Procedures for approving ship security plans under the ISPS Code in Vietnam as of April 15, 2024

Procedures for approving ship security plans under the ISPS Code in Vietnam as of April 15, 2024 (Internet image) 

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

The procedures for approving ship security plans under the ISPS Code in Vietnam as of April 15, 2024, are specified in Decision 233/QD-BGTVT in 2024 as follows:

1. Application for approval of ship security plans under the ISPS Code in Vietnam as of April 15, 2024

- Document composition:

+ 01 Application for approval of the ship security plan according to the provided template;

+ 01 original copy of the ship security plan.

- Number of documents: 01 set.

- Submission methods:

+ Direct submission; or

+ Through the postal system.

2. Procedures for approving ship security plans under the ISPS Code in Vietnam as of April 15, 2024

* Step 1: Submission of documents

The shipping company submits the application for approval of the ship security plan to the Vietnam Register.

* Step 2: Processing

- The Vietnam Register receives and checks the documents; if the documents are incomplete, within 02 (two) working days from the date of receiving the documents, the shipping company will be guided to complete the documents.

- The Vietnam Register reviews the ship security plan; if the ship security plan does not meet the requirements of the ISPS Code, the Vietnam Register will notify the shipping company to make necessary amendments; if it meets the requirements, within a maximum of 01 (one) working day from the date of completing the review, the Vietnam Register approves the ship security plan and issues an approval certificate according to the provided template.

3. Responsibilities of units in implementing the ISPS Code in Vietnam

- Responsibilities of the Vietnam Maritime Administration

The Vietnam Maritime Administration, as the competent authority, has the following responsibilities and powers:

+ Provide guidance to port enterprises in developing Port Security Plans; approve Port Security Plans and any amendments or modifications to Port Security Plans;

+ Issue the appropriate Port Security Certificate according to the provided template and conduct annual confirmation checks;

+ Provide guidance on the implementation of the "Security Declaration" according to the provided template;

+ Act as the contact point to receive, process, and transmit maritime security information to ships, shipping companies, port enterprises, and relevant authorities;

+ Exchange information with international maritime organizations regarding the implementation of the 2002 Amendments to the SOLAS Convention 74 and the ISPS Code in Vietnam;

+ Organize the issuance of the "Continuous Synopsis Record of the ship" according to the provided template.

- Responsibilities of the Vietnam Register

The Vietnam Register, as the recognized security organization, has the following responsibilities and powers:

+ Provide guidance to shipping companies in developing Ship Security Plans, approve Ship Security Plans;

+ Assess ship security and issue the International Ship Security Certificate.

- Responsibilities of the Port Authority

The Port Authority has the following responsibilities and powers:

+ Provide guidance to port enterprises in assessing port security;

+ Approve the port security assessment report and issue the Assessment-Approval Certificate according to the provided template;

+ Inspect and monitor the implementation of security measures at port terminals;

+ Perform other tasks delegated by the Vietnam Maritime Administration.

(Paragraphs 1, 2, 3 of Circular 27/2011/TT-BGTVT, amended by Paragraph 1 of Circular 03/2024/TT-BGTVT)

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