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Government has not considered introducing legislation to control gambling activities on board such vessels outside Hong Kong waters because Hong Kong laws cannot be enforced outside Hong Kong, except on board a Hong Kong registered vessel, in which case persons committing offences in international waters are liable to prosecution under Hong Kong laws.

The Merchant Shipping (Safety) Ordinance (Cap. 369) regulates shipping safety in general. All passenger vessels based in Hong Kong and which operate excursion voyages from Hong Kong have to be inspected by Government Surveyors to ensure that they comply with our safety standards before they are allowed to clear the port of Hong Kong.

Regarding entertainment, under the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance (Cap. 172), a licence will be required if public entertainment is provided on board a vessel within Hong Kong waters. The Urban Council and the Regional Council are the licensing authorities in their respective areas.

Regarding food and beverage, the Director of Health has advised that provisions under the Quarantine and Prevention of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 141) deal with investigations into food poisoning outbreaks and the sanitary conditions on board ocean-going vessels.

There is no particular legislation regulating steam bath activities on board such vessels; and

the Police have advised that no complaints have been received about illegal bookmaking on horse races of the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club on board these vessels.