Decision 217/QD-UBQGUPSCTT&TKCN 2020 National Response Plan for Maritime Vessel Accidents

DECISION
On the National Response Plan for Maritime Vessel Accidents

CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR INCIDENT, DISASTER RESPONSE, AND SEARCH AND RESCUE

Pursuant to the Law on Government Organization dated June 19, 2015;

Pursuant to the Vietnam Maritime Code dated November 25, 2015; the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 06/2014/QD-TTg dated January 20, 2014 on promulgating the Regulation on cooperation in search and rescue at sea and in port waters;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 30/2017/ND-CP dated March 21, 2017, regulating the response to emergency, disasters and search and rescue;

Pursuant to the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1304/QD-TTg dated September 3, 2017 promulgating the Plan to implement the Government’s Decree regulating the response to emergency, disasters and search and rescue;

At the request of the Minister of Transport in Official Dispatch No. 3084/TTr-BGTVT dated April 1, 2020.

DECIDES:

Article 1. Promulgating together with this Decision the national response plan for maritime vessel accidents.

Article 2. This Decision takes effect from the date of signing.

Article 3. Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of agencies under the Government, chairpersons of People’s Committees of provinces and municipal cities, relevant ministries and sectors, organizations, and individuals shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision./.

National Response Plan for Maritime Vessel Accidents

(Issued together with Decision No. 217/QĐ-UBQGƯPSCTT&TKCN dated April 16, 2020, by the Chairman of the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue-VINASARCOM)

I. OBJECTIVES

1. General Objective

To mobilize resources and implement tasks and solutions for effective prevention and response to maritime vessel accidents in order to minimize economic, social, and environmental damage; to help maintain a regular presence of forces at sea, thereby contributing to firmly safeguarding national sovereignty over seas and islands; and to successfully implement Vietnam’s maritime strategy, affirm the country’s responsibility in complying with relevant international conventions and treaties to which Vietnam is a party.

2. Specific Objectives

- To serve as a basis for ministries, sectors, and localities to proactively develop response plans; mobilize forces and means under the management to respond to maritime vessel accidents according to their assigned functions and responsibilities.

- To effectively carry out communication, education, training, and practices; emphasize preventive measures and promote the “four on-site” approach in maritime search and rescue operations.

- To strengthen resources and promote effective coordination among ministries, sectors, localities, domestic and international agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in maritime vessel accident response activities.

3. Scope and Subjects

- This plan applies to Vietnamese and foreign organizations and individuals involved in search and rescue operations in Vietnam’s maritime zones and seaport waters.

- Ministries, sectors, localities, agencies, domestic and international organizations and individuals involved in responding to maritime vessel accidents in Vietnam’s maritime zones and seaport waters shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision

II. Situation Assessment

1. Anticipated Types of Maritime Vessel Accidents

-   The domestic or foreign cargo vessels (including general cargo ships, bulk carriers, oil tankers, liquefied gas carriers, container ships, etc.) colliding with other vessels, resulting in casualties, injuries, or missing persons, and causing the vessel(s) to sink, catch fire, explode, or cause marine environmental pollution (oil or hazardous chemical spills).

-   A fishing vessel or groups of them experience incidents, loss of communication, engine failure, fire, explosion, or sinking due to technical malfunctions, hazardous weather at sea, or collisions with other vessels, leading to casualties or missing persons.

-   Passenger vessels (including cruise ships), whether domestic or foreign, collide with cargo ships, hit reefs, or encounter dangerous stormy weather, etc., resulting in casualties, injuries, or missing persons and causing sinking, fire, explosion, or oil spills at sea.

2. Capacity, Forces, and Means for Search and Rescue

a) Ministry of Transport

-   Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center includes 4 regional search and rescue coordination centers (Region I in Hai Phong, Region II in Da Nang, Region III in Vung Tau, and Region IV in Nha Trang); these centers operate 7 specialized SAR search and rescue vessels, high-speed canoes capable of offshore operations, and associated communication systems.

-   The forces of maritime administration include 25 regional maritime administrations which are equipped with some official-use vessels and canoes to ensure maritime safety and security and cranes and cargo-handling equipment capable of leading or participating in maritime search and rescue operations, including in port waters.

-   Two Vietnam Maritime Safety Corporation (North and South) include affiliated units that provide pilotage and maritime safety assurance services nationwide; have various watercrafts such as canoes, tugboats, construction barges, bottom-opening barges, and towing vessels, etc., along with supporting equipment.

-   Vietnam maritime communication and electronics single-member limited liability company (VISHIPEL): manages Vietnam’s coastal radio communication system from Mong Cai to Ca Mau; the Hanoi Maritime Information Processing and Control Center; the Hai Phong Inmarsat Land Earth Station (Hai Phong Land Earth Station); and the Cospas-Sarsat Land Earth Station (VNLUT/MCC) in Hai Phong.

-   Some other transportation enterprises can provide maritime services, salvage operations, underwater technical services, and participate in maritime search and rescue, such as Vietnam Salvage Rescue Company (VISAL), Vietnam Maritime Corporation Vinaline; Waterway Construction Corporation Vinawaco; Vietnam Water Transport Corporation; Transportation and Ship Lease Company, etc.

-   Other forces: Inland waterway port authorities, the Aviation Search and Rescue Coordination Center, Air Search and Rescue Synergy Centers (North, Central, South), and other units under the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation; organizations and enterprises involved in rescue, construction, transportation (maritime and inland waterways), communications, telecommunications, healthcare, etc.

b) Ministry of National Defence

-   Ships, boats, canoes, and other watercraft used for transport, training, patrol, and law enforcement missions on rivers and at sea, under the management of the Navy, the Coast Guard Command, the Border Guard Command, Coastal Military Regions, the Special Forces Command, the Combat Engineer Command, the General Department of Logistics, the General Department of Defense Industry, etc.

-   Search and rescue coordination stations: Co To (Quang Ninh), Bach Long Vi (Hai Phong), Con Co (Quang Tri), Ly Son (Quang Ngai), Truong Sa (Khanh Hoa), Phu Quy (Binh Thuan), Con Dao (Ba Ria – Vung Tau), Tho Chu (Kien Giang), Hon Khoai (Ca Mau), Song Tu Tay (Khanh Hoa).

-   Training and education centers: the National Maritime Search and Rescue Training Center; the Northern Regional Oil Spill Response Center; the Central Regional Oil Spill Response Center; and the National Aviation Search and Rescue Training Center.

-   The forces, aircrafts (fixed-wing, seaplanes, helicopters) managed by units under the Air Defense Air Force Service, the Navy, Corps 18, etc.

-   Agencies, units, organizations, corporations, and enterprises operating in the fields of rescue, maritime transport, environment and natural resources, healthcare, communications, and telecommunications, etc., (e.g., Saigon Newport Corporation, Viettel Group, hospitals at various levels).

-   The National Action Center for Toxic Chemicals and Environmental Treatment.

c) People’s Committees of Coastal Provinces and Municipal Cities

-   The forces and means of departments, divisions, and district (city) under the provincial, city; vessels and watercraft owned by organizations, individuals, and fishermen that are directly managed by People’s Committees of Coastal Provinces and Municipal Cities (or may be mobilized in case of incidents).

-   The forces and means of agencies and units under ministries and sectors, and organizations and enterprises involved in search and rescue, environmental resources, maritime and inland waterway transport, healthcare, telecommunications, etc., located in those localities.

d) Organizations and corporations under the Government, and other Ministries, Sectors

-   Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development: fleets tasked with patrolling, inspecting, controlling, and handling violations in the fisheries sector across Vietnam’s maritime zones; fisheries sector information centers; and related agencies, units, organizations, and businesses in fisheries and healthcare, etc.

-   Ministry of Industry and Trade: the Southern Regional Oil Spill Response Center; agencies, units, organizations, corporations, and businesses operating in oil and gas, maritime transport, environmental resources, etc. (e.g., Vietnam Oil and Gas Group, Petroleum College, Marine Transport and Diving Enterprise/ Vietnam - Russia Joint Venture Vietsovpetro).

-   The forces and means of other ministries and sectors (Public Security, Natural Resources and Environment, Health, Information and Communications, Construction, Foreign Affairs); agencies, units, organizations, corporations, and businesses under the Government, ministries, sectors, and localities involved in rescue, maritime transport, natural resources and environment, healthcare, information, and telecommunications, etc.

dd) Other Forces

-          International transport vessels operating within Vietnam’s territorial waters or with international routes near the location of distressed Vietnamese vessels.

-          The Red Cross; non-governmental organizations, social organizations, and volunteers.

-          The means and forces for search, rescue, disaster relief both within and outside the region under agreements with Vietnam or hired by Vietnam, etc.

III. ACCIDENT PREVENTION WORK

1.     The National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue

-        Direct ministries, sectors, and localities to develop plans and scenarios for responding to maritime vessel accidents; build a proposal for an organizational system for incident, disaster response and search and rescue; design educational and training programs; direct the preparation and organization of national-level joint search and rescue drills, with foreign search and rescue forces and means in Vietnamese waters; reviews and proposes equipment plans for maritime search and rescue.

-        Direct the standing agencies for incident, disaster response and search and rescue; ministries, sectors, and localities advise heads of ministries and sectors and chairpersons of People’s Committees at the same level on effective responses to maritime accidents; direct and command forces tasked with incident, disaster response, and search and rescue according to approved plans.

-        Coordinate with the Ministry of Transport to direct the maritime and aviation search and rescue systems in effectively organizing and coordinating search and rescue operations at sea; implement coordination regulations for maritime and port-area search and rescue.

-        Update and provides information on disaster and incident developments to forecasting and warning agencies to improve meteorological and hydrological warnings and forecasts supporting maritime search and rescue.

2. Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control

-        Direct measures to avoid typhoons and tropical depressions at sea.

-        Coordinate with the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue and ministries, sectors, and localities to communicate and disseminate regulations to organizations, individuals, and vessel owners operating at sea regarding maritime safety, security, and search and rescue.

-        Coordinate with the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue and relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to advise the Prime Minister on issuing emergency dispatches to direct the work of preventing and responding to vessel accidents when storms, tropical depressions, and strong winds occur at sea.

3. Ministry of Transport

-   Organize communication and dissemination of maritime safety, security, and search and rescue laws and regulations to organizations, individuals, and vessel owners operating at sea and within port waters; develop training and drilling plans for maritime accident response; annually implement, check implementation, and update them to reflect reality; organize a duty station to receive information on distressed vessels.

-   Assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue and coastal provinces and municipal cities in, development and implementation of plans that integrate the use of maritime, aviation, and inland waterway forces under the Ministry for both their regular duties and readiness for search and rescue at sea and along the coast.

-   Assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue in, provision of direction for maritime and aviation search and rescue systems in organizing effective coordination of maritime search and rescue operations; implement the regulations on coordination of maritime and port-area search and rescue.

-   Focus on enhancing inspections of foreign ships entering Vietnamese ports and Vietnamese ships operating domestically and internationally; prohibit departure of vessels lacking required documentation and equipment; improve ship registry quality and inland waterway standards; strengthen inspections on compliance with maritime safety, security, labor, fire and explosion prevention, and environmental protection under Vietnamese law for ships operating in port waters, internal waters, and territorial seas.

-   Assume the prime responsibility for establishment and announcement of shipping routes and traffic separation schemes within Vietnam’s territorial waters based on proposals from the maritime authority; assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant bodies in, notifying international organizations of shipping lanes and traffic separation under Vietnamese law and relevant international treaties to which Vietnam is a party.

-   Direct the Vietnam Information system coastal to operate around the clock to receive maritime emergency information and report it to the agency or organization responsible for search and rescue; inform about watch and emergency radio frequencies (channels) of Vietnam Information system coastal, and methods to contact maritime and aviation search and rescue coordination centers to domestic and foreign vessels, agencies, and individuals to inform, coordinate search and rescue at sea.

-   Organize surveys and timely updates on the capacity of search and rescue equipment in the country and from countries in and outside the region for proposing the use of forces and means in situations (especially for sub-surface or deep-sea equipment).

-   Review maritime search and rescue equipment and means at the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center to promptly propose to competent authorities to supplement investment and purchase of specialized search and rescue vessels, not limited to wave and wind levels and equipped with modern search and rescue equipment, capable of operating for long periods and in remote seas and islands.

4. Ministry of National Defence

- Coordinate with the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue to develop plans integrating the use of forces and means from the Navy, the Coast Guard Command, the Border Guard Command, Coastal Military Regions, the Special Forces Command, the Combat Engineer Command, the General Department of Logistics, the General Department of Defense Industry, and other military units to fulfill national defense tasks and be ready to participate in maritime search and rescue missions based on operational areas at sea.

- Direct agencies and units to effectively carry out communication, dissemination, and education activities to raise awareness on the tasks of responding to maritime accidents and incidents, preventive measures, and response actions, as well as regulations related to marine resource exploitation.

- Direct the Navy, Coast Guard Command, Border Guard Command, and Coastal Military Regions to develop and exercise maritime accident response plans; coordinate with relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to timely provide weather information at sea and call vessels operating at sea to seek safe shelter when storms, tropical depressions, or dangerous weather conditions occur.

- Review search and rescue equipment and means at sea to promptly propose competent authorities to invest in or procure additional means and equipment for maritime search and rescue (especially for underwater search devices); research assigning additional search and rescue duties to relevant agencies and units in coastal provinces and cities (initially for the two oil spill response centers in the North and Central regions).

5. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

- Coordinate with the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue and coastal provinces, municipal cities to develop and implement plans that integrate the use of forces and means under their management with the performance of their tasks with readiness to participate in on-duty and search and rescue at sea and in coastal areas.

- Direct agencies and units to effectively conduct communication, dissemination, and education to raise awareness about maritime incident and accident response duties (especially for fishing vessels); propagate contents against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and strengthen the development of united fishing groups and local fishery trade unions ready to respond to emergencies, ensuring effective implementation of the "four-on-site" approach.

- Coordinate with the People’s Committees of coastal provinces and municipal cities to ensure the registration and inspection of fishing vessels; strictly prohibit vessels from setting sail without procedures, documentation and required equipment; promptly issue or adjust regulations on communication equipment, tracking systems, collision warning systems, and surveillance equipment for fishing vessels operating at sea; issue regulations on coordination mechanisms for rescue operations and policies regarding the search and rescue of fishermen and fishing vessels at sea and in port waters.

- Coordinate with other ministries, sectors, and localities to timely provide marine weather; update and organize calls for vessels (especially fishing vessels) to seek safe shelter when storms, tropical depressions, or dangerous sea conditions occur.

- Develop plans, organize training, and conduct drills for maritime accident response; annually implement, review, and adjust plans to reflect current conditions; maintain duty stations to receive reports related to distressed vessels at sea.

- Direct the Fisheries Surveillance Force and fisheries-related sectors to patrol, inspect, and control fishing activities in Vietnam’s seas and international waters, to be ready to perform maritime rescue missions; coordinate with ministries, sectors, and localities in sharing information and databases on the management of fishing vessel rescue operations.

- Assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue and coastal provinces, municipal cities in, developing and implementing plans for organized, united fishery groups ready to respond to maritime accidents and incidents.

6. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

- Direct affiliated agencies and units to monitor and issue warnings and forecasts related to hazardous weather, tropical depressions, storms, earthquakes, and tsunami alerts at sea.

- Direct the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting to coordinate with the Coastal Information System in promptly providing marine weather and hydro-meteorological information to broadcast warnings to organizations and individuals who own and operate vessels at sea.

7. Ministry of Public Security

- Coordinate with the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue to develop plans integrating the use of Police forces and other units under the Ministry of Public Security in performing assigned tasks, while being ready to be on duty and participate in search and rescue operations at sea within their jurisdiction and assigned functions.

- Disseminate and communicate to organizations, individuals, and vessel owners under its management about legal regulations related to maritime incident response and preventive and responsive measures.

8. Ministry of Finance

- Ensure the allocation of state budget funds for ministries, sectors, and localities involved in search and rescue activities at sea and in port waters, in accordance with regulations.

- Timely and adequately release and supply national reserve equipment for incidents, disaster response, and search and rescue efforts upon orders from competent authorities.

9. People’s Committees of Coastal Provinces and Municipal Cities

- Coordinate with ministries, sectors, and relevant agencies to develop and implement plans integrating their managed forces and means with their duties, ensuring readiness for on-duty and search and rescue missions at sea and along the coast.

- Direct departments, branches, and localities to effectively carry out communication, dissemination, and education to raise awareness on maritime incident and accident response, preventive measures, and related topics such as combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; coordination regulations for search and rescue of vessels at sea and in port waters, and promote awareness of the 1979 International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR 79 Convention).

- Require ship owners and captains to strictly maintain the activation of vessel monitoring systems and communication with authorities and their families throughout their operations at sea; direct local authorities to strengthen dissemination for ship owners and fishermen on regulations on maintaining regular operation of the voyage monitoring device, maintaining communication between ship owners and captains and the authorities and their families.

- Develop plans and organize training and drills for maritime vessel accident response; annually deploy, inspect the implementation, review and adjust plans to align with practical conditions; develop mobilization plans for local and centrally managed forces and equipment for search and rescue operations within managed areas, fishing port waters, fishing wharves, storm shelter anchorage areas, port waters and inland waterways.

- Direct the Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Provincial Border Guard Commands, and other relevant departments and localities to strengthen the inspection, registration, and verification of rescue equipment and vessel safety; strictly prohibit unsafe vessels from going to sea; closely monitor weather and hydrometeorological developments in sea areas and promptly inform shipowners and captains to help them take proactive measures and avoid anchoring in unsafe locations.

- Issue regulations on coordination mechanisms for maritime rescue operations and policies supporting search and rescue of fishermen and fishing vessels at sea and in port waters; promote the development of united fishing teams and local fishery trade unions ready to respond to emergencies; Improve the effectiveness of the team’s operations, solidarity, and cooperation on the border in supporting each other when operating together at sea, especially in rescue work according to the motto “four on-site”.

10. Other Ministries and Sectors

- Direct their affiliated agencies and units to effectively carry out communication, propaganda, and education to raise awareness about the tasks of responding to maritime accidents and incidents.

- Based on assigned functions and responsibilities, assume the prime responsibility for, or coordinate in developing plans, organizing training and drills in response to ship and boat accidents at sea; annually deploy, inspect the implementation, review and adjust plans to align with practical conditions; organizes a duty station to receive information on distressed vessels at sea.

- Direct subordinate agencies and units to inspect forces and means capable and qualified to participate in maritime search and rescue, and report to the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue, put into action the use of force in case of emergency.

- Direct subordinate agencies and units to develop plans and measures to respond to maritime accidents in assigned sectors, while promptly organizing forces and deploying means to carry out disaster response and search and rescue missions upon request by competent authorities.

- Regularly review and inventory equipment serving search and rescue operations, promptly report and propose to competent authorities; procure and supplement necessary means, equipment, and communication systems for forces directly involved in maritime search and rescue to ensure effective response.

11. Organizations and individuals with means of operating at sea

Organizations and individuals with eligible vessels operating at sea who voluntarily remain on standby and participate in the national maritime search and rescue plan shall report to the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue for consideration and inclusion in the reserve force when mobilized.

IV. RESPONSE AND RECOVERY OPERATIONS

1. National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue

- Take the lead in mobilizing forces and means from ministries, sectors, localities, organizations, and individuals for maritime search and rescue when incidents exceed the capacity of professional rescue forces or responsible authorities; depending on the development, nature, and scale of the incident, assume the prime responsibility for or coordinate with relevant ministries and localities to advise the Prime Minister on issuing directives and response plans.

-   Coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to notify diplomatic missions and consular offices of countries with victims (if any) about the health status of victims and search and rescue measures and support for victims by Vietnam; direct relevant ministries and sectors in granting licenses, coordinating with foreign forces and means to conduct search and rescue in Vietnam’s waters and organize monitoring and supervision of implementation.

-   Assume the prime responsibility for collecting and providing official information on incidents and accidents through mass media; assign and authorize competent agencies to act as spokespersons for maritime accidents; consolidate and report the situation regularly or on an ad-hoc basis to the Prime Minister as prescribed.

2. Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control

-   Coordinate with the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue in mobilizing forces and means for maritime search and rescue in cases of accidents caused by storms or tropical depressions.

-   Coordinate with the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue and relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to advise the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue to issue directives and response plans.

3. Ministry of Transport

- Notify watch and emergency radio frequencies (channels) of Vietnam Information system coastal, contact methods with maritime and aviation search and rescue coordination centers to vessels at sea and relevant agencies and individuals domestically and internationally for information and coordination for search and rescue.

- Direct the Vietnam Information system coastal, maritime search and rescue coordination centers, and maritime port authorities to issue maritime notices, requesting ships of organizations and individuals operating near the accident area to mobilize forces to the location of the ship in distress to organize rescue under the command of the on-site command ship; presides over and coordinates with relevant and units to propose mobilizing the SAR ship of the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center and other forces to organize search and rescue.

-   Coordinate with the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue and relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to advise the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue to issue dispatches and plans to direct response; assume the prime responsibility for, or coordinate in, establishing on-site command center, command post forward to direct forces to deploy response and overcome consequences of accidents involving ships.

-   In case the search and rescue is ineffective and exceeds the capacity of the forces under the ministry, promptly report in writing to the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue to mobilize additional forces from other ministries, sectors and localities to participate in the response; mobilize the search and rescue forces under the ministry to participate in coordinating the search and rescue of vehicles and boats of other ministries, sectors and localities at the request of the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue.

-   In case domestic forces and means are not capable of conducting search and rescue, coordinates with the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defence and relevant agencies and units to request consultation and support for foreign equipment and means to participate; grants licenses for foreign maritime search and rescue forces and means to participate in search and rescue in Vietnamese waters.

-   Assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with competent authorities in, investigating maritime security, safety and accidents in accordance with the provisions of law, promptly draw lessons, and take effective measures to prevent and limit similar accidents; depending on the nature of the incident, report to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other relevant international organizations in accordance with regulations and international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member.

-   Assume the prime responsibility for, or coordinate with the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue in, collecting and providing official information about incidents on mass media; assign and designate competent authorities in speaking and providing press information in accordance with authority, scope and responsibility; coordinate with localities to do ideological work, visit, encourage and effectively implement support policies for victims’ families.

-   In case a Vietnamese ship is in distress in foreign waters, recommend the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send a diplomatic note requesting the country where the accident occurs to provide rescue assistance, create conditions for granting permits, and support forces and means to participate in search and rescue.

-   Synthesize situation and report to the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue regularly and on an ad hoc basis as prescribed.

4. Ministry of National Defence

-   Coordinate with the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue to develop plans integrating the use of forces and means of the Navy, Air Force, Border Guard, Coast Guard, and other military units in performing tasks of the Ministry of National Defence, in association with readiness to participate in search and rescue activities within their respective maritime areas of operation or as requested by the lead agency for search and rescue.

-   Assume the prime responsibility for responding to accidents involving distressed vessels in prohibited and restricted maritime zones; coordinate with the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue, and with relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to advise the Government and the Chairperson of the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue in issuing directives and plans to guide the response in emergency situations.

-   Direct the Air Defense – Air Force Service, the Navy, the Signal Corps, Viettel Group, the Electronic Warfare Department, and relevant agencies and units to require observation stations and radar surveillance units to monitor, scan, and detect emergency rescue signals and information, promptly notify search and rescue organizations and agencies upon detecting distress signals from vessels; direct the Border Guard Command to request coastal provincial and municipal city border guard units to advise local Party committees and authorities, within their functions, to mobilize fishermen’s vessels to participate in search and rescue operations.

-   Direct relevant agencies and units under its command located in areas where vessels are in distress to assume the prime responsibility for and coordinate with local authorities in establishing field hospitals to receive, triage, and transfer injured or burned individuals for treatment; coordinate with functional ministries and agencies in receiving, registering, and classifying injured, deceased, or missing persons (if any); directs the Air Defense – Air Force Service, Corps 18, and the Naval Air Force to be ready to establish emergency airlifts via helicopter landing sites to evacuate seriously injured individuals who cannot be treated locally; coordinate with relevant forces to ensure security and order, protect the scene, and provide logistics and technical support for forces involved in the search and rescue operations.

-   Assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with competent authorities in, granting permits for foreign military aircraft to participate in search and rescue operations; coordinate with the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue, and relevant ministries and sectors to grant permits for foreign forces and means to conduct search and rescue activities within Vietnam’s territory, territorial waters, islands, and archipelagos.

-   Consolidate the situation and report to the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue regularly and on an ad hoc basis as prescribed.

5. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

- Assume the prime responsibility for, and direct affiliated agencies and units in mobilizing fisheries surveillance forces and specialized fisheries resources to participate in maritime search and rescue operations when incidents occur involving vessels and ships in the fisheries sector; report to the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue on the ministry’s maritime search and rescue activities in accordance with regulations.

- Direct the fishing vessel monitoring system of the Directorate of Fisheries and the specialized fisheries communication system to promptly provide and share relevant information and databases related to the search and identification of locations of distressed vessels, and to ensure communication in coordinating rescue operations.

- Deploy forces and means under the ministry to coordinate in search and rescue operations involving vessels belonging to other ministries, sectors, or localities upon request from the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue; report to the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue on the ministry’s maritime search and rescue activities in accordance with regulations.

6. Ministry of Public Security

- Coordinate with the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue in deploying forces and means of the waterway police, fire prevention and fighting, rescue and relief police, and other relevant forces to participate in search and rescue operations within their operational areas and assigned functions and duties.

- Assume the prime responsibility for and coordinate with localities to direct provincial and municipal police in areas where incidents occur to mobilize forces and means to extinguish fires on vessels (if any); provide first aid to victims; ensure security and safety for passengers, crew members, and victims; assume the prime responsibility for and coordinate in assessing, classifying, verifying information, and identifying victims.

- Assign officers and experts to participate in on-site command centers or in working delegations of the Government or the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response and Search and Rescue upon request; report regularly and ad hoc according to their assigned functions and responsibilities.

7. Ministry of Industry and Trade

- Direct agencies and units under the ministry or sectors with capable and qualified forces and means to participate in maritime search and rescue operations to report to the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue for study and inclusion in force and resource utilization plans.

- Direct the Southern Oil Spill Response Center and corporations and enterprises under the ministry to maintain readiness of forces and means for participation in search and rescue and oil spill response upon request by the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue.

- Assign officers and experts to participate in on-site command centers or in working delegations of the Government or the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue upon request; report regularly and ad hoc according to their assigned functions and responsibilities.

8. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

- Direct competent agencies to provide signals and images from marine resources and environment monitoring radar systems upon request from relevant authorities to support maritime search and rescue efforts; promptly provide information and bulletins on weather, meteorology, and hydrology to support search and rescue operations.

- Direct agencies and units under the ministry or sectors with capable and qualified forces and means to participate in maritime search and rescue operations to report to the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue for study and inclusion in force and resource utilization plans.

- Assign officers and experts to participate in on-site command centers or in working delegations of the Government or the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue upon request; report regularly and ad hoc according to their assigned functions and responsibilities.

9. Ministry of Health

- Direct medical forces to coordinate with the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center and the lead search and rescue agency to provide remote first aid and medical guidance for victims at sea in need of medical assistance.

- Depending on the nature and development of the incident, direct hospitals at various levels to dispatch doctors and medical staff to the scene to participate in receiving and triaging injured persons, transporting, administering emergency aid, and treating victims; coordinate with relevant agencies in compiling statistics, verifying information, and identifying victims.

- Assign officers and experts to participate in on-site command centers or in working delegations of the Government or the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue upon request; report regularly and ad hoc according to their assigned functions and responsibilities.

10. Ministry of Information and Communications

-   Assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors in, unifying regulations on emergency and distress watch frequencies, wireless communication regulations; prioritize ensuring communication for directing and operating sea search and rescue activities.

-   Direct affiliated agencies, units and related enterprises to mobilize the sector’s forces to ensure communication for directing and operating search and rescue activities at sea at the request of competent search and rescue authorities.

-   Provide guidance on registration and working frequencies to ensure rapid communication in case of sea rescue situations; direct mass media to disseminate legal regulations and information related to directing and operating search and rescue efforts, and guides public opinion, etc.

-   Assign officers and experts to participate in the on-site command center or working groups of the Government or the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue upon request; report regularly and ad hoc according to their assigned functions and responsibilities.

11. Ministry of Foreign Affairs

-   Coordinate with the National Committee for Disaster Response, Search and Rescue, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of National Defence in granting permits for foreign search and rescue forces to conduct search and rescue operations in Vietnamese maritime zones.

-   Direct the ministry’s affiliated agencies and Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad to coordinate with host countries and international organizations in searching and rescuing Vietnamese individuals and means involved in accidents or incidents within foreign search and rescue responsibility zones, including maritime and aviation SAR areas.

-   Coordinate with ministries and sectors through diplomatic channels to request foreign competent authorities to assist in organizing the search and rescue of Vietnamese persons and means (vessels, vehicles) involved in accidents or incidents, or to provide safe shelter and refuge in emergencies; simultaneously support the rescue of persons and means, carry out necessary procedures, and resolve arising issues to facilitate the repatriation of persons and means.

-   Coordinate with the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response and Search and Rescue and relevant ministries and sectors to carry out diplomatic procedures in cases involving the search and rescue of foreign persons and means in distress within Vietnam’s maritime zones.

12. Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs

Implement policies for individuals participating in incident, disaster response and search and rescue tasks who suffer illness, accidents, injuries, or death, in accordance with legal provisions.

13. People’s Committees of coastal provinces and municipal cities

-   Assume the prime responsibility for and coordinate with competent authorities in mobilizing vessels of organizations, individuals, and fishermen operating near the area to quickly move to assist distressed vessels within their jurisdiction, including waters at fishing ports, wharves, storm shelters, and inland waterways; notify the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center to deploy additional forces and means if further maritime search and rescue support is needed.

-   Report and propose to the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue to mobilize forces and means from other ministries, sectors, and localities for coordination in search and rescue efforts when the situation exceeds local response capacity. Depending on the nature of the incident, coordinates with the National Committee and relevant ministries and sectors to advise the Government or the Chairperson of the Committee to issue emergency messages and response plans; assume the prime responsibility for or coordinate in establishing on-site or forward command centers to serve the direction and coordination of participating forces.

-   Direct hospitals and medical facilities within the locality to prepare plans for receiving injured persons; deploy hospital medical staff and military medical personnel to the scene to participate in receiving, triaging, transporting, providing first aid, and treating victims; coordinate with relevant agencies in compiling statistics, verifying information, and identifying victims.

-   Assume the prime responsibility for and coordinate with agencies and units in the area in ensuring logistics and technical support for participating in search and rescue forces; handle public communication and media in a truthful manner and in accordance with authority, scope, and responsibility.

-   Organize visits, encouragement, and effectively implement support policies for families with people or vehicles involved in accidents; tightly manage and prevent hostile elements from inciting or mobilizing people to gather and cause social disorder, ensuring political security and social order in the locality.

-   Consolidate and report on the situation to the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue regularly and on an ad hoc basis, in accordance with regulations.

14. Other Ministries and Sectors

- Consolidate the forces and means of affiliated agencies and units capable of participating in search and rescue operations at sea and in seaport waters, and report to the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue for study and inclusion in the force and equipment deployment plans.

- Assign officials and experts to participate in the on-site command center or in the working delegation of the Government or the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue upon request. Report regularly and ad hoc in accordance with assigned functions and duties.

- Within its assigned functions and duties, carry out emergency social relief for individuals involved in marine vessel accidents; implement policies for individuals performing tasks in incident, disaster response, and search and rescue operations who fall ill, are injured, suffer accidents, or die, in accordance with the law.

15. Other Relevant Organizations and Individuals

a) Captains of vessels operating at sea:

-   Participate in rescuing people in distress at sea upon discovery or receipt of emergency/distress signals near the area of operation, provided that doing so does not endanger one's own personnel or means.

-   Notify the lead agency for search and rescue and relevant organizations or individuals of one's participation in the search and rescue; comply with mobilization orders to participate in search and rescue when summoned by a competent search and rescue authority; provide support and assistance to distressed vessels in accordance with regulations.

b) Vessel owners operating at sea

-   Strictly comply with mobilization orders from competent authorities regarding the use of their vessels in maritime search and rescue operations.

-   Comply with orders from competent search and rescue authorities to ensure the safety of lives and crew members at sea when towing or salvaging their own vessels.

c) Insurance companies covering distressed vessels

-   Coordinate with and provide documents, records, and information related to the insured persons and vessels as requested by the competent search and rescue authority during rescue operations and case resolution;

-   Comply with orders from competent search and rescue authorities to ensure the safety of lives and crew members at sea when coordinating with the vessel owners to conduct towing or salvage operations.

d) Other organizations and individuals with vessels operating at sea

-   Comply with requests from competent authorities for mobilizing their vessels to participate in search and rescue; coordinate to provide information and full reports as requested by the lead search and rescue agency for the implementation and resolution of search and rescue operations involving their personnel and vessels.

-   Organizations and individuals with qualified and willing vessels ready to participate in search and rescue at sea shall report to local authorities and the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue to be available when needed.

V. ASSURANCE MEASURES

1. Information Assurance

The Vietnam Information system coastal includes both terrestrial radio and satellite radio systems; the network of standby communication stations of the coastal Border Guard; the maritime radar system; the vessel monitoring system of the Directorate of Fisheries; the aviation search and rescue communication system; specialized communication systems; and other forms of communication used by organizations and individuals operating at sea.

2. Financial Assurance

Funding for the implementation of the national-level response plan for maritime vessel accidents shall comply with the provisions of Articles 22, 23, and 24 of Government’s Decree No. 30/2017/ND-CP dated March 21, 2017, on the organization and operation of incident, disaster response and search and rescue.

VI. LEADERSHIP AND COMMAND WORK

1. The National Committee for Disaster Response, Search and Rescue shall provide direct leadership.

2. A forward command center shall be established when an incident occurs.

Based on this plan, ministries, sectors, and the People’s Committees of coastal provinces and municipal cities are responsible for reviewing and compiling available equipment and means for responding to maritime vessel accidents under their management and for developing and effectively implementing their respective response plans./.