Circular No. 10/2019/TT-BGTVT on disaster prevention and control in the maritime sector

CIRCULAR

Regulations on natural disaster prevention and control in the maritime sector

                                                                           __________________

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

Pursuant to the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control dated June 19, 2013;

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

Pursuant to Decree No. 160/2018/NĐ-CP dated November 29, 2018, issued by the Government, detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control;

Pursuant to Decree No. 30/2017/NĐ-CP dated March 21, 2017 of the Government stipulating organization and operation for responding to environmental incidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue;

Pursuant to Decision No. 44/2014/QĐ-TTg dated August 15, 2014 of the Prime Minister detailing the levels of natural disaster risk;

||| 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 promulgates this Circular on natural disaster prevention and control in the maritime sector.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular stipulates natural disaster prevention and control in the maritime sector.

Article 2. Applicability

This Circular applies to agencies, organizations, and individuals related to natural disaster prevention and control activities in the maritime sector in Vietnam.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

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

1. Natural disasters include: typhoons, tropical depressions, strong winds at sea, tornadoes, floods, storm surges, landslides.

2. Natural disaster prevention and control in the maritime sector is a systematic process comprising preventive, response, and recovery activities.

3. Natural disaster prevention in the maritime sector includes activities conducted before the occurrence of natural disasters to warn, inform, prepare necessary conditions regarding human resources, equipment, supplies, evacuation measures to protect people, property, and the environment.

4. Natural disaster response in the maritime sector involves timely and appropriate measures to rescue people and assets, protect the environment in areas affected by natural disasters, thereby minimizing their consequences.

5. Natural disaster recovery in the maritime sector involves implementing measures to restore losses caused by natural disasters.

Chapter II

AGENCIES AND UNITS RESPONSIBLE FOR NATURAL DISASTER PREVENTION AND CONTROL TASKS

Article 4. Vietnam Maritime Administration

1. Develop and implement annual natural disaster response plans in the maritime sector in accordance with the functions and responsibilities of the Vietnam Maritime Administration and laws on natural disaster prevention and control.

2. Direct, guide, urge, and inspect subordinate units, organizations, and individuals operating in the maritime sector in developing and implementing appropriate natural disaster response plans according to their respective functions and responsibilities.

3. Organize permanent duty for natural disaster prevention and control as prescribed to promptly collect and disseminate information, implement directives and guidance from higher authorities on natural disaster prevention and control.

4. Summarize damage caused by natural disasters, propose remedial measures, and report to competent authorities as prescribed in natural disaster prevention and control work.

5. Summarize annual natural disaster prevention and control work.

6. Decide on rewards for organizations and individuals with outstanding achievements in natural disaster prevention and control, funding for rewards to be sourced from the budget of the agency or unit in accordance with current regulations.

Article 5. Agencies and Units Implementing Natural Disaster Prevention and Control Tasks

Agencies and units implementing natural disaster prevention and control tasks in the maritime sector include subordinate agencies and units of the Vietnam Maritime Administration and enterprises operating in the maritime sector.

Chapter III

NATURAL DISASTER PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Section 1

NATURAL DISASTER PREVENTION

Article 6. General Responsibilities of Agencies, Units, Organizations, and Individuals Implementing Annual Natural Disaster Prevention Work in the Maritime Sector

1. Protect people; manage and protect maritime infrastructure, equipment, assets, and means serving natural disaster prevention and control; prevent risks of damage to facilities.

2. Organize inspections to assess the safety level of facilities that need protection; if damage or weakening is detected, timely measures must be taken. If beyond their capacity, the inspection authority must immediately report to the superior authority for resolution before the rainy season.

3. Organize and participate in communication and education on natural disaster prevention and control with organizations and individuals operating in the maritime sector.

4. Develop natural disaster response plans including the following main contents:

a) Protection of natural disaster prevention and control facilities and key facilities;

b) Evacuation, protection of people and assets, protection of production;

c) Ensuring security, traffic, and communication;

d) Coordination in directing and commanding natural disaster prevention, response, and search and rescue operations;

đ) Human resources for natural disaster response;

e) Reserve materials, means, equipment, and essential items.

Heads of agencies and units specified in Article 5 of this Circular shall organize approval of their own natural disaster response plans, report to the Vietnam Maritime Administration for consolidation and direction.

5. Organize inspections of natural disaster prevention and control task implementation at units and subordinate departments, particularly key and weak facilities.

6. Organize training and drills on procedures for receiving and processing information on natural disaster prevention and control.

7. Organize the operation of emergency forces for natural disaster prevention and control at agencies and units.

Article 7. Tasks for natural disaster prevention of the Maritime Port Office

1. Organize inspections of offices, service facilities, warehouses, workshops, wave barriers, sand barriers, flow direction revetments, shore protection revetments, and other auxiliary works to ensure their effective operation, coordinate with relevant agencies and units, and direct maritime business enterprises in the work of preventing and combating natural disasters in the port water area under the management of the Maritime Port Office.

2. Develop plans and organize the implementation of mobilization plans for vessels within the region to participate in mitigating the aftermath of natural disasters when such situations occur.

3. Based on the specific development situation of natural disasters, promptly dispatch vessels and boats to anchorage areas for storm avoidance and sheltering.

4. Annually coordinate with related agencies and units to develop and update plans for dispatching vessels and boats to anchorage areas for storm avoidance and sheltering in the port water area and implement them.

5. In cases where the master or owner of a vessel, in coordination with the port authority, has sufficient grounds to affirm that anchoring at the wharf is safer for storm resistance, the Maritime Port Office shall require the master, owner, and port authority to agree in writing to anchor the vessel at the wharf and take appropriate measures to ensure safety for crew members, passengers, vessels, and cargo.

6. Inspect and urge maritime businesses within the region to fulfill requirements for natural disaster prevention and control.

7. When vessels depart from the port, advise them not to enter dangerous areas affected by natural disasters.

8. Implement reporting procedures regarding natural disaster prevention, control, and aftermath mitigation as prescribed.

Article 8. Tasks for natural disaster prevention of the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center

1. Deploy specialized equipment on standby in critical areas to be ready to participate in activities to mitigate the aftermath of natural disasters upon request.

2. Regional Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centers must closely cooperate with the Natural Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue Command Boards of relevant ministries, sectors, localities, and units in implementing emergency response plans in the region.

3. Propose emergency response plans aimed at minimizing casualties and property damage to the lowest extent possible.

4. For search and rescue vessels, tasks related to natural disaster prevention and control shall be carried out according to the provisions of Article 15 of this Circular.

Article 9. Tasks for natural disaster prevention of the Vietnam Maritime Electronic Information Joint Stock Company

1. Guide the implementation of directives from higher authorities regarding natural disaster prevention and control for coastal radio stations.

2. Develop plans to maintain 24/7 communication between coastal radio stations and maritime port offices, regional maritime search and rescue coordination centers, and vessels to support natural disaster prevention and control efforts.

3. Organize watchkeeping, reception, and transmission of information about natural disasters according to prescribed regulations.

4. Promptly receive and transmit distress signals and assistance requests from masters and owners of vessels; broadcast warning bulletins to inform vessels operating at sea of potential dangers so they may timely avoid and seek safe shelter.

5. Carry out directives from the Vietnam Maritime Administration to enhance the broadcasting of natural disaster bulletins and other important bulletins as required by competent authorities.

Article 10. Tasks of maritime pilot organizations in disaster prevention

1. Be ready to meet the requirements for providing pilots from ship owners, captains, or maritime port authorities to quickly mobilize vessels within the port.

2. Coordinate with port enterprises to propose plans for mobilizing vessels when there is a risk of natural disasters occurring.

Article 11. Tasks of maritime safety assurance organizations in disaster prevention

1. Strengthen inspections on the quantity and quality of maritime safety facilities and marine navigation signal systems to ensure continuous good operation.

2. Compile a list of critical maritime safety facilities affected by natural disasters and maintenance plans to proactively prevent and combat natural disasters.

3. When implementing dredging projects or construction works, preventive measures against natural disasters must be established.

4. Prepare backup equipment and means to restore operations of lighthouses and marine navigation signals affected by natural disasters.

Article 12. Tasks of marine port enterprises in disaster prevention

1. Closely coordinate with maritime port authorities and maritime pilot organizations in developing and implementing plans to mobilize vessels operating within the port to avoid storms or move to storm shelters.

2. Be prepared to implement the requirements of maritime port authorities in mobilizing means to mitigate the aftermath of natural disasters.

3. Adhere to regulations concerning securing crane systems on wharves; apply necessary measures to counteract the adverse effects of natural disasters on maritime infrastructure.

4. Comply with regulations protecting power supply cables and substations for the port.

5. For warehouses, berths, workshops, safety protection plans must be established to minimize damage caused by natural disasters to goods, machinery, and equipment.

6. Must have fire and explosion prevention plans for warehouses storing flammable and explosive materials.

7. Regularly inspect and maintain drainage systems within the port to ensure smooth flow and prevent flooding.

8. Motorized transport vehicles, cargo handling equipment, and production support equipment must be properly stored in designated areas.

9. Develop specific disaster response plans for vessels moored at the port to prevent and combat natural disasters.

Article 13. Tasks of new shipbuilding, repair, and dismantling facilities in disaster prevention

1. For ships under construction, repair, or dismantling:

a) Monitor natural disaster developments to proactively develop appropriate disaster response plans;

b) For vessels moored at wharves, enhance securing measures and arrange tugboats for surveillance.

2. For pedestal cranes:

Move cranes to safe positions, secure pedestal bases firmly, and carefully secure cranes.

3. For floating docks:

a) Secure machinery, equipment, and vessels within the dock using appropriate methods such as welding, bolting, reinforcing ropes, sealing hatch covers, and other suitable measures;

b) Lower cranes to their lowest positions and securely fasten crane supports;

c) Seal off pump chamber doors with the dock, keep pumps in a state of readiness;

d) Lower floating docks to the maximum water level, reinforce mooring ropes and securing lines.

4. For slipways:

a) Vessels under construction, repair, or dismantling on slipways must be reinforced with securing to the slipway system and surface;

b) Machinery and equipment must be secured and covered.

Article 14. Requirements for Preventing Natural Disasters for Construction Projects Underway in Coastal Port Waters

1. For construction projects underway with a construction period extending through the typhoon and flood season, the project investor must develop appropriate disaster response plans.

2. The project investor must develop specific disaster response plans for the construction site and construction projects and submit them to the Maritime Port Authority for coordination and supervision during natural disasters.

3. For large construction equipment and machinery such as pile drivers, cranes, barges, floating pontoons, and other equipment, the project investor must have evacuation and securing plans in place before the onset of natural disasters.

Article 15. Requirements for Preventing Natural Disasters for Vessels

1. Preparation for preventing natural disasters for vessels:

a) For goods and equipment on deck: organize the arrangement and securing of goods and equipment according to regulations to ensure safety;

b) Power systems, life-saving equipment, firefighting equipment, and communication devices must always be kept in a state of readiness for operation;

c) Ensure the watertightness of vessels: cargo hatch covers, entry doors, side doors, ventilation systems for cargo holds, and mooring compartments must be covered and reinforced to ensure watertightness;

d) Prepare materials and equipment: mooring ropes, towing ropes, waterproof tarpaulins, steel cables, puncture-resistant materials, battery-powered lights, and related equipment must be fully equipped.

2. When vessels are navigating at sea:

a) Must comply with regulations on preventing and combating natural disasters for vessels;

b) Implement the system of receiving daily weather reports to promptly grasp the development of natural disasters;

c) Timely move vessels into anchorage areas to avoid and shelter from typhoons in accordance with vessel class and technical condition of machinery and equipment;

d) Reasonably maneuver to avoid and shelter from typhoons, minimizing the impact of natural disasters on people, vessels, and cargo;

đ) Pump and adjust ballast tanks, fuel oil tanks, and water tanks reasonably to ensure the stability of vessels;

e) Prohibit unauthorized personnel from entering areas where waves may wash over the deck;

g) When working on deck, at least two people must wear life jackets and secure themselves with safety belts.

3. When vessels are anchored in ports:

a) Comply with the vessel dispatch orders of the Maritime Port Authority Director and participate in disaster aftermath relief efforts as required by competent authorities;

b) Upon receiving information about natural disasters, immediately implement disaster response plans;

c) Must calculate the length of anchor chains suitable for terrain, current flow, surrounding vessel density, and reinforce vessel mooring ropes to ensure safety;

d) Power systems must always be in a state of readiness for operation; lighting and alarm systems must function stably;

đ) During cargo loading and unloading, continuously monitor and check vessel stability diagrams and cargo must be secured according to regulations;

e) Must always maintain sufficient crew positions to ensure vessel surveillance and maneuverability;

g) Life-saving, firefighting equipment, and first aid facilities must always be in a state of readiness.

4. When vessels are anchored in typhoon and storm shelters:

a) Organize prevention and combat against natural disasters according to established plans to ensure safety for vessels, crew members, and passengers;

b) Must ensure continuous communication, accurately reporting the position, status of vessels, crew members, and passengers to the Maritime Port Authority;

c) Regularly inspect vessel positions to prevent anchor breakage or drifting;

d) Promptly report to the Maritime Port Authority, Marine Search and Rescue Coordination Center, or coastal radio station about incidents involving their own vessels or nearby vessels.

Section 2

DISASTER RESPONSE

Article 16. Tasks for Disaster Response

1. Based on the telegrams from superiors and weather forecasts and warnings issued by the National Hydro-meteorological Forecasting Center and the Vietnam Maritime Administration, the Vietnam Maritime Administration shall issue telegrams to direct the agencies and units specified in Article 5 of this Circular to implement disaster response measures according to the pre-established disaster response plans.

2. After receiving telegrams from the Vietnam Maritime Administration and weather forecasts and warnings from the relevant regions (if applicable), the agencies and units shall be responsible for:

a) Promptly implementing disaster response measures according to the pre-established disaster response plan;

b) Organizing round-the-clock surveillance, assigning emergency forces to stand ready to prevent and combat disasters in areas under their management; maintaining communication, providing medical support, and other related tasks;

c) Monitoring weather forecasts and the ability of structures, machinery, and equipment to withstand disasters, and implementing disaster response plans as prescribed. In cases where the response capacity is exceeded, they must report to the Vietnam Maritime Administration and competent authorities for coordination in directing disaster response efforts.

Article 17. Duty Roster for Disaster Prevention and Control

1. Duty Hours:

During days with disasters or sudden situations, a 24/7 duty roster must be organized according to the requirements of the competent authority, divided into two shifts per day, including holidays and public holidays, as follows:

Shift 1: From 07:00 to 19:00;

Shift 2: From 19:00 to 07:00 the next morning.

2. Duty Personnel:

a) The leadership of the Vietnam Maritime Administration and some assigned staff members responsible for disaster prevention and control tasks;

b) The leadership of the agencies and units specified in Article 5 of this Circular and functional department staff members monitoring and implementing disaster prevention and control work.

3. The duty roster is assigned by the leadership of the Vietnam Maritime Administration or the head of the agency, unit, or enterprise.

4. Specific Duties of the Duty Shift:

a) Understanding the disaster situation through directives from the Steering Committee for Flood and Storm Control and Search and Rescue at ministries, sectors, and localities, and through mass media; receiving reports from grassroots units, updating the disaster response situation within the unit's jurisdiction;

b) Analyzing and directing grassroots units to implement disaster prevention and control measures;

c) Reporting and conveying superior instructions to relevant units and individuals;

d) Reporting the development of the disaster, making preliminary damage assessments, and the disaster response work within the unit's jurisdiction; proposing recommendations to superiors regarding handling measures.

5. Personnel participating in disaster prevention and control work shall be equipped with protective gear and entitled to allowances as stipulated by law.

Article 18. Handling Situations When Disasters Occur

1. When a disaster occurs, the leadership of the Vietnam Maritime Administration, agencies, units, and enterprises must proactively manage their organizations to implement prepared plans and select appropriate measures to handle emerging situations, ensuring maximum effectiveness.

2. Adhering to the principle of "four-in-place" which includes local forces, local means, local logistics, and local command; closely coordinating with local disaster prevention and control forces to implement these measures.

3. In case of serious incidents exceeding the human resources, materials, and equipment capacity of the unit, they must promptly report to superiors to mobilize and notify relevant agencies and units for assistance and support to minimize losses caused by the disaster.

4. Immediately mobilize emergency forces, equipment, and transportation means to rescue people, assets, vessels, and structures in the affected area.

5. Ensuring smooth information flow, direct command and control by the agency or unit over subordinate units; summarizing and reporting quickly on the development of the disaster, incidents, and damages to higher-level agencies and units as prescribed.

Section 3

RESTORATION OF DISASTER AFTERMATH

Article 19. General tasks in mitigating the consequences of natural disasters

1. Rescue, search for missing persons, ships, and other assets.

2. Repair damage to port infrastructure structures, equipment, transportation means, and maritime safety facilities.

3. Repair construction machinery and implement measures to restore production.

4. Repair and restore communication systems.

5. Implement environmental sanitation, prevent environmental pollution, control diseases, and support and stabilize the lives of officials, workers, and residents affected by natural disasters.

6. Statistic, assess losses caused by natural disasters, and report lessons learned.

7. Prepare budget estimates, settle, and finalize costs for mitigating the consequences of natural disasters in accordance with regulations.

Article 20. Specific tasks in mitigating the consequences of natural disasters

1. Clearing blockages in maritime traffic lanes:

a) The Maritime Port Authority shall organize the clearance of blockages in maritime traffic lanes and regulate traffic on these lanes.

b) Relevant agencies, units, and enterprises in the maritime sector within the region have the responsibility to promptly meet requirements for manpower, equipment, and means to quickly clear blockages in maritime traffic lanes.

2. Salvage sunken assets: Carry out according to the Government's regulations on handling sunken assets on inland waterways, port waters, and Vietnam's territorial seas.

3. Organize dredging of sections of channels affected by landslides and sedimentation due to natural disasters: Immediately after a channel becomes shallow due to landslides and sedimentation caused by natural disasters, the following actions must be taken:

a) The Maritime Port Authority: Organize the deployment of forces and means to ensure safe traffic regulation in the area; Lead and coordinate with the Maritime Safety Assurance Corporation to unify the adjustment of routes and temporary navigation aids to ensure safety and not cause blockages; Inspect and supervise the adjustment of maritime routes and navigation aids by the Maritime Safety Assurance Corporation; Approve maritime safety assurance plans in accordance with the law and inspect and supervise during the dredging work to mitigate landslides and sedimentation caused by natural disasters.

b) The Maritime Safety Assurance Corporations: Implement the shifting of maritime traffic lanes and navigation aids in cases of temporary route adjustments after reaching consensus with the Vietnam Maritime Administration; In cases where immediate dredging of channels affected by landslides and sedimentation caused by natural disasters is required, the Maritime Safety Assurance Corporations are responsible for reviewing and proposing dredging plans to be reported to the Vietnam Maritime Administration for consideration and decision.

4. Restore operations of coastal radio stations:

a) During the occurrence of natural disasters, if there is a failure in the broadcasting system, the Vietnam Marine Electronics Joint Stock Company Limited must quickly put the backup system into operation to ensure continuous information transmission 24/7;

b) Immediately after losses caused by natural disasters occur, the Vietnam Marine Electronics Joint Stock Company Limited must quickly repair damaged infrastructure and equipment to ensure the safe and continuous operation of coastal radio stations.

5. Restore operations of maritime signal systems: After natural disasters, the Maritime Safety Assurance Corporations must organize the implementation of:

a) Check and return drifting buoys to their correct positions, restore damaged signals to ensure safety for ship operations on channels;

b) Promptly restore technical characteristics of maritime signals, submerged markers, channel improvement works, and other maritime signal systems;

c) Promptly announce maritime notices regarding changes in the technical characteristics of channels, maritime signals, and sunken assets on channels due to natural disasters;

d) Implement directives from the Vietnam Maritime Administration and local Maritime Port Authorities in mobilizing means and equipment to participate in clearing blockages and regulating traffic; adjust maritime signals and install warning buoys.

6. Restore maritime infrastructure:

a) The Vietnam Maritime Administration directs the repair and restoration of public maritime infrastructure;

b) Port enterprises organize the repair and restoration of infrastructure under their management such as turning areas, pre-quay waters, warehouses, and yards to quickly stabilize production and business activities.

7. Respond to oil spills: Carry out according to the Government's regulations on responding to oil spills.

8. Implement environmental sanitation:

a) All organizations and individuals have the responsibility to participate in environmental sanitation to prevent pollution and diseases after natural disasters;

b) The Maritime Port Authority coordinates with healthcare facilities to implement environmental sanitation and disease prevention in areas affected by natural disasters.

9. Organize statistics of losses, settlement, and finalization of costs for mitigating the consequences of natural disasters:

a) Agencies and units under the Vietnam Maritime Administration submit loss statistics reports, payment reports, and cost finalization reports for mitigating the consequences of natural disasters to the Vietnam Maritime Administration for review and resolution or report to the Ministry of Transport for resolution within their authority;

b) The Maritime Port Authority confirms losses and disaster consequences for maritime units and enterprises.

Chapter IV

MANAGEMENT AND USE OF FUNDS FOR NATURAL DISASTER PREVENTION AND CONTROL TASKS

Article 21. Sources of funds for disaster prevention and control in the maritime sector

The sources of funds for disaster prevention and control in the maritime sector include:

1. Funds allocated from the state budget, maritime economic service expenses, search and rescue expenses, other economic service expenses, and maritime fee revenue.

2. Assistance funds from organizations and individuals both within and outside the country when disasters occur.

3. Funds extracted from production costs in the fiscal year of enterprises.

4. Funds from contracts to purchase insurance for maritime construction projects.

5. Labor contributions or voluntary participation in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Article 22. Management and use of funds for disaster prevention and control

The funds for implementing disaster prevention and control work in the maritime sector shall be managed, used, settled, and audited in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Chapter V

INSPECTION, AUDITING, AND REPORTING IN DISASTER PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Article 23. Inspection and auditing

Annually, the Vietnam Maritime Administration and the Port Maritime Service shall develop plans for inspecting and auditing the implementation of state regulations on disaster prevention and control at agencies and units in the maritime sector.

Article 24. Reporting system

1. Reports before, during, and after the occurrence of disasters:

a) Before the disaster occurs: reports on disaster prevention and control activities, the status of vessels in the area (total number of vessels, number of crew members, capacity to accommodate vessels mooring and arrangements for vessel mooring).

At least 60 hours prior, maritime units and enterprises in the area must submit reports to the Port Maritime Service;

At least 48 hours prior, the Port Maritime Services shall compile and submit reports to the Vietnam Maritime Administration for immediate reporting to the Ministry of Transport;

At least 24 hours prior, the Port Maritime Services shall report to the Vietnam Maritime Administration on the completion of deployment activities for immediate reporting to the Ministry of Transport;

At least 12 hours prior, the Port Maritime Services shall report to the Vietnam Maritime Administration on changes in the number of vessels in the port water area and other emerging tasks for immediate reporting to the Ministry of Transport.

b) During the disaster: reports on the development of the disaster and serious incidents (initial losses of personnel, vessels, houses, facilities, and maritime infrastructure).

The Port Maritime Services shall organize 24/7 monitoring and submit daily reports to the Vietnam Maritime Administration; in case of serious incidents, immediate reports must be made;

The Vietnam Maritime Administration shall organize 24/7 monitoring and submit daily reports to the Ministry of Transport; in case of serious incidents, immediate reports must be made;

c) After the disaster:

Immediately after the end of the disaster, organizations and individuals shall submit preliminary damage reports to the Port Maritime Service for consolidation and submission to the Vietnam Maritime Administration.

Within two days from the end of the disaster, agencies, units, and enterprises must organize inspections, classify, and accurately assess damages, prepare reports to be submitted to the Port Maritime Service for consolidation and submission to the Vietnam Maritime Administration for consideration and resolution or reporting to the Ministry of Transport for resolution within its authority.

The content of the report should fully describe the development of the disaster, command activities, consolidated damage assessments, costs for mitigating disaster consequences, and recommendations (if any).

2. Methods of submitting reports: telegrams, letters, and reports shall be sent via fax, email, and other means to ensure timeliness, followed by the original document being sent through postal services for archiving.

3. Annual reports:

a) Agencies and units: Port Maritime Services, Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center, Vietnam Marine Electronics Information Joint Stock Company, Northern and Southern Marine Safety Assurance Corporations shall summarize disaster prevention and control activities and develop response plans to be submitted to the Vietnam Maritime Administration for reporting to the Ministry of Transport by February 25 each year;

b) Relevant agencies and units under the management of the Port Maritime Service shall summarize disaster prevention and control activities and develop response plans to be submitted to the Port Maritime Service in their respective areas for reporting to the Vietnam Maritime Administration by January 15 each year.

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 25. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from May 1, 2019.

2. Repeal Circular No. 29/2010/TT-BGTVT dated September 30, 2010, issued by the Minister of Transport regarding flood and storm prevention and mitigation in the maritime industry.

Article 26. Implementation

The Head of the Ministry's Office, the Inspector General of the Ministry, Heads of Departments, the Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration, the General Directors of the Northern and Southern Marine Safety Assurance Corporations, the General Director of the Vietnam Marine Electronics Information Joint Stock Company, the General Director of the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center, the Directors of the Port Maritime Services, Heads of agencies and units, and related individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular./.