06 general principles for conducting environmental investigations in coastal and island marine areas in Vietnam from January 27, 2025

06 general principles for conducting environmental investigations in coastal and island marine areas in Vietnam from January 27, 2025 (Image from the Internet)

On December 12, 2024, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam issued Circular 31/2024/TT-BTNMT prescribing technical investigations, surveys of hydrometeors, and the environment in coastal and island areas.

06 general principles for conducting environmental investigations in coastal and island marine areas in Vietnam from January 27, 2025

According to the provisions of Article 3 Circular 31/2024/TT-BTNMT, the general principles for conducting marine, hydrometeor investigations and surveys in coastal and island areas in Vietnam include:

- Comply with the implementation of work steps, processes, regulations, and standards for each specific type of work when conducting investigations and surveys.

- The quality of products in investigations and surveys must reflect the characteristics of natural conditions of the regions and areas under survey.

- During the investigation and survey process, compliance with laws on environmental protection, biodiversity, fisheries, cultural heritage, and underground and surface works on the sea must be ensured, without hindering maritime economic activities.

- Ensure full compliance with safety regulations when conducting investigations and surveys at sea.

- During marine and environmental investigations and surveys in coastal and island areas, if any abnormal data is found, a verification survey must be conducted; identify causes leading to abnormalities and report to the management agency if necessary.

- Organize the inspection and acceptance of volume and product quality after completing the task.

Guidelines for handling incidents in coastal and island marine environment investigation in Vietnam from January 27, 2025

During marine environment and hydrometeorological investigations and surveys in coastal and island areas, when encountering safety incidents for people, vehicles, or equipment, the following contents must be adhered to:

- For participants in the investigation and survey

+ In case of minor work accidents on board, provide prompt first aid;

+ For severe cases, promptly transport the victim ashore and to the nearest medical facility.

- For vehicles involved in the investigation and survey

+ In case of encountering storms, typhoons, tropical depressions, high waves, and strong winds posing safety risks for vessels, equipment, and personnel, seek a safe refuge;

+ In case of incidents such as fire, explosion, hole, and other incidents, it must be rescued and handled on the spot. If unresolvable, immediately notify the authorities via radio.

- For equipment involved in the investigation and survey

+ In case of technical incidents, immediate repairs must be conducted, if unresolvable immediately at sea then replace with backup equipment;

+ Damaged equipment should be brought ashore for inspection and repair to ensure the quality and progress of the work. (According to Article 37 Circular 31/2024/TT-BTNMT)

Refer to the Circular 31/2024/TT-BTNMT, effective from January 27, 2025, and replacing Circular 34/2010/TT-BTNMT of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment prescribing technical investigations, surveys on hydrometeors, chemistry, and environment in coastal and island areas.

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