Is it eligible for 16-year-old people to join the crew on inland waterway vessels in Vietnam?
Is it eligible for 16-year-old people to join the crew on inland waterway vessels in Vietnam?
I'm full 16 this year. I want to be a seafarer on an inland waterway ship. Am I eligible to do that? What are responsibilities of a seafarer in Vietnam?
Is it eligible for 16-year-old people to join the crew on inland waterway vessels in Vietnam?
Pursuant to Article 29 of the Law on Inland Waterway Navigation in 2004 (amended by Article 2 of the Law amending and supplementing the Law on Inland Waterway Navigation in 2014) stipulating as follows:
1. Titles of crewmen on board vessels include captain, vice-captain, chief engineer, deputy chief engineer, sailor and engine technician.
Vessel owners shall have to sufficiently arrange the titles and complement of crewmen working on board their vessels and make crew lists as prescribed.
2. Crewmen working on board vessels must ensure the following conditions:
a/ Being aged full 16 years or older but not older than 55 years for women or 60 years for men;
b/ Being physically fit and having annual medical checks;
c/ Having professional diplomas and certificates suitable to their titles as well as the types of vessels.
3. The Health Minister shall reach agreement with the Transport Minister on setting the health criteria for crewmen.
4. The Transport Minister shall prescribe the title criteria, responsibility regime and complement of crewmen for each type of vessel, excluding the case specified in Clause 5 of this Article.
5. The Defense Minister, the Public Security Minister and the Fisheries Minister shall, within the scope of their tasks and powers, prescribe the title criteria, responsibility regime and complement of crewmen for vessels engaged on defense or security tasks, and fishing vessels.
In your case, if you satisfy all above requirements, you can become a seafarer in Vietnam.
What are responsibilities of a seafarer in Vietnam?
Pursuant to Article 8 of the Circular 39/2019/TT-BGTVT, a seafarer is under the leadership of the master and shift supervisor, bearing the following responsibilities:
1. Make necessary preparations for departure and arrival of the vessel; check the vessel’s accommodation ladder or gangway to ensure safety for passengers getting on and off the vessel.
2. Always be present in designated areas to be in position to respond to any situation that may take place.
3. Directly maneuver the vessel and perform several duties assigned by the master or the direct supervisor.
Best regards!
