If you see a vessel emitting black or nuisance smoke continuously for more than one minute report the vessel to Marine Department.

Smoke Emission from Vessels Complaints Hotline

The Marine Department controls smoke emissions from vessels, but the regulations are quite weak. The emission of smoke from vessels in the waters of Hong Kong is governed by the Shipping and Port Control Ordinance, which provides that except in circumstances affecting the safety of life or of the vessel, no vessel shall emit excessive or nuisance smoke. The maximum penalty is $20,000.

Call This Number

2385 2791 / 2385 2792 - Office Hours (Marine Department Harbour Operations Centre)

2233 7801 - After Office Hours (Marine Department Vessel Control Centre) or

Smoke Emission from Vessels Complaints Hotline (24 hrs)

Hotline - 1823 (yes, only four numbers;

1 for Cantonese
2 for Mandarin
3 for English

Then:

State that you are making a report to the Marine Department as this is a general HK SAR Government hotline.)

Your report should include:

• Date,
• Time,
• Location (including direction of travel)
• Description of vessel (including name, number, type)
• Description of smoke and its effect
• How and from where observed
• By whom
• Any interaction with the subject vessel etc.

Take photographs or video if possible and follow up with an e-mail, copied to Clear the Air at marine@cleartheair.org.hk.