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Hong Kong flag

🇭🇰 Hong Kong

ISO HKG / HK

Regulatory

MLC 2006
ratified (2013-08-20)
Paris MoU rating
white
Tokyo MoU rating
white
USCG Qualship 21
not listed
ITF FoC
not listed

Registry

Vessel count
2,700
Deadweight
130
Administration
Hong Kong Marine Department
File a complaint
Official form

Major Asian registry; part of PRC but maintains separate maritime administration

Compliance history

Country context

Population
7,498,900 (2025)
GDP per capita
$56,983 (2025)
Income group
High income
Region
East Asia & Pacific

Source: World Bank Open Data.

What this means for seafarers

  • MLC 2006: This flag has ratified MLC 2006. Vessels must hold a valid Maritime Labour Certificate + DMLC Part II posted onboard. You can file an MLC complaint via the flag administration.
  • Port-state-control profile: high-performing flag — fewer detentions on average. Read about PSC regimes →
  • STCW: Party to STCW. Verify a CoC issued under this flag at the administration.

See also: flag risk explained · MLC ratification list · white/grey/black lists.

Reference

  • III Code — the IMO flag-state audit scheme measuring implementation of IMO instruments.
  • Port state control — how Hong Kong-flagged ships are inspected + detained in foreign ports.
  • Minimum safe manning — the SOLAS V/14 basis for Hong Kong's manning documents.
  • Marine cyber incidents — case studies + the IACS UR E26/E27 cyber-resilience regime.

Ships flying Hong Kong

Companies headquartered in Hong Kong

Ports in Hong Kong

All ports in Hong Kong →

Hong Kong flag: FAQ

Is the Hong Kong flag safe for seafarers?
The Hong Kong flag holds a strong port-state-control (PSC) reputation across both Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU regimes. It has ratified MLC 2006, which gives seafarers the international right to inspection and complaint. A safer flag does not mean every vessel is safe — operator + classification society still drive day-to-day conditions.
Has Hong Kong ratified the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006)?
Yes — Hong Kong has ratified MLC 2006 (ratified 2013). Seafarers serving on Hong Kong-flagged vessels are entitled to make MLC complaints through the flag administration, port state, or seafarer welfare organisations such as the ITF.
How do I file a complaint against a Hong Kong-flagged vessel or operator?
Complaints can be lodged with the Hong Kong Marine Department via their official complaint procedure. Under MLC 2006, complaints may also be lodged with the port-state authority of any MLC-ratified port. The ITF and seafarer welfare organisations (Mission to Seafarers, Stella Maris, Sailors' Society) can advocate on your behalf. Keep contract, wage records, and seaman's book ready.
What port-state-control rating does Hong Kong have?
Paris MoU rating: white. Tokyo MoU rating: white. PSC ratings classify flags by inspection and detention history. White / low-risk flags face fewer PSC inspections; black / high-risk flags face more frequent inspection and a higher detention rate.
Is Hong Kong on the ITF Flag of Convenience (FoC) list?
No — Hong Kong is not currently on the ITF Flag of Convenience list. Seafarers retain general ITF-channel access for advocacy and abandonment response regardless of FoC status.

Compare Hong Kong with another flag

Put two or three flags side-by-side on the comparison tool.

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High confidence

Editorial confidence: how we grade. Data sources and methodology: /sources.

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