Zhongshan-Macao Free Yacht Scheme Launched
The Zhongshan-Macao Free Yacht Scheme opening ceremony was officially launched at God Bay in Zhongshan and in Coloane, Macao (Photo provided by Marine and Water Bureau)
Macao and Zhongshan guests experience the pleasure of Free Yacht facilities (Photo provided by Marine and Water Bureau)
The Zhongshan-Macao Free Yacht Scheme was officially launched on 23rd November – the first two cities to launch the Free Yacht Scheme in China.
To complement the Free Yacht Scheme, the Macao SAR Government has set up a yacht berthing area on the seafront of Concordia Industrial Park in Coloane, together with Macao Fisherman's Wharf, providing basic services in the first phase to meet various requirements and needs.
The yacht berthing area will provide a tender service. Since Coloane Pier is equipped with land transport facilities, it will facilitate 'yachties' to visit other attractions in Coloane, such as the urban area, Rua de Cinco de Outubro and the coastal landscape.The implementation of the Free Yacht Scheme will bring visitors' attention to Coloane Village.
Meanwhile, the Marine and Water Bureau will initiate an electronic application system for the Guangdong-Macao Free Yacht Scheme to be used by yacht management companies in Macao and Zhongshan. Through the electronic and standardized application process, inbound and outbound yacht application procedures can be more convenient. In addition, the Marine and Water Bureau has compiled a guidebook for users to understand the maritime environment and navigation requirements of the two maritime jurisdictions.
According to the 2017 Policy Address, the Macao SAR Government plans to expand the scheme to the three Free Trade Zones in Guangdong Province; namely, to Hengqin, Nansha and Qianhai.
Marine and Water Bureau Announces Leisure Craft Navigation Regulations
The Marine and Water Bureau of the Macao SAR Government announced 'Regulations on Leisure Craft Navigation' in October, permitting yachts from Guangdong Province that participle in the Free Yacht Travel Scheme between Macao and Zhongshan which have gained approval from the Marine and Water Bureau to stay in Macao for short periods. The length of such yachts should not exceed 25 metres, with a draft depth of up to 2.5 metres.
The regulations also stipulate yachts travelling to Macao under the scheme may not carry anything that may damage maritime security, sailing safety or maritime ecology; particularly items that are toxic, unhygienic or flammable. Yachts participating in the Travel Scheme can berth for up to 14 days each time but cannot berth for six months in all every year. Exhibition yachts may only dock for two days before and after the event.
When typhoon signal No. 3 is hoisted in Macao, every yacht captain must follow the instructions of the Marine and Water Bureau to leave the berth. Those on yachts must also comply with Coloane Pier's instructions, with crewmembers and passengers travelling back and forth between the berths at Seac Pai Van Pier to Coloane Pier by tender, using immigration control points in Coloane for both arrival and departure.