✦ Smart summary
Circular No. 21/2011/TT-BGTVT on registration of inland waterway vessels applies to organizations and individuals operating vessels on inland waterways. This circular details procedures for registration, deregistration, replacement of certificates of registration, and responsibilities of the registration authority as well as vessel owners.
Scope of application
Organizations and individuals operating inland waterway vessels on inland waterways.
Key points
- Inland waterway vessels must be registered in accordance with the regulations; except for simple vessels with a total deadweight under 01 ton or carrying capacity under 05 persons, fishing boats, and sports boats.
- The registration authority for vessels is the Department of Transport of provinces and centrally-administered cities.
- Vessel owners must submit complete files when registering for the first time, replacing certificates of registration, or deregistering vessels.
- Certificates of registration for inland waterway vessels have a validity period and will be reissued if lost, worn out, or damaged according to the regulations.
- Previously registered inland waterway vessels may replace their certificates of registration when necessary.
🌐 Social impact of this document
- Positive impact: Helps effectively manage inland waterway vessels and ensure traffic safety.
- Negative impact: May cause difficulties for vessel owners during the registration and deregistration process due to complex file requirements.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Which inland waterway vessels need to be registered?
Inland waterway vessels operated by organizations and individuals on inland waterways must be registered in accordance with the regulations, except for simple vessels with a total deadweight under 01 ton or carrying capacity under 05 persons, fishing boats, and sports boats.
Which agency is responsible for registering vessels?
The Department of Transport of provinces and centrally-administered cities is the registration authority for vessels.
What does the initial registration file include?
The initial registration file includes: Application for registration, two photographs showing the entire starboard side of the vessel in its floating state, receipt of stamp duty payment (if applicable), and a technical safety condition declaration.
Can a lost certificate of registration be reissued?
Yes, the vessel owner must submit an application for reissuance of the Certificate of Registration and present documentation proving the technical safety condition of the vessel.
How long is the issuance period for the certificate of registration?
The issuance period for the Certificate of Registration does not exceed 03 working days from the date all required files are received.
Full text
CIRCULAR
Regulations on Registration of Inland Waterway Vessels
________________
This Circular applies to organizations and individuals in Vietnam and foreign organizations and individuals related to the business of passenger transport, luggage, and cargo by high-speed passenger vessels between ports, wharfs, and inland water areas within Vietnam and across borders.
Pursuant to Decree No. 51/2008/NĐ-CP dated April 22, 2008 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Transport;
The Minister of Transport shall prescribe regulations on the registration of inland waterway vessels as follows:
PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability
1. This Circular stipulates procedures for registering inland waterway vessels and organizing such registrations.
2. Inland waterway vessels owned by organizations or individuals that are put into operation on inland waterways must be registered in accordance with this Circular, except for primitive vessels with a total deadweight of less than 01 ton or carrying capacity under 05 persons or rafts.
3. This Circular does not apply to the registration of the following types of vessels:
a) Vessels performing defense and security tasks;
b) Fishing boats;
c) Sports boats and yachts.
Article 2. Interpretation of Terms
In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:
1. A fishing boat is a vessel specifically used for harvesting, farming, and processing aquatic products.
2. Sports boats and yachts are vessels specifically used for training and competing in sports.
3. The owner of a vessel is an organization or individual owning or managing and using the vessel.
4. Vessels subject to inspection are those without engines with a total deadweight of 05 tons or more, or carrying capacity over 12 persons; vessels with engines having a total power of the main engine of 05 horsepower or more, or carrying capacity of 05 persons or more.
5. Changing technical characteristics of a vessel refers to altering its structure, dimensions, power, weight, or function.
6. Unoperational vessels are newly built or imported but have not yet been put into operation on inland waterways.
7. Vessels subject to payment of initial registration fee are those without engines with a total deadweight over 15 tons, vessels with engines having a total power of the main engine over 15 horsepower, or vessels with carrying capacity over 12 persons.
Chapter II
REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
Article 3. General Provisions on Registration and Cancellation of Registration of Vessels
1. Vessels with complete documentation as prescribed will be registered in the Register of Inland Waterway Vessels and issued a Certificate of Registration of Inland Waterway Vessels by the competent registration authority as stipulated in Article 13 of this Circular.
2. The owner of a vessel shall submit the registration application at the registration authority where the owner's headquarters is located or where the owner has permanent residence registration. If the owner is an individual without permanent residence registration but has temporary residence registration in the locality, the vessel may be registered as if the owner had permanent residence registration.
3. Vessels must be re-registered when there is a change in ownership, technical characteristics, or when the owner changes their headquarters or place of permanent residence registration to another province or city.
4. Cancellation of registration applies in the following cases:
a) Permanent cancellation applies in the following cases: the vessel is missing; the vessel is destroyed; the vessel cannot be restored; the vessel is transferred abroad; upon request of the owner.
b) Temporary cancellation for re-registration applies in the following cases: changing the registration authority (without changing the owner); transferring ownership of the vessel with a change in the registration authority.
5. The Certificate of Registration of Inland Waterway Vessels is issued according to Model No. 6 attached to this Circular; renewed Certificates of Registration of Inland Waterway Vessels bear the stamp "Renewed for the ... time".
6. A new Certificate of Registration of Inland Waterway Vessels will be issued when the original certificate is lost and complete documentation as prescribed in Article 6 of this Circular is provided.
7. An old or damaged Certificate of Registration of Inland Waterway Vessels will be replaced when complete documentation as prescribed in Article 7 of this Circular is provided.
Article 4. Initial registration file for vessels
1. For vessels not yet in operation, the initial registration file for vessels shall include:
a) Documents to be kept at the vessel registration authority:
The application form for registering inland waterway vessels as prescribed in Form No. 1 issued together with this Circular; two photographs measuring 10 x 15 cm showing the entire right side of the vessel in its floating state; the receipt for payment of the stamp duty (original), for vessels subject to stamp duty; the declaration on safety conditions of inland waterway vessels as prescribed in Form No. 8 issued together with this Circular, for vessels not subject to inspection.
b) Documents to be presented for verification by the vessel registration authority:
The certificate of technical safety and environmental protection of the vessel, for vessels subject to inspection; the import permit or import declaration of the vessel as prescribed by law, for imported vessels; the purchase contract or new construction contract of the vessel, for vessels subject to inspection; documents proving permission to operate and having a registered office in Vietnam, for foreign organizations or documents proving permission to reside in Vietnam, for foreign individuals; the financial lease contract, for cases where a leasing organization requests registration of the vessel at the place of permanent residence or temporary residence of the lessee.
2. For vessels currently in operation, the initial registration file for vessels shall include:
a) Documents to be kept at the vessel registration authority:
The application form for registering inland waterway vessels as prescribed in Form No. 1a issued together with this Circular; two photographs measuring 10 x 15 cm showing the entire right side of the vessel in its floating state; the receipt for payment of the stamp duty (original), for vessels subject to stamp duty; the declaration on safety conditions of inland waterway vessels as prescribed in Form No. 8 issued together with this Circular, for vessels not subject to inspection.
b) Documents to be presented for verification by the vessel registration authority:
The certificate of technical safety and environmental protection, for vessels subject to inspection.
Article 5. Re-registration file for vessels
1. In case of changes in technical features of the vessel, the re-registration file for vessels shall include:
a) Documents to be kept at the vessel registration authority:
The application form for re-registering inland waterway vessels as prescribed in Form No. 2 issued together with this Circular; two photographs measuring 10 x 15 cm showing the entire right side of the vessel in its floating state; the receipt for payment of the stamp duty (original), for vessels subject to stamp duty; the certificate of registration of inland waterway vessels already issued; the declaration on safety conditions of inland waterway vessels as prescribed in Form No. 8 issued together with this Circular, for vessels not subject to inspection.
b) Documents to be presented for verification by the vessel registration authority:
The certificate of technical safety and environmental protection of the vessel issued after the vessel has undergone changes in technical features, for vessels subject to inspection.
2. In case of transfer of ownership of the vessel without changing the vessel registration authority, the re-registration file for vessels shall include:
a) Documents to be kept at the vessel registration authority:
The application form for re-registering inland waterway vessels as prescribed in Form No. 3 issued together with this Circular; two photographs measuring 10 x 15 cm showing the entire right side of the vessel in its floating state; the certificate of registration of inland waterway vessels already issued; the receipt for payment of the stamp duty (original), for vessels subject to stamp duty.
b) Documents to be presented for verification by the vessel registration authority:
The purchase contract of the vessel or the decision on the transfer of the vessel by the competent authority; in case the owner of the vessel is a foreign organization or individual named in the re-registration, they must present documents proving permission to operate and have a registered office in Vietnam or documents proving permission to reside in Vietnam.
3. In case of transfer of ownership of the vessel and change of the vessel registration authority, the re-registration file for vessels shall include:
a) Documents to be kept at the vessel registration authority:
The application form for re-registering inland waterway vessels as prescribed in Form No. 3 issued together with this Circular; two photographs measuring 10 x 15 cm showing the entire right side of the vessel in its floating state; the registration file of the vessel still sealed with the seal of the previous vessel registration authority; the receipt for payment of the stamp duty (original), for vessels subject to stamp duty; the declaration on safety conditions of inland waterway vessels as prescribed in Form No. 8 issued together with this Circular, for vessels not subject to inspection.
b) Documents to be presented for verification by the vessel registration authority:
The purchase contract of the vessel or the decision on the transfer of the vessel by the competent authority; in case the owner of the vessel is a foreign organization or individual named in the re-registration, they must present documents proving permission to operate and have a registered office in Vietnam or documents proving permission to reside in Vietnam; the certificate of technical safety and environmental protection of the vessel, for vessels subject to inspection.
4. In case of change of the owner's registered office or place of residence registration, the re-registration file for vessels shall include:
a) Documents to be kept at the vessel registration authority:
The application form for re-registering inland waterway vessels as prescribed in Form No. 4 issued together with this Circular; two photographs measuring 10 x 15 cm showing the entire right side of the vessel in its floating state; the registration file of the vessel still sealed with the seal of the previous vessel registration authority.
b) Documents to be presented for verification by the vessel registration authority:
The certificate of technical safety and environmental protection of the vessel, for vessels subject to inspection.
Article 6. Documents for Reissuing the Registration Certificate for Vessels
In case the Registration Certificate for vessels is lost, the documents for reissuing the Registration Certificate for vessels shall include:
1. Documents to be kept at the vessel registration authority:
The application form for reissuing the Registration Certificate for inland waterway vessels as prescribed in Model No. 5 issued together with this Circular;
2. Documents to be presented for the vessel registration authority to check:
The certificate of technical safety and environmental protection of the vessel, for vessels subject to inspection.
Article 7. Documents for Amending the Registration Certificate for Inland Waterway Vessels
If the Registration Certificate for inland waterway vessels becomes old or damaged, the owner of the vessel is responsible for amending the Registration Certificate for inland waterway vessels. The owner of the vessel must submit one set of documents including the following papers to be kept at the vessel registration authority:
a) The application form for amending the Registration Certificate for inland waterway vessels as prescribed in Model No. 7 issued together with this Circular;
b) Two photographs measuring 10 x 15 cm showing the entire right side of the vessel in its floating state;
c) The previously issued Registration Certificate for inland waterway vessels.
2. Documents to be presented for the vessel registration authority to check:
The certificate of technical safety and environmental protection of the vessel, for vessels subject to inspection.
Article 8. Documents for Cancellation of Registration of Inland Waterway Vessels
The owner of the vessel is responsible for processing the cancellation of registration of the vessel in cases stipulated in Clause 4, Article 3 of this Circular. The owner of the vessel must submit one set of documents including the following papers to be kept at the vessel registration authority:
1. The application form for cancellation of registration of inland waterway vessels as prescribed in Model No. 3a issued together with this Circular.
2. The previously issued Registration Certificate for inland waterway vessels.
Article 9. Procedures for Issuing the Registration Certificate for Inland Waterway Vessels and the Certificate of Cancellation of Registration of Vessels
Organizations or individuals wishing to register inland waterway vessels, reissue, amend the Registration Certificate for vessels, or cancel the registration of inland waterway vessels must send one set of documents through postal service or submit directly to the Department of Transport.
The Department of Transport will accept the documents and check their components. If the document components are complete as prescribed in this Circular, the Department of Transport will issue an appointment letter for direct registration (in the case of submitting documents directly) or send it via postal service to the organization or individual requesting issuance of the Registration Certificate for vessels or the Certificate of Cancellation of Registration of Vessels.
If the document components are incomplete as prescribed in this Circular, the Department of Transport will issue a written response to the organization or individual regarding the missing or non-compliant document components and guide them on how to supplement and complete the documents.
The time limit for issuing the Registration Certificate for vessels and the Certificate of Cancellation of Registration of Vessels shall not exceed three working days from the date of receipt of all required documents.
When organizations or individuals receive the Registration Certificate for inland waterway vessels or the Certificate of Cancellation of Registration of inland waterway vessels, they must bring along the appointment letter, national identity card, introduction letter, or power of attorney.
Article 10. Name of the Vessel
1. Apart from the registration number assigned by the vessel registration authority, the vessel may have a specific name.
2. The name of the vessel is determined by the owner of the vessel but must not duplicate the name of any registered inland waterway vessel in the Register of Inland Waterway Vessels of the vessel registration authority. If the name of a historical figure or historical event in Vietnam is used, it must be approved by the vessel registration authority according to regulations.
Article 11. Registration number and marking of the registration number on vessels
1. The vehicle's registration number consists of two groups, a letter group and a number group.
a) Group of letters: Consists of abbreviated letters of the names of provinces and centrally governed cities as prescribed in the Appendix issued together with this Circular.
b) Group of numbers: Consists of four digits numbered from 0001 to 9999; for localities with more than 10,000 vessels, a group of five digits shall be used after exhausting the group of four digits; the group of numbers shall be marked behind the abbreviated letters of the names of provinces and centrally governed cities.
2. The size of the letters and numbers marked on the vehicle is specified as follows:
a) Minimum height: 200 mm.
b) Minimum width of stroke: 30 mm.
c) Distance between characters or numbers: 30 mm.
3. Color of the letters and numbers when marked must be different from the background color where they are marked.
4. Position of marking the registration number of vessels:
a) The registration number of the vessel must be marked at places not obstructed on the left side, right side, and front of the cabin of the vessel;
b) In case the vehicle does not have a cabin, it should be marked on the sides of the dry hull at both ends of the bow of the vehicle;
c) In cases where the vessel does not have a cabin and the height of the freeboard is insufficient to mark the registration number according to regulations, the size may be reduced when marking but it must be marked at the most visible place;
d) In cases where the passenger-carrying vessel has a carrying capacity of over 12 people, in addition to marking the registration number, the number of passengers allowed to be carried must also be marked above the registration number of the vessel.
Article 12. Basic contents of the Register of Domestic Waterway Vessels
The Register of Domestic Waterway Vessels contains the following basic contents:
1. Serial number, registration number;
2. Name of the vessel, date of issuance;
3. Name and address of the vessel owner;
4. Class of the vessel, purpose, year and place of construction;
5. Designed length, maximum length;
6. Designed breadth, maximum breadth;
7. Freeboard height, draft;
8. Freeboard, hull material;
9. Number, type, and power of main engines;
10. Gross tonnage, towing and pushing power, number of persons permitted to be carried;
11. A photograph measuring 10 x 15 cm showing the entire starboard side of the vessel in its floating state.
Article 13. Registration Authority of Vessels
1. Departments of Transport of provinces and centrally governed cities organize the implementation of vessel registration for organizations and individuals with their headquarters or permanent residence registered in those provinces and centrally governed cities.
2. Depending on specific conditions of each locality, the Department of Transport shall submit to the People's Committee of the province or centrally governed city for delegation to subordinate traffic management agencies to implement vessel registration for organizations and individuals.
Chapter III
IMPLEMENTATION
Article 14. Responsibilities and Authorities of the Registration Authority of Vessels
1. Organize the implementation of vessel registration in accordance with regulations; guide the vessel owners to prepare the vessel registration dossier.
2. In cases of changing the registration authority, the authority that has already registered the vessel shall be responsible for implementing the following provisions:
a) Cut the corner of the Certificate of Vessel Registration already issued and include it in the sealed dossier, while simultaneously removing the name of the vessel from the Register of Domestic Waterway Vessels;
b) Issue a certificate of cancellation of vessel registration according to Model No. 9 issued together with this Circular;
c) Seal the vessel registration dossier;
d) Hand over the entire sealed vessel registration dossier to the vessel owner.
3. Prepare the Register of Domestic Waterway Vessels; store and manage the vessel registration dossier in accordance with regulations.
4. Monitor, compile, and statistically analyze the situation of vessel registration within its jurisdiction; implement reporting systems and be subject to inspection and guidance on business procedures by the Ministry of Transport and the Vietnam Directorate of Inland Waterways.
5. Collect registration fees for vessels in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Article 15. Responsibilities of the Vehicle Owner
1. Register the vehicle according to regulations, write the name, registration number, mark the safe draught line, and indicate the permitted number of passengers on the vehicle.
2. When changing the registration authority for the vehicle, the vehicle owner must comply with the following provisions:
a) Return the Certificate of Domestic Waterway Vehicle Registration issued by the previous registration authority.
b) Receive and keep sealed vehicle files handed over by the previous registration authority to be submitted to the new registration authority.
3. Report to the registration authority to cancel the vehicle registration and return the Certificate of Domestic Waterway Vehicle Registration in cases specified in Clause 4, Article 3 of this Circular.
Article 16. Printing and Managing the Certificate of Domestic Waterway Vehicle Registration
Departments of Transport are responsible for printing the blank Certificate of Domestic Waterway Vehicle Registration and the Certificate of Cancellation of Domestic Waterway Vehicle Registration according to Model No. 6 and Model No. 9 promulgated together with this Circular.
Article 17. Transitional Provisions
Previously registered domestic waterway vehicles may change their registration certificate at the registration authority when necessary; the procedures for changing the registration certificate shall be carried out in accordance with Article 7 of this Circular.
Article 18. Effective Date
1. This Circular takes effect 45 days from the date of signature. The Decision No. 15/2008/QĐ-BGTVT dated August 29, 2008 of the Ministry of Transport promulgating regulations on the registration of domestic waterway vehicles is hereby repealed.
2. This Circular is accompanied by 01 Appendix and 11 Forms as follows:
a) Appendix: Symbol groups of letters recorded in the domestic waterway vehicle registration books of the Departments of Transport;
b) Form No. 1: Application for Registration of Domestic Waterway Vehicles (For unexploited vehicles registering for the first time);
c) Form No. 1a: Application for Registration of Domestic Waterway Vehicles (For exploited vehicles registering for the first time);
d) Form No. 2: Application for Re-registration of Domestic Waterway Vehicles (For vehicles changing technical features);
đ) Form No. 3: Application for Re-registration of Domestic Waterway Vehicles (For vehicles transferring ownership);
e) Form No. 3a: Application for Cancellation of Registration of Domestic Waterway Vehicles;
g) Form No. 4: Application for Re-registration of Domestic Waterway Vehicles (For vehicles only changing the registration authority);
h) Form No. 5: Application for Issuance of Replacement Certificate of Domestic Waterway Vehicle Registration (For lost registration certificates);
i) Form No. 6: Certificate of Domestic Waterway Vehicle Registration;
k) Form No. 7: Application for Change of Certificate of Domestic Waterway Vehicle Registration;
l) Form No. 8: Declaration of Safety Conditions of Domestic Waterway Vehicles Required to Be Registered but Not Subject to Inspection;
m) Form No. 9: Certificate of Cancellation of Domestic Waterway Vehicle Registration.
3. During implementation, if any difficulties arise, organizations and individuals shall promptly report to the Ministry of Transport for review and adjustment as appropriate.
4. The Director of the Ministry's Office, the Inspector General, the Heads of Departments, the Director of the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration, the Directors of the Departments of Transport, the Heads of agencies, organizations, and individuals concerned are responsible for implementing this Circular./.
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