Entry requirements of maritime pilotage training programs in Vietnam as of April 1, 2024

Entry requirements of maritime pilotage training programs in Vietnam as of April 1, 2024 (Internet image) 

Regarding this matter, LawNet would like to answer as follows:

On December 31, 2023, the Minister of Transport issued Circular 54/2023/TT-BGTVT, amending Circular 27/2016/TT-BGTVT, on the training, certification and nullification of professional maritime pilotage and the certification of pilotage area

Entry requirements of maritime pilotage training programs in Vietnam as of April 1, 2024

From April 1, 2024, in order to participate in the maritime pilotage training program, the trainees must meet the following conditions:

(1) A learner shall satisfy the following entry requirements to enroll in a basic maritime pilotage training program:

- Have graduated in marine ship maneuvering from a university or higher level;

- Have worked as a deck officer on a maritime vessel with gross tonnage from 500 for at least 12 months;

- Adhere to the regulated health criteria;

- Have an English certificate at level 2 or higher as regulated by the Minister of Transport or its equivalent; 

(According to the current regulations, possess an English certificate at level 2 or higher as regulated by the Minister of Transport.)

(2) Trainees participating in the advanced maritime pilotage training program must meet the following conditions:

- Have a diploma in Maritime Navigation Control from university level or higher;

- Meet the health standards as prescribed;

- Have a Maritime English Level 3 certificate according to the regulations of the Minister of Transport or its equivalent;

- Have a Second-class Maritime Pilotage Competency Certificate or its equivalent;

- Independently pilot a safe ship for at least 300 trips in the position of Second-class maritime pilotage or have a minimum of 24 months of experience in performing the duties of Second-class maritime pilotage with 200 trips of safely piloting a ship, certified by the maritime pilotage organization, the Maritime Port Authority of the region for cases where the pilot has a Maritime Pilotage Competency Certificate issued by the competent authority of Vietnam; or confirmed by the management agency where the pilot works for maritime pilots who are Vietnamese citizens holding a Maritime Pilotage Competency Certificate issued by foreign authorities or organizations.

(Currently, according to Circular 27/2016/TT-BGTVT:

A learner shall satisfy the following entry requirements to enroll in an advanced maritime pilotage training program:

- Possess a degree in marine ship maneuvering from a university or higher level;

- Adhere to the regulated health criteria;

- Possess an English certificate at level 3 or higher as regulated by the Minister of Transport;

- Possess a Class 2 certificate of professional maritime pilotage;

- Have piloted vessel(s) independently and safely for at least 300 times as a second-class maritime pilot or have accomplished tasks as a second-class maritime pilot for at least 24 months, which has been confirmed by a maritime pilotage organization and local maritime administration.)

(3) A learner shall satisfy the following entry requirements to enroll in a maritime pilotage training program for shipmaster's pilotage:

- Have graduated in marine ship maneuvering from a college or higher;

- Adhere to the regulated health criteria;

- Have an English certificate at level 2 or higher as regulated by the Minister of Transport or its equivalent; (According to the current regulations, possess an English certificate at level 2 or higher as regulated by the Minister of Transport.)

- Have undertaken the title of shipmaster for at least 36 months.

More details can be found in Circular 54/2023/TT-BGTVT, taking effect on April 1, 2024.

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