The most popular public transportation in Hong Kong island public transport. Land transportation has an average daily capacity of about 12.6 million passengers, of which railways and franchised buses are the mainstream of transportation. Hong Kong is also one of the busiest ports in the world, the port activities had 376,000 vessel arrivals. In recent years, the industry has offered subsidy and training programmes to attract more young people to join this industry. The main job positions in railway and franchised bus field are bus captains, MTR station officers and train captains, while marine field is divided into deck and engine department officers.
Bus Captain
Duties
- Operate buses on specified routes and carry passengers their destinations safely
Working hours
Morning and night shift (work approximately 10 hours a day, including 1 hour of paid meal breaks)
Working environment
Work location depends on route
Personality
- Good time management
- Responsible
Promotion and Reference Salary
Bus Captain
Approximately $22,000 - 24,500
Entry requirements
- Possession of valid Hong Kong driving licence (code 1) for at least three year; or
- Possession of valid Hong Kong driving licence (code 10 or 17)
- Satisfactory driving record
- Good driving safety awareness and record
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
- The Hong Kong School of Motoring Limited - Certificate in Private Car Driving
- KMB Training Scheme (for details, please refer to the KMB website)
Bus Vehicle Inspector
Duties
- Manage frontline bus drivers and staffs
- Handle traffic accidents and provide assistance for passengers and staffs
- Handle emergencies and implement emergency response measures
- Answer passenger inquiries
- Drive patrol car and do the driving task assigned by the supervisors
Working hours
9 hours a day, work in shifts
Working environment
Work indoors and outdoors
Personality
- Responsible
- Careful
- Good at communication
Promotion and Reference Salary
Vehicle Inspector
Approximately $15,000 - 18,000
Senior Inspector
Approximately $20,000 - 22,000
Chief Inspector
Approximately $25,000 - 27,000
*Note: Salary varies depending on the company
Entry requirements
- Secondary 6 or above
- At least two years of customer service experience
- Good Chinese and English, knowledge of Mandarin an advantage
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Good computer skills, with knowledge to operate Microsoft Word and Excel
- Possession of the Hong Kong Driving License (First and Second Category) an advantage
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
Deck Crew (Local Vessels) Coxswain
Duties
Responsible for navigation of the vessel and management of the vessel and crew members
Working hours
Work in shift
Working environment
Work on local vessels which cover a wide spectrum of services. Types of vessels include ferry, kaito, transportation launch, tug boat, oil carrier, water boat, etc
Personality
- Good time management
- Attention to details
- Responsible
Promotion and Reference Salary
Assistant Coxswain
Approximately $24,000
Coxswain
Approximately $28,000
Note: The above salary is based on the positioning structure of the local vessels. The actual salary is determined by work experience and company.
Entry requirements
Take ferries as an example, a coxswain of local ferries must possess the Local Coxswain Grade 1 Certificate and certificates in relation to personal survival, first aid at sea, fire prevention and fire fighting, and radar and radio equipment, etc. Holders of Local Coxswain Grade 2 or Grade 3 Certificate may serve as an assistant coxswain on board local ferries, or serve as a coxswain on board some ferries with smaller size
Example of related training and courses
Example of related training and courses
- Local Vessel Coxswain Grade 3 by the Maritime Services Training Institute under the Vocational Training Council
- Preparatory Course for Examination for Local Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate by Hong Kong Seamen’s Union and Small Craft Workers Union
- 50 hours Preparation Course for Coxswain Grade 3 Examination by Institute of Seatransport
Related website
Deck Officer (Seagoing Vessels)
Duties
Cadet
- To study navigational duties under the direction of the Chief Officer;
- To ensure proper maintenance of appliances, such as recording of expiry dates and defect checking for life saving and firefighting appliances;
- To assist in pilotage operation; and
- To carry out paper work, including filling in relevant forms and documents.
Third Officer
- To be on duty at the bridge to ensure safe navigation of the vessel;
- To maintain all fire-fighting equipment and evacuation facilities; and
- To assist the Chief Mate in the safe handling of cargoes and maintaining cargoes on board in good condition.
Second Officer
- To be on duty at the bridge to ensure safe navigation of the vessel;
- To revise the navigational chart and maintain all navigational devices on board the vessel;
- To devise a navigation plan and prepare a chart as appropriate in accordance with the Captain’s instructions, and to draw or rectify the sea route on the chart;
- To calculate the sailing distance and submit the log book to the master daily; and
- To assist the Chief Mate in the safe handling of cargoes and maintaining cargoes on board in good condition.
Chief Mate
- To be on duty at the bridge to ensure safe navigation of the vessel;
- To assist the master in handling all administrative work and external affairs; and
- To ensure safe handling of cargoes and maintain cargoes on board in good condition.
Captain
- To navigate and steer ship or similar vessel at sea or on inland waterways;
- To monitor the maintenance and repair of ships to ensure compliance with specifications and regulations;
- To perform monitoring roles to ensure safe loading and unloading of cargoes in accordance with safety regulations, harbour rules and customs procedures; and
- To transmit and receive routine and emergency messages with shore stations and other ships.
Working hours
Stay on board for several months to one year. Shift work
Working environment
Deck officer may work on different type of seagoing vessels, e.g. container vessel, bulk vessel, tanker, etc. Take container vessels as an example. Each container vessel requires approximately 18 to 24 crew members. Crew members can be from different countries.
Personality
- Good time management
- Attention to details
- Responsible
- Leadership skills
Promotion and Reference Salary
Third Officer
Approximately $27,000
Second Officer
Approximately $62,000
Chief Mate
Approximately $78,000
Captain
Approximately $100,000
Note: The above salary is based on the positioning structure of the seagoing vessels. The actual salary is determined by work experience and company.
Entry requirements
To become a deck officer, one must first complete recognised maritime programmes and the specified pre-sea training, and serve as a cadet in the deck department on board a seagoing vessel to receive in-service training. Having obtained seagoing experience of 18 to 24 months (depending on the maritime course taken), the cadet may sit for the examination for a Certificate of Competency (Deck Officer) (Seagoing) Class 3. Upon passing the examination, the cadet is eligible to serve as a third officer or a second officer. The subsequent examinations for Certificate of Competencies (Deck Officer) Classes 2 and 1 require additional seagoing experience of 1 year and 2 years respectively. After obtaining the Class 1 certificate, the officer is eligible to serve as a Captain.
Example of related training and courses
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Related website
Engineering Crew (Local Vessels) Chief Engineer
Duties
To manage engine operation and maintenance of machinery on board the vessel, etc
Working hours
Work in shift
Working environment
Work on local vessels which cover a wide spectrum of services. Types of vessels include ferry, kaito, transportation launch, tug boat, oil carrier, water boat, etc.
Personality
- Good time management
- Attention to details
- Responsible
Promotion and Reference Salary
Second Engineer
Approximately $21,000
Chief Engineer
Approximately $27,000
Note: The above salary is based on the positioning structure of the local vessels. The actual salary is determined by work experience and company.
Entry requirements
To become a chief engineer of the engineering department of local vessels, one must first complete recognised training and in-service training. Upon acquiring sufficient sea-going experience, one may apply for the examination for an Engine Operator Grade 3 Certificate. Having accumulated more sea time, one may sit for examinations to acquire Grade 2 and Grade 1 certificates progressively. After acquiring the Grade 1 certificate, the person is eligible to serve as a chief engineer.
Example of related training and courses
Example of related training and courses
- Local Vessel Engine Operator Grade 3 by the Maritime Services Training Institute under the Vocational Training Council
- Local Class 3 Engine Operator Training Course by Hong Kong Seamen’s Union and Small Craft Workers Union
Related website
Marine Engineer Officer (Seagoing Vessels)
Duties
Cadet
- To study duties related to the operation, maintenance and repair of machinery under the direction of the 2nd Engineer;
- To clean the engine room;
- To perform painting and cleaning jobs; and
- To carry out paper work, including filling in relevant forms and documents.
Third Engineer, Fourth Engineer
- To assist the Second Engineer in repairing and maintaining all machinery, electrical appliances and engine room facilities on board the vessel; and
- To be on duty at the engine room when necessary so as to ensure the normal operation of all machinery, electrical appliances and facilities.
Second Engineer
- To assist the Chief Engineer in handling the administrative work of the engineering department;
- To be accountable to the Chief Engineer and repair and maintain all machinery, electrical appliances and engine room facilities on board the vessel; and
- To be on duty at the engine room when necessary so as to ensure the normal operation of all machinery, electrical appliances and facilities.
Chief Engineer
- To handle all administrative work of the engineering department;
- To repair and maintain all machinery and electrical appliances on board the vessel to ensure their normal operation; and
- To make sure that there is sufficient fuel reserve on board the vessel.
Working hours
Stay on board for several months to one year. Shift work
Working environment
A marine engineer officer may work on different types of seagoing vessels, e.g. container vessel, bulk vessel, tanker, etc. Take container vessels as an example. Each container vessel requires approximately 18 to 24 crew members. Crew members can be from different countries.
Personality
- Attention to details
- Responsible
Promotion and Reference Salary
Fourth engineer
Approximately $40,000
Third engineer
Approximately $62,000
Second engineer
Approximately $69,000
Chief engineer
Approximately $97,000
Note: The above salary is based on the career structure of the seagoing vessels. The actual salary is determined by work experience and company.
Entry requirements
To become a marine engineer officer, one must first complete recognised maritime programmes and the specified pre-sea training, and serve as a cadet in the engineering department to receive training on board a seagoing vessel. Having completed the 1-year integrated workshop skills training and obtained sufficient seagoing experience, the cadet may sit for the examination for a Certificate of Competency (Marine Engineer Officer) (Seagoing) Class 3. Upon passing the examination, the cadet will be eligible to serve as a third engineer or fourth engineer. The subsequent examinations for Certificate of Competencies (Marine Engineer Officer) Classes 2 and 1 require additional seagoing experience of 12 months and 24 months respectively. After obtaining the Class 1 certificate, the officer is eligible to serve as a chief engineer.
Example of related training and courses
Higher Diploma / Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University – Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering
- The University of Hong Kong – Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology – Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering
Related website
Minibus Driver
Duties
- Operate minibuses to specified routes and carry passengers to their destinations safely
Working hours
Working in shifts (each shift is approximately 9 hours)
Working environment
Work location depends on routes
Personality
- Good time management
- Responsible
Promotion and Reference Salary
Minibus driver
Approximately $12,000 - 19,000
Note: The reference salary may vary according to the company, experience and ability.
Entry requirements
- No academic requirements
- Possession of a valid Hong Kong driving licence (code 5)
- Good driving safety awareness and a satisfactory driving record
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
MTR Station Officer
Duties
- Perform station duties including station crowd control and platform supervision, station inspection and train service recovery
- Operate Customer Service Centres and handle matters in relation to the Automatic Fare Collection system
- Provide quality customer services in accordance with service targets and standards
Working hours
Average 42 hours per week, and required to perform shift duties on roster basis
Working environment
Work in MTR stations to provide services to passengers
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Responsible
Promotion and Reference Salary
Station Officer
Station Control Officer / Senior Station Control Officer
Shift Station Master
Station Master / Senior Station Master
Group Station Manager
Note: Salary and promotion salary will be adjusted according to the employee’s performance.
Entry requirements
- Grade E / Level 2 / “Attained” or above in 5 subjects of HKCEE / HKDSE, including English and Chinese Languages
- At minimum of 1 year’s work experience, preferably in customer service related industries
- Good command of spoken English and Chinese, proficiency in Putonghua or other languages is an advantage
- Customer-centric mindset with effective and empathetic communication skills
For details, please visit MTR Website.
Example of related training and courses
Diploma / Advanced Diploma
- MTR Academy (HK) Company Limited - Diploma in Transport Studies (Operations and Management)
- MTR Academy (HK) Company Limited - Advanced Diploma in Transport Operations and Management
Related website
MTR Train Captain
Duties
- Perform pre-service check before operating the train
- Operate passenger train (heavy rail / light rail) or engineering train in accordance with timetables to provide high quality customer services
- Coordinate with the Operations Control Centre to handle train defects or incidents to ensure safe and reliable train operations
Working hours
Average 42 hours per week, and required to perform shift duties on roster basis
Working environment
Work in the train cab to provide train services to passengers
Personality
- Good communication skills
- Responsible
Promotion and Reference Salary
Train Captain
Train Crew Inspector
Train Crew Officer
Assistant Train Crew Manager
Train Crew Manager
Note: Salary and promotion salary will be adjusted according to the employee’s performance.
Entry requirements
- Grade E / Level 2 / “Attained” or above in 5 subjects of HKCEE / HKDSE, including English and Chinese Languages
- A minimum of 1 years’ experience, preferably gained in service related industries
- Good command of both written and spoken English and Chinese, proficiency in Putonghua or other languages is an advantage
- Customer-centric mindset, effective and empathetic communication skills and the ability to handle incidents independently
- Possession of a valid Hong Kong driving licence class 1 is mandatory for Train Captain-Light Rail position
For details, please visit MTR Website
Example of related training and courses
Diploma / Advanced Diploma
- MTR Academy (HK) Company Limited - Diploma in Transport Studies (Operations and Management)
- MTR Academy (HK) Company Limited - Advanced Diploma in Transport Operations and Management
Related website
School Bus Driver
Duties
- Operate the school bus and carry students to schools
- Responsible for cleaning and maintenance of the school bus
Working hours
About 22.5 hours per week
Working environment
Depends on the route
Personality
- Responsible
- Patient
Promotion and Reference Salary
School Bus driver
Approximately $10,000 - 16,000
Note: The reference salary may vary according to the company, experience and ability.
Entry requirements
- Public minibus driver's license or a private minibus driver's license holder
- Good driving record
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
- The Hong Kong School of Motoring Limited - Certificate in Light Goods Vehicle Driving
- The Hong Kong School of Motoring Limited - Certificate in Private Car Driving
Remarks
A variety of organisations or associations may provide relevant training classes or courses. If you are intending to pursue these courses, you are reminded to be cautious and collect in-depth information, in particular the tuition fees and qualification recognition upon completion of these courses.
Taxi Driver
Duties
- Pick up passengers from a location and deliver them to their destination safely, via the quickest possible route
Working hours
Flexible
Working environment
Location depends on routes
Personality
- Good time management
- Responsible
Promotion and Reference Salary
Taxi driver
Approximately $14,000 - $22,000
Note: The reference salary may vary according to the working hours
Entry requirements
- Aged 21 or above
- Possession of a valid Hong Kong Taxi driving licence
- Good driving safety awareness and a satisfactory driving record
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
- Employees Retraining Board Course- Foundation Certificate for Professional Taxi Driver (Taxi Written Exam)
- The Hong Kong School of Motoring Limited - Certificate in Light Goods Vehicle Driving
- The Hong Kong School of Motoring Limited - Certificate in Private Car Driving
Remarks
A variety of organisations or associations may provide relevant training classes or courses. If you are intending to pursue these courses, you are reminded to be cautious and collect in-depth information, in particular the tuition fees and qualification recognition upon completion of these courses.
Tour Bus Driver
Duties
- Pick up students at stops along established routes and drop them off at school
- Transport staff to and from work
- Transport tourists to attractions
Working hours
About 45 hours per week, 6 days a week, may work in shifts on holidays
Working environment
Different areas in Hong Kong (Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories)
Personality
- Good time management
- Responsible
Promotion and Reference Salary
Tour bus driver
Approximately $19,000 - 30,000
Entry requirements
- No academic requirements
- Possession of a valid Hong Kong driving licence (code 9 and 10)
- Good driving safety awareness and a satisfactory driving record
Example of related training and courses
Certificate
- The Hong Kong School of Motoring Limited - Certificate in Light Goods Vehicle Driving
- The Hong Kong School of Motoring Limited - Certificate in Private Car Driving
Remarks
A variety of organisations or associations may provide relevant training classes or courses. If you are intending to pursue these courses, you are reminded to be cautious and collect in-depth information, in particular the tuition fees and qualification recognition upon completion of these courses.