Circular No. 03/2020/TT-BGTVT stipulates the standards for professional qualifications, professional certificates, training, and crew member instruction, as well as the minimum safety manning requirements for Vietnamese ships.

CIRCULAR

Qu||| Specifies the professional standards, professional certificates, training, and crewing of Vietnamese seafarers and the minimum safety manning of Vietnamese ships.No.||| The minimum safety manning of Vietnamese ships.

 

Pursuant to the Vietnam Maritime Code on November 25, 2015;

Pursuant to DecreeNo. ||| Decision No. 12/2017/NĐ-CP dated October 10, 2017 of the Government stipulates the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure.||| 2017 of the Government stipulates the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure. ||| Pursuant to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, and its amendments, to which Vietnam is a party;of the Government stipulating functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Home Affairs4. Circular No. 34/2013/TT-BGTVT dated October 15, 2013 of the Minister of the Ministry of Transport stipulating the tasks, powers, and organization of the Inspectorate of the Vietnam Maritime Administration.

||| Pursuant to the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea and its amendments, to which Vietnam is a party;y||| At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Transport Safety and the Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration;, amended and supplemented by Decree No. 109/2025/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CP||| This Circular specifies the professional standards, professional certificates of seafarers, training, and crewing of seafarers and the minimum safety manning of Vietnamese ships.

||| This Circular applies to public service vessels in cases specifically provided for in this Circular., amended and supplemented by Decree No. 109/2025/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CPThe Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam issues a Circular amending and supplementing certain legal normative documents concerning administrative procedures and formalities in the field of foreign exchange management.”

||| This Circular applies to agencies, organizations, and individuals related to the professional standards, professional certificates of seafarers, training, and crewing of seafarers and the minimum safety manning of Vietnamese ships.

The Minister of Transport hereby issues this Circular. during||| Specifies the professional standards, professional certificates, training, and crewing of Vietnamese seafarers and the minimum safety manning of Vietnamese ships.No.||| Article 3. Interpretation of terms

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

||| 1. The STCW Convention is the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, and its amendments (STCW Convention).

||| 2. The STCW Code is the Code accompanying the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, and its amendments.

Article 2. Applicability

||| 3. Master is the person with the highest command authority on board the ship.

||| 4. Officer is a member of the crew but not the master, who meets the conditions and standards to hold a position on board the ship.

In this Circular, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

||| 5. Chief Officer is the deck officer next in rank to the master and is the person commanding the ship when the master is unable to command the ship.

||| 6. Deck Officer is an officer with the professional qualifications specified in Chapter II of the STCW Convention.

||| 7. Ordinary Seaman on Watch (OS) is a seafarer with the qualifications specified in Regulation II/4 of the STCW Convention and has completed the specialized training course prescribed by the Minister of Transport.

||| 8. Able Seaman on Watch (AB) is a seafarer with the qualifications specified in Regulation II/5 of the STCW Convention and has completed the specialized training course prescribed by the Minister of Transport.

||| 9. Chief Engineer is the senior engineer responsible for the ship's propulsion system; operating and maintaining electrical and mechanical equipment on board the ship.

||| 10. Second Engineer is the engineer next in rank to the Chief Engineer, responsible for the ship's propulsion system; operating and maintaining electrical and mechanical equipment on board the ship when the Chief Engineer is unable to perform his duties.

||| 11. Engineering Officer is an officer with the professional qualifications specified in Regulations III/1, III/2, and III/3 of the STCW Convention.

||| 12. Oilman on Watch (Oiler) is a seafarer with the qualifications specified in Regulation III/4 of the STCW Convention and has completed the specialized training course prescribed by the Minister of Transport.

||| 13. Able Seaman on Watch (AB) is a seafarer with the qualifications specified in Regulation III/5 of the STCW Convention and has completed the specialized training course prescribed by the Minister of Transport.

||| 14. Electrical Officer is an officer with the professional qualifications specified in Regulation III/6 of the STCW Convention.

||| 15. Electrician is a seafarer with the professional qualifications specified in Regulation III/7 of the STCW Convention.

||| 16. GMDSS Radio Operator is an officer with the professional qualifications specified in Chapter IV of the STCW Convention.

||| 17. Marine Security Officer is a person working on board the ship responsible to the master, appointed by the company to ensure security on board the ship including implementing and maintaining the ship's security plan; communicating with the company's marine security officer and port security officer.

||| 18. Security duties include all work related to security on board the ship as defined in Chapter XI-2 of the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS 74 as amended) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code).

||| 19. Oil Tanker is a ship built or converted and used to carry crude oil and petroleum products in bulk.

||| 20. Chemical Tanker is a ship built or converted and used to carry chemicals in bulk as listed in Chapter 17 of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code).

||| 21. Gas Carrier is a ship built or converted and used to carry liquefied gases as defined in Chapter 19 of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code).

||| 22. Passenger Ship is a ship defined in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS 74 as amended).

||| 23. Ro-Ro Passenger Ship is a passenger ship with Ro-Ro spaces or special spaces as defined in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS 74 as amended).

||| 24. Nearshore voyage of a ship with a gross tonnage (GT) under 500 is a voyage within 50 nautical miles from the coast or within an area determined as a nearshore voyage by agreement between Vietnam and relevant countries.

||| 25. Training Record Book is a book issued to seafarers with a university degree undergoing training as a deck cadet on ships of 500 GT and above, training as an engineering cadet on ships with main engine power of 750 kW and above, or issued to students undergoing training as a deck cadet on ships of 500 GT and above, training as an engineering cadet on ships with main engine power of 750 kW and above according to the approved maritime officer training program by the Ministry of Transport; seafarers with a college degree or higher undergoing training as an electrical cadet as required in Table A-III/6 of the STCW Code.

||| 26. On-the-job training period is the time that trainees spend working on board the ship in accordance with a training program consistent with the STCW Convention.

||| 27. Probationary period is the time that seafarers undergo training in their positions on ships corresponding to their certificate of competency under the supervision of an officer.

||| 28. Period of holding a position is the time that seafarers work in their positions consistent with their certificate of competency issued.

25. The training record book is a logbook issued to seafarers with a university degree undergoing deck officer traineeship on vessels of 500 GT or above, engine officer traineeship on vessels with main engine power of 750 kW or above, or cadets undergoing deck officer traineeship on vessels of 500 GT or above, engine officer traineeship on vessels with main engine power of 750 kW or above under a maritime officer training program approved by the Ministry of Transport; seafarers with a college degree or higher undergoing electrical engineering officer traineeship as required in Table A-III/6 of the STCW Convention.

26. The period of training is the time that cadets work on board ships according to a training program consistent with the provisions of the STCW Convention.

27. The probationary period is the time during which seafarers undergo traineeship in their respective positions on vessels corresponding to their certificates of competency under the supervision of an officer.

28. The period of holding a position is the time during which seafarers work in positions consistent with their certificates of competency issued to them.

29. Seagoing time is the period during which a trainee, probationary seafarer, or seafarer holding a rank on board a ship is engaged in practical training or service.

30. Month means a calendar month or thirty days, composed of periods smaller than a month.

31. Function is a group of tasks, duties, and responsibilities specified in the STCW Convention necessary for the operation of a ship, safety of life at sea, or protection of the marine environment.

32. Company means the shipowner, crew supply organization, or any other entity or individual such as managers or bareboat charterers who accept responsibility for the operation of the ship from the shipowner and agree to undertake all such tasks and responsibilities for the company under those provisions.

33. Certificate of Competency (hereinafter referred to as CCC) is a certificate issued to seafarers according to the provisions of the STCW Convention.

34. Training Completion Certificate (hereinafter referred to as TCC) is a certificate issued to seafarers according to the provisions of the STCW Convention.

35. Recognition of CCC is a document issued by the Vietnam Maritime Administration or its branch offices authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration to seafarers holding a competency certificate issued by a competent authority of a country or territory with which Vietnam has agreed to recognize such certificates, allowing them to work on Vietnamese ships.

36. Confirmation of Issuance of Certificate is a document issued by the Vietnam Maritime Administration or its branch offices authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration to seafarers who have been issued a completion certificate for training courses conducted in Vietnam as stipulated in STCW Regulations IV/2, V/1-1, and V/1-2.

37. High-Speed Craft is a vessel that has been issued a high-speed craft safety certificate by the classification society in accordance with the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft (HSC Code) 2000 and the National Technical Regulations on Classification and Construction of High-Speed Marine Vessels.

38. The Vietnamese Ship Registration Authority includes the Vietnam Maritime Administration or its branch offices authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration to perform ship registration duties.

Chapter II

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OF SEAFARERS

Article 4. Professional Standards of Masters and Chief Officers of Ships of 500 GT and Above

Masters and Chief Officers of ships of 500 GT and above must meet the professional standards set out in Sections A-II/1, A-II/2, A-IV/2, and A-VIII/2 of the STCW Convention regarding the following functions:

1. Navigation Management Level.

2. Cargo Handling and Stowage Management Level.

3. Ship Operation Control and Crew Care Management Level.

4. Communication Operations Level.

Article 5. Professional Standards of Masters and Chief Officers of Ships Under 500 GT on Offshore Voyages

Masters and Chief Officers of ships under 500 GT on offshore voyages must hold a Certificate of Competency for ships between 500 GT and under 3000 GT.

Article 6. Professional Standards of Masters and Chief Officers of Ships Under 500 GT on Coastal Voyages

Masters and Chief Officers of ships under 500 GT on coastal voyages must meet the professional standards set out in Sections A-II/3, A-IV/2, and A-VIII/2 of the STCW Convention regarding the following functions:

1. Navigation Management Level.

2. Cargo Handling and Stowage Management Level.

3. Ship Operation Control and Crew Care Management Level.

4. Communication Operations Level.

Article 7. Professional standards for deck officers on vessels of 500 GT and above

Deck officers on vessels of 500 GT and above must meet the professional standards specified in Sections A-II/1, A-IV/2, and A-VIII/2 of the STCW Convention regarding the following functions:

1. Navigation at operational level.

2. Cargo handling and stowage techniques at operational level.

3. Control of vessel operations and care of persons on board at operational level.

4. Communication Operations Level.

Article 8. Professional standards for deck officers on vessels under 500 GT on off-shore voyages

Deck officers on vessels under 500 GT on off-shore voyages must hold a Certificate of Competency equivalent to deck officers on vessels of 500 GT and above.

Article 9. Professional standards for deck officers on vessels under 500 GT on near-shore voyages

Deck officers on vessels under 500 GT on near-shore voyages must meet the professional standards specified in Sections A-II/3, A-IV/2, and A-VIII/2 of the STCW Convention regarding the following functions:

1. Navigation at operational level.

2. Cargo handling and stowage techniques at operational level.

3. Control of vessel operations and care of persons on board at operational level.

4. Communication Operations Level.

Article 10. Professional standards for watchkeeping ratings

1. Professional standards for watchkeeping officer (OS).

Watchkeeping officer (OS) must meet the professional standards specified in Section A-II/4 of the STCW Convention regarding the function of navigation at assistance level.

2. Professional standards for watchkeeping able seaman (AB).

Watchkeeping able seaman (AB) must meet the professional standards specified in Section A-II/5 of the STCW Convention regarding the following functions:

a) Navigation at assistance level;

b) Cargo handling and stowage techniques at assistance level;

c) Control of vessel operations and care of persons on board at assistance level;

d) Maintenance and repair at assistance level.

Article 11. Professional standards for chief engineer and second engineer on vessels with main engine power of 750 kW and above

Chief engineer and second engineer on vessels with main engine power of 750 kW and above must meet the professional standards specified in Sections A-III/1, A-III/2, and A-VIII/2 of the STCW Convention regarding the following functions:

1. Marine engineering technology at management level.

2. Electrical, electronic, and machinery control technology at management level.

3. Maintenance and repair at management level.

4. Control of vessel operations and care of persons on board at management level.

Article 12. Professional standards for chief engineer and second engineer on vessels with main engine power below 750 kW

Chief engineer and second engineer on vessels with main engine power below 750 kW must meet the professional standards according to the training program prescribed by the Minister of Transport regarding the following functions:

1. Marine engineering technology at management level.

2. Electrical, electronic, and machinery control technology at management level.

3. Maintenance and repair at management level.

4. Control of vessel operations and care of persons on board at management level.

Article 13. Professional standards for engineering officers on vessels with main engine power of 750 kW and above

Engineering officers on vessels with main engine power of 750 kW and above must meet the professional standards specified in Sections A-III/1 and A-VIII/2 of the STCW Convention regarding the following functions:

1. Marine engineering technology at operational level.

2. Electrical, electronic, and machinery control technology at operational level.

3. Maintenance and repair at operational level.

4. Control of vessel operations and care of persons on board at operational level.

Article 14. Professional standards for engineering officers on vessels with main engine power below 750 kW

Engineering officers on vessels with main engine power below 750 kW must meet the professional standards according to the training program prescribed by the Minister of Transport regarding the following functions:

1. Marine engineering technology at operational level.

2. Electrical, electronic, and machinery control technology at operational level.

3. Maintenance and repair at operational level.

4. Control of vessel operations and care of persons on board at operational level. Article 15. Professional standards for watchkeeping engineers

Article 15. Professional standards for on-duty engineers

1. Professional standards for on-duty Oiler engineers:

On-duty Oiler engineers must meet the professional standards specified in Section A-III/4 of the STCW Code concerning the technical functions of marine engine room machinery at the support level.

2. Professional standards for on-duty AB engineers:

On-duty AB engineers must meet the professional standards specified in Section A-III/5 of the STCW Code concerning the following functions:

a) Technical functions of marine engine room machinery at the support level;

b) Electrical, electronic, and machinery control technology at the support level;

c) Maintenance and repair at the support level;

d) Control of ship operations and care for persons on board at the support level.

Article 16. Professional standards for electrical technical officers

Electrical technical officers must meet the professional standards specified in Section A-III/6 of the STCW Code concerning the following functions:

1. Electrical, electronic, and machinery control technology at the operational level.

2. Maintenance and repair at the operational level.

3. Control of vessel operations and care of persons on board at operational level.

Article 17. Professional standards for electrical technicians

Electrical technicians must meet the professional standards specified in Section A-III/7 of the STCW Code concerning the following functions:

1. Electrical, electronic, and machinery control technology at the support level.

2. Maintenance and repair at the support level.

3. Control of ship operations and care for persons on board at the support level.

Chapter III

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES OF SEAFARERS

Chapter 1. TYPES OF PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES

 

Article 18. Classification of professional certificates

The professional certificates of Vietnamese seafarers include the following types:

1. GCNKNCM.

2. GCNHLNV:

a) Certificate of basic vocational training (hereinafter referred to as GCNHLNVCB);

b) Certificate of special vocational training (hereinafter referred to as GCNHLNVĐB);

c) Certificate of professional vocational training (hereinafter referred to as GCNHLNVCM).

3. Sample of professional certificate as prescribed in Appendix I attached hereto.

Article 19. Certificate of professional capability

1. GCNKNCM is issued by the Vietnam Maritime Administration or a branch maritime administration or port maritime administration authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration to seafarers to assume positions as stipulated in this Circular, other relevant regulations of Vietnamese law, and in accordance with the provisions of the STCW Convention.

2. The validity period of GCNKNCM is five years from the date of issuance; if the seafarer's working age does not allow for a full five-year period, the validity period of GCNKNCM corresponds to the remaining working age of the seafarer as provided for in Vietnamese labor law.

Article 20. Certificate of basic vocational training

1. GCNHLNVCB is issued by a training institution to seafarers who have completed the basic vocational training program on survival techniques, fire prevention and extinguishing, basic medical first aid, life safety, and social responsibility, and awareness of ship security in accordance with the provisions of the STCW Convention.

2. The validity period of GCNHLNVCB is five years from the date of issuance; if the seafarer's working age does not allow for a full five-year period, the validity period of GCNHLNVCB corresponds to the remaining working age of the seafarer as provided for in Vietnamese labor law.

Article 21. Certificate of Special Vocational Training

1. The Certificate of Special Vocational Training (GCNHLNVĐB) shall be issued by training institutions to seafarers who have completed one of the special vocational training programs in accordance with the STCW Convention as follows:

a) Basic oil tanker and chemical tanker, liquefied gas carrier;

b) Advanced oil tanker, chemical tanker, liquefied gas carrier;

c) Crowd management for passenger ships and Ro-Ro passenger ships;

d) Safety training for direct service staff on passenger ship and Ro-Ro passenger ship decks;

đ) Passenger safety, cargo safety, and hull integrity training for passenger ships and Ro-Ro passenger ships;

e) Crisis management and human response on passenger ships and Ro-Ro passenger ships;

g) Basic operations in polar waters;

h) Advanced operations in polar waters;

i) High-speed vessels.

2. The GCNHLNVĐB is valid for five years from the date of issuance; if the seafarer's working age does not allow for a full five-year period, the validity of the GCNHLNVĐB corresponds to the remaining working age of the seafarer as stipulated by labor laws.

Article 22. Certificate of Professional Vocational Training

1. The Certificate of Professional Vocational Training (GCNHLNVCM) shall be issued by training institutions to seafarers who have completed one of the vocational training programs in accordance with the STCW Convention as follows:

a) Radar observation and plotting;

b) Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) equipment;

c) Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS): General Operator’s Certificate (GOC), Restricted Operator’s Certificate (ROC);

d) Advanced firefighting;

đ) First aid;

e) Medical care;

g) Lifeboat and rescue boat;

h) High-speed rescue boat;

i) Seafarer with specific security duties on board ships;

k) Ship Security Officer;

l) Bridge resource management;

m) Engine room resource management;

n) Maritime English;

o) Electronic navigation charts;

p) Ship safety management;

q) Chief cook and catering;

r) Other vocational training certificates prescribed by the IMO.

2. The GCNHLNVCM is valid for five years from the date of issuance; if the seafarer's working age does not allow for a full five-year period, the validity of the GCNHLNVCM corresponds to the remaining working age of the seafarer as stipulated by labor laws.

Section 2. CONDITIONS FOR ISSUANCE AND RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCE

Article 23. General Conditions

1. Meeting the required working age and health standards as prescribed.

2. Graduation:

a) From a major in marine control, marine machinery operation, or marine electrical engineering according to a training program in compliance with regulations set by the Ministry of Education and Training or the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs;

b) From majors specified in point a of this clause at foreign training institutions recognized by the Ministry of Education and Training;

c) From a training program for marine officers as prescribed by the Minister of Transport.

3. In the following cases, additional courses that were not taken or not fully covered must be supplemented.

a) Graduating from a major within the same field as specified in Clause 2 of this Article from non-maritime training institutions;

b) Graduating from a major in marine machinery repair from maritime training institutions;

c) Graduating from a major in inland waterway vessel control, inland waterway vessel machinery, or inland waterway vessel electrical engineering from inland waterway training institutions.

4. Meeting the professional qualifications and time requirements corresponding to each position as stipulated in Articles 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, and 42 of this Circular.

Article 24. Conditions for Issuing a Certificate of Professional Competence for Master and Chief Officer of Ships with a Gross Tonnage of 3,000 GT or More

1. Professional Conditions:

a) Graduated from a university-level nautical control major; in case of graduation from a college-level nautical control major, must complete the advanced training program prescribed by the Minister of Transport;

b) Possess Maritime English at Level 3;

c) Complete the vocational training program prescribed by the Minister of Transport;

d) Pass the examination for Master and Chief Officer of ships with a gross tonnage of 3,000 GT or more.

2. Conditions for Holding the Position:

a) For Chief Officer: have at least 24 months of experience holding the position of Deck Officer on ships with a gross tonnage of 500 GT or more;

b) For Master: have at least 24 months of experience holding the position of Chief Officer on ships with a gross tonnage of 3,000 GT or more, or have at least 12 months of experience holding the position of Master on ships with a gross tonnage of 500 GT to less than 3,000 GT and at least 12 months of experience holding the position of Chief Officer on ships with a gross tonnage of 3,000 GT or more.

Article 25. Conditions for Issuing a Certificate of Professional Competence for Master and Chief Officer of Ships with a Gross Tonnage of 500 GT to Less Than 3,000 GT

1. Professional Conditions:

a) Graduated from a college-level or higher nautical control major. In case of graduation from a secondary-level nautical control major, must complete the advanced training program prescribed by the Minister of Transport;

b) Possess Maritime English at Level 2 or higher;

c) Complete the vocational training program prescribed by the Minister of Transport;

d) Pass the examination for Master and Chief Officer of ships with a gross tonnage of 500 GT to less than 3,000 GT.

2. Conditions for Holding the Position:

a) For Chief Officer: have at least 24 months of experience holding the position of Deck Officer on ships with a gross tonnage of 500 GT or more;

b) For Master: have at least 24 months of experience holding the position of Chief Officer on ships with a gross tonnage of 500 GT to less than 3,000 GT, or hold the position of Master on ships with a gross tonnage of 50 GT to less than 500 GT for near-coastal voyages for at least 12 months and hold the position of Chief Officer on ships with a gross tonnage of 500 GT to less than 3,000 GT for at least 12 months.

Article 26. Conditions for Issuing a Certificate of Professional Competence for Master of Ships with a Gross Tonnage of 50 GT to Less Than 500 GT and Chief Officer of Ships Under 500 GT (Near-Coastal Voyages)

1. Professional Conditions:

a) Graduated from a secondary-level or higher nautical control major;

b) Possess Maritime English at Level 1 or higher;

c) Complete the vocational training program prescribed by the Minister of Transport.

2. Conditions for Holding the Position:

a) For Chief Officer: have at least 24 months of experience holding the position of Deck Officer on ships under 500 GT for near-coastal voyages;

b) For Master: have at least 24 months of experience holding the position of Chief Officer on ships under 500 GT for near-coastal voyages.

Article 27. Conditions for Issuing a Certificate of Professional Competence for Master of Ships Under 50 GT for Near-Coastal Voyages

1. Professional Conditions:

a) Graduated from junior high school;

b) Complete the short-term specialized training program in nautical control and pass the examination according to the regulations of the Minister of Transport. In case of graduation from a primary-level nautical control major, only passing the examination is required.

2. Sea Service Experience Condition: have at least 12 months of sea service experience.

Article 28. Conditions for Issuing a Certificate of Professional Competence for Deck Officer of Ships with a Gross Tonnage of 500 GT or More

1. Professional Conditions:

a) Graduated from a college-level or higher nautical control major or completed the maritime officer training program in nautical control prescribed by the Minister of Transport. In case of graduation from a secondary-level nautical control major, must complete the advanced training program prescribed by the Minister of Transport;

b) Possess Maritime English at Level 2 or higher;

c) Pass the examination for Deck Officer of ships with a gross tonnage of 500 GT or more.

2. Conditions for Holding the Position:

a) Have at least 12 months of recorded training in the "Training Record Book" according to the training program meeting the requirements of Section A-II/1 of the STCW Convention, or have at least 36 months of sea service on ships with a gross tonnage of 500 GT or more, including at least 6 months serving as Able Seaman;

b) If already held the position of Deck Officer on ships under 500 GT for near-coastal voyages, must have at least 6 months of sea service on ships with a gross tonnage of 500 GT or more.

Article 29. Conditions for issuing a Certificate of Professional Competence for Deck Officers on vessels under 500 GT operating in near coastal waters

1. Professional Conditions:

a) Graduated from a secondary-level or higher nautical control major;

b) Possess Maritime English at Level 1 or higher;

c) Achieve the results of the Deck Officer examination for vessels under 500 GT.

2. Time requirement for holding the position: at least 36 months of sea service.

Article 30. Conditions for issuing a Certificate of Professional Competence for Chief Engineer and Second Engineer on vessels with main engine power of 3,000 kW or more

1. Professional Conditions:

a) Graduated from a major in marine machinery operation at the bachelor's level; in cases where the graduate has a major in marine machinery operation at the college level, they must complete the advanced training program prescribed by the Minister of Transport;

b) Possess Maritime English at Level 3;

c) Complete the vocational training program prescribed by the Ministry of Transport;

d) Achieve the results of the Chief Engineer and Second Engineer examination for vessels with main engine power of 3,000 kW or more.

2. Conditions for Holding the Position:

a) For Second Engineer: at least 24 months of experience in holding the position of Marine Machinery Officer on vessels with main engine power of 750 kW or more;

b) For Chief Engineer: at least 24 months of experience in holding the position of Second Engineer on vessels with main engine power of 3,000 kW or more, or at least 12 months of experience in holding the position of Chief Engineer on vessels with main engine power of 750 kW to less than 3,000 kW and at least 12 months of experience in holding the position of Second Engineer on vessels with main engine power of 3,000 kW or more.

Article 31. Conditions for issuing a Certificate of Professional Competence for Chief Engineer and Second Engineer on vessels with main engine power of 750 kW to less than 3,000 kW

1. Professional Conditions:

a) Graduated from a major in marine machinery operation at the college level or higher. In cases where the graduate has a major in marine machinery operation at the intermediate level, they must complete the advanced training program prescribed by the Minister of Transport;

b) Possess Maritime English at Level 2 or higher;

c) Complete the vocational training program prescribed by the Minister of Transport;

d) Achieve the results of the Chief Engineer and Second Engineer examination for vessels with main engine power of 750 kW to less than 3,000 kW.

2. Conditions for Holding the Position:

a) For Second Engineer: at least 24 months of experience in holding the position of Marine Machinery Officer on vessels with main engine power of 750 kW or more;

b) For Chief Engineer: at least 24 months of experience in holding the position of Second Engineer on vessels with main engine power of 750 kW to less than 3,000 kW, or at least 12 months of experience in holding the position of Chief Engineer on vessels with main engine power of 75 kW to less than 750 kW and at least 12 months of experience in holding the position of Second Engineer on vessels with main engine power of 750 kW to less than 3,000 kW.

Article 32. Conditions for issuing a Certificate of Professional Competence for Chief Engineer on vessels with main engine power of 75 kW to less than 750 kW and Second Engineer on vessels with main engine power under 750 kW

1. Professional Conditions:

a) Graduated from a major in marine machinery operation at the intermediate level or higher;

b) Possess Maritime English at Level 1 or higher;

c) Complete the vocational training program prescribed by the Minister of Transport.

2. Conditions for Holding the Position:

a) For Second Engineer: at least 24 months of experience in holding the position of Marine Machinery Officer on vessels with main engine power under 750 kW;

b) For Chief Engineer: at least 24 months of experience in holding the position of Second Engineer on vessels with main engine power under 750 kW, or at least 36 months of experience in holding the position of Marine Machinery Officer on vessels with main engine power under 750 kW.

Article 33. Conditions for issuing a Certificate of Professional Competence for Chief Engineer on vessels with main engine power under 75 kW

1. Professional Conditions:

a) Graduated from junior high school;

b) Complete the short-term specialized training program in marine machinery operation and achieve the examination results prescribed by the Minister of Transport. In cases where the individual has already graduated from a major in marine machinery operation at the basic vocational level, only achieving the examination results is required.

2. Sea Service Experience Condition: have at least 12 months of sea service experience.

Article 34. Conditions for issuing the Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Engineer Officers on vessels with main engine power of 750 kW or more- Electronic Information Portal or more.

1. Professional Conditions:

a) Graduated from a marine engineering operation major at a college level or higher, or completed a Marine Officer training program in marine engineering operations as prescribed by the Minister of Transport. In case of graduating from a marine engineering operation major at a secondary level, they must complete an advanced training program as prescribed by the Minister of Transport;

b) Possess Maritime English at Level 2 or higher;

c) Achieved the results of the examination for Marine Engineer Officers on vessels with main engine power of 750 kW or more.

2. Conditions for Holding the Position:

a) Having a minimum of 12 months of internship recorded in the "Training Record Book" according to the training program meeting the requirements of Section A-III/1 of the STCW Convention, or having a minimum of 36 months of sea service on vessels with main engine power of 750 kW or more, including at least 6 months serving as an AB Watch Engineer.

b) In case of having served as a Marine Engineer Officer on vessels with main engine power below 750 kW, they must have at least 6 months of sea service on vessels with main engine power of 750 kW or more.

Article 35. Conditions for issuing the Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Engineer Officers on vessels with main engine power below 750 kW

1. Professional Conditions:

a) Graduated from a marine engineering operation major at a secondary level or higher.

b) Possess Maritime English at Level 1 or higher;

c) Achieved the results of the examination for Marine Engineer Officers on vessels with main engine power below 750 kW.

2. Service time requirement for the position: having a minimum of 36 months of sea service on vessels with main engine power of 75 kW or more.

Article 36. Conditions for issuing the Certificate of Professional Competence for Watch Ratings

1. Watch Rating OS:

a) Graduated from a marine navigation control major at a secondary level or higher, or completed theoretical courses according to the Marine Officer training program in marine navigation control as prescribed by the Minister of Transport. In case of graduating from a marine navigation control major at a basic level, they must complete an advanced training program as prescribed by the Minister of Transport;

b) Hold a Basic Training Competency Certificate;

c) Have a minimum of 6 months of sea service or 2 months of deckhand apprenticeship.

2. Watch Rating AB:

a) Hold a Certificate of Professional Competence for Watch Rating OS (for cases without a Certificate of Professional Competence for Watch Rating OS, they must graduate from a marine navigation control major at a college level or higher);

b) Hold a Basic Training Competency Certificate;

c) Have a minimum of 18 months of sea service or 12 months of Watch Rating AB apprenticeship.

Article 37. Conditions for issuing the Certificate of Professional Competence for Watch Engineers

1. Watch Engineer Oiler:

a) Graduated from a marine engineering operation major at a secondary level or higher, or completed theoretical courses according to the Marine Officer training program in marine engineering operations as prescribed by the Minister of Transport. In case of graduating from a marine engineering operation major at a basic level, they must complete an advanced training program as prescribed by the Minister of Transport;

b) Hold a Basic Training Competency Certificate;

c) Have a minimum of 6 months of sea service or 2 months of Watch Engineer Oiler apprenticeship.

2. Watch Engineer AB:

a) Hold a Certificate of Professional Competence for Watch Engineer Oiler (for cases without a Certificate of Professional Competence for Watch Engineer Oiler, they must graduate from a marine engineering operation major at a college level or higher);

b) Hold a Basic Training Competency Certificate;

c) Have a minimum of 12 months of sea service or 6 months of Watch Engineer AB apprenticeship.

Article 38. Conditions for issuing the Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Electrical Engineering Officers

1. Professional Conditions:

a) Graduated from a marine electrical engineering major at a college level or higher. In case of graduating from a marine electrical engineering major at a secondary vocational school level, it is necessary to complete the advanced training program prescribed by the Minister of Transport.

b) Possess Maritime English at Level 2 or higher;

c) Completed the business training program prescribed by the Minister of Transport and achieved the results of the examination for marine electrical engineering officers.

2. Time condition for holding the position: having a minimum of 12 months of internship recorded in the "Training Record Book" according to the training program meeting the requirements set out in Table A-III/6 of the STCW Convention or having a minimum of 36 months of sea service.

Article 39. Conditions for issuing the Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Electrical Engineering Technicians

1. Graduated from a marine electrical engineering major at a secondary vocational school level or higher. In case of graduating from a marine electrical engineering major at a primary vocational school level, it is necessary to complete the advanced training program prescribed by the Minister of Transport.

2. Hold a basic business training certificate.

3. Have six months of sea service or three months of apprenticeship as a marine electrical engineering technician.

Article 40. Conditions for issuing the Certificate of Professional Competence for Vietnamese citizens who already have a Certificate of Professional Competence issued by foreign competent authorities

1. Graduated from a major in marine navigation control, marine machinery operation, or marine electrical engineering at a secondary vocational school level or higher at foreign maritime education institutions, and the graduation certificate is recognized according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam.

2. Hold a Certificate of Professional Competence issued by the competent authority of a country or territory that has been agreed upon by Vietnam regarding the recognition of professional certificates.

Article 41. Conditions for reissuing the Certificate of Professional Competence

1. The Certificate of Professional Competence will be reissued in cases of loss, damage, incorrect information, expiration, or nearing expiration.

2. For Certificates of Professional Competence that have expired or are about to expire, the following conditions must be met:

a) Seafarers must have a total of 12 months or more of experience in the position specified in the Certificate of Professional Competence issued within the five years immediately preceding the date of application for reissue. If the required time is not met, they must undergo a three-month apprenticeship in the position specified in the Certificate of Professional Competence within six months prior to the application for reissue;

b) Relevant business certificates in accordance with the position as stipulated by the STCW Convention must still be valid.

Article 42. Conditions for reissuing the Certificate of Business Training

1. The Certificate of Business Training will be reissued in cases of loss, damage, incorrect information, expiration, or nearing expiration.

2. For Certificates of Business Training that have expired or are about to expire, the following conditions must be met:

a) Seafarers must have a total of 12 months or more of sea service corresponding to the Certificate of Business Training issued within the five years counted from the date of application for reissue;

b) In cases where the period specified in point a of this clause is not met, they must pass a competency assessment test corresponding to the Certificate of Business Training issued.

Section 3. CONDITIONS FOR ISSUING, REISSUING, AND ACKNOWLEDGING CERTIFICATES OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND BUSINESS TRAINING CERTIFICATES

Article 43. Conditions for Issuing the Certificate of Recognition for the Certificate of Professional Competence

1. Meeting the health standards for seafarers and ensuring the working age as prescribed by Vietnamese labor laws.

2. Possessing a Certificate of Professional Competence, General Operator's Certificate (GOC) for GMDSS, Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC) for GMDSS, and a Certificate of Training in Oil Tanker Cargo Operations, Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations, or Liquefied Gas Carrier Cargo Operations issued by the competent authority of a country or territory recognized by Vietnam for the recognition of professional certificates.

3. Having at least 36 months of sea service experience.

Article 44. Conditions for Issuing the Certificate of Issuance of the Certificate of Professional Competence

1. Possessing a General Operator's Certificate (GOC) for GMDSS, Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC) for GMDSS, or a Certificate of Training in Oil Tanker Cargo Operations, Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations, Liquefied Gas Carrier Cargo Operations, Polar Operation Ships, or High-Speed Craft.

2. For confirmation regarding the issuance of a Certificate of Advanced Training in Polar Operations, there must be a minimum of two months of work experience in polar regions or equivalent recognition.

Article 45. Conditions for Issuing the Certificate of Chief Trainer

1. Completing the course on chief trainer training.

2. Being trained to use simulation equipment and evaluate simulations for those who are trainers in simulation rooms.

Article 46. Conditions for Reissuing the Certificate of Recognition for the Certificate of Professional Competence, Certificate of Issuance of the Certificate of Professional Competence, and Certificate of Chief Trainer

The Certificate of Recognition for the Certificate of Professional Competence, Certificate of Issuance of the Certificate of Professional Competence (still valid), and Certificate of Chief Trainer will be reissued in cases of loss, incorrect information, or damage.

Section 4. ORGANIZATION OF MARITIME OFFICER EXAMINATIONS

Article 47. Maritime Officer Examination Board

1. The Maritime Officer Examination Board (hereinafter referred to as the Examination Board) shall be established by the Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration, consisting of five members: the Chairman of the Examination Board is the leadership of the Vietnam Maritime Administration; one Secretary of the Examination Board; two members from the leadership level of departments within the Vietnam Maritime Administration (Department of Organization and Cadres and Department of Ship Registration and Seafarers); one member is the leadership of a training and education institution.

2. The Examination Board has the following tasks:

a) Advising the Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration to decide on: the list of candidates; establishing the Examination Committee for organizing and grading the maritime officer examination (hereinafter referred to as the Examination Committee); selecting examination questions for each rank; recognizing the examination results;

b) Organizing, inspecting, and supervising the conduct of examinations;

c) Compiling and reporting examination results;

d) Handling violations of examination regulations.

Article 48. Examination Committee

1. The Examination Committee shall be established by the Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration based on the recommendation of the Chairman of the Examination Board.

2. The number of members of the Examination Committee depends on the number of candidates but must have a minimum of three members, with at least one-third of the committee members not directly involved in teaching. Members of the Examination Committee are ship captains, chief engineers, experts in the field of maritime operations, management, educators with pedagogical skills, capabilities, experience, and professional qualifications corresponding to the requirements of each examination session.

3. Tasks of the Examination Committee:

a) Strictly, fairly, accurately assessing the candidates' abilities through questioning and grading;

b) Identifying errors in examination questions and promptly recommending adjustments to the Examination Board;

c) Detecting and promptly advising the Chairman of the Examination Board to handle negative phenomena during the examination period.

Section 5. TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION OF SEAFARERS

Article 49. Chief Instructor

1. Chief Instructors are those individuals who have been trained in instructional techniques according to a program prescribed by the Minister of Transport and have been issued a Chief Instructor Certificate.

2. Chief Instructors must possess experience, professional qualifications, and appropriate instructor certificates corresponding to the course they teach; in cases where simulation is used in the course, they must hold certificates compatible with the simulation program they instruct.

3. Chief Instructors or persons holding foreign-issued instructor certificates that comply with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 1978 and its amendments shall be assigned to conduct training for corresponding courses; training seafarers and recording practical training logs on board ships.

Article 50. Basic Vocational Training

1. Graduates from maritime vocational training institutions shall be issued a Basic Vocational Training Certificate by such institutions.

2. In cases where seafarers have not undergone basic vocational training, they must complete the basic vocational training program as prescribed and obtain a certificate from the training institution.

Article 51. Specialized Vocational Training

1. Specialized vocational training applies to seafarers working on oil tankers, chemical carriers, liquefied gas carriers, passenger vessels, Ro-Ro passenger vessels, polar region operating vessels, and high-speed vessels.

2. Specialized vocational training for seafarers working on oil tankers, chemical carriers, liquefied gas carriers, and polar region operating vessels includes basic vocational training and advanced vocational training.

3. Specialized vocational training for seafarers working on passenger vessels and Ro-Ro passenger vessels includes safety training for staff directly serving passengers in passenger areas; passenger safety, cargo safety, and hull integrity training; crowd management and crisis management and human response training.

4. For oil tankers, chemical carriers, and liquefied gas carriers, a Basic Vocational Training Certificate will be issued to seafarers who have completed the basic vocational training program.

5. For oil tankers, chemical carriers, and liquefied gas carriers, an Advanced Vocational Training Certificate will be issued to captains, chief engineers, first officers, second engineers, officers, and other crew members responsible for cargo handling and care who have completed the advanced vocational training program.

6. For vessels operating in polar regions, a Basic Vocational Training Certificate will be issued to captains, first officers, and deck officers who have completed the basic vocational training program and meet the professional standards set forth in Part A-V/4, paragraph 1 of the STCW Code.

7. For vessels operating in polar regions, an Advanced Vocational Training Certificate will be issued to captains and first officers who have at least two months of experience working in polar regions or equivalent recognition, have completed the advanced vocational training program, and meet the professional standards set forth in Part A-V/4, paragraph 2 of the STCW Code.

8. For passenger vessels and Ro-Ro passenger vessels, a Specialized Vocational Training Certificate will be issued to individuals who have completed one or all of the following training programs:

a) Captains, first officers, officers, and other crew members tasked with assisting passengers in emergency situations have completed crowd management vocational training programs.

b) Captains, first officers, chief engineers, second engineers, and other crew members responsible for passenger embarkation and disembarkation, cargo handling, securing, and opening and closing side doors, bow doors, and stern doors have completed passenger safety, cargo safety, and hull integrity vocational training programs.

c) Captains, first officers, chief engineers, second engineers, and other crew members responsible for passenger safety in emergency situations have completed crisis management and human response, and emergency situation behavior training programs.

d) Crew members directly serving passengers in passenger areas have completed safety vocational training programs.

9. For high-speed vessels, a Vocational Training Certificate will be issued to crew members who have completed the vocational training program for working on high-speed vessels.

Article 52. Professional Training

1. Radar Observation and Plotting: The certificate of professional training on radar observation and plotting shall be issued to captains, chief officers, and deck officers who have completed the radar observation and plotting course.

2. ARPA: The certificate of professional training on ARPA shall be issued to captains, chief officers, and deck officers who have completed the ARPA course.

3. GMDSS:

a) The general operator's certificate for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GOC) shall be issued to captains, chief officers, and deck officers working on ships equipped with GMDSS operating in Sea Area A2, A3, and A4 who have completed the GMDSS general operator's course;

b) The restricted operator's certificate for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (ROC) shall be issued to captains, chief officers, and deck officers working on ships equipped with GMDSS operating in Sea Area A1 who have completed the GMDSS restricted operator's course.

4. Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS): The certificate of professional training on ECDIS shall be issued to captains, chief officers, and deck officers who have completed the ECDIS course.

5. Bridge Resource Management: The certificate of professional training on bridge resource management shall be issued to captains, chief officers, and deck officers who have completed the bridge resource management course.

6. Engine Room Resource Management: The certificate of professional training on engine room resource management shall be issued to chief engineers, second engineers, and engine officers who have completed the engine room resource management course.

7. Specific Security Duties Seafarers: The certificate of professional training on specific security duties seafarers shall be issued to seafarers who have completed the specific security duties seafarer course.

8. Marine Security Officer: The certificate of professional training on marine security officer shall be issued to captains, chief officers, and deck officers who have completed the marine security officer course.

9. Advanced Firefighting: The certificate of professional training on advanced firefighting shall be issued to deck officers, engine officers who have completed the advanced firefighting training program.

10. First Aid: The certificate of professional training on first aid shall be issued to deck officers, engine officers who have completed the first aid training program.

11. Medical Care: The certificate of professional training on medical care shall be issued to captains, chief officers, and seafarers responsible for medical care on board who have completed the medical care training program.

12. Lifeboat and Rescue Boat: The certificate of professional training on lifeboat and rescue boat shall be issued to deck officers, engine officers, sailors, and mechanics who have completed the lifeboat and rescue boat training program.

13. High-Speed Rescue Boat: The certificate of professional training on high-speed rescue boat shall be issued to deck officers, engine officers, sailors, and mechanics working on ships equipped with high-speed rescue boats who have completed the high-speed rescue boat training program.

Seafarers wishing to participate in the high-speed rescue boat training program and obtain the certificate of professional training on high-speed rescue boat must hold the certificate of professional training on lifeboat and rescue boat.

14. Ship Safety Management: The certificate of professional training on ship safety management shall be issued to officers who have completed the ship safety management course.

15. Maritime English: The maritime English certificate shall be issued to students and seafarers who have passed the maritime English examination at level 1, level 2, and level 3.

16. Cook and Steward: The certificate of professional training on cook and steward shall be issued to seafarers who have completed the cook and steward course.

Article 53. Training and Crew Training Bases

1. Training and crew training bases must ensure material conditions and instructors in accordance with the regulations of the Government.

2. Training and crew training bases must establish electronic databases for managing students, examination management, scheduling training courses, and electronic databases for managing certificates to comply with the provisions of the STCW Convention. The electronic database for managing certificates must be linked to the seafarer database of the Vietnam Maritime Administration.

Article 54. Training and Crew Training Programs

1. The maritime crew training program includes:

a) A specialized vocational training program to issue the Certificate of Competency (CoC);

b) A vocational training program to issue the Certificate of Proficiency (CoP).

2. Based on the professional standards and certificate requirements for crew members stipulated in Chapter II and Chapter III of this Circular and the International Maritime Organization's model course, training and crew training bases shall develop training programs to be issued by the Minister of Transport.

3. Based on the approved training programs, training and crew training bases shall develop detailed programs, textbooks, and teaching materials.

Section 6. ISSUANCE, REISSUANCE, RECOGNITION, AND VERIFICATION OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE CERTIFICATES AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING CERTIFICATES

Article 55. Procedures for Issuing Certificates Recognizing Professional Competence Certificates

1. The recipients are crew members who meet the conditions for issuing certificates recognizing professional competence certificates as prescribed in this Circular and the STCW Convention.

2. Organizations and individuals submit one set of application documents for recognition of professional competence certificates directly or through postal services or other appropriate means to the Vietnam Maritime Administration, Branch Maritime Administration, or Port Maritime Office authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration. The application package includes:

a) A request letter from the crew management organization according to the form specified in Appendix II of this Circular;

b) A copy of the professional certificate issued by the competent authority of the country or territory recognized by Vietnam for the issuance of such certificates;

c) Original or certified copies: health certificate according to the Ministry of Health’s regulations; passport; seafarer’s book or proof of sea service time issued by maritime authorities;

d) Two color photographs, size 3cm x 4cm, similar to identity cards, taken within the last six months.

3. The Vietnam Maritime Administration, Branch Maritime Administration, or Port Maritime Office authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration receives applications, checks the completeness and quantity of documents as prescribed, registers them, and schedules the return of results within the prescribed timeframe and verifies with the foreign competent authority that issued the professional certificate.

a) In cases of direct submission, if the application is incomplete, it will be returned immediately along with instructions to complete the application according to the regulations;

b) In cases of submission through postal services or other appropriate means, if the application is incomplete, the Vietnam Maritime Administration, Branch Maritime Administration, or Port Maritime Office authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration will notify in writing within two working days from the date of receipt;

c) Within two working days from the date of receiving a complete application, the Vietnam Maritime Administration, Branch Maritime Administration, or Port Maritime Office authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration will issue the certificate recognizing the professional competence certificate according to the form specified in Appendix I of this Circular; if not issued, a written response with reasons must be provided;

4. The certificate recognizing the professional competence certificate is valid for the duration of the professional competence certificate or the term of the anticipated employment contract, but not exceeding two years.

5. Fees and charges: fees and charges for issuing certificates recognizing professional competence certificates shall be implemented in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Finance.

Article 56. Procedures for issuing Certificates of Competency for watchkeeping officers, watchkeeping ratings, and electricians; Certificates of Competency for Vietnamese seafarers who already hold Certificates of Competency issued by foreign competent authorities.

1. Recipients:

a) Seafarers meeting the conditions for issuing Certificates of Competency for watchkeeping officers OS, watchkeeping officers AB, watchkeeping ratings Oiler, watchkeeping ratings AB, and electricians as stipulated in this Circular and the STCW Convention.

b) Vietnamese seafarers meeting the conditions specified in Article 40 of this Circular shall be issued with Certificates of Competency equivalent to their current positions and limitations on their existing Certificates of Competency issued by foreign competent authorities.

2. Organizations and individuals submit one set of application files for issuing Certificates of Competency for watchkeeping officers, watchkeeping ratings, and electricians, and Certificates of Competency for Vietnamese seafarers who already hold Certificates of Competency issued by foreign competent authorities directly, through postal service, or by other appropriate means to the Vietnam Maritime Administration.

3. The components of the application file for issuing Certificates of Competency for watchkeeping officers OS, watchkeeping ratings Oiler, and electricians include:

a) Application form of the seafarer according to the model prescribed in Appendix III or the application document of the school or management organization of seafarers according to the model prescribed in Appendix IV of this Circular;

b) Certified copy or copy with original for comparison: Graduation certificate or Certificate of Graduation or Decision of Graduation; Certificate of refresher training or advanced training (if any); Basic vocational training certificate. For graduation certificates issued by foreign educational institutions, a certified copy or copy with original for comparison of the recognition of the diploma according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training;

c) Original or certified copy of health examination certificate according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health;

d) Two color photographs, size 3cm x 4cm, ID card style taken within the last six months;

đ) Certified copy or copy with original for comparison of the seafarer's logbook (in cases of refresher training, advanced training, or only having a basic vocational qualification);

4. The components of the application file for issuing Certificates of Competency for watchkeeping officers AB and watchkeeping ratings AB include the components of the application file prescribed in points a, b, c, and d of Clause 3 of this Article and a certified copy or copy with original for comparison of the seafarer's logbook.

5. The components of the application file for issuing Certificates of Competency for watchkeeping officers AB and watchkeeping ratings AB when they already have Certificates of Competency for watchkeeping officers OS and watchkeeping ratings Oiler include: The components of the application file prescribed in points a, c, and d of Clause 3 of this Article, Certificates of Competency for watchkeeping officers OS and watchkeeping ratings Oiler, and a certified copy or copy with original for comparison of the seafarer's logbook.

6. The components of the application file for issuing Certificates of Competency for Vietnamese seafarers who already hold Certificates of Competency issued by foreign competent authorities include: The components of the application file prescribed in points a, b, c, and d of Clause 3 of this Article and a certified copy of the Certificate of Competency issued by the competent authority of the country or territory recognized by Vietnam, and the seafarer's logbook.

7. The Vietnam Maritime Administration receives the application files, checks the components and quantity of the files according to the regulations, registers them in the record book, and schedules the return of results within the prescribed time limit:

a) In cases of direct submission, if the application is incomplete, it will be returned immediately along with instructions to complete the application according to the regulations;

b) In cases where the application files are received through the postal system or by other appropriate means, if the files are not complete according to the regulations, the Vietnam Maritime Administration will notify in writing within two working days from the date of receipt of the files;

c) Within two working days from the date of receiving all the required files, the Vietnam Maritime Administration issues Certificates of Competency according to the model prescribed in Appendix I of this Circular. If issuance is not granted, it must respond in writing and specify the reasons.

8. Fees and charges: fees and charges for issuing Certificates of Competency are implemented according to the regulations of the Ministry of Finance.

Article 57. Procedures for Issuing the Certificate of Issuance of the Certificate

1. The subject to be issued is seafarers who meet the conditions for issuing the Certificate of Issuance of the Certificate as stipulated in this Circular and the STCW Convention.

2. Organizations or individuals submit one set of application files for confirmation of issuance of the certificate directly, via postal service, or through other appropriate means to the Vietnam Maritime Administration or the Branch Maritime Administration or the Port Maritime Office authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration. The file includes:

a) A seafarer's application form according to the model prescribed in Appendix V or a request document from the seafarer management organization according to the model at Appendix VI of this Circular;

b) Certified copy or copy with original for comparison: GOC Certificate, ROC Certificate, GCNHLNVĐB Certificate;

c) Two color photographs measuring 3 cm x 4 cm, similar to identity card photos taken within the last six months.

3. The Vietnam Maritime Administration or the Branch Maritime Administration or the Port Maritime Office authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration receives the file, checks the components and quantity of the file according to regulations, registers it in the logbook, and schedules the result delivery within the specified time limit.

a) In cases of direct submission, if the application is incomplete, it will be returned immediately along with instructions to complete the application according to the regulations;

b) In cases of submission through postal services or other appropriate means, if the application is incomplete, the Vietnam Maritime Administration, Branch Maritime Administration, or Port Maritime Office authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration will notify in writing within two working days from the date of receipt;

c) Within two working days from the date of receiving all required documents, the Vietnam Maritime Administration or the Branch Maritime Administration or the Port Maritime Office authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration issues the Certificate of Issuance according to the model prescribed in Appendix I of this Circular. In case of non-issuance, a written response must be provided with clear reasons.

4. The Certificate of Issuance of the Certificate has validity according to the effectiveness of the GOC Certificate, ROC Certificate, GCNHLNVĐB Certificate.

5. Fees and charges for issuing the Certificate of Issuance of the Certificate shall be implemented according to the regulations of the Ministry of Finance.

Article 58. Procedures for Issuing the Chief Trainer Certificate

1. The subjects to be issued are trainers and seafarers who meet the conditions stipulated in this Circular and the STCW Convention.

2. Organizations or individuals submit one set of application files for issuance of the Chief Trainer Certificate directly, via postal service, or through other appropriate means to the Vietnam Maritime Administration or the Branch Maritime Administration or the Port Maritime Office authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration. The file includes:

a) An application form for the issuance of the Chief Trainer Certificate from the trainer according to the model prescribed in Appendix VII of this Circular or a request document from the school or training institution according to the model prescribed in Appendix VIII of this Circular;

b) Original or certified copy or copy with original for comparison confirming completion of the training course or graduation decision for the Chief Trainer;

c) Two color photographs measuring 3 cm x 4 cm, similar to identity card photos taken within the last six months;

d) Original or certified copy or copy with original for comparison of simulation usage and evaluation certificates (for simulation room Chief Trainers).

3. The Vietnam Maritime Administration or the Branch Maritime Administration or the Port Maritime Office authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration receives the file, checks the components and quantity of the file according to regulations, registers it in the logbook, and schedules the result delivery within the specified time limit.

a) In cases of direct submission, if the application is incomplete, it will be returned immediately along with instructions to complete the application according to the regulations;

b) In cases of submission through postal services or other appropriate means, if the application is incomplete, the Vietnam Maritime Administration, Branch Maritime Administration, or Port Maritime Office authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration will notify in writing within two working days from the date of receipt;

c) Within two working days from the date of receiving all required documents, the Vietnam Maritime Administration or the Branch Maritime Administration or the Port Maritime Office authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration issues the Chief Trainer Certificate according to the model prescribed in Appendix I of this Circular. In case of non-issuance, a written response must be provided with clear reasons.

4. Fees and charges: fees and charges for issuing the Chief Trainer Certificate shall be implemented according to the regulations of the Ministry of Finance.

Article 59. Procedures for Reissuing the Certificate of Professional Competence, Certificate of Issuance of the Certificate, Certificate Recognizing the Certificate of Professional Competence, and Certificate of Chief Trainer

1. The subjects eligible for reissuance are seafarers holding the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), Certificate of Issuance of the Certificate, Certificate Recognizing the CPC, and Certificate of Chief Trainer that meet the conditions for reissuance as prescribed in this Circular.

2. Organizations and individuals shall submit one set of application documents directly or through postal service or other appropriate means to the Vietnam Maritime Administration, Branch Maritime Administration, or Port Maritime Office authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration. The application package includes:

a) The application form prescribed in Appendix IX or the request letter from the seafarer management organization according to the model in Appendix X of this Circular;

b) The original certificate, confirmation, or recognition document in cases where there is incorrect information, damage, expiration, or nearing expiration (in cases where seafarers working abroad cannot submit the original expired CPC upon return to Vietnam, they must submit within seven days from their return date);

c) A certified copy or a copy with the original for verification of the Identity Card or Citizen Identification Card in cases of loss;

d) Legal documents proving corrections in cases of incorrect information;

đ) Two color photographs measuring 3 cm x 4 cm, similar to identity cards, taken within the last six months;

e) A certified copy or the original Health Examination Certificate according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health (for reissuing the CPC);

g) A certified copy or a copy with the original for verification of the Seafarer's Logbook (for reissuing the CPC that has expired or is about to expire);

3. The Vietnam Maritime Administration or the Branch Maritime Administration or the Port Maritime Office authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration receives the file, checks the components and quantity of the file according to regulations, registers it in the logbook, and schedules the result delivery within the specified time limit.

a) In cases of direct submission, if the application is incomplete, it will be returned immediately along with instructions to complete the application according to the regulations;

b) In cases of submission through postal services or other appropriate means, if the application is incomplete, the Vietnam Maritime Administration, Branch Maritime Administration, or Port Maritime Office authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration will notify in writing within two working days from the date of receipt;

c) Within two working days from the date of receiving complete applications as prescribed, the Vietnam Maritime Administration, Branch Maritime Administration, or Port Maritime Office authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration shall issue the certificate according to the model prescribed in Appendix I of this Circular. In case of non-issuance, a written response with the reasons must be provided.

4. Certificates, confirmations, and recognitions reissued due to loss, damage, or incorrect information shall have a validity period not exceeding five years and shall be valid according to the validity of the requested certificate.

5. Fees and charges: fees and charges for reissuing certificates shall be implemented according to the regulations of the Ministry of Finance.

Article 60. Procedures for Opening Training Courses for Vocational Improvement and Issuing the Certificate of Professional Competence for Officers, Masters, and Chief Engineers

1. Organizations and individuals shall submit one set of application documents for each trainee participating in the vocational improvement course or taking the officer, master, or chief engineer examination directly or through postal service or other appropriate means to the training institution. The application package includes:

a) The application form according to the model prescribed in Appendix XI of this Circular;

b) A certified copy or a copy with the original for verification of the Graduation Diploma or Certificate of Completion of Officer Maritime Education Program, Advanced Training Certificate (if applicable); for diplomas issued by foreign educational institutions, a certified copy or a copy with the original for verification of the Recognition Certificate of Academic Credentials according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training;

c) A certified copy of the Certificate of Professional Competence and English Language Certificate for Seafarers;

d) The original or a certified copy of the Health Examination Certificate according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health;

đ) A declaration of sea service time (no confirmation from the seafarer management organization is required) according to the model prescribed in Appendix XII of this Circular;

e) A certified copy of the Seafarer's Logbook;

g) Two color photographs measuring 3 cm x 4 cm, similar to identity cards, taken within the last six months.

2. The training institution shall accept and review the application documents; if the documents do not comply with the regulations, the training institution shall immediately guide organizations and individuals to complete the documents according to the regulations.

3. Within two working days from the date of receiving complete applications as prescribed, the training institution shall submit one set of application documents directly to the Vietnam Maritime Administration or through postal service or other appropriate means. The application package includes:

a) The request letter from the training institution regarding the approval of the list of trainees participating in the advanced training course, vocational improvement course, or examination for officers, masters, and chief engineers according to the model prescribed in Appendix XIII of this Circular;

b) One set of trainee's application documents (to be submitted together);

4. The Vietnam Maritime Administration shall accept, review, approve the application documents, and issue a decision recognizing the list of qualified participants for the training and examination courses within five working days from the date of receiving complete applications as prescribed. If the conditions are not met, a written notification with the reasons must be provided.

5. Based on the report of the results of the officer, master, and chief engineer examination by the Examination Board, within five working days, the Vietnam Maritime Administration shall issue a decision recognizing the examination results and issuing the Certificate of Professional Competence.

Article 61. Revocation of Professional Certificates, Recognition Certificates, Confirmation Certificates, and Certificates of Seafarers

1. The professional certificate, recognition certificate, confirmation certificate, and certificate of seafarers shall be revoked if the seafarer forges documents, alters, sells, rents, or lends the professional certificate.

2. The competent authority responsible for issuing or reissuing the professional certificate, recognition certificate, confirmation certificate, and certificate of seafarers shall have the responsibility to revoke them.

Chapter IV

MINIMUM SAFE MANPOWER FOR SHIPS

Article 62. Framework for Minimum Safe Manning

1. General Provisions for Vietnamese Ships

a) Minimum safe manning for deck department based on gross tonnage (GT):

(*) In case the Deck Officer holds a professional certificate suitable for operating the GMDSS radio equipment on board, there is no need to assign the position of GMDSS Radio Operator Officer.

b) Minimum safe manning for engine department based on main engine power (kW):

2. For ships with complex and diverse electrical equipment, the shipowner may arrange for an Electrical Technical Officer and an Electrical Technician.

3. Minimum safe manning for certain special cases:

a) For tugboats and construction vessels operating regularly within a specific area for short periods, based on a written proposal from the shipowner: The Ship Registration Authority shall determine the minimum safe manning appropriate to the actual use and operation of the vessel, ensuring that the minimum safe manning does not fall below one master, one deck officer, one able seaman watchkeeper; one chief engineer, one engine officer, one able seaman watchkeeper. For small tugboats and construction vessels with a lower minimum safe manning framework than specified here, no reduction shall be made.

b) For non-self-propelled barges without accommodation for crew, the minimum safe manning is zero (0) persons. During operation, they must always be supported by tugboats or towing vessels to ensure safety as prescribed.

c) For passenger ships and Ro-Ro passenger ships, in addition to the minimum manning stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article, additional personnel must be assigned: One (1) crew member responsible for passengers for ships carrying up to 200 passengers, Two (2) crew members responsible for passengers for ships carrying up to 300 passengers, Three (3) crew members responsible for passengers for ships carrying up to 500 passengers, Four (4) crew members responsible for passengers for ships carrying more than 500 passengers, the number of crew members responsible for passengers shall be clearly stated in the notes section of the Certificate of Minimum Safe Manning.

4. For public service ships, pilot transfer boats, submarines, diving vessels, floating storage units, mobile platforms, and other special-purpose ships, based on a written proposal from the shipowner, the Ship Registration Authority shall determine the minimum safe manning appropriate to the actual use and operation of the vessel. The proposal from the shipowner shall specify the positions and number of crew required to ensure the safety of the vessel's operations and the rest hours of the crew.

5. The Certificate of Minimum Safe Manning shall be issued by the Ship Registration Authority at the time of registration of the ship, concurrently with the organization or individual completing the procedures for obtaining the ship registration certificate, and in accordance with the model specified in Appendix XIV of this Circular.

Article 63. Crew Allocation on Vietnamese Ships

1. The ship owner shall be responsible for allocating crew members to work on Vietnamese ships in accordance with the conditions stipulated in Article 59 of the Vietnamese Maritime Code.

2. Crew allocation to assume positions on Vietnamese ships must meet the following requirements:

a) Must have appropriate professional certificates. Crew members may not be allocated to positions higher than those indicated in their Certificate of Competency for Seafarers (GCNKNCM).

A seafarer with a GCNKNCM for deck officer or engineer officer and above may be assigned to the positions of ordinary seaman watchkeeping (OS), able seaman watchkeeping (AB); oiler watchkeeping (Oiler), and able seaman watchkeeping (AB).

b) For seafarers working on oil tankers, chemical carriers, liquefied gas carriers, passenger ships, Ro-Ro passenger ships, polar region operating ships, and high-speed craft, in addition to the GCNKNCM and other Certificates of Competency required for general ship operations, they must also hold Certificates of Competency for Specialized Vessels corresponding to each position on such vessels.

3. Principles for Position Allocation in Certain Special Cases:

a) In cases where the master or chief engineer of a ship underway at sea can no longer perform their duties, the ship owner or ship operator may allocate the chief mate or the highest-ranking engineer officer to replace the master or chief engineer so that the voyage can continue but only until the first port of call.

b) The master of a passenger ship must have served as master of a non-passenger ship of the same class for a minimum of 24 months or have served as chief mate of a passenger ship for a minimum of 24 months.

Chapter V

TRAINING ON BOARD SHIPS

Article 64. Responsibilities of Training Institutions for Seafarers

1. Training institutions for seafarers must develop plans for trainees to undergo practical training on board ships according to the requirements of the training program.

2. If training institutions for seafarers do not have training ships, they must cooperate with other training institutions or ship owners to obtain ships for training purposes.

3. Contact ship owners to accept trainees for practical training on board ships as required by the training program.

Article 65. Responsibilities of Ship Owners Regarding the Acceptance of Trainees for Practical Training on Board Ships

1. Provide information on annual training needs, crew usage, and recruitment to the competent maritime management authority.

2. Organize orders with training institutions for seafarers to train and recruit personnel to work at enterprises.

3. Participate in developing training programs and curricula; organize guidance for practical training, evaluate the results of practical training of trainees at enterprises; accept trainees, lecturers, and trainers for visits, practice, and advanced training through contracts with training institutions.

4. Accept and arrange accommodation and meals for trainees, lecturers, and trainers undergoing practical training on board ships. Pay wages and remuneration to trainees, lecturers, and trainers directly involved in work on board during training and practical training according to the agreed terms in the contract. Record the time allocated to positions of trainees on board ships in the Seafarer's Logbook and electronically report to the Vietnam Maritime Administration's Seafarer Management Database, and bear responsibility for the confirmation provided.

Article 66. Responsibilities of the Master, Chief Engineer, and Marine Officers towards Trainees on Board Ships

1. The ship owner assigns the Master, Chief Engineer, and Marine Officers to undertake the task of guiding trainees, lecturers, and instructors during their practical training on board ships.

2. The Master, Chief Engineer, and Marine Officers are responsible for guiding, training, instructing, confirming, and evaluating the contents and results of practical training of trainees on board ships according to the training schedule.

3. The Master is responsible for confirming the time of disembarkation of trainees from the ship in the Seafarer's Logbook and bears responsibility for his confirmation.

Article 67. Responsibilities of Trainees on Board Ships

1. Trainees on board ships must have a Seafarer's Logbook and a certificate of vocational training appropriate to the type of ship they are training on.

2. Trainees must comply with the regulations and rules of the ship owner, perform tasks as directed by the Master, Chief Engineer, Marine Officers, lecturers, and instructors.

3. The regime and benefits of trainees on board ships working on Vietnamese ships shall be implemented in accordance with Vietnamese laws and relevant international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member.

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 68. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from April 15, 2020.

2. The Circular 37/2016/TT-BGTVT dated November 25, 2016 of the Ministry of Transport regarding professional standards, professional certificates, seafarer training and instruction, and minimum safety manning levels of Vietnamese ships is hereby repealed.

3. Professional certificates, Certificates of Recognition, Certificates of Confirmation, Certificates of Certification of seafarers, and Minimum Safe Manning Certificates of Vietnamese ships (except passenger ships) issued before this Circular takes effect remain valid until the expiration date stated on these certificates or until they are renewed.

The Minimum Safe Manning Certificate of Passenger Ships issued before this Circular takes effect remains valid until August 31, 2020.

4. Training institutions for seafarers shall integrate their databases into the Vietnam Maritime Administration's seafarer database before July 1, 2020.

Article 69. Implementation Organization

1. The Vietnam Maritime Administration is responsible for organizing the implementation of this Circular in coordination with related agencies and organizations.

2. The Director of the Ministry’s Office, the Inspector General of the Ministry, Heads of Departments, the Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration, Heads of agencies and organizations, and individuals concerned are responsible for implementing this Circular.