FOREIGN NAVAL SHIPS THAT VISIT VIETNAM MUST PUT ALL WEAPONS IN STORAGE
On December 05, 2012, the Government issued the Decree No. 104/2012/ND-CP on the foreign naval ships making visits to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Under the Circular, foreign naval ships that visit Vietnam must comply with rules such as: must be licensed by competent State management agencies; must comply with Vietnam’s laws; the activity schedule of the ship and the crew thereon must be consistent with the agreed plan. When foreign naval ships arrive at Vietnam’s territorial sea before entering a port: Submarines and other underwater vehicles must emerge from the water and raise its national flag; the ship body must bear its name and number; All weapons must be disengaged or in storage; Stop at the pilot station for carrying out entry procedures and follow the instruction of the Vietnam’s port authority and pilots; Only use the equipment necessary for the maritime safety and the registered radio frequency; Arrive at the correct port using the correct routes and corridors.
Besides, under this Circular, all organizations, individuals, and vehicles of Vietnam and other countries (except for the officers, employees, and vehicles of State management agencies at the port or military port performing their duties) that enter, exit, and operate within the areas where foreign naval ships are anchoring; disembark from foreign naval ships for working or doing other activities, come alongside foreign naval ships while they are anchoring at the port, naval port, inland waters, or territorial sea, must be licensed by competent agencies.
This Decree takes effect on January 20, 2013, and supersedes the Government's Decree No. 55/CP dated October 01, 1996.