Consolidated Document number 03/VBHN-BGTVT stipulates examination, inspection, issuance, reissuance, and conversion of certificates of professional competence, professional certificates for seafarers, and inland waterway vessel operators.

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION -------	SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM Independence - Freedom - Happiness ---------------
Number: 03/CONSOLIDATED DOCUMENT-MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT	HANOI, January 10, 2025

CIRCULAR

REGULATIONS ON TESTING, INSPECTION, ISSUANCE, REISSUANCE, AND TRANSFER OF CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCE, SPECIALIZED CERTIFICATES FOR SEAFARERS AND INLAND WATERWAY VESSEL OPERATORS

Circular No. 40/2019/TT-BGTVT dated October 15, 2019 of the Minister of Transport on testing, inspection, issuance, reissuance, and transfer of certificates of competence, specialized certificates for seafarers and inland waterway vessel operators, which took effect from January 1, 2020, has been amended and supplemented by:

1. Circular No. 35/2020/TT-BGTVT dated December 23, 2020 of the Minister of Transport amending and supplementing certain articles of circulars regulating periodic reporting systems in the field of inland waterways, which took effect from February 15, 2021;

2. Circular No. 38/2023/TT-BGTVT dated December 18, 2023 of the Minister of Transport amending and supplementing certain articles of Circular No. 40/2019/TT-BGTVT dated October 15, 2019 of the Minister of Transport on testing, inspection, issuance, reissuance, and transfer of certificates of competence, specialized certificates for seafarers and inland waterway vessel operators, which took effect from February 15, 2024;

3. Circular No. 60/2024/TT-BGTVT dated December 17, 2024 of the Minister of Transport amending and supplementing certain articles of circulars regulating registration of inland waterway vessels and testing, inspection, issuance, reissuance, and transfer of certificates of competence, specialized certificates for seafarers and inland waterway vessel operators, which took effect from March 1, 2025.

Pursuant to the Law on Inland Waterway Traffic dated June 15, 2004, and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Inland Waterway Traffic dated June 17, 2014;

Pursuant to Decree No. 12/2017/NĐ-CP dated February 10, 2017 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Transport

At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Organization and Cadres and the Director of the Vietnam Inland Waterway Administration;

The Minister of Transport issues this Circular on testing, inspection, issuance, reissuance, and transfer of certificates of competence, specialized certificates for seafarers and inland waterway vessel operators[1].

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular regulates the procedures for testing, inspection, issuance, reissuance, and transfer of certificates of competence, specialized certificates for seafarers and inland waterway vessel operators.

Article 2. Applicability

1. This Circular applies to agencies, organizations, and individuals related to testing, inspection, issuance, reissuance, and transfer of certificates of competence, specialized certificates for seafarers and inland waterway vessel operators.

2. This Circular does not apply to agencies, organizations, and individuals related to testing, inspection, issuance, reissuance, and transfer of certificates of competence, specialized certificates for seafarers and inland waterway vessel operators performing national defense and security duties.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. Time served in a position is the time that seafarers work according to their position on inland waterway vessels.

2. Probationary period is the time spent training on inland waterway vessels according to the trained position under the guidance of persons with appropriate technical expertise.

3. Certificate of Competence (hereinafter referred to as "CCCM") for Master and Chief Engineer is the certificate confirming that seafarers have the ability to assume the positions of Master and Chief Engineer on inland waterway vessels.

4. Specialized Certificate (hereinafter referred to as "SCC") is the certificate confirming that seafarers and inland waterway vessel operators have the ability to work and handle safety issues on inland waterway vessels or operate inland waterway vessels including basic safety training certificates, vocational certificates, and special certificates.

5. High-speed vessel (high-speed boat) is a vessel meeting the design speed conditions specified in the National Technical Regulation on classification and construction of high-speed watercraft or having a speed exceeding 30 km/h.

6. Inland waterway vessel operating along the coast is a vessel carrying the VR-SB grade according to the National Technical Regulation on classification rules and construction of inland waterway vessels.

Chapter II

CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCE, SPECIALIZED CERTIFICATES AND CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATING IN TESTS AND INSPECTIONS TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCE, SPECIALIZED CERTIFICATES

Article 4. Classification of certificates of professional competence, specialized certificates

1. The certificate of professional competence for ship captains is divided into four classes: Class One (T1), Class Two (T2), Class Three (T3), and Class Four (T4).

2. The certificate of professional competence for chief engineers is divided into three classes: Class One (M1), Class Two (M2), and Class Three (M3).

3. Basic Safety Training Certificate (BST).

4. Vocational certificates, including:

a) Seafarer's Certificate (STCW);

b) Engine Rating Certificate (ER);

c) Deck Rating Certificate (DR).

5. Specialized certificates, including:

a) High Speed Craft Master Certificate (HSC);

b) Near Coastal Navigation Certificate (NCN);

c) Near Coastal Safety Work Certificate (NCSW);

d) Petroleum Tanker Safety Work Certificate (PTS);

e) Chemical Tanker Safety Work Certificate (CTS);

f) Liquefied Gas Tanker Safety Work Certificate (LGS).

6. The format of the certificate of professional competence, specialized certificates and the code regions of the certificate of professional competence, specialized certificates at localities according to the provisions set out in Appendix I attached to this Circular.

Article 5. General Conditions for Taking Examinations and Tests to Obtain Certificates of Professional Competence, Specialized Certificates

1. Being a Vietnamese citizen or a foreign citizen who has completed the corresponding vocational training program for each type and class of certificate of professional competence, specialized certificate (except specific cases stipulated in point b, Clause 7, point b, Clause 8, point b, Clause 9, point b, Clause 10, point b, Clause 11, and point b, Clause 12 of Article 6 of this Circular).

2. Reaching the age and having the required time in the position or probationary period up to the date of the examination board decision as specified in Article 6 of this Circular.

3. Having a health certificate issued by a competent medical facility.

Article 6. Specific Conditions for Taking Examinations and Tests to Obtain Certificates of Professional Competence, Specialized Certificates

In addition to the general conditions stipulated in Article 5 of this Circular, candidates for examinations and tests to obtain certificates of professional competence, specialized certificates must meet the following specific conditions:

1. Examination for obtaining the seafarer's certificate or engine rating certificate: at least 16 years old.

2. Examination for obtaining the deck rating certificate: at least 18 years old.

3. Examination for obtaining the safety work certificate on near coastal vessels, oil tankers, chemical tankers, liquefied gas carriers: holding a seafarer's certificate, engine rating certificate, or deck rating certificate.

4. Examination for obtaining the high speed craft master certificate: at least 18 years old, holding a seafarer's certificate or deck rating certificate.

5. Examination for obtaining the near coastal navigation certificate: holding a certificate of professional competence for ship captains from Class Three or higher, with at least six months of experience in the position of ship captain from Class Three.

6. Examination for obtaining the certificate of professional competence for ship captains from Class Four: at least 18 years old, holding a seafarer's certificate or deck rating certificate.

7. Examination for obtaining the certificate of professional competence for ship captains from Class Three:

a) At least 18 years old, holding a seafarer's certificate or deck rating certificate, with at least twelve months of experience in the position or six months of experience as a seafarer or deck rating holder with a certificate of professional competence for ship captains from Class Four;

b) For those who already have a basic vocational certificate trained in the occupation of ship captain or seafarer, completing at least six months of probationary period can take the examination for the certificate of professional competence for ship captains from Class Three without having to attend the corresponding course.

8. Examination for obtaining the certificate of professional competence for chief engineers from Class Three:

a) At least 18 years old, holding an engine rating certificate, with at least twelve months of experience in the position of chief engineer;

b) For those who already have a basic vocational certificate trained in the occupation of chief engineer or engine rating holder, completing at least six months of probationary period can take the examination for the certificate of professional competence for chief engineers from Class Three without having to attend the corresponding course.

9. Examination for obtaining the certificate of professional competence for ship captains from Class Two:

a)[2] Holding a certificate of professional competence for ship captains from Class Three, with at least eighteen months of experience in the position of ship captain from Class Three or six months of experience as a ship officer of the vessel type specified for ship captain from Class Two, or holding a basic vocational certificate for ship captains from Class Three, with at least six months of probationary period;

b) For those who already have a secondary vocational certificate trained in the occupation of ship captain, completing at least twelve months of probationary period as ship captain from Class Three can take the examination for the certificate of professional competence for ship captains from Class Two without having to attend the corresponding course.

10. Examination for obtaining the certificate of professional competence for chief engineers from Class Two:

a)[3] Holding a certificate of professional competence for chief engineers from Class Three, with at least twelve months of experience in the position of chief engineer from Class Three or six months of experience as a chief officer of the vessel type specified for chief engineer from Class Two, or holding a basic vocational certificate for chief engineers from Class Three, with at least six months of probationary period;

b) For those who already have a secondary vocational certificate trained in the occupation of chief engineer, completing at least six months of probationary period as chief engineer from Class Three can take the examination for the certificate of professional competence for chief engineers from Class Two without having to attend the corresponding course.

11. Examination for obtaining the certificate of professional competence for ship captains from Class One:

a)[4] Holding a high school diploma or equivalent, a certificate of professional competence for ship captains from Class Two, with at least twenty-four months of experience in the position of ship captain from Class Two or eighteen months of experience as a ship officer of the vessel type specified for ship captain from Class One;

b) For those who already have a college diploma trained in the occupation of ship captain, completing at least eighteen months of probationary period as ship captain from Class Two can take the examination for the certificate of professional competence for ship captains from Class One without having to attend the corresponding course.

12. Examination for obtaining the certificate of professional competence for chief engineers from Class One:

a)[5] Hold a high school diploma or equivalent, possess a Certificate of Professional Competence for Second Rank Engineer, with at least 18 months of experience in the position of Second Rank Engineer or as Deputy Engineer of the type of vessel specified for the position of First Rank Engineer;

b) For individuals who have a college diploma or higher in marine engine training or maritime engine training, having completed at least 12 months of probationary period in the position of Second Rank Engineer to be eligible to take the examination for the Certificate of Professional Competence for First Rank Engineer without needing to undergo the corresponding training program.

Chapter III

ORGANIZATION OF EXAMINATIONS, TESTING AND ISSUANCE OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE CERTIFICATES AND SPECIALIZED CERTIFICATES

Article 7. Authority to organize examinations, testing, issuance, reissuance, and conversion of Certificates of Professional Competence and Specialized Certificates

[6]

1. The Department of Inland Waterway Transport:

a) Organizes examinations, issues decisions recognizing examination results, issues, reissues, and converts Certificates of Professional Competence for Master and Engineer from Second Rank upwards nationwide (except for localities assigned to implement the provisions stipulated in point b and point c, Clause 2 of this Article) and Certificates of Professional Competence for Master from Fourth Rank upwards and Engineer from Third Rank upwards for subordinate training institutions under the Department of Inland Waterway Transport.

b) Issues decisions recognizing testing results, issuing, reissuing, and converting Specialized Certificates.

2. Departments of Transport:

a) Organizes examinations, issues decisions recognizing examination results, issues, reissues, and converts Certificates of Professional Competence for Master from Third Rank and Fourth Rank and for Engineer from Third Rank;

b) Departments of Transport specified in Appendix XVII issued together with this Circular, in addition to the authority stipulated in point a of this clause, organize examinations, issue decisions recognizing examination results, issue, reissue, and convert Certificates of Professional Competence for Master and Engineer from Second Rank upwards; issue decisions recognizing testing results, issuing, reissuing, and converting Specialized Certificates;

c) For Departments of Transport not specified in Appendix XVII issued together with this Circular, if they can ensure the implementation of tasks organizing examinations, issuing decisions recognizing examination results, issuing, reissuing, and converting Certificates of Professional Competence for Master and Engineer from First Rank and Second Rank; issuing decisions recognizing testing results, issuing, reissuing, and converting Specialized Certificates, then they shall submit a written request to the Ministry of Transport for consideration and decision.

3. Training institutions meeting the conditions as prescribed:

a) Organize inspections, issue decisions recognizing inspection results, issue, reissue, and convert vocational certificates and basic safety training certificates;

b) Organize inspections of Specialized Certificates.

4. Any agency authorized to issue Certificates of Professional Competence and Specialized Certificates shall carry out the issuance, reissuance, and conversion of such certificates. When reissuing Certificates of Professional Competence and Specialized Certificates, the competent agency must invalidate the original certificate by cutting off a corner.

In cases where organizations or individuals require reissuance or conversion of Certificates of Professional Competence and Specialized Certificates at agencies that are not the previous issuing agencies, such agencies shall base their actions on the authority stipulated in Clause 1, Clause 2, and Clause 3

of this Article and send a written document to the previous issuing agency to verify the information. After receiving verification results, they shall proceed with the reissuance or conversion of Certificates of Professional Competence and Specialized Certificates in accordance with Article 19 of this Circular.

Article 8. Provisions on organizing classes

[7]

The training institution shall perform the following tasks:

1. Accepting applications, reviewing, and verifying the conditions for attending courses, examinations, and assessments as prescribed.

2. Opening classes, organizing teaching, conducting assessments, and evaluating students' learning outcomes according to the content and curriculum of vocational training programs as stipulated by the Minister of Transport and relevant education laws.

3. Within three days from the date of commencement, report to the Vietnam Inland Waterway Administration or the Department of Transport within their respective authority as provided for in Article 7 of this Circular:

a) A list of eligible students (Report No. 1) reviewed and approved by the head of the training institution in accordance with Appendix II issued together with this Circular;

b) The training plan for the entire course as prescribed in Appendix III issued together with this Circular.

4. After completing the course, report to the Vietnam Inland Waterway Administration or the Department of Transport within their respective authority as provided for in Article 7 of this Circular:

a) Students' learning outcomes (Report No. 2) reviewed and approved by the head of the training institution in accordance with Appendix IV issued together with this Circular;

b) The examination and assessment plan.

5. For CCCM, within ten days before organizing the examination for CCCM issuance, the training institution must submit a written report to the Vietnam Inland Waterway Administration or the Department of Transport as specified in Appendix XVII of this Circular for supervision of the examination sessions; for special CCCM as defined in point b, Clause 3, Article 7 of this Circular, after obtaining the examination results of the students, the training institution must send the examination results to the Vietnam Inland Waterway Administration or the Department of Transport as specified in Appendix XVII of this Circular to issue a Decision recognizing the examination results and issuing special CCCM.

Article 9. Organization of examinations for issuance of certificates of professional competence and examinations for issuance of professional certificates

1. Upon receiving the examination and assessment plans and students' learning outcomes (Report No. 2), the competent authority as provided for in Article 7 of this Circular shall issue a decision to establish the Examination Board in accordance with Appendix V issued together with this Circular and direct the implementation of the examination and assessment sessions in accordance with current regulations. The Chairman of the Examination Board or his authorized representative, and the Secretary of the Examination Board must be present throughout the organization of the examination and assessment sessions to provide guidance and resolve issues.

2.[8] The Secretary of the Examination Board shall review the candidates' application files for the examination and assessment; post the list of eligible candidates for the examination and assessment in the examination and assessment rooms; candidates must have sufficient points in all subjects and modules in the training program as required and have complete valid documents as stipulated in their application files for the examination and assessment.

3. The Examination Board shall convene a meeting of the board:

a) First session: develop the examination schedule as prescribed in Appendix VI issued together with this Circular; select examination questions from the question bank issued by the Vietnam Inland Waterway Administration; assign tasks and propose measures to organize the examination and assessment sessions;

b) Second session: review the examination and assessment results as prescribed in Appendix VII issued together with this Circular; consider proposals and recommendations and resolve other related issues. Additionally, the Chairman of the Examination Board may convene extraordinary meetings to address any unusual issues arising during the examination and assessment sessions.

After concluding the examination and assessment sessions, the Examination Board shall report to the competent authority as provided for in Article 7 of this Circular:

a) An aggregate table of examination and assessment results (Report No. 3) as prescribed in Appendix VIII issued together with this Circular;

b) Minutes of the first and second sessions of the Examination Board as prescribed in Appendices IX and X issued together with this Circular;

c) Other documents related to the examination and assessment sessions.

5. Upon receiving the reports from the Examination Board, the competent authority shall issue a decision recognizing the examination and assessment results and issuing GCNKNCM, CCCM (with a list of issuances) to candidates who meet the requirements of the examination and assessment sessions as prescribed in Appendix XI issued together with this Circular. When issuing a higher-grade GCNKNCM, the lower-grade GCNKNCM will be invalidated by cutting off a corner and returned to the individual for personal storage along with their admission file.

6. When issuing GCNKNCM, CCCM, the competent authority shall record issuance, reissuance, and conversion of GCNKNCM, CCCM in a register. The register is bound separately for each course or multiple courses. Issuance, reissuance, and conversion of GCNKNCM, CCCM are regulated as prescribed in Appendix XII issued together with this Circular.

Article 10. Examination and Inspection Board

1. The Examination and Inspection Board consists of five (5) or seven (7) members.

2. Composition of the Examination Board:

a) The Chairman of the Board is the leader of the authority prescribed in Article 7 of this Circular or a person authorized to act on their behalf;

b) The Deputy Chairman of the Board is the leader of the authority, the leader of training institutions;

c) The Secretary Member is a specialist overseeing the training work of the authority;

d) The remaining Members are specialists from the authority, leaders of departments, faculties, specialized subject groups of training institutions.

3.[9] Composition of the Inspection Board:

a) The Chairman of the Board is the leader of the training institution;

b) The Deputy Chairman of the Board is the leader or head of a department of the training institution;

c) The Secretary Member is the leader of the training department of the training institution;

d) The remaining Members are leaders of departments, faculties, specialized subject groups of the training institution.

Article 11. Duties and Authorities of the Examination and Inspection Board

1. Organizing examinations and inspections.

2. Deciding to establish the examination supervision and marking team, inspection supervision and marking team in accordance with Appendix XIII issued together with this Circular.

3. Approving the list of trainees eligible to take the examination and inspection.

4. Organizing meetings of the board two (2) times or holding extraordinary meetings, only organizing meetings when the Chairman of the Board or the Deputy Chairman of the Board authorized to act is present and at least two-thirds of the board members participate. During board meetings, if there are dissenting opinions, they shall be resolved by majority vote, other cases shall be decided by the Chairman of the Board.

5.[10] Publicizing and guiding regulations and examination and inspection internal rules for members of the examination supervision and marking team, inspection supervision and marking team, and candidates for examination and inspection.

6. Summarizing examination and inspection results and reporting to the competent authority:

a) List of examination and inspection results of candidates;

b) List of successful candidates;

c) Minutes of board meetings;

d) Other related documents.

Article 11a. Supervision of Examinations and Inspections

[11]

1. Based on the plan for organizing the examination board for the National Competency Certificate for Inland Waterway Navigation or the report of the training institution on the plan for organizing the inspection for the Certificate of Competency for Crew Members, the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration or the Department of Transport shall dispatch supervisors to oversee the examination and inspection boards.

2. Duties of the examination and inspection supervisor

a) Ensuring the supervision of the examination and inspection board to guarantee transparency, objectivity, and fairness;

b) Supervising the identification check of candidates before entering the examination room, ensuring that unauthorized persons do not enter the examination room;

c) Ensuring that examination and inspection equipment meets operational conditions as prescribed;

d) The supervisor works independently and does not perform the duties of the examination supervisor, marker, inspection supervisor, or marker.

3. Rights of the supervisor

a) When discovering violations, they must prepare a record and promptly request the Examination and Inspection Board to handle them in accordance with regulations;

b) Reporting to the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration or the Department of Transport for consideration and handling.

4. At the end of the examination and inspection period, the supervisor reports in writing the results of the supervision to the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration or the Department of Transport according to the authority prescribed in Article 7 of this Circular.

Article 12. Examination Supervision Board, Grading Board, Inspection Board, and Review Board

1. Depending on the number of candidates participating in the examination or inspection, the Examination Supervision Board, Grading Board, Inspection Board, and Review Board may be established jointly or separately but must have at least three members. The Head of the Examination Supervision Board, Grading Board, Inspection Board, and Review Board is a member of the Examination and Inspection Council. Members of the Examination Supervision Board, Grading Board, Inspection Board, and Review Board must have completed a professional training course for examination supervision, grading, inspection, and review organized by the Vietnam Inland Waterway Administration within the last three years from the date it was announced on the Vietnam Inland Waterway Administration's official website.

2. Duties of the Examination Supervision Board, Grading Board, Inspection Board, and Review Board:

a) To supervise examinations, grade examinations, inspect inspections, and review reviews in accordance with regulations;

b) To promptly propose adjustments to the Examination and Inspection Council if errors are found in the examination or inspection questions;

c) To organize, arrange, and schedule members of the Examination Supervision Board, Grading Board, Inspection Board, and Review Board to ensure that each subject has at least two members;

d) To compile examination and inspection results and hand them over to the Secretary of the Examination and Inspection Council.

Article 13. Subjects of Examination and Inspection; Forms of Examination and Inspection; Duration of Examination and Inspection

1. The Examination and Inspection Council bases on the question bank issued by the Vietnam Inland Waterway Administration to select examination and inspection questions including theoretical and practical subjects.

2.[12] For the comprehensive theoretical examination subject:

a) Form of examination and inspection: computer-based multiple choice test;

b) Duration of examination and inspection: maximum 45 minutes;

c) Result: pass or fail;

d) Each set contains 30 (thirty) questions, answering correctly 25 (twenty-five) or more questions is required to pass.

3. For the specialized theoretical examination subject:

a) Form of examination: oral questioning;

b) Duration of examination: maximum 45 minutes, preparation time for candidates not exceeding 30 minutes, questioning and answering time not exceeding 15 minutes;

c) Result: pass or fail.

4. For practical examination and inspection subjects:

a) Content of examination and inspection: includes basic skills in specialization and vocational work, and handling common situations in practice;

b) Duration of examination for first-class captain: maximum 120 minutes;

c) Duration of examination for second-class captain: maximum 90 minutes;

d) Duration of examination for third-class captain: maximum 60 minutes;

đ) Duration of examination for fourth-class captain: maximum 45 minutes;

e) Duration of inspection for seafarer certificates, vessel operator certificates, and special professional certificates: maximum 30 minutes;

g) First-class engineer, second-class engineer, third-class engineer, and engine room attendant certificates do not undergo practical examination or inspection;

h) Result: pass or fail;

i) Method of examination and inspection: decided by the Examination and Inspection Council.

5. Language used during the learning, examination, and inspection process: Vietnamese.

6. Examination and inspection rules according to the provisions of the Vocational Education Law.

Chapter IV

ISSUANCE, REISSUANCE, AND TRANSFER OF PROFESSIONAL CAPABILITY CERTIFICATES AND SPECIALTY CERTIFICATES

Article 14. Recognition of Examination and Inspection Results and Issuance of Professional Capability Certificates and Specialty Certificates

1. The competent authority as stipulated in Article 7 of this Circular:

a) Decides to recognize the examination and inspection results of candidates who meet the requirements for both theoretical and practical subjects;

b) Issues the Professional Capability Certificate and Specialty Certificate to candidates who meet the examination and inspection requirements within ten working days from the date of the Decision recognizing the examination and inspection results;

c) Directly or through authorization, the training institution where the candidate registered for study and examination shall return the Professional Capability Certificate and Specialty Certificate to the qualified candidates.

2. Candidates are eligible to retain the results of subjects they have passed and participate in examinations and inspections organized by the relevant authority within twelve months.

Article 15. Issuance of Professional Competence Certificate and Specialized Certificate

1. For basic safety training certificates:

Holders must have a Professional Competence Certificate (GCNKNCM) or a vocational certificate listed in the issuance register of the competent authority as stipulated in Article 7 of this Circular.

2. For seafarer certificates and engine room certificates:

a) Holders must possess a junior-level vocational certificate or higher in the profession of ship operation control or marine vessel operation control, or ship engine control or marine vessel engine control;

b) Complete the probationary period according to the seafarer or engine room position for at least six months.

3. For Third Officer and Third Engineer Professional Competence Certificates:

a) Holders must possess a Third Officer or Third Engineer vocational certificate or a college diploma or higher in the profession of ship operation control or marine vessel operation control, or ship engine control or marine vessel engine control;

b) Complete the probationary period according to the Third Officer or Third Engineer position for at least six months.

4. For Second Officer and Second Engineer Professional Competence Certificates:

a)[13] Holders must possess a college diploma or higher in the profession of ship operation control or marine vessel operation control, or ship engine control or marine vessel engine control;

b) Complete the probationary period according to the Second Officer or Second Engineer position for at least six months.

Article 16. Reissuance of Professional Competence Certificate and Specialized Certificate

1. Individuals holding damaged Professional Competence Certificates (GCNKNCM) or Specialized Certificates (CCCM), whose names are listed in the issuance registers of the issuing authorities, are eligible for reissuance of their GCNKNCM or CCCM.

2. Master and Chief Engineer Licenses:

a) Individuals holding Master or Chief Engineer licenses that have exceeded their validity period by more than twelve months from December 31, 2019, and whose names are listed in the issuance registers of the issuing authorities, must retake the theoretical examination to obtain a new GCNKNCM;

b) Individuals holding Master or Chief Engineer licenses that have exceeded their validity period between twelve and twenty-four months from December 31, 2019, and whose names are listed in the issuance registers of the issuing authorities, must retake both theoretical and practical examinations to obtain a new GCNKNCM;

c) Individuals holding Master or Chief Engineer licenses that have exceeded their validity period by twenty-four months or more from December 31, 2019, and whose names are listed in the issuance registers of the issuing authorities, must undergo training and take examinations to obtain a new GCNKNCM corresponding to each type and level of license previously held.

3. Professional Competence Certificates:

a) Individuals holding Professional Competence Certificates that have exceeded their validity period by less than three months, and whose names are listed in the issuance registers of the issuing authorities, are eligible for reissuance of their GCNKNCM;

b) Individuals holding Professional Competence Certificates that have exceeded their validity period by three to six months, and whose names are listed in the issuance registers of the issuing authorities, must retake the theoretical examination to obtain a new GCNKNCM;

c) Individuals holding Professional Competence Certificates that have exceeded their validity period by six to twelve months, and whose names are listed in the issuance registers of the issuing authorities, must retake both theoretical and practical examinations to obtain a new GCNKNCM;

d) Individuals holding Professional Competence Certificates that have exceeded their validity period by twelve months or more, and whose names are listed in the issuance registers of the issuing authorities, must undergo training and take examinations to obtain a new GCNKNCM corresponding to each type and level of GCNKNCM previously held.

4. Individuals holding valid Professional Competence Certificates that have been lost, and whose names are listed in the issuance registers of the issuing authorities, and who have not been seized or processed by competent authorities within thirty working days from the date of receiving a valid application, are eligible for reissuance of their GCNKNCM.

5. Individuals holding expired Professional Competence Certificates that have been lost, and whose names are listed in the issuance registers of the issuing authorities, and who have not been seized or processed by competent authorities, must undergo training and take examinations to obtain a new GCNKNCM corresponding to each type and level of GCNKNCM previously held.

6. Specialized Certificates:

a) Individuals holding Seafarer Certificates, First Class Seafarer Certificates, Second Class Seafarer Certificates, Restricted Seafarer Program Certificates, or equivalent certificates, are eligible for reissuance of Seafarer Certificates;

b) Individuals holding Engine Room Certificates, First Class Engine Room Certificates, Second Class Engine Room Certificates, Restricted Engine Room Program Certificates, or equivalent certificates, are eligible for reissuance of Engine Room Certificates;

c) Individuals holding Vessel Operation Control Certificates, First Class Vessel Operation Control Certificates, Second Class Vessel Operation Control Certificates, Restricted Vessel Operation Control Program Certificates, or equivalent certificates, are eligible for reissuance of Vessel Operation Control Certificates;

d) Individuals holding High-Speed Vessel Operation Control Type I, Type II Certificates, or equivalent certificates, are eligible for reissuance of High-Speed Vessel Operation Control Certificates.

7. When reissued, GCNKNCM and CCCM retain their original numbers, while the issuing authority must notify relevant agencies to cancel the old GCNKNCM and CCCM.

8. Individuals holding Master Certificates from Third Class or above, who have exceeded the retirement age but still meet health requirements, may be issued Vessel Operation Control Certificates but are not allowed to engage in commercial transportation activities.

Article 17. Conversion of certificates of professional competence, professional certificates

1. Individuals holding certificates regarding ship captains or chief engineers or professional certificates still within their validity period issued by competent authorities in Vietnam; foreign individuals or Vietnamese residing abroad holding certificates regarding ship captains or chief engineers or professional certificates still within their validity period issued by competent authorities of foreign countries, if they wish to work on inland waterway vessels, must go through procedures to convert such certificates into certificates of professional competence for ship captains, chief engineers, and professional certificates for inland waterway vessels according to the provisions of this Circular.

2. Regarding certificates for ship captains, chief engineers, and professional certificates for fishing vessels:

a) Individuals holding diplomas or certificates for ship captains or chief engineers of Class I fishing vessels, with at least 18 months of experience in the corresponding positions, may be converted into certificates of professional competence for ship captains or chief engineers of Class II inland waterway vessels but must complete the corresponding vocational training program, take the corresponding examinations for Class II ship captains or chief engineers, and meet the requirements stipulated.

b) Individuals holding diplomas or certificates for ship captains or chief engineers of Class II fishing vessels, with at least 18 months of experience in the corresponding positions, may be converted into certificates of professional competence for ship captains or chief engineers of Class III inland waterway vessels but must complete the corresponding vocational training program, take the corresponding examinations for Class III ship captains or chief engineers, and meet the requirements stipulated.

c) Individuals holding diplomas or certificates for ship captains of Class III fishing vessels, with at least 18 months of experience in the corresponding positions, may be converted into certificates of professional competence for ship captains of Class IV inland waterway vessels but must complete the corresponding vocational training program, take the corresponding examinations for Class IV ship captains, and meet the requirements stipulated.

d) Individuals holding certificates for chief engineers of Class III fishing vessels, with at least 18 months of experience in the corresponding positions, may be converted into certificates of professional competence for chief engineers of Class III inland waterway vessels but must complete the corresponding vocational training program, take the corresponding examinations for Class III chief engineers, and meet the requirements stipulated.

đ) Individuals holding certificates for seamen or engine room ratings of fishing vessels may be converted into corresponding certificates for seamen or engine room ratings of inland waterway vessels but must complete the corresponding vocational training program, undergo the corresponding examination for seamen or engine room ratings, and meet the requirements stipulated.

e) Individuals holding certificates for ship captains of Class III or higher fishing vessels who have exceeded the working age but are in good health and meet the requirements stipulated may be converted into certificates for driving non-commercial vessels but must complete the corresponding vocational training program, undergo the corresponding examination for drivers, and meet the requirements stipulated.

3. Regarding certificates of professional competence for ship captains, chief engineers, and professional certificates for ocean-going vessels:

a) Individuals holding a college degree or higher in the profession of operating ocean-going vessels or marine engineering, with certificates of professional competence for ship captains of ocean-going vessels of 500 GT or more or for chief engineers of ocean-going vessels of 750 kW or more, with at least six months of experience in the corresponding positions, may be converted into certificates of professional competence for ship captains or chief engineers of Class I inland waterway vessels (prior to assuming the position of Class I ship captain, they must complete at least one month of probationary period as a Class I ship captain on vessels with a gross tonnage of over 1000 tons).

b) Individuals holding a secondary school diploma in the profession of operating ocean-going vessels or marine engineering, with certificates of professional competence for ship captains of ocean-going vessels from 50 GT to under 500 GT or for chief engineers of ocean-going vessels from 75 kW to under 750 kW, with at least six months of experience in the corresponding positions, may be converted into certificates of professional competence for ship captains or chief engineers of Class II inland waterway vessels.

c) Individuals holding certificates of professional competence for ship captains of ocean-going vessels under 50 GT, with at least six months of experience in the corresponding positions, may be converted into certificates of professional competence for ship captains of Class III or Class IV inland waterway vessels.

d) Individuals holding certificates of professional competence for chief engineers of ocean-going vessels under 75 kW, with at least six months of experience in the corresponding positions, may be converted into certificates of professional competence for chief engineers of Class III inland waterway vessels.

đ)[14] Individuals holding certificates for seamen or engine room ratings of ocean-going vessels may be converted into corresponding certificates for seamen or engine room ratings of inland waterway vessels and be issued certificates for safe work on coastal vessels.

e) Individuals holding certificates of professional competence for ship captains of ocean-going vessels of 50 GT or more who have exceeded the working age but are in good health and meet the requirements stipulated may be issued certificates for driving vessels but not participating in commercial transportation activities.

g) Individuals holding certificates of professional competence for ship captains of ocean-going vessels that have been converted into certificates of professional competence for ship captains of Class I, II, or III inland waterway vessels according to the provisions of points a, b, and point c of this clause shall be issued certificates for safe work on coastal vessels and certificates for operating coastal vessels.

h) Individuals holding certificates of professional competence for chief engineers of ocean-going vessels that have been converted into certificates of professional competence for chief engineers of Class I, II, or III inland waterway vessels according to the provisions of points a, b, and point d of this clause shall be issued certificates for safe work on coastal vessels.

Chapter V

DOCUMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR ATTENDING CLASSES, TAKING EXAMINATIONS, UNDERGOING INSPECTIONS, ISSUING, RENEWING, AND CONVERTING CERTIFICATES OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES

Article 18. Documents and procedures for attending courses, examinations, and assessments to obtain a Certificate of Professional Competence or a Specialized Certificate

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1. Individuals who wish to attend courses, take examinations to obtain a Certificate of Professional Competence (GCNKNCM), or undergo assessments to obtain a Specialized Certificate (CCCM) shall submit one set of documents directly, via postal service, through online public services, or other appropriate methods to the training institution. The documents include:

a) An original or electronic form of the Application Form as prescribed in Appendix XIV attached to this Circular;

b) Two (2) color photographs or electronic color photographs measuring 2x3 cm with a white background, taken not more than six (6) months ago;

c) An original or electronic copy or certified electronic copy of a Health Certificate issued by a competent medical facility;

d) Present the original for verification (in case of direct submission) or an electronic copy, certified electronic copy, or certified copy (in case of submission via postal service or through online public services or other appropriate methods) of certificates related to ship captains or chief engineers or specialized certificates or a certified translation into Vietnamese (for certificates related to ship captains or chief engineers or specialized certificates issued by foreign competent authorities) to prove eligibility for the corresponding GCNKNCM or CCCM as stipulated in Articles 5 and 6 of this Circular.

"2. Implementation procedures:"

The training institution will accept, review the documents, and process them as follows:

a) In cases where documents are submitted directly, if the documents are valid, a receipt for the procedure to attend courses, examinations, and assessments to obtain GCNKNCM or CCCM will be issued; if the documents do not meet the requirements, they will be returned and the individual will be guided to complete the documents;

b) In cases where documents are received via postal service or through online public services or other appropriate methods, if the documents do not meet the requirements, within two (2) working days from the date of receiving the documents, the training institution must send a letter to the individual requesting additional or completed documents;

c) Within three (3) working days from the date of receiving valid documents according to regulations, the training institution will issue a receipt for the procedure to attend courses, examinations, and assessments to obtain GCNKNCM or CCCM;

d) The authority specified in Article 7 of this Circular will organize examinations and assessments and issue GCNKNCM or CCCM to candidates who meet the examination and assessment requirements;

đ)[16] Individuals applying for examinations and assessments must pay fees as prescribed; when taking examinations, receiving results, or having a person with a power of attorney receive GCNKNCM or CCCM, they must present their national identity card, electronic identity card, or passport.

Article 19. Documents and procedures for issuing, reissuing, and converting Certificates of Professional Competence or Specialized Certificates

1.[17] Individuals who wish to apply for issuance, reissuance, or conversion of GCNKNCM or CCCM shall submit one set of documents directly, via postal service, through online public services, or other appropriate methods to the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration, Provincial Department of Transport, or training institution as stipulated in Article 7 of this Circular. The documents include:

a) An original or electronic form of the Application Form as prescribed in Appendix XIV attached to this Circular;

b) Two (2) color photographs or electronic color photographs measuring 2x3 cm with a white background, taken not more than six (6) months ago;

c) An original or electronic copy or certified electronic copy of a Health Certificate issued by a competent medical facility;

d) Present the original for verification (in case of direct submission) or an electronic copy, certified electronic copy, or certified copy (in case of submission via postal service or through online public services or other appropriate methods) of certificates related to ship captains or chief engineers or specialized certificates or a certified translation into Vietnamese (for certificates related to ship captains or chief engineers or specialized certificates issued by foreign competent authorities) to prove eligibility for issuance, reissuance, or conversion of GCNKNCM or CCCM as stipulated in Articles 15, 16, and 17 of this Circular.

"2. Implementation procedures:"

The Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration, Provincial Department of Transport, or training institution will accept, review the documents, and process them as follows:

a) In cases where documents are submitted directly, if the documents are valid, a receipt for the procedure to obtain GCNKNCM or CCCM will be issued; if the documents do not meet the requirements, the individual will be guided to complete the documents;

b) In cases where documents are received via postal service or other appropriate methods, if the documents do not meet the requirements, within two (2) working days from the date of receiving the documents, the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration, Provincial Department of Transport, or training institution must send a letter to the individual requesting additional or completed documents;

c)[18] Within five (5) working days from the date of receiving valid documents and the individual has paid the required fees, the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration, Provincial Department of Transport, or training institution will implement the issuance, reissuance, or conversion of GCNKNCM or CCCM as stipulated in this Circular.

Article 20. Archiving Records for Study, Examination, Inspection, Issuance, Reissuance, and Conversion of Professional Competence Certificates and Specialized Certificates

1. The competent authority specified in Article 7 of this Circular shall retain the following documents:

a) List of eligible students (Report No. 1); student academic results (Report No. 2); summary of examination and inspection results (Report No. 3);

b) Decision to establish the Examination Board; Decision to establish the Examination Supervision and Grading Committee; related documents concerning the Examination Board; Decision recognizing examination and inspection results and issuance of Professional Competence Certificates and Specialized Certificates along with the list of recipients;

c) Minutes of Examination Board meetings;

d) Register for issuance, reissuance, and conversion of Professional Competence Certificates and Specialized Certificates.

2.[19] For training institutions, in addition to the documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article, they must retain the following documents:

a) Examination result tables for subjects and modules;

b) Examination and inspection results of candidates;

c) Class registration books, teachers' notebooks, lesson plans, and final subject/module examination papers.

3. Candidates must retain the following documents:

a) Personal records for study, examination, inspection, and application for issuance, reissuance, and conversion of Professional Competence Certificates and Specialized Certificates;

b) Various certificates, old Professional Competence Certificates for ship captains and chief engineers cut at the corners (if applicable).

4. Retention period for records:

a) Indefinite for the register for issuance, reissuance, and conversion of Professional Competence Certificates and Specialized Certificates;

b) At least two years for examination and inspection papers and other remaining documents;

c) Disposal of expired documents according to current regulations.

Chapter VI

TRAINING FOR SUPERVISION AND GRADING OF EXAMINATIONS AND INSPECTIONS; CONTENT OF TRAINING AND TESTING; HANDLING VIOLATIONS IN SUPERVISION AND GRADING OF EXAMINATIONS AND INSPECTIONS

Article 21. Industry, Type, and Rank in Performing Examination Supervision and Grading

1. Industry:

a) Vessel Control, symbol T: supervises and grades examinations and inspections in the vessel control industry;

b) Vessel Machinery, symbol M: supervises and grades examinations and inspections in the vessel machinery industry.

2. Type:

a) Comprehensive Theory, symbol LTTH: supervises and grades comprehensive theory subjects;

b) Specialized Theory, symbol LTCM: supervises and grades specialized theory subjects and comprehensive theory subjects;

c) Practical, symbol TH: supervises and grades practical subjects;

d) Theory and Practical, symbol LT - TH: supervises and grades both theoretical and practical subjects.

3. Rank:

a) First Rank, symbol 1: supervises and grades examinations and inspections up to first rank ship captains and chief engineers;

b) Second Rank, symbol 2: supervises and grades examinations and inspections up to third rank ship captains and chief engineers.

Article 22. Standards for Participation in Vocational Training to Perform Examination Supervision and Grading Duties

1. For those performing duties in supervising and grading comprehensive theory examinations: completion of a college degree or higher.

2. For those performing duties in supervising and grading specialized theory examinations: completion of a college degree or higher in one of the following majors: vessel control, marine vessel control, vessel machinery, or marine vessel machinery, with at least twelve months of teaching or working experience in inland waterway transportation.

3. For those performing duties in supervising and grading practical examinations: completion of high school or equivalent education and holding a Professional Competence Certificate for a ship captain rank at least one level higher than the certificate applied for vocational training and testing; in cases where the training is for supervising and grading practical examinations for first rank ship captains, they must hold a first rank ship captain's Professional Competence Certificate and have served as a first rank ship captain for at least twenty-four months.

Article 23. Training for performing examination supervision, marking, inspection supervision, and inspection marking duties

1. Persons performing examination supervision, marking, inspection supervision, and inspection marking duties must attend corresponding vocational training courses according to their respective fields, types, and levels as stipulated in this Circular.

2. The content of the training includes introducing and guiding current legal regulations on seafarer training and inland waterway vessel drivers' training, other relevant current legal regulations, and reviewing practical skills in control and machinery sectors; applying information technology in seafarer and inland waterway vessel driver training work.

3. The list of participants registering for vocational training classes shall be submitted in accordance with the form prescribed in Appendix XV attached to this Circular.

Article 24. Announcing the List of Persons Completing Vocational Training Classes to Meet Requirements for Performing Examination Supervision, Marking, Inspection Supervision, and Inspection Marking Duties

1. Persons completing vocational training classes to meet requirements for performing examination supervision, marking, inspection supervision, and inspection marking duties shall be announced on the electronic portal of the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration.

2. Persons performing examination supervision, marking, inspection supervision, and inspection marking duties may only supervise and mark examinations and inspections in the fields, types, and levels they have been trained in.

Article 25. Handling Violations of Members of the Examination Supervision, Marking, Inspection Supervision, and Inspection Marking Board

1. They shall not perform examination supervision, marking, inspection supervision, and inspection marking duties for a period of three months if they violate any of the following provisions:

a) Having inappropriate attitudes and behaviors when participating in examination supervision, marking, inspection supervision, and inspection marking work;

b) Not checking compliance with examination hall rules, candidate lists, examination conditions, and safety conditions of equipment serving the examination;

c) Not reporting to the Head of the Examination Supervision, Marking, Inspection Supervision, and Inspection Marking Board when examination hall safety conditions and equipment safety conditions serving the examination do not comply with regulations;

d) Not complying with the assignments of the Head of the Examination Supervision, Marking, Inspection Supervision, and Inspection Marking Board;

đ) Engaging in personal activities, drinking alcohol, or using prohibited stimulants while participating in examination supervision, marking, inspection supervision, and inspection marking work;

e) Performing tasks without being assigned;

g) Not carefully checking examination papers leading to omissions in related examination contents when handing over examination papers to the Secretariat of the Examination Board.

2. They shall not perform examination supervision, marking, inspection supervision, and inspection marking duties for a period of six months if they violate any of the following provisions:

a) Not reporting to the Head of the Examination Supervision, Marking, Inspection Supervision, and Inspection Marking Board to request the Examination Board to promptly adjust the examination questions when discovering errors in the examination questions;

b) Performing examination supervision, marking, inspection supervision, and inspection marking duties without ensuring that each subject has at least two members;

c) Assisting candidates in any form;

d) Causing physical altercations, collisions, or accidents during examination supervision, marking, inspection supervision, and inspection marking due to subjective reasons;

đ) Not collecting marking results and handing them over to the Secretariat of the Examination Board;

e) Being penalized twice within twelve months for violations as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article.

3. They shall not perform examination supervision, marking, inspection supervision, and inspection marking duties for a period of twelve months if they violate any of the following provisions:

a) Not implementing the content, procedures, and formalities of the examination and inspection as prescribed;

b) Marking inaccurately affecting the examination results of candidates;

c) Shielding improper and negative actions;

d) Showing signs of negativity causing distortion of examination results;

đ) Being penalized twice within twelve months for violations as stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article.

4. The recognition of examination supervision, marking, inspection supervision, and inspection marking results shall be revoked if they are penalized twice for violations as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article.

Article 26. Competence to handle violations against members of the Examination Supervision and Grading Board

1. The Chairman of the Examination Board shall suspend the duty of examination supervision and grading for members of the Examination Supervision and Grading Board who violate the provisions set out in Clauses 1, 2, and 3 of Article 25 of this Circular and report and recommend to the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration to handle such cases after the examination period ends.

2. The Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration shall handle violations against members of the Examination Supervision and Grading Board based on reports and recommendations from the Chairman of the Examination Board as stipulated in Article 25 of this Circular.

Chapter VII

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

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Article 27. Reporting System

1.[21] Training institutions shall periodically report monthly to the Department of Transport on the results of training seafarers and inland waterway vessel operators, and the issuance, reissuance, conversion of seafarer certificates, and updating of seafarer information data within their assigned management scope into the database, detailed as follows:

a) Report title: Report on the results of training seafarers and inland waterway vessel operators and the issuance, reissuance, conversion of seafarer certificates and updating of seafarer information data.

b) Content of the report: Contents related to the training of seafarers and inland waterway vessel operators and the issuance, reissuance, conversion of seafarer certificates and updating of seafarer information data as specified in Appendix XI issued together with this Circular.

c) Method of submitting and receiving the report: The report shall be presented in either paper or electronic form. The report shall be submitted to the receiving authority through one of the following methods: direct submission, postal service, fax, email system, or other methods prescribed by law.

d) Frequency of reporting: Monthly periodicity.

đ) Deadline for submitting the report: Before the 18th day of the month during the reporting period.

e) Time frame for finalizing the report data: From the 15th day of the previous month to the 14th day of the month during the reporting period.

g) Outline of the report: As prescribed in Appendix XI issued together with this Circular.

2.[22] Monthly, Departments of Transport and training institutions shall report to the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration on the results of training seafarers and inland waterway vessel operators and the issuance, reissuance, conversion of seafarer certificates and updating of seafarer information data within their assigned management scope into the database, detailed as follows:

a) Report title: Report on the results of training seafarers and inland waterway vessel operators and the issuance, reissuance, conversion of seafarer certificates and updating of seafarer information data.

b) Content of the report: Contents related to the training of seafarers and inland waterway vessel operators and the issuance, reissuance, conversion of seafarer certificates and updating of seafarer information data.

c) Method of submitting and receiving the report: The report shall be presented in either paper or electronic form. The report shall be submitted to the receiving authority through one of the following methods: direct submission, postal service, fax, email system, or other methods prescribed by law.

d) Frequency of reporting: Monthly periodicity.

đ) Deadline for submitting the report: Before the 25th day of the month during the reporting period.

e) Time frame for finalizing the report data: From the 15th day of the previous month to the 14th day of the month during the reporting period.

g) Format of the report: As prescribed in Appendix XVI issued together with this Circular.

Article 28. Transitional Provisions

1. Examination supervision and grading cards issued before the effective date of this Circular will continue to be valid until their expiration date. In case the examination supervision and grading card expires and the holder wishes to continue performing examination supervision and grading duties, they must participate in relevant training and testing according to the regulations set forth in this Circular.

2. Training courses organized before the effective date of this Circular shall continue to be implemented according to Circular No. 56/2014/TT-BGTVT dated October 24, 2014, issued by the Minister of Transport regarding examinations, inspections, issuance, reissuance, and conversion of certificates of professional competence and seafarer certificates for inland waterway vessel operators and qualifications for seafarers on inland waterway vessels, and Circular No. 02/2017/TT-BGTVT dated January 20, 2017, issued by the Minister of Transport amending and supplementing certain articles of Circular No. 56/2014/TT-BGTVT dated October 24, 2014, regarding examinations, inspections, issuance, reissuance, and conversion of certificates of professional competence and seafarer certificates for inland waterway vessel operators and qualifications for seafarers on inland waterway vessels.

Article 29. Implementation Organization

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

a) Organize the implementation of this Circular;

b) Conducting inspections and audits of seafarer and inland waterway vessel operator training activities nationwide.

c) Printing, issuing, and managing the uniform use of certificate forms for professional competence and seafarer certificates throughout the country.

d) Developing training content and organizing training sessions for examination supervision and grading duties.

đ) Developing question banks and answer keys for examinations and inspections based on the training programs for seafarers and inland waterway vessel operators; developing examination and inspection forms.

e) Publishing lists of individuals who have successfully completed training sessions for examination supervision and grading duties corresponding to each profession, type, and level on the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration's online portal.

g) Leading and coordinating with relevant agencies and units to develop and implement databases serving management in seafarer and inland waterway vessel operator training activities.

h)|||[23] Guidelines for using unified software for theoretical subject examinations across the entire country.

2. Departments of Transport:

a) Organize the implementation of this Circular;

b) Conducting inspections and audits of seafarer and inland waterway vessel operator training activities licensed and managed by the Department of Transport.

c) Being subject to inspections, audits, and guidance on professional matters by the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration.

3.[24] Training Institutions:

a) Shall be responsible for implementing this Circular.

b) Shall be responsible for organizing training programs that meet requirements and ensure quality as prescribed.

c) Shall be subject to inspections, audits, supervision, and guidance on professional matters by the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration, the Department of Transport, and other competent authorities.

Article 30. Effective Date

This Circular takes effect from January 1, 2020. The Circular No. 56/2014/TT-BGTVT dated October 24, 2014 of the Minister of Transport on examination, inspection, issuance, reissuance, and conversion of certificates of seafarer professional competence, seafarer professional certificates, inland waterway vessel operators, and seafarer positions on inland waterway vessels, and the Circular No. 02/2017/TT-BGTVT dated January 20, 2017 of the Minister of Transport amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Circular No. 56/2014/TT-BGTVT dated October 24, 2014 of the Minister of Transport on examination, inspection, issuance, reissuance, and conversion of certificates of seafarer professional competence, seafarer professional certificates, inland waterway vessel operators, and seafarer positions on inland waterway vessels are hereby abolished.

Article 31. Responsibility for Implementation

The Head of the Ministry's Office, the Inspector General, the Directors of Departments, the Director of the Vietnam Inland Waterway Administration, and the Heads of agencies, organizations, and individuals concerned are responsible for implementing this Circular./.

Place of Receipt: - Minister (for signature); - OFFICE OF THE GOVERNMENT (FOR PUBLICATION IN THE GAZETTE); - Government Electronic Information Portal; - Ministry of Transport's Electronic Portal (for publication); - To be filed: VT, PC (02).

CERTIFIED CONSOLIDATED DOCUMENT DEPUTY MINISTER DEPUTY MINISTER Nguyen Xuan Sang

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