Decree No. 16/2012/NDCP Announcing the Law on the Sea of Vietnam

Decree No. 16/2012/NDCP announces the Law on the Sea of Vietnam, which was adopted by the National Assembly on June 21, 2012. This Law stipulates the rights and obligations of individuals and organizations in protecting national maritime sovereignty.

Document No.16/2012/L-CTN
Document typeOrder
Issuing authorityOffice of the President
Signed byTrương Tấn Sang — Chủ tịch nước
Updated25/06/2026
FieldUncategorized
Issued date02/07/2012
Effective date02/07/2012
Expiry date
StatusIn effect
✦ Smart summary

Decree No. 16/2012/NDCP announces the Law on the Sea of Vietnam, which was adopted by the National Assembly on June 21, 2012. This Law stipulates the rights and obligations of individuals and organizations in protecting national maritime sovereignty.

Key points

  • Individuals and organizations → are permitted to participate in protecting the sovereignty of Vietnam's seas and islands
  • Individuals and organizations → must comply with regulations concerning the management and use of marine resources
  • Individuals and organizations → shall not infringe upon national sovereignty at sea
  • State agencies → have the responsibility to protect the sovereignty of Vietnam's seas and islands
  • State agencies → must implement measures for managing, monitoring, and controlling activities at sea

🌐 Social impact of this document

  • Positive impact: Enhance awareness about maritime sovereignty within the community.
  • Negative impact: May cause difficulties for coastal economic activities if regulations are not followed.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Who does the Law on the Sea of Vietnam apply to?

This Law applies to all individuals and organizations both within and outside the country that engage in activities in Vietnam’s territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone, and continental shelf.

Which individuals and organizations are permitted to exploit marine resources?

Individuals and organizations are only permitted to exploit marine resources in accordance with the provisions of the law and must comply with conditions set by competent state authorities.

What penalties will be imposed for violations of the Law on the Sea of Vietnam?

Violations of the Law on the Sea of Vietnam may result in administrative or criminal penalties. The specific penalties depend on the nature and severity of the violation.

Which state agency is responsible for managing and supervising activities at sea?

Competent state agencies such as the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and related agencies are responsible for managing and supervising activities at sea.

When did the Law on the Sea of Vietnam come into effect?

The Law on the Sea of Vietnam came into effect from June 21, 2012, following its adoption by the National Assembly and promulgation by the President.

Full text

PRESIDENT OF THE STATE 

SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM
Independence - Freedom - Happiness
Number: 16/2012/L-CTN Hanoi, July 2, 2012

ORDER

Regarding the promulgation of the Law

____________

 

PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

On the basis of Article 103 and Article 106 of the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1992, amended and supplemented by Resolution No. 51/2001/QH10 dated December 25, 2001 of the Tenth National Assembly, tenth session;

Pursuant to Article 91 of the Law on the Organization of the National Assembly;

On the basis of Article 57 of the Law on Legislative Acts;.

NOW PROMULGATE

The Law on the Sea of Vietnam

Was passed by the Thirteenth National Assembly, third session of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on June 21, 2012./.

CHAIRMAN
SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM


Truong Tan Sang

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