Types of ships subject to registration in Vietnam

Types of ships subject to registration in Vietnam (Internet image)

Regarding this issue, LawNet responded as follows:

1. Types of ships subject to registration in Vietnam

According to the provisions of Clause 1, Article 30 of the Vietnam Maritime Code 2015, types of ships referred to in paragraph 1 Article 19 of the Vietnam Maritime Code 2015 shall be subject to inspections including:

- Engine-powered ship that has the capacity of main engine of more than 75 kilowatt (KW);

- Ship without engine which has the total capacity of more than 50 GT, or gross tonnage of more than 100 tonnes, or has the design waterline length of more than 20 meters (m);

- Ships which have smaller sizes than those stipulated in subparagraph a and b of this paragraph, but operate on international navigation routes.

 Inspection of ships which are not prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 30 of the Vietnam Maritime Code 2015 shall be subject to regulations adopted by the Minister of Transport.

2. Responsibility for ship register in Vietnam

2.1. Responsibilities of Vietnam Register

Responsibilities of Vietnam Register as prescribed in Article 20 of Circular 40/2016/TT-BGTVT are as follows:

- Perform function of a registry of Vietnam; organize a single registration system nationwide to carry out registration of ships as prescribed in this Circular.

- Formulate and request the Minister of Transport to promulgate and implement national technical regulations on technical safety and environment pollution prevention, maritime safety, maritime security, maritime labor in connection with ships.

- Formulate and request the Minister of Transport to promulgate standards of registrars, ship auditors, provide courses of drill, evaluation and certification of registrars, ship auditors as prescribed by the Minister of Transport.

- Authorize, instruct, and inspect foreign recognized organizations to carry out survey, classification and issuance of technical safety and environment pollution prevention certificates for Vietnam ships operating in international routes.

- Carry out registration of ships as prescribed in Clause 2 Article 1 of Circular 40/2016/TT-BGTVT upon requests of competent authorities.

- Initiate information technology in ship registration and manage related data, and send reports on performance of ship registration as prescribed.

2.2. Responsibilities of authorized foreign recognized organizations

According to Article 21 of Circular 40/2016/TT-BGTVT stipulating the responsibilities of authorized foreign recognized organizations as follows:

- Carry out survey, classification and issuance of technical safety and environment pollution prevention certificates to ships in accordance with Vietnam’s law, relevant international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member and be responsible for results thereof.

- Conduct communication and reporting as agreed with Vietnam Register.

- Comply with other regulations of Vietnam’s law.

2.3. Responsibilities of ship owners, facilities engaging in new construction, conversion, and repair of ships in Vietnam

According to Article 22 of Circular 40/2016/TT-BGTVT, the responsibilities of ship owners, facilities engaging in new construction, conversion, and repair of ships; verification and certification of facilities provide testing and services of safety equipment testing and manufacturers in connection with technical safety and environment pollution prevention of ships are as follows:

- Each ship owner shall comply with regulations on ship registration upon the new construction, conversion, and repair during its operation; ensure technical safety, maritime security, maritime labor and environment pollution prevention at intervals of survey in accordance with regulations of law and relevant international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member.

- Facilities engaging in design, new construction, conversion, and repair of ships, facilities provide testing and services of safety equipment testing and manufacturers in connection with technical safety and environment pollution prevention of ships shall comply with regulations on registration of this Circular.

Vo Van Hieu

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