tak, I decided to join the seafaring industry right after graduating from university. I have six years of experience in seafaring. After managing a fleet in a shipping company for two years, I applied for the job as a Surveyor of Ships. I think the prospect in the Marine Department is better. The remuneration and training system is well set and the career path is clear, that's why I chose to become a Surveyor of Ships.

The Duties of Surveyors of Ships

Tak: Our major duty is to carry out ship inspection. We must be familiar with different types of machines and navigation equipment on a ship, such as main engines, generators, boilers, purifiers, pumps, radars, electronic chart and radiocommunications equipment. We also have to evaluate the safety management system of the crew, so we have to be familiar with operations and management on ships. I am now responsible for inspecting visiting non-Hong Kong registered vessels, including cruiser, cargo ships, China-Hong Kong high speed craft and river-trade vessels registered on the Mainland, to ensure that they comply to the safety and pollution prevention requirement of related international conventions and the local Shipping Ordinances.

Tai: I am working in the Government New Construction Section and I am responsible for designing and procuring government vessels. I have to evaluate tenders, draft construction agreements, supervise the manufacturing process and carry out tests and acceptance checks. Surveyors of Ships also have other duties, such as conducting exams and issuing certificates for professional qualifications of seafarers, investigating accidents, and planning maritime-related laws.

The Traits of Surveyors of Ships

Tak: There are a lot of items to inspect every time we get on board, so we must be equipped with related professional knowledge. If we notice serious deficiencies, we will first consult the officer-in-charge of the Port State Control Section to decide whether the vessel should be detained and be prohibited to leave Hong Kong. We have to analyse and judge independently for making such a decision.

Tai: We also need to inspect different types of ships and to communicate with crew members from different countries, so patience and good communication skills are definitely required.

The Career Path of Surveyors of Ships

Tak: Surveyors of Ships in the Marine Department have a good career prospect. Assistant Surveyor of Ships can be promoted to Surveyor of Ships, Senior Surveyor of Ships, Principal Surveyor of Ships or even higher-level directorate posts.

Nothing to fear when you have been in the stormy sea

Tai: There are a lot of stories to share during my times as a marine engineer officer. For example, it takes five and a half months to sail around the Earth, you will encounter pirates if you pass by Somalia, and killer whales and dolphins will often swim along with the vessels.

Tak: The night at sea is spectacular, without the light pollution from cities we can really experience what a 'starry night' is. The life of working on board is comparatively simple. During off-hours, we usually read books, do exercises and prepare for professional exams.

Tai: Apart from undergoing obstacles and setbacks, there was an occasion when our ship was leaving a pier in Australia, a smack of jellyfish was found blocking the opening of the seawater cooling system, that made the ship unable to sail in full speed. The cost of hiring the vessels is not cheap, so we had to deal with the problem as fast as possible to ensure timely arrival at the next port.

The Mission of Surveyors of Ships

Tak: As a Surveyor of Ships, I wish to exert my influence on ensuring all ships meet the requirement of related international maritime conventions and local Shipping Ordinances, and contribute to the safety of marine traffic and marine conservation.

Tai: The goal of being a Surveyors of Ships simply is to ensure safety, including that of ports, vessels registered in Hong Kong and the staff on board. We strive to ensure safety.

Shipping Safety Officer

Duties:

(a) Implementing of statutory requirements and codes of safe working practice relating to marine industrial works within the waters of Hong Kong;

(b) Investigating and processing prosecution on violations of statutory requirements relating to marine industrial works within the waters of Hong Kong;

(c) Providing technical assistance and advice on safety matters concerning boilers and pressure vessels and carrying out inspections on dangerous goods plants;

(d) Providing safety monitoring and technical support to vessel maintenance activities and plant facilities in the Government Dockyard; and

(e) Promoting occupational safety and health
Entry requirements

(a) (i) A Class 1 Certificate of Competency (Marine Engineer Officer) of a foreign-going steamship and/or motor ship acceptable to the Director of Marine; or

(ii) Corporate membership of a relevant engineer institution acceptable to the Director of Marine; and

(b) Language proficiency requirements of 'Level 1' results in the two language papers (Use of Chinese and Use of English) in the Common Recruitment Examination, or equivalent.
Pay scale

Master Pay Scale Point 29 to 44
Promotion prospect

Rank

Pay scale

Senior Shipping Safety Officer

Master Pay Scale Point 45 to 49

Note: Please refer to the recruitment advertisement of the post to learn about the latest recruitment information and requirements.

Assistant Ship Inspector

Duties:

Mainly deployed on assisting Ship Inspectors in:

(a) Undertaking statutory and other related duties, including inspections and certification of vessels under the Local Vessels Ordinance; and

(b) Preparing drawings and examining design plans/ ship calculation works for Government new vessels; and supervising and inspecting works of vessels under construction, periodic maintenance and repair.

Entry requirements

All Disciplines

Language proficiency requirements of Level 2 or above in Chinese Language and English Language in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSEE) or Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE), or equivalent.

(A) Machinery Discipline

(a) A Diploma or Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering or Marine Engineering from a Hong Kong polytechnic, Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, technical institute/ college, or equivalent; and three years'relevant post-qualification experience; or

(b) A Certificate of Competency (Marine Engineer Officer) Class 2 (Steam or Motor) issued by or acceptable to the Director of Marine, or equivalent and one years' relevant post-qualification experience.

(B) Hull and Deck Discipline

A Diploma or Higher Certificate in Naval Architecture from a Hong Kong polytechnic, Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, technical institute/college, or equivalent; and three years'relevant post-qualification experience.

A Diploma or Higher Certificate in Electrical Engineering from a Hong Kong polytechnic, Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, technical institute/college, or equivalent; and three years'relevant post-qualification experience.

Pay scale

Master Pay Scale Point 13 to Point 23

Promotion prospect

Rank	Pay scale
Ship Inspector	Master Pay Scale Point 24 to 33
Senior Ship Inspector	Master Pay Scale Point 34 to 37
Chief Ship Inspector	Master Pay Scale Point 38 to 41

Note: Please refer to the recruitment advertisement of the post to learn about the latest recruitment information and requirements.

Assistant Marine Controller

Duties:

Mainly deployed on assisting Marine Officers/Marine Controllers in:

(a) Port service operations, including vessel traffic management and ferry terminals operations; and

(b) The conduct of examinations for Local Certificates of Competency and Pleasure Vessel Operator Certificates of Competency.
Entry requirements

(a) (i) Have a Certificate of Competency (Deck Officer) (Seagoing) Class 2 issued by the Director of Marine, or equivalent; or

(ii) A Hong Kong Licence (Deck Officer) (Seagoing) Class 2 issued by the Director of Marine; or

(iii) A Certificate of Competency (Deck Officer) (River Trade) Class 2 or above issued by the Director of Marine with four years of relevant post-qualification experience;

(b) Be able to speak fluent Cantonese, read and write good Chinese; and

(c) Be able to speak fluent English, read and write good English.
Pay scale

Master Pay Scale Point 24 to Point 33
Promotion prospect

Rank

Pay scale

Marine Controller

Master Pay Scale Point 34 to 37

Note: Please refer to the recruitment advertisement of the post to learn about the latest recruitment information and requirements.

Marine Inspector II

Duties:

(a) Licensing functions associated with local vessels in Hong Kong waters and processing port formalities;

(b) Patrol and regulation of vessels in Hong Kong waters;

(c) Management of typhoon shelters, public cargo working areas, piers, mooring areas, ferry terminals and controlling pollution;

(d) Manning of the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre and other outstations when required; and

(e) Supervision of subordinate staff.

Entry requirements

(a)	(i) Level 2 or equivalent or above in five subjects in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSEE), or equivalent; or (ii) Level 2 / Grade E or above in five subjects in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE), or equivalent;

(b) Language proficiency requirements of Level 2 or above in Chinese Language and English Language in HKDSEE or HKCEE, or equivalent; and

(c) Eyesight to be able to distinguish between white, red and green colours and lights for performing duties relating to harbour patrol, pollution control and vessel traffic regulation, etc.

Pay scale

Master Pay Scale Point 5 to Point 17

Promotion prospect

Rank	Pay scale
Marine Inspector I	Master Pay Scale Point 18 to 27
Senior Assistant Shipping Master (Marine Management) (through in-service appointment)	Master Pay Scale Point 28 to 33

Note: Please refer to the recruitment advertisement of the post to learn about the latest recruitment information and requirements.

Rank	Pay scale
Senior Shipping Safety Officer	Master Pay Scale Point 45 to 49

Rank	Pay scale
Marine Controller	Master Pay Scale Point 34 to 37