General duties of a Competent Person

A Competent Person is a technical personnel, under the full-time employment of a ride owner, responsible for upkeep and safe operation of the amusement ride in accordance with the Amusement Rides (Safety) (Operation and Maintenance) Regulation (Cap 449B).

Application requirements

Any person who possesses the necessary qualifications and experience in operation and maintenance of amusement rides, and is currently employed by a ride owner, may make application to the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) for approval as a Competent Person of the ride belonging to his/her employer.

The applicant should possess a Higher Certificate or Higher Diploma in mechanical, marine, electrical or electronic engineering from the Hong Kong Polytechnic (currently known as the Hong Kong Polytechnic University) or technical institute and has at least 5 years relevant practical experience in operation and maintenance of amusement rides.

How to apply

Applications for approval as Competent Person should be made to the General Legislation Division of EMSD.  The procedures for applications are as follows:

1. Complete the application form, Form 21 [PDF format (2,390KB)], according to the given instructions.
2. Submit the completed application form together with the supporting documents and the prescribed application fee [PDF format (114KB)] in person / by mail to the General Legislation Division of EMSD or via Electronic Submissions.  Payment by crossed cheque, cashier order or bank draft in Hong Kong dollars should be made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”.  Post-dated cheque will not be accepted and cash should not be sent by post.

Assessment of application

The applicant will be notified to attend a written test if his/her qualifications and experience meet the requirements. The syllabus of the written test includes, but not limited to, the following:

1. General engineering knowledge and interpretation of drawings
2. Knowledge of the Amusement Rides (Safety) Ordinance and its subsidery legislation
3. Safety awareness and relevant statutory requirements
4. Thorough understanding on the duties of a Competent Person under the Regulation
5. Thorough understanding on the technical details of the ride
6. Proficiency in communication

Upon passing the written test, a site test on the ride concerned will be arranged and the applicant will be required to demonstrate different aspects of ride operation and maintenance including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Understanding of the driving / actuating / stopping mechanisms
2. Identification of critical parts affecting safe operation of the ride
3. How daily pre-operational check is performed
4. How the ride is started / operated / stopped
5. To open-up or disassemble the ride equipment / machinery to demonstrate how and which parts are to be inspected, lubricated, adjusted and protectively coated
6. Knowledge on the locations and use of rescue equipment
7. Skills of leading the crew to perform the rescue operation
8. Marshalling arrangement for the riders

Form 22 (Certificate of Approval as a Competent Person) will be issued to the successful applicant.

Enquiries

Submission of Application

Applications should be submitted to the following office: