Hong Kong

About the Flag

Hong Kong is a thriving port in Eastern Asia bordering the South China Sea and China. After 156 years of separation under British rule, Hong Kong was reunited with China on 1 July 1997. With the resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, China has implemented the principle of 'one country, two systems' and fulfilled the promises of 'a high degree of autonomy' and 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong'. Under the Basic Law, the mini-constitution for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Central People's Government has granted Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy - a situation that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. In addition to institutionalizing the 'high degree of autonomy', the Basic Law delineates the rights and obligations of the residents of Hong Kong and clearly prescribes the social, economic and political systems which are different from those of the Mainland China. It preserves for Hong Kong people their usual way of life; Hong Kong people continue to enjoy all their rights as before; the free and open economic system is maintained; a smooth democratic development is assured; and Hong Kong continues to enjoy a stable and peaceful society.

Hong Kong is one of the freest and most vibrant economies in the world. Free enterprise and free trade; prudent financial management and low taxation; the rule of law; an executive-led government; and an efficient civil service have all been part of Hong Kong's tradition. All these factors underlie Hong Kong's success and have been guaranteed in the Basic Law.

The autonomy of the Hong Kong Shipping Register is well enshrined in the Basic Law. It provides the constitutional rights and legal basis for Hong Kong to continue to maintain a shipping register and to issue related certificates under its own legislation under the name "Hong Kong, China." The Merchant Shipping (Registration) Ordinance governs vessel registration. The register is run by the Marine Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and is separate from the Chinese Register. One unique feature of the Hong Kong Register is the requirement to hoist two flags at the stern of a Hong Kong ship, that is, the national flag of the People's Republic of China and the regional flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

A number of measures have been implemented since 1 April 1999 to make the Hong Kong Register even more competitive, user friendly and efficient. These measures are aimed to further improve the Register's quality at a reduced cost. The measures include reduction of fees; streamlining of procedures for ship registration, seafarers' licensing and employment and discharge of seafarers; and 365 days plus 24 hours services. In addition, a flag-state quality control (FSQC) system has been introduced to ensure highest safety standards and full compliance with international conventions by all Hong Kong registered ships in a cost-effective manner.

The proper flags to be flown on a Hong Kong registered ship are the national flag of the People's Republic of China directly above the regional flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (as shown here.)