Marine Department issues temporary exclusion zones for spectator vessels during National Day fireworks

With tens of thousands expected to watch Hong Kong’s first National Day fireworks display since 2024, the Marine Department on 28 September announced an extensive marine-traffic control plan covering Victoria Harbour on the evening of 1 October. The measures create a ‘Closed Area’ near the fireworks barges from 2 pm to 10 pm and a wider ‘Restricted Area’ between 7 pm and 9 pm, barring all unauthorised vessels. Spectator boats will be allowed to anchor in a designated ‘Specified Area’ but must carry updated passenger lists and ensure all children wear life jackets. Coxswains face prosecution for speeding, overloading or failing to carry valid operating licences and third-party insurance. Landside crowd-control steps include temporary closure of Kowloon Public Pier landing steps and buffer zones for orderly disembarkation after the 8 pm pyrotechnic finale. While primarily a safety move, the directive affects corporate hospitality events that often charter pleasure craft for clients. Event planners should verify that charter companies have sought entry permits from the Marine Department and brief guests on staggered boarding schedules to avoid post-show congestion. Logistics providers moving time-sensitive cargo through the harbour on 1 October evening should reroute or adjust sailing windows, as scheduled ferries will cease operations at 7:40 pm and cordon lines will only be lifted gradually after 9 pm.