Circular No. 39/2019/TT-BGTVT responsibilities of inland waterway vessel owners, crewmen

CIRCULAR

Providing regulations on responsibilities of inland waterway vessel owners, crewmen, steersmen, holding titles of crewmen and minimum safety complement of inland waterway vessels

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Pursuant to the Law on Inland Waterway Navigation dated June 15, 2004 and the Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Inland Waterway Navigation dated June 17, 2014;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 12/2017/ND-CP dated February 20, 2017, defining the functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Ministry of Transport;

At the proposal of the Director of the Personnel and Organization Department and the Director of Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration;

The Minister of Transport hereby promulgates the Circular providing regulations on responsibilities of inland waterway vessel owners, crewmen, steersmen, holding titles of crewmen and minimum safety complement of inland waterway vessels.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of regulation

This Circular provides regulations on responsibilities of inland waterway vessel owners, crewmen, steersmen, holding titles of crewmen and minimum safety complement of inland waterway vessels.

Article 2. Subjects of application

1. This Circular provides applies to vessel owners, crewmen, steersmen and agencies, organizations and individuals concerned to responsibilities, holding titles of crewmen and minimum safety complement of inland waterway vessels.

2. This Circular does not apply to vessels engaged on defense or security tasks.

Article 3. Interpretation of terms

For the purpose of this Circular, the terms below are construed as follows:

1. Work shift means the time a crewman perform his/her duties according to the assigned title on an inland waterway vessel but not exceed 08 working hours in 01 day.

2. Voyage means the time the vessel operates from the port, the first departure port to the last post or destination.

3. Service staff means a person who works on board vessel, other than crewman or steersman.

4. Passenger vessel means a vessel used to carry more than 12 (twelve) passengers (except ferries).

5. Ferry means an inland waterway vessel used to carry land vehicles, people and goods from one shore to the other.

Chapter II

RESPONSIBILITIES OF INLAND WATERWAY VESSEL OWNERS, CREWMEN AND STEERSMEN

Section 1

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF INLAND WATERWAY VESSEL OWNERS, CREWMEN AND STEERSMEN

Article 4. Responsibilities of vessel owners and organizations and individuals hiring vessels

1. To take responsibility for operation conditions of vessels in accordance with law provisions. To carry out maintenance and repair of vessels in accordance with the law on vehicle registration.

2. To make a seafarer register book according to the form provided in Appendix I attached to this Circular, make a vessel log book for cargo vessels with a gross tonnage of over 250 tons or more each or passenger vessels with capacity of 50 (fifty) passengers or more according to the form provided in Appendix II attached to this Circular.

3. To arrange the number of titles of crewmen on board vessel, which is at least equal to or more than the number of crewmen as prescribed in Article 18 of this Circular. In case the vessel operates more than one work shift in a day, it is required to organize and arrange appropriate workers to ensure the correct working time in accordance with the Labor Code.

4. Apart from titles of crewmen specified in the minimum safety complement under Article 18 of this Circular, in case of necessity, additional crewmen or titles such as nurse, telegrapher, diver, dredgeman, winch operator, service staff and other titles to ensure job requirements.

5. To stipulate the scope of responsibility for other titles working on board vessels that are not specified in the minimum safety complement in this Circular.

6. To ensure occupational safety and health for crewmen and other titles working on board vessels.

7. To prevent environmental pollution, collect, store and transfer waste to the receiving place for treatment according to regulations.

8. To organize training to improve professional qualifications; organize rehearsals for emergency situations for crewmen and crewman apprentices.

9. Other responsibilities in accordance with law provisions.

Article 5. Responsibilities of inland waterway vessel crewmen and steersmen

1. To comply with Vietnamese laws, treaties to which Vietnam is a contracting party and other countries' laws when Vietnamese vessels are operating within that country's territory.

2. To comply with labor discipline, fully implement the scope of responsibilities according to the title while working, strictly obey the orders of the captain and the direct commander, and fully carry out the procedures for handing over work shifts, keeping a full and clear diary.

3. To instruct passengers on how to use fire-fighting equipment, life-saving devices and escape equipment. To prevent environmental pollution, collect, store and transfer waste to the receiving place for treatment according to regulations.

4. To leave the vessel only when obtaining permissions of the highest commander on the vessel or the vessel owner.

5. Other responsibilities in accordance with law provisions.

Section 2

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES ACCORDING TO TITLES OF INLAND WATERWAY VESSEL CREWMEN AND STEERSMEN

Article 6. Captain

Captain is the highest commander on board the vessel or vessel convoy with the following responsibilities and powers:

1. To manage and ensure safety for people, vessel and property on board vessel; to understand the technical conditions, operation duration and repair cycle of the vessel.

2. To manage the itinerary log book, seafarer register book and the list of passengers (if any) and other necessary books and papers of the vessel, organize the recording and regularly check such record.

3. To organize the handing over and receipt of goods, serve passengers according to the dispatching order or transport contract and current regulations.

4. To organize the assignment, supervision and urging crewmen to complete their duties.

5. To pick up, drop off passengers, load and unload goods only at the specified places, except in case of accident or force majeure.

6. To take all effective first aid measures when the vessel has an accident. If the vessel is sunk, the captain must be the last one to leave the vessel after taking all measures to save people, property, goods and necessary documents of the vessel, except for the case where the vessel is completely sunk.

7. When receiving a distress signal or being mobilized by a competent agency to participate in search and rescue, the captain must comply with the dispatching order and organize the rescue if this does not cause danger to the crewmen, passengers and vessel under his/her command.

8. While a vessel is in operation, if there is a birth, death or illness or accident, the captain must take responsibility for handling it according to the following regulations:

a) If there is an illness or accident, first aid must be organized for the victim, if serious, they must be promptly taken to the nearest medical establishment for emergency treatment;

b) If there is a birth or death, a record with the participation of 02 (two) witnesses is required.  The birth record must clearly state the time of giving birth, gender of the newborn, health status of the mother and newborn. The death record must clearly state the assets and accompanying papers of the deceased. Such records and assets must be managed and handed over to local administrations and relatives of the deceased.

9. Upon leaving the vessel, the captain must directly hand over the duties to the vice-captain or the authorized person; in case of absence from one work shift or more, the handover must be made in writing; if it is unable to continue taking on the duty, the command must be assigned to the vice-captain and such must immediately reported to the vessel owner.

10. In case of handing over duties to others at request of the vessel owner, a record clearly stating the current conditions of the crewmen, technical conditions of the vessel, equipment, assets, the number of passengers, related books, papers and document of the vessel shall be made. Each party shall keep one copy of the handover record, one copy shall be sent to the vessel owner.

11. To organize the assignment, declare required contents and notify the competent agency when the vessel is about to land or leave the port or wharf. Before setting off, there must be a table assigning specific duties for each title on the vessel. Before leaving port or wharf, the captain must inspect and urge relevant crew members to fully prepare raw materials, fuels, materials, food, foodstuffs and medicines for the voyage. Only leave the port or wharf when the vessel is safe, fully prepared for the voyage and permitted by the competent agency.

12. To be directly in charge of a work shift, directly steer the vessel through dangerous areas; outside of shift hours, if requested by the vice-captain or chief engineer, the captain must be present at the commanding position to promptly handle the work.

13. To perform the vice-captain's duties if the title of vice-captain is absent on board vessel.

14. Within his/her responsibilities, the captain may:

a) Request to change or not accept a crewman working on board vessel if it is deemed that he does not meet the prescribed standards;

b) Force a crewman to leave the vessel if he fails to comply with the captain’s orders or violates internal rules and regulations while working;

c) Refuse to allow the vessel to start the voyage if it is deemed that the vessel, climatic, hydrological and environmental conditions are not eligible for operation or unsafe

Article 7. Vice-captain

Vice-captain is a person assisting the captain. A vice-captain has the following duties and powers:

1. To be directly in charge of works of the deck department. To regularly organize the inspection to ensure that the equipment is always in good technical condition, ready for operation; upon detecting a problem, the vice-captain must immediately report to the captain.

2. To make a voyage plan, assign the period of watch duty and submit it to the captain for approval, regularly urge, guide and supervise the crewman to properly implement the voyage plan and watch duty.

3. To examine the safety conditions of passengers, goods loaded and unloaded on board the vessel before setting off; to request the captain to refuse to depart the voyage if he considers that the safety conditions of passengers, goods loaded and unloaded on board the vessel are not guaranteed.

4. Together with the chief engineer, to assign, urge, guide and supervise the preparation for setting off, if there are any shortcomings, they must be rectified and reported to the captain.

5. To be in charge of organizing the service, guiding passengers to embark or disembark the vessel, move around the vessel and arrange the right seats and beds according to regulations to protect the safety of the vessel and property on the vessel and ensure traffic order and safety, serve meals and daily activities for passengers according to regulations applicable to passenger vessels.

6. To be directly in charge of a work shift. To directly steer the vessel under assignment.

7. To manage the vessel when the captain is absent.

8. To perform several duties as assigned by the captain.

Article 8. Sailor

Sailor is a person under the leadership of the captain and the person in charge of the work shift. A sailor has the following responsibilities:

1. To perform work necessary for the vessel to leave or enter port or wharf; examine the docks for passengers to safely embark or disembark the vessel.

2. To regularly present at the assigned position to be ready to respond to all possible situations.

3. To directly steer the vessel and perform other duties as assigned by the captain or direct manager.

Article 9. Chief engineer

Chief engineer is a person assisting the captain and direct in charge of the engine department. A chief engineer has the following duties and powers:

1. To manage and master the technical conditions of the dynamical system; organize the assignment and supervision of crew members of the engine department during operation.

2. To fully comply with regulations on machinery and equipment operation; organize the regular maintenance and repair of permitted work items of machinery and equipment to ensure efficient operation of the engine department.

3. To be directly in charge of a machine shift. Outside of shift hours, when necessary, the chief engineer must be present in the engine room to promptly handle work at the request of the captain or deputy chief engineer.

4. If it is deemed that executing the order of the direct commander in the bridge will cause damage to an engine part, the chief engineer must report to the person in charge of the work shift or the captain, if the order remains the same, the chief engineer must comply with the order and record it in the machine log with the confirmation of the person who ordered it.

5. To have the right to suspend the operation of an engine part or a engine system if it is deemed unsafe. In case it is deemed that if the engine continues to operate, it will cause serious damage or an accident, in this case, the chief engineer must immediately stop the engine and immediately notify the person in charge of the work shift and the captain.

6. To manage dossiers and technical documents of the engine department and organize to record the machine log.

7. To perform the deputy chief engineer’s duties if the title of deputy chief engineer is absent on board vessel.

Article 10. Deputy chief engineer

Deputy chief engineer is a person assisting the chief engineer. A deputy chief engineer has the following duties and powers:

1. To ensure the normal operation of auxiliary engines (if any), propeller shaft and steering engine system.

2. To make working plans for engine department and submit them to the chief engineer for approval and direct assignment of watch shift for crewmen of the engine department.

3. To be directly in charge of a machine shift.

4. If it is deemed that executing the order of the direct commander in the bridge will cause damage to an engine part, the deputy chief engineer must report to the person in charge of the work shift or the captain, if the order remains the same, the deputy chief engineer must comply with the order and record it in the machine log with the confirmation of the person who ordered it.

5. During the work shift, the deputy chief engineer may suspend the operation of an engine part or an engine system if it is deemed unsafe. In case it is deemed that if the engine continues to operate, it will cause serious damage or an accident, in this case, the deputy chief engineer must immediately stop the engine and immediately notify the person in charge of the work shift, captain and the chief engineer.

6. To perform several duties as assigned by the chief engineer.

Article 11. Engine technician

Engine technician is a person under the leadership of the chief engineer and the person in charge of the work shift. An engine technician has the following responsibilities:

1. During the work shift, the engine technician must fully perform the assigned duties; monitor the technical specifications and operation of the engine; any abnormality should be reported to the person in charge of machine shift.

2. To regularly clean the engine and engine room; participate in the maintenance and repair at request of the chief engineer.

3. To perform several duties as assigned by the chief engineer or person in charge of machine shift.

Article 12. Steersman

A steersman has the following responsibilities:

1. To manage persons, vessel, property and papers related to the vessel he is steering.

2. To grasp the situation of canals and safe conditions of ports and wharves where the vessel operates.

3. To inspect the vessel, and safety equipment for people and vessel. Before setting off, the steersman must arrange persons and goods to ensure stability and safety.

4. When the vessel has an accident, the steersman must promptly rescue people, vessels, goods and be the last person to leave the vessel if it is sunk.

5. When receiving a distress signal or being mobilized by a competent agency to participate in search and rescue, the steersman must comply with the dispatching order and organize the rescue if this does not cause danger to the people, goods and vessel that he is steering.

Article 13. Crewman apprentice

Crewman apprentices are managed by the captain. A crewman apprentice in any position on a vessel must perform the scope of responsibilities of that title and has the following responsibilities:

1. To strictly comply with general regulations applicable to crewmen.

2. To participate in working and living activities on the vessel under the assignment and instruction of the captain or chief engineer or a person authorized by the captain or chief engineer.

3. To use and operate the engine or equipment, devices on the vessel only under the supervision of direct instructors.

Chapter III

HOLDING TITLES OF CREWMEN OF INLAND WATERWAY VESSELS

Article 14. Holding titles of crewmen and steersmen of inland waterway vessels

1. A crewman possessing a certificate of competency as a fourth-class captain may hold the captain title for the following vessels:

a) Small-sized river-crossing passenger vessels according to the Regulation on technical supervision and building small-sized inland waterway vessels;

b) Passenger vessels with a capacity of up to 20 (twenty) passengers each;

c) Cargo vessels with a gross tonnage of up to 100 tons each;

d) Vessels other than those specified at Points a, b and c of this Clause, installed with an internal engine, with total main engine capacity of up to 100 horse powers each; or vessels installed with external engine, with total main engine capacity of up to 400 horse powers each.

2. A crewman possessing a certificate of competency as a third-class captain may hold the captain title for the following vessels:

a) Passenger vessels with a capacity of up to 50 (fifty) passengers each;

b) Ferries with a capacity of up to 50 (fifty) passengers and 250 tons of goods each;

c) Cargo vessels with a gross tonnage of up to 500 tons each;

c) Tow convoys with a gross tonnage of up to 800 tons each;

dd) Vessels other than those specified at Points a, b, c and d of this Clause, installed with an internal engine, with total main engine capacity of up to 250 horse powers each; or vessels installed with external engine, with total main engine capacity of up to 1,000 horse powers each.

3. A crewman possessing a certificate of competency as a second-class captain may hold the captain title for the following vessels:

a) Passenger vessels with a capacity of up to 100 (one hundred) passengers each;

b) Ferries with a capacity of up to 100 (one hundred) passengers and 350 tons of goods each;

c) Cargo vessels with a gross tonnage of up to 1,000 tons each;

c) Tow convoys with a gross tonnage of up to 1,500 tons each;

dd) Vessels other than those specified at Points a, b, c and d of this Clause, installed with an internal engine, with total main engine capacity of up to 1,000 horse powers each; or vessels installed with external engine, with total main engine capacity of up to 3,000 horse powers each.

4. A crewman possessing a certificate of competency as a first-class captain may hold the captain title for all types of vessels.

5. Crewmen who have a certificate of competency as a captain of a higher class may hold the captain title in vessels of a type for which the captain title of a lower class is required.

6. Crewmen who have a certificate of competency as a captain may hold the deputy captain title in vessels of a type for which the captain title of an immediate higher class is required; crewmen who have certificate of competency as a captain may hold the sailor title.

7. A crewman possessing a certificate of competency as a first-class chief engineer may hold the chief engineer title for all types of vessels.

8. Crewmen who have a certificate of competency as a second-class chief engineer may hold the chief engineer title for vessels installed with internal engine, with total main engine capacity of up to 1,000 horse powers each; or vessels installed with external engine, with total main engine capacity of up to 3,000 horse powers each.

9. Crewmen who have a certificate of competency as a third-class chief engineer may hold the chief engineer title for vessels installed with internal engine, with total main engine capacity of up to 250 horse powers each; or vessels installed with external engine, with total main engine capacity of up to 1,000 horse powers each.

10. Crewmen who have a certificate of competency as a chief engineer of a higher class may hold the chief engineer title in vessels of a type for which the chief engineer title of a lower class is required.

11. Crewmen who have a certificate of competency as a chief engineer may hold the deputy chief engineer in vessels of a type for which the chief engineer title of an immediate higher class is required; crewmen who have certificate of competency as a chief engineer may hold the engine technician title.

12. Crewmen who have a sailor certificate may hold the sailor title for all types of vessels.

13. Crewmen who have an engine technician certificate may hold the engine technician title for all types of vessels.

14. Persons who have a steersman certificate may directly steer the non-motorized vessels with a gross tonnage of up to 15 tons each, or motorized vessels with a total main engine capacity of up to 15 horse powers each, or vessels with a capacity of  up to 12 (twelve) passengers each, or rafts.

15. Steersmen of high-speed vessels, coastal vessels, people working on coastal vessels, vessels carrying petroleum, chemicals, and liquefied gas, in addition to certificates of competency and professional certificates as specified by title, must have the corresponding special professional qualification certificates.

Article 15. Arrangement of titles of crewmen

1. The arrangement of titles and complement of crewmen working on board inland waterway vessels and making of seafarer register book shall comply with this Circular and relevant laws.

2. In case where the vessel is prescribed by different tables of complement of crewmen, the vessel owner or organizations or individuals hiring such vessel must arrange the titles and complement of crewmen on board inland waterway vessel according to the table of crewman complement with the highest titles and complement.

3. Crewmen when perform jobs must carrying certificates of competency and certificates of professional qualifications with them.

Chapter IV

PROVISIONS ON MINIMUM SAFETY COMPLEMENT OF INLAND WATERWAY VESSELS

Article 16. Complement

The tables prescribed in Article 18 of this Circular are the minimum safety complement of crewmen on the vessel in accordance with the certificate of competency and certificate of professional qualifications to operate the vessel in accordance with the Law on Inland Waterway Navigation dated June 15, 2004 and the Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Inland Waterway Navigation dated June 17, 2014, hereinafter referred to as the crewman complement.

Article 17. Classification of vessels

1. Class I

a) Passenger vessels, tourist vessels serving overnight accommodation, floating restaurants, floating hotels, hydrofoils, high-speed vessels with a capacity of over 100 (one hundred) passengers each.

b) Ferries with a capacity of over 100 (one hundred) passengers and over 350 tons of cargo each.

c) Cargo vessels with a gross tonnage of over 1,000 tons each.

d) Tow convoys with a gross tonnage of over 1,500 tons each.

dd) Vessels other than those specified at Points a, b, c and d of this Clause, installed with internal engines, with total main engine capacity of over 1,000 horse powers each or those installed with external engines, with engine with total main engine capacity of over 3,000 horse powers each.

2. Class II

a) Passenger vessels, tourist vessels serving overnight accommodation, floating restaurants, floating hotels, hydrofoils, high-speed vessels with a capacity of between over 50 (fifty) passengers and 100 (one hundred) passengers each.

b) Ferries with a capacity of between over 50 (fifty) passengers and 100 (one hundred) passengers and between over 250 tons and 350 tons of cargo each.

c) Cargo vessels with a gross tonnage of between over 500 tons and 1,000 tons each.

d) Tow convoys with a gross tonnage of between over 800 tons and 1,500 tons each.

dd) Vessels other than those specified at Points a, b, c and d of this Clause, on which internal engines are installed, with total main engine capacity of between over 250 horse powers and 1,000 horse powers each; or those installed with external engines, with total main engine capacity of between over 1,000 horse powers and 3,000 horse powers each.

3. Class III

a) Passenger vessels, tourist vessels serving overnight accommodation, floating restaurants, floating hotels, hydrofoils, high-speed vessels with a capacity of between over 12 (twelve) passengers and 50 (fifty) passengers each.

b) Ferries with a capacity of up to 50 (fifty) passengers and up to 250 tons of cargo each.

c) Cargo vessels with a gross tonnage of between over 15 tons and 500 tons each.

d) Tow convoys with a gross tonnage of up to 800 tons each.

dd) Vessels other than those specified at Points a, b, c and d of this Clause, on which internal engines are installed, with total main engine capacity of between over 100 horse powers and 250 horse powers each; or those installed with external engines, with total main engine capacity of up to 1,000 horse powers each.

Article 18. Tables of crewmen complement

1. For passenger vessels

a) For vessels installed with external engines, with total main engine capacity of up to 1,000 horse powers each; or vessels installed with internal engines, with total main engine capacity of up to 250 horse powers each, the title of chief engineer is not required, but their captains must possess certificates of engine technician. Vessels installed with external engines, with total main engine capacity of between over 1,000 horse powers and 3,000 horse powers each may not arrange chief engineer under the condition that their captains must possess certificates of competency as chief engineer in conformity with their total main engine capacity.

b) Class-I vessels operating on routes of 100km at most may reduce 01 (one) sailor.

c) Class-II vessels operating on routes of 100km at most are not required to arrange engine technicians.

2. For cargo vessels

c) Vessels installed with external engines, with total main engine capacity of up to 1,000 horse powers each; or vessels installed with internal engines, with total main engine capacity of up to 250 horse powers each may not arrange the title of chief engineer, but their captains must possess certificates of engine technician. Vessels installed with external engines, with total main engine capacity of between over 1,000 horse powers and 3,000 horse powers each may not arrange chief engineer under the condition that their captains must possess certificates of competency as chief engineer in conformity with their total main engine capacity.

3. For ferries

Vessels installed with external engines, with total main engine capacity of up to 1,000 horse powers each; or vessels installed with internal engines, with total main engine capacity of up to 250 horse powers each may not arrange the title of chief engineer, but their captains must possess certificates of engine technician. Vessels installed with external engines, with total main engine capacity of between over 1,000 horse powers and 3,000 horse powers each may not arrange chief engineer under the condition that their captains must possess certificates of competency as chief engineer in conformity with their total main engine capacity.

4. For towing vessels

5. For towed vessels

a) The number of crewmen of a tow convoy with one towed vessel, based on the gross tonnage of each vessel type, shall be determined as below:

b) For a tow convoy with more than one towed vessel type, the minimum number of crewmen in a work shift shall be equal to the total of crewmen to be arranged in each towed vessel as prescribed at Point a of this Clause.

c) For a convoy towed alongside or towed by pushing with at least two towed vessels, the minimum number of crewmen in a work shift shall be determined as follows: For the first towed vessel, the number of crewmen shall be arranged according to Point a of this Clause, from the second vessel, for each additional towed vessel, there must arrange 01 (one) additional crewman.

6. For tourist vessels serving overnight accommodation

a) For self-propelled tourist vessels serving overnight accommodation

b) For non-self-propelled tourist vessels serving overnight accommodation that are towed

c) For a non-self-propelled tourist vessel serving overnight accommodation that is anchored at a fixed position, the complement shall not be required.

7. For floating restaurants, floating hotels

a) For self-propelled floating restaurants, floating hotels

b) For non-self-propelled floating restaurants, floating hotels that are towed

c) For a non-self-propelled floating restaurant or floating hotel that is anchored at a fixed position, the complement shall not be required.

8. For hydrofoils, high-speed vessels

a) Class-I and -II vessels operating on routes of 15km at most are not required to arrange the titles of vice-captain, engine technician and if they are installed with 02 (two) engines or more, the title of chief engineer is not required.

b) Class-III vessels operating on routes of 15km at most or installed with external engines are not required to arrange the titles of engine technician.  In case they are installed with 02 (two) engines or more and operating on routes of 15km at most, the title of chief engineer is not required.

9. For motorized vessels with total main engine capacity of up to 15 horse powers, and with a capacity of 12 (twelve) passengers.

10. For motorized vessels with total main engine capacity of over 15 horse powers, a capacity of 12 (twelve) passengers.

11. For VR-SB coastal vessels

a) In case their total duration of the voyage is more than one work shift and less than two work shifts, to arrange as follows:

b) In case the total duration of the voyage exceeds two work shifts, to arrange as follows:

c) For cargo vessels with a gross tonnage of between over 5,000 tons and 10,000 tons, if their total duration of the voyage exceeds two work shifts, to arrange as follows:

d) For cargo vessels with a gross tonnage of over 10,000 tons each, if their total duration of the voyage exceeds two work shifts, to arrange as follows:

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

Article 19. Effect

This Circular takes effect on January 01, 2020. To repeal the Circular No. 47/2015/TT-BGTVT dated September 14, 2015 of the Minister of Transport providing regulations on the scope of responsibilities of crewmen, steersmen and minimum safety complement of inland waterway vessels and the Circular No. 04/2017/TT-BGTVT dated January 20, 2017 of the Minister of Transport amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Minister of Transport’s Circular No. 47/2015/TT-BGTVT dated September 14, 2015 providing regulations on the scope of responsibilities of crewmen, steersmen and minimum safety complement of inland waterway vessels.

Article 20. Organization of implementation

1. The Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration shall be responsible for:

a) Assuming the prime responsibility for, and coordinating with relevant agencies in, organizing the implementation of this Circular;

b) Issuing, uniformly managing the use of vessel log books by using serial numbers nationwide.

2. Provincial-level Departments of Transport shall organize the implementation of this Circular at localities.

3. Agencies issuing vessel log books: The Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration; provincial-level Departments of Transport; port authorities or representatives of port authorities; inland waterway port authorities of localities under the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration or their representatives; inland waterway port authorities under provincial-level Departments of Transport or their representatives.

4. Chiefs of Ministry Offices, Chief Inspectors of Ministry, Directors, the Director of the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration, Directors of provincial-level Departments of Transport, heads of related agencies, related organizations and individuals shall take responsibility for the implementation of this Circular./.

* All Appendices are not translated herein.