When may the Vietnam Coast Guard fire guns?

The Law on Vietnam Coast Guard 2018 stipulates that while on duty, officers and soldiers of the Vietnam Coast Guard shall be entitled to use military weapons, explosive materials and other accessories, and may fire military guns, under the provisions of the Law on Management and Usage of Weapons, Explosives and Other Accessories.

Apart from cases of firing military guns as per the Law on Management and Use of Weapons, Explosives and Other Accessories, when performing the task of fighting against crimes and law violations, and maintaining security, order and safety, officers and soldiers of the Vietnam Coast Guard shall be allowed to open fire on ships and boats at sea, except for vessels, boats or ships of foreign diplomatic missions, consulates and representative missions of international organizations, vessels carrying passengers or holding hostage, in order to stop vessels, boats or ships:

- If operators of these vessels, ships or boats attack or directly threaten lives of law enforcers or other persons;

- If it is determined that the ship or vessel operated by the offender is trying to run away; 

- If it is determined that the ship or vessel carrying offenders or illegally transporting weapons, explosives, reactionary documents, state secrets, drugs or national treasure is attempting to run away;

- If a person committing the act of piracy or armed robbery under the provisions of international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a contracting party or criminal legislation tries to run away aboard the ship or vessel.

Note: In case of firing as prescribed above, officers and soldiers of the Vietnam Coast Guard must warn by actions, orders, speech or shoot into the air before opening fire on boats or vessels; must obey the orders of competent persons when performing organized tasks.

View more details at the Law on Vietnam Coast Guard 2018, effective from July 01, 2019.

-Thao Uyen-

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