Rules of Guangzhou Municipality on the Management of Water Traffic Safety

　　Decree of the People’s Government of Guangzhou Municipality

　　No. 215

　　The Rules of Guangzhou Municipality on the Management of Water Traffic Safety, adopted on December 13, 2024 at the 88th Executive Meeting of the Sixteenth Session of the People's Government of Guangzhou Municipality, is hereby promulgated and shall come into force as of March 1, 2025.

　　Mayor: Sun Zhiyang

　　January 3, 2025

　　Rules of Guangzhou Municipality on the Management of Water Traffic Safety

　　Chapter IGeneral Provisions

　　Article 1  In order to strengthen the management of water traffic safety in this Municipality, maintain water traffic order and protect the safety of the public's lives and properties, these Rules are formulated in accordance with Law of the People's Republic of China on Work Safety, Maritime Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Administration of Traffic Safety in Inland Waters and other relevant laws, rules and regulations and on the basis of the actual conditions of this Municipality.

　　Article 2  These Rules shall apply to navigation, berthing, operation, emergency search and rescue and other activities related to traffic safety in the waters of this Municipality.

　　Article 3  Water traffic safety management shall adhere to the principles of safety and prevention first, convenience for the public and lawful management, so as to ensure safe, orderly and smooth water traffic.

　　Article 4  Municipal and district people's governments shall strengthen leadership over water traffic safety work, establish a robust responsibility system for water traffic safety management and a comprehensive mechanism for emergency search and rescue, and coordinate solutions to major issues in water traffic safety management.

　　Town people's governments and sub-district offices shall fulfill their respective water traffic safety management tasks.

　　Article 5  Maritime authorities are responsible for the supervision and management of water traffic safety within their jurisdiction and shall ensure the implementation of these Rules.

　　Port administrations are responsible for the industry management of waterway transportation and ports in the Municipality.

　　Fisheries administrations and their subordinate fisheries supervision agencies are responsible for the supervision and management of work safety in fishing vessels and fishing port waters in the Municipality, as well as providing technical guidance.

　　Relevant authorities in charge of public security, transportation, water affairs, emergency management, sports, culture, broadcasting, television and tourism, urban management and comprehensive law enforcement, forestry and landscape, meteorology and waterway shall perform their respective tasks in water traffic safety management.

　　Article 6  Owners, operators or managers of ships and floating structures shall establish, improve and implement water traffic work safety and safety management systems and measures, and bear primary responsibility for the traffic safety of ships and floating structures.

　　Article 7  People's governments at all levels and their relevant departments shall strengthen publicity and education on water traffic safety laws, rules and regulations, safety knowledge and emergency skills to raise public awareness of water traffic safety.

　　Article 8  Scientific research and technological innovation in water traffic safety are encouraged. The use of modern information technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence as well as advanced management methods and equipment shall be promoted to improve the intelligence level and collaborative capabilities in vessel management, navigation support, etc.

　　Municipal and district people's governments and their relevant departments shall provide policy, fiscal, financial and talent support and services for the development, promotion and application of new technologies and equipment in water traffic safety.

　　Chapter II  Safety Management of Vessels and Waterborne Facilities

　　Article 9  Town people's governments and sub-district offices shall supervise vessel and floating facility owners to fulfill their responsibilities for work safety and eliminate potential hazards. They shall conduct assessments and verifications of town-level vessels in their jurisdiction, assign numbers to compliant vessels, and create a management register. They shall also sign safety management agreements and safety use commitments with the owners of all types of vessels in the town and sub-district, urging them to adhere to safety use commitments and organize safety training.

　　Article 10  Town-level vessels shall comply with the following rules:

　　(1) Existing vessels shall be registered, assigned a number, and shall operate only within the designated area;

　　(2) Operators shall undergo safety training;

　　(3) The total number of people on board (including the operator and passengers) shall not exceed three.

　　(4) Adequate life-saving equipment or devices shall be provided, and all individuals aboard shall wear life jackets properly.

　　(5) Vessels shall not operate in severe weather conditions, such as typhoons or dense fog.

　　(6) Vessels shall not change their approved usage for commercial transportation, fishing, or the transport of hazardous goods such as flammable, explosive, toxic, or harmful substances.

　　Article 11  Vessels that are idle for extended periods shall not obstruct waterway flow or jeopardize the safety of riverbanks or embankments. Individuals residing on vessels shall take additional safety precautions for themselves and their vessels. Municipal and district people's governments shall guide and organize the relocation of those living on vessels to land.

　　Town-level vessels that are no longer in use and have no repair value shall be removed from navigable waters in a timely manner by the vessel owners to eliminate safety risks. If not removed, relevant departments shall urge their prompt removal.

　　For vessels that are abandoned or unmanaged and pose safety hazards or pollution risks, district people's governments shall organize relevant departments and organizations to handle them in accordance with the law.

　　Article 12  Waterborne amusement facilities and leisure vessels operating in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, urban park waters, scenic areas and other waters for tourism, sightseeing and recreational activities shall comply with legal regulations, national standards or industry standards. They shall obtain the necessary certificates, such as a qualification or vessel inspection certificate. Leisure vessels shall have qualified operators or crew.

　　Waterborne amusement facilities and leisure vessels shall operate in designated safe waters, avoiding main navigation channels, anchorage areas, safety operation zones, and areas with high traffic. They shall also avoid operating in severe weather conditions.

　　Article 13  Management organizations for lakes, reservoirs, rivers, urban park areas and scenic areas shall strengthen daily safety inspections of waterborne amusement facilities and leisure vessels. Where no management organization exists, the responsibility for daily safety inspections lies with the local town people's government or sub-district office. Any violations shall be reported to the relevant industry authorities for legal action.

　　Operators of waterborne amusement facilities and leisure vessels shall sign letters of responsibility for safety management with the management organization or the local town people's government or sub-district office. They shall establish and implement systems for identifying, addressing, preventing and controlling safety hazards in accordance with safety requirements for the tourism industry. An emergency plan for unforeseen events shall be developed, and emergency drills shall be conducted regularly.

　　Article 14  During sports events or training activities, organizers shall comply with national, provincial and municipal safety management requirements. They shall ensure that sports vessels meet laws, rules, regulations, national standards or industry standards, and operate in safe waters. Venues shall be equipped with appropriate safety facilities and warning signs.

　　Article 15  Sports authorities shall strengthen guidance and safety management for dragon boat events. Organizers of dragon boat races or training shall develop emergency response plans in accordance with regulations and ensure proper emergency rescue preparations, strengthening safety measures during the event or training.

　　Town people's government and sub-district offices shall strengthen the management, supervision, and public education of grassroots dragon boat races and other water-related folk activities. They shall guide villagers' committees and residents' committees in organizing, coordinating and ensuring safety for these activities, implementing necessary safety management measures.

　　Grassroots dragon boat races shall meet these safety management requirements:

　　(1) Activities shall be conducted in safe waters;

　　(2) Participants shall wear life jackets properly;

　　(3) Dragon boats shall avoid operating in the main navigation channels. If it is necessary to temporarily enter or cross the main channel, it shall not hinder the normal navigation of other vessels.

　　Article 16  Yacht owners or yacht clubs shall verify the identities of passengers before departure and ensure safety management measures are in place. Yacht operators shall conduct safety checks to ensure the vessel is fit for navigation.

　　Before a yacht's first voyage, the owner or club shall register the intended waterway with the local maritime authority. For each subsequent voyage, if the route goes beyond the registered area, the yacht owner or club shall notify the maritime authority with details including the yacht's name, voyage plan, operator or passenger lists, and emergency contact information.

　　Article 17  Yachts from Hong Kong or Macao arriving at Guangzhou's ports shall contact the relevant yacht clubs or wharves in advance to confirm docking arrangements and implement necessary safety and anti-pollution measures.

　　Innovative measures are encouraged to streamline customs clearance, regulatory inspections, wharf arrangements, license recognition and navigation zone planning for yachts from Hong Kong or Macao.

　　Article 18  Maritime authorities shall provide a green channel to prioritize the entry and exit of cruise ships, implementing direct port-to-port arrivals and departures, as well as providing efficient traffic management and information services. Pilotage services shall be provided for cruise ships requiring guidance, ensuring safe and swift entry and exit from the port.

　　Article 19  Foreign-flagged vessels entering Guangzhou's ports shall comply with national laws, administrative regulations, and international treaties that China has signed or acceded to, and undergo port state control and inspection by maritime authorities.

　　Article 20  Owners, operators, or managers of fully battery-powered passenger ships and clean energy-powered vessels (e.g., natural gas) shall establish and improve safety and pollution prevention management systems. They shall provide crew members with professional training on water traffic safety, their specific duties, related operations, and emergency response procedures. An emergency plan for unforeseen events shall be developed, and emergency drills shall be conducted regularly.

　　Owners, operators or managers of fully battery-powered passenger ships shall formulate maintenance and operation procedures for the relevant equipment systems, clearly marking critical operations.

　　Refueling of clean energy-powered vessels shall take place at locations equipped with the necessary facilities. The operation shall be conducted by a qualified fuel supplier, following all relevant safety and pollution prevention guidelines. Appropriate safety measures shall be in place, and before commencing the operation, details such as the type of operation, time, location, fuel supplier, and vessel name shall be reported to the maritime authority. Any changes to the operation details shall be promptly updated with the relevant authorities.

　　Crew members of natural gas-powered vessels shall, before assuming duties, receive relevant training and obtain relevant certificates or credentials.

　　Article 21  Autonomous vessels conducting trial activities shall prepare a detailed plan, safety assurances, and emergency response measures, and comply with water traffic safety regulations. If the test extends beyond the designated trial area or may affect water traffic safety, the involved waters shall be reported to the maritime authority in advance.

　　Trial activities involving eligible autonomous navigation waterborne equipment shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the previous paragraph.

　　Unmanned vessels that meet the navigation conditions shall comply with the general provisions of laws, regulations, and rules regarding vessel navigation and berthing.

　　Chapter III  Water Traffic Safety Assurance

　　Article 22  Wharf operators shall assume primary responsibility for wharf safety management, strengthening safety management at the wharf and the wharf front berthing area. This includes improving safe conditions for vessel berthing and departure, personnel boarding and disembarking, and cargo loading and unloading, as well as enhancing the maintenance of wharf infrastructure.

　　Article 23  District people's governments shall strengthen the safety management of ferry terminals and ferries within their jurisdiction, and establish a sound responsibility system in this regard. Measures shall be implemented to ensure the smooth operation of charity and semi-charity ferry services. Regular assessments of ferry capacity demand shall be conducted, and ferry terminals shall be adjusted or closed in accordance with the law.

　　Town people's governments and sub-district offices shall implement safety management systems for town-level ferries, crew members, and passenger quotas, overseeing day-to-day safety operations and supervision.

　　Operators of ferry terminals shall establish a robust management system for ferry safety operations, implement protocols for ferry suspension and vehicle-passenger separation, and regularly conduct work safety publicity and education, knowledge updates and emergency response training for ferry terminal staff and crew members. Emergency drills shall be conducted regularly to ensure preparedness.

　　In cases of flooding or severe weather such as typhoons, high winds, dense fog and heavy rain that threaten ferry safety, ferry operators shall follow relevant ferry suspension regulations.

　　Article 24  Construction companies of bridges in navigable waters shall ensure that anti-collision devices, navigational aids, safety markers and other water traffic safety measures are designed, constructed, manufactured and brought into use simultaneously with the main work of the bridge.

　　During bridge construction, temporary construction bridges or platforms shall be equipped with warning lights, ensuring that these lights do not interfere with vessel navigation or the functioning of nearby navigation markers.

　　Bridge management organizations shall establish and maintain a risk prevention and control system for bridge safety, ensuring appropriate funding for waterway safety measures. They shall strengthen the establishment and improvement, and carry out regular maintenance of water traffic safety measures such as navigational aids, safety markers, early warning systems, and anti-collision devices. If any safety hazards are detected, bridge management organizations shall timely issue warnings to vessels passing through the adjacent waters, adopt proper emergency measures, and report to maritime authorities and waterway authorities.

　　For aging bridges in poor technical condition, management organizations shall organize repairs and reinforcements, strengthen early warning systems, and enhance on-site management, ensuring that sufficient water traffic safety measures are in place during bridge operation. Upgrading and rebuilding of old bridges shall be encouraged.

　　Waterway authorities, along with bridge construction and management organizations, shall publicly disclose key data, including the navigation clearance and other specifications of bridges in navigable waters, providing easy access to such information for vessel operators.

　　Article 25  Operators of ferry terminals, ferries, and bridges that connect this Municipality's waters with other cities and operate across city boundaries shall establish and maintain a cross-regional waterway safety management coordination mechanism with relevant authorities in other cities. They shall regularly exchange operational information to ensure the safe and orderly operation of ferry terminals, ferries and bridges.

　　Article 26  Districts with the necessary conditions are encouraged and supported to establish vessel storage facilities. These facilities shall meet the storage needs of vessels that have been legally seized or impounded.

　　Social forces are encouraged to explore the establishment of vessel storage facilities to provide socialized storage services.

　　Article 27  Shipbuilding and repair enterprises shall not carry out construction or repair work, or docks, work barges, or floating structures outside their designated waterway usage area. If such work is to be carried out outside the designated area, the enterprise shall comply with relevant regulations and complete the necessary formalities.

　　Article 28  No organization or individual is allowed to install lighting, warning lights, decorative lights or other devices at bridges, wharves, embankments, or shore structures in navigable waters that could be mistaken for navigational aids or interfere with their function. Any lighting that impacts the effectiveness of navigational aids shall be properly shielded.

　　Where navigation aids authorities request the removal or modification of unauthorized lights or other devices, the relevant entities or individuals shall make the necessary corrections promptly as per the request.

　　Article 29  Management organizations of river dams, reservoirs, and hydropower stations shall promptly release water level information when floodgates are opened, resulting in rapid changes in water levels that may affect water traffic safety. They are also required to report this information to the relevant disaster response authorities.

　　Town people's governments and sub-district offices shall promptly relay flood and wind prevention alerts, as well as information regarding the opening of sluices or floodgates at river dams, reservoirs, hydropower stations, and other management facilities, to the owners, operators or managers of ferries, town-level vessels and other waterborne facilities within their jurisdiction.

　　Article 30  People's governments at all levels shall enhance meteorological disaster monitoring and early warning systems. They shall also organize relevant departments to provide efficient communication channels for receiving and disseminating meteorological disaster warnings at key locations, such as ports, wharves, ferry terminals and scenic areas. These channels shall be connected to local emergency warning centers to ensure timely and accurate transmission of weather warnings and disaster alerts.

　　Article 31  Any organization or individual engaged in activities such as rafting or water exploration shall take appropriate safety measures to prevent interference with water traffic safety.

　　District people's governments may designate safe activity zones in suitable water areas and assign relevant departments to manage safety. If these zones affect navigable waters, the opinions of port, water affairs, maritime, and waterway authorities shall be consulted.

　　Chapter IV  Navigation, Berthing and Operation

　　Article 32  Before setting sail, the captain shall review relevant data such as waterway, bridge and hydrological and meteorological information, based on the specific voyage and the vessel's dimensions, draft and maximum height above water. A voyage plan shall be developed or appropriate safety measures taken in accordance with regulations to ensure the vessel meets the navigational requirements of the waterways and bridge clearance conditions.

　　Shipping companies shall establish comprehensive management systems to prevent vessels from colliding with bridges. They shall review the sailing plans of their vessels in advance and ensure that the captain and crew are aware of the navigation conditions and bridge clearance requirements along the planned route before departure. Additionally, they shall ensure that vessels implement the necessary safety measures for the waterway they will navigate.

　　Wharf operators shall remind vessels docking at or departing from the wharf to implement the relevant safety measures and sailing plans.

　　Article 33  Before a vessel passes through a bridge waterway, the actual navigable clearance height and width of the bridge passage and navigation spans shall be verified based on tidal and water level changes. The vessel shall ensure sufficient clearance height and water depth, taking into account its tonnage and the maximum height above the water at that time. The vessel shall choose a bridge channel and navigation opening that are suitable for safe passage.

　　For vessels passing under bridges with a design clearance height of 18 meters or more, a minimum of 2 meters of clearance shall be maintained. For vessels passing under Huangpu Bridge or the bridges of Guangzhou Port's main channel, a minimum of 4 meters of clearance shall be maintained. If the clearance is less than 4 meters, the vessel shall take additional safety precautions and report the situation to maritime authorities. For other bridge passages, at least 1 meter of clearance shall be maintained.

　　After taking appropriate safety measures, Pearl River cruise ships and water buses may be exempt from the clearance requirements in the second paragraph of this article, but they shall report to the port administrations and maritime authorities.

　　Article 34 Before entering a navigable span of a bridge, vessels shall maintain a vigilant lookout, operate with caution, and understand the traffic situation within the waterway. Navigation equipment, communication devices, and emergency equipment shall be in good working condition. Early communication with passing vessels shall be made to clarify their movements and intentions. Vessels shall maintain a safe distance from bridge piers and pass through at a safe speed. The installation of intelligent video monitoring and early warning systems on the vessel's bridge is encouraged.

　　Unless in an emergency, on official duty or authorized by maritime authorities, vessels are prohibited from entering the waters within 1,000 meters on either side of the bridge axis of the non-navigable span of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge. When passing under the bridge, vessels shall avoid meeting under the bridge span; if unavoidable, vessels shall keep as far to the right as possible.

　　Article 35  From the Nansha Port area of the Guangzhou Port's main channel to the natural deep-water section west of Aizhou Island at the mouth of the Pearl River, large vessels are allowed for two-way navigation in accordance with vessel size classification.

　　Vessels shall report their sailing schedules to maritime authorities in advance when entering or exiting the port. They shall submit port entry/exit applications and safety measures along with other relevant materials, and perform self-inspections on the vessel's safety and cargo load to ensure the vessel is in a seaworthy condition.

　　For vessels entering or leaving the port, or navigating, relocating, or docking within the port, if the law requires pilotage, they shall apply to the pilotage authority for assistance. Large vessels approaching the navigational limits of the waterway, potentially affecting water traffic safety, shall implement safety measures such as requesting a pilot and deploying tugboats.

　　Article 36  Vessels shall moor at warlves, berths, unloading stations, anchorages and designated safety zones that meet the required safety conditions. Berthing is prohibited in restricted areas such as waterway channels and bridge-adjacent waters, unless otherwise stipulated by laws, rules, regulations, or national or provincial requirements. In cases of emergency, temporary mooring shall be reported to maritime authorities. Vessels shall not anchor in a manner that poses a hazard to other vessels or waterway infrastructure.

　　When mooring at anchorages, vessels shall comply with the functional requirements and dimensions of the anchorage. A safe distance shall be maintained between vessels.

　　Article 37  When crew members are working on decks without protective barriers such as bulwarks or railings, or performing operations overboard, they shall wear life jackets according to regulations. Personnel on open-deck vessels shall also wear life jackets as required.

　　Article 38  The captain of the vessel to which the subsidiary craft belongs or the person in charge of the subsidiary craft shall enhance safety management of the subsidiary craft , ensure navigation safety, and comply with the following rules:

　　(1) The vessel's name shall be clearly marked on the subsidiary craft.

　　(2) The subsidiary craft is for crew transport and operational purposes only.

　　(3) The number of people on board the subsidiary craft shall not exceed three.

　　(4) The subsidiary craft shall not be launched or retrieved while the vessel is underway. Personnel shall not remain on board during launch or retrieval.

　　Article 39  No organization or individual shall engage in the following activities that may impact navigation safety:

　　(1) Fishing, aquaculture, or planting in waterways, anchorages, safety operation zones or bridge-adjacent waters.

　　(2) Aquaculture or planting within port waters.

　　(3) Fishing in ferry terminal-adjacent waters or wharf front berth areas.

　　(4) Other activities that may affect navigation safety.

　　Article 40  Vessels are prohibited from sounding their horns in the waters west of the Yuzhu Wharf, south of the East Bridge of the Pearl River Bridge, east of the West Bridge of the Pearl River Bridge, or north of the Yajisha Bridge, except in cases of immediate danger to vessel safety or when required by collision avoidance regulations.

　　Chapter V Water Search and Rescue

　　Article 41  The municipal people's government shall develop and implement a plan for enhancing water search and rescue emergency capabilities, establishing a comprehensive organization, coordination, command, and support system for search and rescue operations.

　　The municipal maritime search and rescue center is responsible for organizing, coordinating, and directing search and rescue operations in both maritime and inland waterways. District people's governments shall establish and improve local water search and rescue mechanisms to ensure that emergency search and rescue operations are carried out in an orderly manner.

　　Town people's governments, sub-district offices and management organizations in specific areas such as industrial parks and scenic spots shall develop emergency rescue plans for non-navigable waters within their jurisdictions and either conduct or assist relevant authorities in carrying out water safety and emergency rescue operations.

　　Article 42  Upon receiving a distress signal or report, the maritime search and rescue center shall immediately verify the information needed for the search and rescue operation. In accordance with the severity of the situation, the center shall promptly activate the emergency rescue plan, organize, coordinate, and direct all parties involved in the search, and report to higher authorities as required.

　　Search and rescue organizations shall follow the maritime search and rescue center's unified organization and coordination throughout the operation.

　　Article 43  Collaboration with neighboring cities in water search and rescue efforts is encouraged and supported. If external search and rescue forces are required, the responsible agencies shall engage in coordination according to established protocols and authority.

　　Article 44  The Municipality encourages and supports the formation of volunteer teams for water search and rescue, with training and guidance to improve their operational knowledge and skills.

　　Organizations and individuals who make significant contributions to water search and rescue efforts will be recognized and rewarded in accordance with relevant regulations. organizations and individuals who incur losses during water search and rescue operations will be entitled to reasonable compensation.

　　The Municipality also encourages donations to the development of water search and rescue efforts from businesses, social organizations and individuals.

　　Article 45  The municipal people's government shall enhance the development of search and rescue infrastructure, including search and rescue bases, wharves, sheltered anchorages, and the establishment of water search and rescue stations in suitable locations.

　　Article 46  The Municipality encourages and supports the development and application of new technologies and equipment for water search and rescue, such as unmanned vessels, autonomous surface platforms, and intelligent rescue equipment, to expedite the digitalization, informatization, and automation of water search and rescue operations.

　　Article 47  People's government at all levels and their relevant departments shall ensure the proper care and placement of rescued individuals and manage the aftermath of fatalities in accordance with national, provincial, and municipal regulations.

　　Chapter VI  Legal Liabilities

　　Article 48  Any long-term idle vessel that violates Article 11 of these Rules obstructing river navigation or endangering the safety of river embankments shall be dealt with in accordance with relevant provisions of the Flood Control Law of the People's Republic of China.

　　Article 49  If the organizer of a sports event violates Article 14 hereof by failing to implement national, provincial or municipal safety management requirements during the event, they shall be dealt with in accordance with relevant provisions of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Sports.

　　Article 50  For violations of these Rules, if Maritime Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, Port Law of the People's Republic of China, Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Administration of Traffic Safety in Inland Waters, Rules of Guangdong Province on the Administration of the Navigation Safety in the Bridge-adjacent Waters or any other relevant laws, rules or regulations provide specific provisions, those provisions shall apply.

　　Article 51 If relevant departments or their staff violate these Rules by failing to perform their duties in accordance with the law, abusing power, neglecting their duties, or engaging in corruption, the competent department shall order rectification and impose disciplinary actions on the responsible supervisors and staff. If criminal conduct is involved, criminal responsibility shall be pursued in accordance with the law.

　　Chapter VII  Supplementary Provisions

　　Article 52  The following terms used in these Rules shall have the meanings defined below:

　　(1) Large vessels refer to ships or fleets navigating the main channel of Guangzhou Port to the sea that meet any of the following conditions:

　　i. Ships with a deadweight tonnage exceeding the navigational capacity of the corresponding section of the main channel of Guangzhou Port;

　　ii. Ships with a width greater than 50 meters intending to enter the waters within the Mayoushi Lightship area of Guangzhou Port;

　　iii. Tugboats or tow fleets with a length of 200 meters or more, or a width of 40 meters or more, intending to enter the waters within the Mayoushi Lightship area of Guangzhou Port;

　　iv. Ships or fleets intending to pass through bridges, pipelines, or other overhead facilities with a clearance height of less than 4 meters.

　　(2) Town-level vessels refer to vessels, boats, rafts, or other watercrafts, either motorized or non-motorized, that are owned by township (sub-district) collectives or individuals and have a length of less than 12 meters. These vessels are not registered with maritime or fisheries authorities.

　　(3) Water recreation facilities refer to watercraft, rafts, water bicycles, pedal boats, water balloons, and other equipment used for water-based recreational activities.

　　(4) Leisure vessels refer to ships that are approved to carry up to 12 passengers, used for tourism, sightseeing, or entertainment, excluding leisure fishing vessels.

　　(5) Subsidiary vessels refer to small vessels belonging to transportation ships, used by crew members for transportation, operations, and other purposes.

　　(6) Long-term idle vessels refer to vessels, boats, rafts, or other watercrafts that have been moored on shore or on the water for an extended period, have lost their navigational function, or are no longer used for navigation.

　　(7) Bridge-adjacent waters refer to the water area between 400 meters upstream and 200 meters downstream of a bridge’s axis, excluding the waters of the Huangpu Bridge, bridges on the main channel of Guangzhou Port, and the East River bridge of Guangzhou Port.

　　(8) Main channel of Guangzhou Port refers to the primary channel from the Xiji Turning Zone of Guangzhou Huangpu Port Area to the natural deep-water area on the west side of Aizhou Island at the mouth of the Pearl River.

　　(9) Ferry terminal-adjacent waters refer to the water area within 150 meters upstream and downstream of a ferry terminal.

　　Article 53  These Rules shall also apply by reference to navigation, berthing, and operation in Guangzhou Port waters outside the Municipality's jurisdiction.

　　Article 54  These Rules shall come into force on March 1, 2025.

　　Disclosure method: Active disclosure

　　Promulgated by the Secretariat of the General Office of the People's Government of Guangzhou Municipality on January 6, 2025