Examination
Many people hear that the yacht licence exam is easier than the driving licence test, so they sign up and pay the exam fee right away. However, there are many important details that are easy to overlook — such as the types of questions, the passing criteria, and how to apply for the actual licence after passing. At Kings Boating, we often see students who face these issues. That’s why taking our course is so important. Besides preparing you for the Grade 2 Pleasure Vessel Licence exam, we also clearly explain all the registration procedures, exam fees, and licence application steps, so you can obtain your licence smoothly and without hassle.
PVOC2 Licence Exam Registration Guide
Grade 2 Pleasure Vessel Operator Certificate
If you pass the Grade 2 Pleasure Vessel Licence exam, you will be awarded the Grade 2 Pleasure Vessel Operator Certificate. Holders of this certificate may operate pleasure vessels no longer than 15 metres in Hong Kong waters.
Requirements to obtain the Grade 2 Pleasure Vessel Operator Certificate:
You must be 18 years old or above.
The exam consists of Part A and Part B. You can take them on different days.If you pass only one part, you can retake the failed part. Exam fee is HK$580 per part (total HK$1,160 for both).Each passed part is valid for 2 years. If you exceed 2 years, you must retake both parts from the beginning.
The exam is computer-based with multiple-choice questions (4 options, choose 1).
| PVOC2 Exam Scope (Pleasure vessels ≤ 15 metres) | Exam Time | NO. of Questions | Passing score |
| Part A: Navigation, Seamanship & Safety | 45 mins | 40 questions | 60% |
| Part B: Marine Engine Knowledge | 45 mins | 40 questions | 60% |
You must pass both Part A and Part B within 2 years to be awarded the licence.
The licence is valid until age 65. After 65, you can apply for renewal.
When applying for the licence, you must submit an eye test report proving you have passed the colour vision test. If you fail the colour vision test, you can only operate the vessel during daytime. You can get the eye test at any optical shop near you. Remember to bring the official Marine Department eye test form.
(g)A valid Medical Certificate (Marine Department form MD 818) is required when applying for the licence. This requirement will take effect from 30 June 2025.
(List of qualified doctors form)
Colour Vision Test Details for Yacht Licence Exam
In addition to distance, near, and intermediate vision requirements, candidates must also pass the colour vision test. The test uses Ishihara Plates under normal indoor lighting. The Ishihara test detects colour vision deficiency (colour blindness). It consists of a booklet with plates filled with coloured dots of different sizes. People with normal colour vision can clearly see the numbers hidden in the dots, while those with colour blindness may not see the numbers correctly or at all.
Test Procedure: Testing distance: 75 cm from both eyes to the plates. Two versions of the booklet are used: 24-plate version: Pages 1–15 are tested. You may make no more than 2 errors. 38-plate version: Pages 1–21 are tested. You may make no more than 3 errors. Candidates are not allowed to use any colour-enhancing devices or glasses during the test. Important Notes: The Marine Department issues the licence based on both your exam results and your overall vision test. If your colour vision does not meet the required standard, your licence may be issued with a restriction (e.g. “Daylight only” operation). If your vision results are very poor, you may not be issued a licence even if you pass the written exam.
How to Apply for the PVOC Exam
Documents & Information Required Before Applying
1.Hong Kong Identity Card or Passport
2.Hong Kong mobile phone number
3. Credit card (Visa / Mastercard) or UnionPay card
(Exam fee: $580 per one exam. $1160 for both A and B)
4.Valid email address
7. After successful submission, you will receive an admission slip by email
8.Exam Venue:
1/F, VTC Tower, 27 Wood Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Two Ways to Apply for the Yacht Licence Exam
Post Application
Collect the application form from the exam centre or download it from the exam centre website(www.vtc.edu.hk/cpdc)Fill in the form and attach a photocopy of your Hong Kong ID Card or Passport. Enclose a crossed cheque or bank draft made payable to “Vocational Training Council” for the exam fee. Mail everything to the exam centre.Important: Make sure you have sufficient postage, write the correct address, and send it early to avoid postal delays.
Online Application
Log in to the exam centre’s online registration system(www.vtc.edu.hk/cpdc/econline/md)Choose your preferred exam session and fill in your personal details. Pay the exam fee online using Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay credit card. Note: The entire online application must be completed within 20 minutes. If you exceed the time limit, your chosen exam session will not be reserved and you will need to start over.
Re-issuance of Exam Fee Receipt
PVOC2 Exam – Frequently Asked Questions
1. If I arrive late, can I still enter the exam hall?
2. Can I pay the Grade 2 Pleasure Vessel Licence exam fee in cash?
No. For postal applications: You must attach a crossed cheque or bank draft made payable to “Vocational Training Council”, together with a photocopy of your Hong Kong ID Card or Passport. Each application form must be accompanied by one separate cheque or bank draft. Cash will not be accepted by post. Applications that do not follow these rules will not be processed. The exam centre will process applications according to the priority order you indicated on the form. Since seats are limited, you may not get your preferred session. If your chosen session is full, the centre will call you and arrange another available session with your consent.
For online applications, you can pay the exam fee directly in the online system using Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay credit card while entering your details.
Please note: The exam centre reserves the right to change your exam date and time. Therefore, the scheduled session may not be your first preference.
3. How does the exam centre protect my personal data?
The exam centre uses your personal information only for processing the exam, keeping records, and issuing results. Your results will be uploaded to the exam centre’s website for you to check and download. If you do not want your results published online, you can submit a written request in advance, and the centre will respect your wish.
The exam centre will transfer candidates’ personal data and exam results to the Marine Department for reference. It will also report details of any disqualified candidates to the Marine Department.
Candidates’ data may also be used for research or statistical analysis. If necessary, it may be transferred to venue providers for record-keeping or for other lawful activities directly related to the above purposes. Note: All application forms, registration details, and answer sheets will be destroyed 2 months after the exam. Exam results will be destroyed 2 years after the exam. If you wish to inquire about your personal data (including access or correction), please contact the VTC Peak Continuing Education Centre Exam Centre at 2919 1467.
4. How can I get my exam results and result slip after the yacht licence exam?
One hour after the exam, you can log in to the exam centre’s website(www.vtc.edu.hk/cpdc) and download/print your result slip under “Check Exam Results”. The centre will not mail the result slip. Results and slips are available online for 3 months from the exam date. After 3 months, you must apply for a replacement slip. You can apply in writing (include your phone number and photocopy of HKID/Passport) or in person within 2 years of the exam.
Normally, the centre will call you within 7 working days to collect the replacement. If you do not collect it within 1 month from the application date, the slip will no longer be kept.
5. What happens if there is bad weather on the exam day?
“Bad weather” means: Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above, Black Rainstorm Warning, or Extreme Conditions are in force. If bad weather is issued or still in effect between 6:15 am and 11:00 am, the 9:00 am – 12:00 pm exam session will be cancelled. If issued or still in effect between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm, the 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm session will be cancelled. If issued or still in effect after 4:00 pm, the 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm session will be cancelled.
Rescheduled dates will be announced on the exam centre’s official website : www.vtc.edu.hk/cpdc Affected candidates should check the website themselves. Important: If bad weather starts during the exam (Typhoon Signal No. 8 or Black Rainstorm), the exam will continue and will not be interrupted.
