Hong Kong has issued a note on the electronic certificates and electronic logbooks

The Marine Department of the Government of Hong Kong has issued a note on the electronic certificates and electronic logbooks, and the related amendment.

Both these documents were issued on 28 July 2023.

The Note informs about the use of electronic certificates and logbooks for Hong Kong-registered ships starting July 21, 2023.

Electronic certificates will follow IMO Guidelines, feature validity, non-editable formats, unique tracking numbers, and a Marine Department symbol.

Verification can be done through the Marine Department website or QR code scanning, displaying certificate details.

For certificates issued by Recognized Organizations, verification must be done through the respective RO.

E-certificates on ships must be managed through safety systems, except for Maritime Labour Convention Certificate which can be displayed electronically.

Electronic logbooks can fulfill record-keeping requirements, following relevant Ordinance provisions.

ROs are authorized for approval of electronic log-books.

Statutory certificates issued by ROs will be available electronically under the Amendment Ordinance.

Collection of Certificate of Registry from Marine Department offices will cease with the start of e-certs issuance.

The Hong Kong Merchant Shipping Information Note No. 21/2020 will be revoked on August 1, 2023.

Details about the Amendment Ordinance are available on the Marine Department website.

All stakeholders on Hong Kong-registered ships must comply with the mentioned Ordinance when handling e-certs and e-logbooks.

For more information, please see the documents below (available only to subscribers):

Electronic Certificates and Electronic Logbooks

Shipping Legislation (Electronic Certificates and Electronic Log-books) (Amendment) Ordinance 2023