Safety first on the water

Licenses for non-business yachting are issued at the provincial level by the regional Maritime Safety Administrations.

Licensees are not allowed to make inter-provincial voyages without permission. But these restrictions are currently being reviewed, says Li Daze, an official with the China Maritime Safety Administration.

To apply for the license, one must:

Be aged between 18 and 65, in good health with normal vision, color sense, hearing, and language competency to meet the requirements of marine safety.

Be trained by professional schools and pass the examinations.

Licenses issued by foreign authorities are valid on China seas after verification. Though licensees from some countries might need to take extra examinations to get permission to sail yachts in Chinese waters, says Li.

Trainees often compare sailing motor cruisers to driving a car. But veteran yachter Su Shigong, 39, sees a difference in the greater inertia water gives to boats than road to cars.

The boats respond more slowly to changes in speed, so the secret is to keep driving slowly, he says.

Su, serving at Qingdao International Yacht Club, introduces himself as the first yacht driver in Qingdao. He says that it is important to be familiar with every part of the boat.