got this back from them today:
I would like to inform you that the requirement or qualification for hiring of canoe / kayak in all Water Sports Centres of LCSD is listed below for your information.
* Hirer should be the holder of 3-star Award or Canoe Elementary Certificate issued by Hong Kong Canoe Union.
* Must be accompanied with another kayak hirer holding Canoe 3-Star Award or Canoe Elementary Certificate.
and it looks like all the certification classes are custom made, so i'd guess if you already know what you're doing it'd just be a quick test.
Anyone want to go get certified sometime?
I'm free whenever the weather allows it