Circular No. 26/2025/TT-BCA stipulates on certificates of professional competence, professional certificates, positions, crew staffing on watercrafts, and training, examination, and issuance of certificates for driving police force motorized boats.

CIRCULAR

Regulations on certificates of professional competence, professional certificates, positions, crew complements on watercraft and training, examination, issuance of People's Public Security motorboat driving certificates.

The Minister of Public Security issues this Circular to regulate certificates of professional competence, professional certificates; positions, crew complements on People's Public Security watercraft; responsibilities of crew members, vessel operators, People's Public Security motorboat drivers; training, examination, issuance, renewal, reissuance of People's Public Security motorboat driving certificates.

2. Captain, first mate, chief engineer, second engineer, seaman, engine room attendant, vessel operator, People's Public Security motorboat driver working on People's Public Security watercraft operating on inland waterways.

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;

BASED ON DECREE NO. 02/2025/ND-CP DATED FEBRUARY 18, 2025 OF THE GOVERNMENT ON FUNCTIONS, TASKS, POWERS, AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY;

At the proposal of the Director of the Traffic Police Corps;

3. Management agencies, training institutions, examination bodies, certificate issuing bodies for People's Public Security motorboat driving certificates.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

4. Officers, non-commissioned officers, conscript soldiers of the People's Public Security, students of public security academies and schools; employees under labor contracts with state budget salaries at local public security units directly signed by the heads of such units with the employees, including fixed-term labor contracts from 12 months to 36 months and indefinite-term labor contracts (hereinafter referred to as cadres and soldiers).

Article 2. Applicability

1. Local public security units.

Article 3. Budget

Costs for training, examination, issuance of certificates of professional competence, professional certificates for crew members, vessel operators, People's Public Security motorboat drivers shall be sourced from the state budget, training and professional development funds within the People's Public Security, and other lawful sources.

CERTIFICATES OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE, PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES, POSITIONS, CREW COMPLEMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CREW MEMBERS, VESSEL OPERATORS, PEOPLE'S PUBLIC SECURITY MOTORBOAT DRIVERS

5. Other related agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Article 4. Certificates of professional competence, professional certificates for crew members, vessel operators, People's Public Security motorboat drivers

1. Certificate of professional competence for captain is a certificate confirming the crew member's capability to assume the position of captain on watercraft.

Chapter II

a) Certificate of professional competence for captain is divided into Class I (T1), Class II (T2), Class III (T3), and Class IV (T4);

b) Certificate of professional competence for chief engineer is divided into Class I (M1), Class II (M2), and Class III (M3).

2. Professional certificate is a certificate confirming the crew member's capability to work, handle safety issues on watercraft, or operate watercraft; professional certificates include:

a) Seaman's certificate (TT);

b) Engine room attendant's certificate (TM);

c) Vessel operator's certificate (LPT);

d) High-speed vessel operator's certificate (ĐKCT);

e) Coastal vessel operator's certificate (ĐKVB);

f) People's Public Security motorboat driver's certificate (LXM).

3. Certificates of professional competence and professional certificates issued by the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of National Defense have equivalent validity in the Public Security sector.

đ) Coastal navigation vessel control certificate (CNVC);

e) Public Security Police motorboat driving certificate (PDMB).

3. Professional competence certificates and specialty certificates issued by the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of National Defense shall be equivalent for use in the Ministry of Public Security.

Article 5. Seafarer titles, seafarer title standards, drivers of vessels, drivers of police force motor boats

1. Seafarer titles include: Master, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, Assistant Engineer, Able Seaman, Motorman.

2. Seafarer standards, vessel drivers, police force motor boat drivers:

a) Police officers and soldiers of the People's Public Security Force;

b) Hold certificates of professional competence appropriate to their titles and types of vessels they operate.

Article 6. Assuming seafarer titles, vessel drivers, police force motor boat drivers

1. A seafarer with a certificate of fourth-class master professional competence may assume the Master title for the following types of vessels:

a) Passenger vessels carrying up to 20 people;

b) Cargo vessels with a total weight of up to 100 tons;

c) Vessels not specified in points a and b of this clause with installed internal main engine power up to 100 horsepower or externally installed main engine power up to 400 horsepower.

2. A seafarer with a certificate of third-class master professional competence may assume the Master title for the following types of vessels:

a) Passenger vessels carrying up to 50 people;

b) Cargo vessels with a total weight of up to 500 tons;

c) Vessels not specified in points a and b of this clause with installed internal main engine power up to 250 horsepower or externally installed main engine power up to 1000 horsepower.

3. A seafarer with a certificate of second-class master professional competence may assume the Master title for the following types of vessels:

a) Passenger vessels carrying up to 100 people;

b) Cargo vessels with a total weight of up to 1000 tons;

c) Vessels not specified in points a and b of this clause with installed internal main engine power up to 1000 horsepower or externally installed main engine power up to 3000 horsepower.

4. A seafarer with a certificate of first-class master professional competence may assume the Master title for all types of vessels.

5. A seafarer with a certificate of master professional competence may assume the Chief Officer title for vessels one class higher than their Master title; a seafarer with a certificate of master professional competence may assume the Able Seaman title.

6. Assuming the Chief Engineer title:

a) A seafarer with a certificate of third-class chief engineer professional competence may assume the Chief Engineer title for vessels with installed internal main engine power up to 250 horsepower or externally installed main engine power up to 1000 horsepower;

b) A seafarer with a certificate of second-class chief engineer professional competence may assume the Chief Engineer title for vessels with installed internal main engine power up to 1000 horsepower or externally installed main engine power up to 3000 horsepower;

c) A seafarer with a certificate of first-class chief engineer professional competence may assume the Chief Engineer title for all types of vessels.

7. A seafarer with a higher-class chief engineer professional competence certificate may assume the Chief Engineer title for vessels specified for lower-class chief engineer titles.

8. A seafarer with a certificate of chief engineer professional competence may assume the Assistant Engineer title for vessels one class higher than their chief engineer title; a seafarer with a certificate of chief engineer professional competence may assume the Motorman title.

9. A seafarer with an Able Seaman certificate may assume the Able Seaman title for all types of vessels.

10. A seafarer with a Motorman certificate may assume the Motorman title for all types of vessels.

11. A person with a vessel driving certificate may directly control non-motorized vessels with a total weight of up to 15 tons or motorized vessels with main engine power up to 15 horsepower or passenger vessels carrying up to 12 people or rafts.

12. Drivers of high-speed vessels, coastal vessels, and offshore vessels, in addition to certificates of professional competence and vocational training certificates according to their titles, must have special professional certificates corresponding to their roles.

13. A person with a police force motor boat driving certificate:

a) May drive watercraft group IV, V as stipulated in Clause 4, Clause 5, Article 15 of this Circular with main engine power up to 400 horsepower, operated by one person without using rudder for steering;

b) Watercraft group VI as stipulated in Clause 6, Article 15 of this Circular.

Article 7. Master

The master is the highest commander on the vessel or fleet, with the responsibilities and authorities as follows:

1. Managing and ensuring safety for people, vessels, and property on the vessel; being familiar with the technical condition, operational period, and maintenance cycle of the vessel. For masters of sea-going and coastal vessels, they must develop plans for survival, firefighting, and salvage drills, organize training and guide new crew members on the use of survival, firefighting, and salvage equipment immediately upon boarding; every quarter, organize at least one drill for crew members.

2. Managing voyage logs, engine logs, crew directories, lists of officers and soldiers (if any), and other necessary books and documents of the vessel, organizing record-keeping and regularly checking the records. Every day, the master must sign to confirm the contents of the voyage log according to regulations.

3. Organizing the strict implementation of the People's Public Security Regulations; programs, plans, and mobilization orders from competent authorities.

4. Organizing the assignment, supervision, and encouragement of crew members to complete their tasks. In cases where there are multiple deputy masters on the vessel, the responsibilities of each deputy master shall be specifically assigned by the master.

5. Only conducting voyages along routes approved by competent authorities, except in cases of accidents or force majeure.

6. In cases where the vessel is at risk of sinking or destruction, the master must utilize all available means to first organize the rescue of officers and soldiers performing duties on the vessel, then rescue the crew members. The master must be the last person to leave the vessel after making every effort to save the voyage log, engine log, and other important documents of the vessel.

When a person falls into the water, effective measures must be promptly applied to search and rescue the victim, while simultaneously reporting to the search and rescue agency or local authority where the accident occurred. If the vessel is operating at sea, it must report to the Marine Search and Rescue Coordination Center or Coastal Radio Station or Maritime Port Office nearest to the area, informing other vessels nearby to participate in the search and rescue operation; the vessel may only depart from the area where the person fell into the water after making efforts to search but determining that there is no hope, except in cases where it poses danger to the vessel and others on board. The time and measures taken for search and rescue must be recorded in the voyage log.

7. Upon receiving distress signals or when mobilized by competent authorities to participate in search and rescue operations, the master must comply with mobilization orders and organize participation in rescue operations if such actions do not pose a danger to crew members, officers, and soldiers performing duties on the vessel and the vessel under his command.

8. If there is illness or injury during vessel operations, the master must organize initial treatment for the victim; if serious, immediate medical assistance must be provided at the nearest healthcare facility.

9. When leaving the vessel, the master must directly hand over duties to the deputy master or authorized person; in cases of absence for more than one shift, handover must be done in writing; if unable to continue fulfilling duties, the master must transfer command to the deputy master and immediately report to competent authorities.

10. When transferring duties to another person at the request of competent authorities, the master must prepare a handover record detailing the status of crew members, the technical condition of the vessel, equipment, property, books, documents, and related materials of the vessel. Each party retains one copy of the handover record and reports one copy to competent authorities.

11. Organizing the assignment and declaration of contents as required and notifying competent authorities when the vessel is preparing to enter or leave port. Before departure, a specific duty roster must be prepared for each position on the vessel. Prior to departure from the port, the master must check and urge relevant crew sections to ensure adequate material conditions and preparations for the voyage; the vessel may only depart from the port when it is safe, fully prepared for the voyage, and has permission from competent authorities.

12. Directly overseeing a shift, directly commanding the vessel through dangerous areas; outside of shift hours, if the deputy master or chief engineer requests or in case of emergencies, urgent situations, or unusual events, the master must be present at the command position to promptly address matters.

13. Performing the duties of the deputy master if there is no deputy master structure on the vessel.

14. Within the scope of their responsibility, the master has the right:

a) To propose changes or refuse to accept crew members working on the vessel if they are deemed not to meet the prescribed standards;

b) To compel crew members to leave the vessel if they engage in behaviors that do not comply with the master's orders or violate work regulations;

c) To refuse to allow the vessel to operate if the vessel, weather, hydrological, or environmental conditions are deemed insufficient or unsafe for operation and must report to the person issuing the mobilization order for the vessel; if not accepted, the master must request the person issuing the mobilization order to sign the voyage log of the People's Public Security vessel.

Article 8. Deputy Captain

The deputy captain assists the captain and has the responsibilities and authorities as follows:

1. Directly oversees the deck department's tasks; directly oversees and organizes the maintenance and upkeep of life-saving, fire-fighting, and salvage equipment; regularly organizes inspections to ensure that all equipment is in good technical condition and ready for operation; immediately reports any incidents to the captain.

2. Plans voyages; regularly urges, guides, and supervises crew members to implement voyage plans and watch duties correctly; when operating at sea or nearshore, prepares the latest updated nautical charts as required, assigns watch schedules subject to the captain's approval.

3. Inspects the safety conditions of officers and soldiers performing tasks on the vessel before departure; advises the captain to refuse departure if deemed unsafe for personnel and equipment on board.

4. Collaborates with the chief engineer to assign, urge, guide, and supervise pre-departure preparations; if there are deficiencies, they must be rectified and reported to the captain.

5. Oversees the organization of services, guiding officers and soldiers boarding, disembarking, and moving around the vessel; arranges seating and berthing according to regulations to protect the vessel, its assets, and maintain traffic order and provide catering and living services as prescribed.

6. Directly oversees a watch; directly controls the vessel when assigned.

7. Substitutes the captain in managing the vessel when the captain is absent.

8. Performs other tasks assigned by the captain.

Article 9. Seaman

The seaman is under the leadership of the captain and watch supervisor and has the following responsibilities:

1. Carries out necessary tasks for the vessel to leave and dock; inspects gangways to ensure safety.

2. Regularly remains at their designated position to be prepared for any situation.

3. Directly controls the vessel and performs other tasks when assigned by the captain or watch supervisor.

Article 10. Chief Engineer

The chief engineer assists the captain and directly oversees the engine room and has the following responsibilities and authorities:

1. Manages and understands the technical condition of the propulsion system; organizes the assignment and supervision of engine room crew during operations; if there are more than one assistant engineers, the chief engineer assigns specific tasks to each.

2. Fully implements regulations on engine and equipment operation; organizes regular maintenance and repairs of permitted machine parts to ensure efficient system operation.

3. Directly oversees an engine watch. Outside of scheduled shifts, must be present in the engine room as needed to address work requirements requested by the captain or assistant engineer.

4. If executing orders from direct superiors in the bridge would cause engine damage, report to the watch supervisor or captain; if the order remains unchanged, comply and record it in the engine log with confirmation from the order giver.

5. Has the authority to stop a part or system of the engine if deemed unsafe; if continued operation could cause severe damage or accidents, immediately shut down the engine and inform the watch supervisor and captain.

6. Manages technical files and records; daily checks and signs off on the engine log.

7. Performs the duties of an assistant engineer if there is no such position on the vessel.

Article 11. Deputy Engineer

The Deputy Engineer assists the Chief Engineer and has the responsibilities and authorities as follows:

1. Ensuring the normal operation of auxiliary machinery (if any), the propeller shaft system, and the steering gear.

2. Planning the work schedule for the engine room department for the Chief Engineer's approval, directly assigning tasks, and scheduling watch duties for crew members in the engine room.

3. Directly overseeing one engine watch.

4. In cases where it is determined that executing orders from immediate superiors on the bridge would cause damage to the engine room equipment, report to the watch supervisor or the Master; if the order remains unchanged, it must be carried out and recorded in the engine log with confirmation from the person issuing the order.

5. During the watch, has the authority to stop the operation of a part of the machinery or a system if deemed unsafe; if it is determined that continuing operation will cause severe damage or an accident, immediately shut down the machine and simultaneously report to the watch supervisor, the Master, and the Chief Engineer.

6. Carrying out other tasks assigned by the Chief Engineer.

Article 12. Engine Room Rating

The Engine Room Rating is under the leadership of the Chief Engineer and the watch supervisor and has the following responsibilities:

1. During the watch, fully perform the assigned tasks; monitor technical parameters and the operational status of the machinery, reporting any abnormalities to the watch supervisor.

2. Regularly clean the machinery and engine room; participate in maintenance and repairs as required by the Chief Engineer.

3. Carry out other tasks assigned by the Chief Engineer or the watch supervisor.

Article 13. Vessel Operator, Police Motorboat Operator

1. Manage personnel, vessels, property, and related vessel documents.

2. Be familiar with channel conditions and safety conditions at ports and wharfs where the vessel operates.

3. Inspect the vessel and safety equipment for personnel and the vessel. Before departure, ensure that personnel and cargo are arranged to maintain vessel stability and safety.

4. In case of an accident, the vessel operator and police motorboat operator shall comply with the provisions of Clause 1, Article 98d of the Law on Inland Waterway Transport; promptly rescue people, vessels, and cargo, and be the last to leave the vessel if it sinks.

5. Upon receiving a distress signal or when mobilized by competent authorities to participate in search and rescue operations, comply with dispatch orders and organize participation in rescue operations if such actions do not endanger people, cargo, or the vessel they operate.

6. Accept direction from direct unit leaders managing and using the vessel.

Article 14. Trainee Crew Member

The Trainee Crew Member is under the management of the Master. A Trainee Crew Member in any position on the vessel must fulfill the scope of responsibility of that position and has the following responsibilities:

1. Adhere to general regulations for crew members, vessel rules, and work procedures.

2. Participate in work and activities on the vessel according to the assignment and guidance of the Master or the Chief Engineer or persons authorized by the Master or Chief Engineer.

3. Only operate machinery and equipment on the vessel under the direct supervision of the person providing guidance.

Article 15. Classification of vessels for crew allocation

1. Group I

a) Passenger vessels with a capacity of over 100 people;

b) Cargo vessels with a gross tonnage of over 1,000 tons;

c) Vessels not falling under the categories specified in points a and b of this clause, equipped with internal engines having a total main engine power of over 1,000 horsepower or external engines having a total main engine power of over 3,000 horsepower.

2. Group II

a) Passenger vessels with a capacity of over 50 to 100 people;

b) Cargo vessels with a gross tonnage of over 500 to 1,000 tons;

c) Vessels not falling under the categories specified in points a and b of this clause, equipped with internal engines having a total main engine power of over 250 to 1,000 horsepower or external engines having a total main engine power of over 1,000 to 3,000 horsepower.

3. Group III

a) Passenger vessels with a capacity of over 12 to 50 people;

b) Cargo vessels with a gross tonnage of over 15 to 500 tons;

c) Vessels not falling under the categories specified in points a and b of this clause, equipped with internal engines having a total main engine power of over 100 to 250 horsepower or external engines having a total main engine power up to 1,000 horsepower.

4. Group IV

Vessels with a total main engine power of over 15 horsepower, carrying up to 12 people.

5. Group V

Vessels with a total main engine power of up to 15 horsepower, carrying up to 12 people.

6. Group VI

People's Public Security motor boats are watercraft with a total main engine power of up to 400 horsepower, designed length up to 15 meters, carrying up to 12 people, operated by one person without using a rudder to change direction.

Article 16. Crew allocation table

Crew allocation specifies the minimum number of crew members by position during a work shift on a vessel.

A work shift is the time period during which crew members perform their assigned duties on a vessel but does not exceed eight hours of work in a day.

1. For inland waterway vessels.

2. Coastal vessels

Crew members must have corresponding professional certificates regarding the operation and control of the vessel as stipulated by maritime law.

a) For trips with a total work shift duration

b) For trips with a total duration exceeding one work shift but less than two work shifts shall be arranged as follows:

c) For trips with a total duration exceeding two work shifts shall be arranged as follows:

3. Vessels belonging to Group IV with a total main engine power of over 15 horsepower, carrying up to 12 people

4. Vessels belonging to Group V with a total main engine power of up to 15 horsepower, carrying up to 12 people

5. Vessels belonging to Group VI

6. People's Public Security vessels operating at sea.

a) The provisions regarding positions of crew members; professional standards and professional certificates of crew members working on People's Public Security vessels operating at sea shall be implemented according to maritime law regulations;

b) Heads of units using vessels are responsible for arranging crew allocations for work on vessels and registering crew members in accordance with regulations.

Chapter III

TRAINING, EXAMINATION, AND ISSUANCE OF LICENSES FOR PEOPLE'S PUBLIC SECURITY MOTOR BOAT OPERATORS

Article 17. Competence for Management and Organization of Training, Examination, Issuance, Renewal, and Reissuance of Motor Raft Driving Certificates for People's Public Security Forces

1. Traffic Police Corps

a) Managing the training, examination, issuance of motor raft driving certificates, renewal, and reissuance of motor raft driving certificates for People's Public Security Forces;

b) Directing, inspecting, and supervising the content of training programs, examinations, and issuance of motor raft driving certificates; renewal, and reissuance of motor raft driving certificates for local public security units;

c) Organizing training, examination, issuance of motor raft driving certificates, renewal, and reissuance of motor raft driving certificates for officers and soldiers of subordinate units under the Ministry of Public Security, People's Public Security Universities, and local public security forces when required.

2. Provincial Public Security Departments and Municipal Public Security Departments under Central Government

a) Managing the training, examination, issuance of motor raft driving certificates, renewal, and reissuance of motor raft driving certificates at the local level;

b) Issuing training plans, deciding to open training classes, and establishing examination boards for issuing motor raft driving certificates for People's Public Security Forces at the local level;

c) In cases where conditions for organizing training or establishing examination boards according to this Circular are not met, the Provincial Public Security Department and Municipal Public Security Departments under the Central Government (hereinafter referred to as Provincial-level Public Security Departments) shall issue training plans, decide to open classes, and submit written requests to the Director of the Traffic Police Corps to assign lecturers and establish examination boards for issuing motor raft driving certificates.

3. Traffic Police Departments of Provincial-level Public Security Departments

a) Reporting to the Director of Provincial-level Public Security Departments to issue training plans, decide to open classes, and establish examination boards;

b) Organizing training, examination, issuance of motor raft driving certificates, renewal, and reissuance of motor raft driving certificates for officers and soldiers of local public security forces;

c) Reporting the results of training, examination, issuance of motor raft driving certificates, renewal, and reissuance of motor raft driving certificates to the Traffic Police Corps for monitoring and management as prescribed.

4. Academies and People's Public Security Universities

a) Reporting to the Traffic Police Corps to issue decisions to open training classes and organize training for motor raft driving for their students;

b) Upon completion of the training program, organizing assessments of student results and recommending the Traffic Police Corps to establish examination boards and issue motor raft driving certificates as prescribed.

Article 18. Compilation and Use of Materials Related to Training and Examination for Issuance of Motor Raft Driving Certificates for People's Public Security Forces

1. The Traffic Police Corps compiles and issues a set of materials: laws on waterway traffic order and safety; construction and routine maintenance; motor raft control techniques; and a set of questions for training and examination for issuing motor raft driving certificates for People's Public Security Forces; a set of training, testing, and certification materials for examiners of motor raft driving examinations for People's Public Security Forces.

2. The Traffic Police Corps leads the research and development of computer-based theoretical examination software for motor raft driving and implements printing of motor raft driving certificates on plastic material; database management software and digitization of professional qualification certificate files for watercraft operators of People's Public Security Forces, submitting them for approval by competent authorities and transferring approved programs to local public security units, People's Public Security Universities for implementation.

Article 19. Training Program and Examination for Issuing Motor Raft Driving Certificates for People's Public Security Forces

1. Duration of Training

2. Content of the Training Program

a. Theory

b. Practical Control of Motor Rafts

3. Examination for Issuing Motor Raft Driving Certificates

Article 20. Training Program and Inspection for Issuing Certificates of Examiners for Motor Raft Driving Examinations for People's Public Security Forces

1. Duration of Training

2. Content of Training

a) Theory

c) Practical Examiner Training for Controlling Motor Rafts

3. Inspection for Issuing Certificates of Examiners

Article 21. Standards for Teachers and Material Conditions for Training and Examination for Issuing Motor Raft Driving Certificates for People's Public Security Forces

1. Teacher Standards

a) General standards

Having good moral qualities; meeting health requirements; working in the field of waterways for at least 18 months and holding a motor raft driving certificate for People's Public Security Forces;

b) For teachers teaching laws on traffic order and safety on inland waterways:

Holding a bachelor's degree in law or a university degree from public security academies or universities (for officers graduating from non-public security fields, they must attend public security professional training courses as prescribed);

c) For teachers teaching techniques for controlling motor rafts, maintaining, repairing motor rafts, their structure, routine repairs, and search and rescue operations in inland waterway traffic:

Meeting the standards stipulated in point a of this clause;

Holding a professional qualification certificate for master mariner or chief engineer or a diploma from a college or higher education institution specializing in vessel control and marine machinery operation;

d) For practical instructors:

Meeting the standards stipulated in point a of this clause;

Having at least 24 months of experience driving motor rafts for People's Public Security Forces.

2. Material Conditions for Training and Examination

a) Having classrooms for theoretical learning and examination ensuring a minimum area of 0.7m2/person; equipped with audio-visual devices; having an inland waterway traffic signal system;

b) The location for practical learning and examination must have convenient docks for boarding and disembarking; fixed berths for vessels to parallel; signals for the practice water area; the practice and examination water areas must meet national inland waterway technical standards level IV or higher;

c) Motor rafts used for learning and examination must have valid registration certificates, technical safety and environmental protection certificates; registered numbers must be marked or affixed.

Article 22. Documents for registering to study motorboat driving for People's Public Security Forces

1. Application for studying, taking exams, obtaining, changing, reissuing motorboat driving certificates with confirmation from the head of the unit where the applicant works (in accordance with Model 03 issued together with this Circular).

2. Health certificate issued by health authorities at district level or higher medical facilities under provincial-level Public Security Departments that are still valid and proof of swimming ability.

3. Two color photographs measuring 2cm x 3cm and two color photographs measuring 3cm x 4cm in frontal portrait style on a blue background; officers and soldiers must wear People's Public Security uniforms, wear identification numbers, and wear peaked caps.

Article 23. Implementation of motorboat driving training for People's Public Security Forces

1. Based on annual training plans and individual files of officers and soldiers who have registered to study motorboat driving, the Traffic Police Training, Examination, and Management Department of the Traffic Police Corps, academies, and public security schools shall report to the Director of the Traffic Police Corps; the Traffic Police Department shall report to the Provincial Public Security Director regarding the issuance of decisions to open motorboat driving training classes for People's Public Security Forces. The application for issuing a decision to open a class includes: request letter to open a class, training program, schedule, list, and registration files of officers and soldiers for motorboat driving training in accordance with Article 22 of this Circular.

Within ten days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the Director of the Traffic Police Corps and the Provincial Public Security Director shall issue a decision to open a motorboat driving training class for People's Public Security Forces.

2. Upon completion of training, the training units shall report to the Director of the Traffic Police Corps (for classes managed by the Traffic Police Corps) or the Provincial Public Security Director (for classes managed by local public security forces) on the learning outcomes of trainees and propose the establishment of a board to issue motorboat driving certificates for qualified trainees.

3. Localities that lack conditions to organize training or establish examination boards shall advise the Provincial Public Security Director to request the Director of the Traffic Police Corps to support organizing training and issuing decisions to establish examination boards and issue motorboat driving certificates for People's Public Security Forces in accordance with regulations.

Article 24. Responsibilities of officers and soldiers participating in motorboat driving examinations for People's Public Security Forces

1. Be present at the examination venue on time, wearing appropriate People's Public Security uniforms.

2. Present a People's Public Security Identity Card or Citizen Identification Card or Citizen Card or Citizen Electronic ID to enter the motorboat driving examination.

3. During the examination period, officers and soldiers are not allowed to use materials, mobile phones, communication devices (receiving, transmitting information, recording audio, video) or contain information to cheat; violators will be subject to review, suspension, and cancellation of examination results.

Article 25. Examination Board for Motorboat Driving for People's Public Security Forces

1. The Examination Board is established by the Traffic Police Corps, consisting of:

a) The leader of the Traffic Police Corps serves as Chairman of the Board;

b) The leader of the Traffic Police Training, Examination, and Management Department serves as Vice-Chairman of the Board;

c) Directors of training institutions, Heads of Traffic Police Departments within academies and schools in the People's Public Security Forces assigned to train watercraft drivers serve as members;

d) Staff from the Traffic Police Training, Examination, and Management Department serve as secretaries and examiners.

2. The Examination Board is established by the Traffic Police Corps based on reports from local public security forces, consisting of:

a) The leader of the Traffic Police Corps serves as Chairman of the Board;

b) The leader of the Traffic Police Training, Examination, and Management Department serves as Vice-Chairman of the Board;

c) The leader of the Provincial Public Security Traffic Police Department serves as a member;

d) Staff from the Traffic Police Training, Examination, and Management Department serve as secretaries and examiners.

3. The Examination Board is established by the Provincial Public Security Department, consisting of:

a) The leader of the Provincial Public Security Traffic Police Department serves as Chairman of the Board;

b) The Head of the Registration and Management of Traffic Vehicles Team serves as Vice-Chairman of the Board;

c) Staff from the Provincial Public Security Traffic Police Department serve as secretaries and examiners.

4. Duties and powers of the Examination Board

a) Disseminate regulations on examination rules, discipline, content, and methods; prevent unauthorized persons from entering theoretical examination rooms and practical motorboat driving test areas;

b) Inspect and require compliance with conditions for organizing the examination;

c) Organize motorboat driving examinations according to regulations;

d) Confirm examination results of officers and soldiers participating in the examination;

đ) Examine and resolve complaints about the examination process of officers and soldiers participating in motorboat driving examinations within their authority;

e) Suspend and cancel examination results of officers and soldiers violating examination rules and notify the direct management agencies of these officers and soldiers.

5. Duties and powers of members of the Examination Board:

a) Chairman of the Examination Board: Directly lead or assign tasks to members of the Examination Board to organize motorboat driving examinations; conclude and sign summary records of examination results for each officer and soldier participating in the examination; approve and sign off on summary records of motorboat driving examination results with other members of the Examination Board upon completion of the examination; suspend and cancel examination results of participants violating examination rules; temporarily halt examinations when examination conditions do not ensure safety; examine and resolve complaints about the examination process of officers and soldiers participating in motorboat driving examinations;

b) Vice-Chairman of the Examination Board: Carry out tasks assigned by the Chairman of the Examination Board; responsible for organizing the motorboat driving examination board when authorized by the Chairman;

c) Member of the Examination Board: Responsible for preparing material and technical conditions for the examination and managing officers and soldiers during the examination process;

d) Secretary of the Examination Board: Carry out tasks assigned by the Chairman of the Examination Board; announce the Decision to Establish the Examination Board; take attendance of officers and soldiers before the examination; check the conditions of officers and soldiers participating in the examination; compile examination results and records of violations of examination rules and discipline (if any) to report to the Chairman of the Examination Board for decision; complete examination files for signature; hand over examination-related files and documents to the storage department.

đ) Examiner: Perform tasks according to the assignment of the Examination Board Chair; directly responsible for evaluating the examination results of officers and soldiers on each examination content; establish minutes for officers and soldiers who violate examination regulations (if any) and report to the Examination Board Chair.

5. Members of the Examination Board must wear police uniforms and badges as prescribed when performing their duties.

6. The Examination Board shall dissolve itself after completing its tasks.

Article 26. Standards, procedures for issuing, replacing, reissuing, and revoking the examiner certification

1. Examiner standards

a) Must be a professional officer; hold a People's Police motorboat driving certificate for at least 24 months;

b) Hold a health certificate issued by a health authority at the district level or higher or a provincial-level People's Police hospital, still within the validity period;

c) Have been trained by the Traffic Police Corps in accordance with the content and program stipulated in Article 20 of this Circular, passed the examination with satisfactory results, and received a People's Police motorboat driving examiner certification.

2. Procedures and formalities for issuing the examiner certification:

a) The examiner certification is issued by the Traffic Police Corps to officers and soldiers meeting the standards stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article, valid for five years from the date of issuance;

b) Documents include: A letter from the direct managing unit along with a list of officers and soldiers proposed for the Traffic Police Corps to organize training and issue the examiner certification; the People's Police motorboat driving certificate; two color photographs measuring 2cm x 3cm taken against a blue background.

Within ten days from the end of the training and evaluation of results, the Traffic Police Corps is responsible for issuing the examiner certification to officers and soldiers who meet the conditions.

3. Procedures and formalities for replacing the examiner certification:

a) The examiner certification is replaced if there is incorrect information or it has expired;

b) Documents include: A letter from the direct managing unit requesting the Traffic Police Corps to replace the examiner certification; the People's Police motorboat driving certificate; two color photographs measuring 2cm x 3cm taken against a blue background; the original examiner certification with incorrect information or that has expired. The direct managing unit of the officers and soldiers holding the examiner certification must prepare and submit the documents to the Traffic Police Corps within fifteen days before the expiration date of the certification.

Within ten days from receiving complete and valid documents, the Traffic Police Corps is responsible for replacing the examiner certification for officers and soldiers.

4. Procedures and formalities for reissuing the examiner certification:

a) The examiner certification is reissued if it is lost or damaged;

b) Documents include: A letter from the direct managing unit requesting the Traffic Police Corps to reissue the examiner certification; a commitment letter not to misuse the examiner certification for improper purposes or in violation of the law (in case of loss); the People's Police motorboat driving certificate; two color photographs measuring 2cm x 3cm taken against a blue background; the original examiner certification (in case of damage).

Within ten days from receiving complete and valid documents, the Traffic Police Corps is responsible for reissuing the examiner certification for officers and soldiers.

5. Revocation of the examiner certification

a) The examiner certification is revoked when the officer or soldier who was issued it no longer works in the field of training, examination, and management of motorboat driving certificates for the People's Police, or is criminally prosecuted, or the certification was issued beyond authority;

b) Documents include: The examiner certification; evidence proving that the examiner certification falls under the circumstances subject to revocation (if any).

Within five working days from the date the managing unit issues a request for revocation or upon discovering that the examiner certification falls under the circumstances subject to revocation, the Traffic Police Corps will issue a decision to revoke the certification and notify the managing unit to implement it. Officers and soldiers are responsible for returning the examiner certification to the Head of the Training Guidance, Examination, Issuance, and Management Room of the Traffic Police Corps or the Head of the Provincial Public Security Traffic Police Department immediately after the revocation decision takes effect.

Article 27. Conditions for taking the exam, form, time to implement each part of the exam and recognition of satisfactory results

Article 1. Eligibility for the examination

a) Having a name on the list proposed for the exam that matches the name on the list for the boat driving training class issued by the competent authority opening the training class;

b) Having complete documentation as prescribed in Article 22 of this Circular.

2. Form, time to implement each part of the exam and recognition of satisfactory results

a) The theoretical exam is conducted in a multiple-choice format; the time to complete the test does not exceed 20 minutes, with 30 questions; answering correctly from 26 questions or more is considered satisfactory;

b) The practical skills exam for controlling motor boats is conducted through 04 tests (Annex No. 01); the maximum testing time does not exceed 30 minutes, with a total possible score of 100 points; candidates must complete all tests and achieve at least 80 points to be considered satisfactory.

Article 28. Organization of the Exam and Issuance of Motor Boat Driving Certificates for People's Public Security Forces

1. The Traffic Guidance, Training, Examination, and Management Department of the Traffic Police Force bases its decision to establish the Motor Boat Driving Exam Board and direct the implementation of the exam according to the provisions of Article 25 of this Circular on the training class opening file and the report on the completion of boat driving training, the proposal for organizing the exam by the training organization, to review and verify the conditions for taking the exam and the list of candidates reported to the Director of the Traffic Police Corps, and the Provincial Public Security Director issues a decision to establish the Motor Boat Driving Exam Board for the People's Public Security Forces and directs the implementation of the exam.

2. Procedure for conducting the exam:

a) Before starting the exam, the Exam Board convenes to unify the methods of conducting the exam, assigns specific tasks to each member of the Exam Board, and sets out measures to organize the exam;

b) Conduct the theoretical exam. After completing the theoretical exam, the Exam Board reviews the exam results; only those candidates who pass the theoretical exam may proceed to the practical exam;

c) Conduct the practical exam. After completing the practical exam, the Exam Board secretary compiles the results and reports them to the Exam Board;

d) At the end of the exam period, the Exam Board reports the exam results along with the list of candidates who passed the exam to the Director of the Traffic Police Corps or the Provincial Public Security Director.

3. Based on the Exam Board's report, the competent authority specified in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of Article 17 of this Circular issues a decision recognizing successful candidates in the exam and issuing Motor Boat Driving Certificates for the People's Public Security Forces (with attached lists). Within 10 days from the date of the exam, the competent authority must issue Motor Boat Driving Certificates to candidates who have passed the exam and record them in the Register of Motor Boat Driving Certificates for the People's Public Security Forces (according to Model 10).

4. Candidates who fail the practical exam but pass the theoretical exam are allowed to retain their theoretical exam results for 12 months and can participate in exams organized by the Traffic Police Corps or the Provincial Public Security.

Article 29. Motor Boat Driving Certificate for the People's Public Security Forces

1. Officers and soldiers are issued a Motor Boat Driving Certificate for the People's Public Security Forces with a unique number. The Motor Boat Driving Certificate number consists of two groups of digits separated by a dot, specifically:

a) The first group: Consists of two digits representing the Traffic Police Corps, province, or centrally-administered city (Annex No. 02);

b) The second group: Consists of five digits which are the serial number of the Motor Boat Driving Certificate;

c) Officers and soldiers who have been issued a Motor Boat Driving Certificate under previous regulations and now wish to change it will be issued a new number according to the provisions of this Circular.

2. The Motor Boat Driving Certificate for the People's Public Security Forces has indefinite validity.

Article 30. Exchange, Reissue, and Revocation of People's Public Security Motorboat Driving Certificates

1. The motorboat driving certificate shall be exchanged when it is torn, faded, worn out, or contains incorrect information, or when there is a need to exchange the certificate. The application file includes:

a) An application for exchanging the motorboat driving certificate (in form 03), confirmed by the head of the directly managing unit;

b) One color photograph of the applicant in a frontal portrait style, size 2cm x 3cm, wearing police uniform, badge number, and peaked cap;

c) The previously issued motorboat driving certificate.

2. When a member of staff loses their motorboat driving certificate, they may apply for reissuance. The application file includes:

a) A commitment letter accepting responsibility for the loss of the motorboat driving certificate, ensuring it will not be misused or violate the law;

b) An application for reissuing the motorboat driving certificate (in form 03), confirmed by the head of the directly managing unit;

c) One color photograph of the applicant in a frontal portrait style, size 2cm x 3cm, wearing police uniform, badge number, and peaked cap.

3. Revocation of People's Public Security Motorboat Driving Certificate

The People's Public Security motorboat driving certificate shall be revoked in cases where training, examination, or issuance was conducted beyond authority.

Article 31. Management of Application Files

1. Training units manage and retain files including:

a) Training plans;

b) Decisions to open classes along with student lists;

c) Related teaching and learning materials and records.

2. Issuing authorities manage and retain files including:

a) Decisions to open classes along with student lists;

b) Decisions to establish Examination Boards;

c) Examination Board reports on examination results;

d) Decisions to issue motorboat driving certificates;

đ) Registers for managing People's Public Security motorboat driving certificates.

3. Members of staff are responsible for preserving their own application files for People's Public Security motorboat driving certificates.

Article 32. Appendices and Forms Used in Training, Examination, Issuance of Motorboat Driving Certificates for People's Public Security and Management of Crew Members Working on Watercraft

This Circular promulgates appendices and forms used in training, examination, issuance of motorboat driving certificates for People's Public Security and management of crew members working on watercraft as follows:

1. Appendices

a) Practical skills test for controlling People's Public Security motorboats (Appendix No. 01);

b) Certificate number symbols managed by localities (Appendix No. 02).

2. Forms

a) People's Public Security motorboat driving certificate (Form No. 01);

b) Certificate of examiners for People's Public Security motorboat driving examinations (Form No. 02);

c) Application for training, examination, issuance, exchange, and reissuance of People's Public Security motorboat driving certificates (Form No. 03);

d) Decision to open a motorboat driving training class (Form No. 04);

đ) Decision to establish an examination board for People's Public Security motorboat driving examinations (Form No. 05);

e) Summary record of examination results for People's Public Security motorboat driving examinations (Form No. 06);

g) Decision recognizing successful candidates and issuing motorboat driving certificates (Form No. 07);

h) Emblem "Chairman of the Examination Board for Motorboat Driving Examinations" (Form No. 08A);

i) Emblem "Vice-Chairman of the Examination Board for Motorboat Driving Examinations" (Form No. 08B);

k) Emblem "Member of the Examination Board for Motorboat Driving Examinations" (Form No. 08C);

l) Emblem "Secretary of the Examination Board for Motorboat Driving Examinations" (Form No. 08D);

m) Emblem "Examiner for Motorboat Driving Examinations" (Form No. 08Đ);

n) Motorboat driving certificate application file (Form No. 09);

o) Register for managing People's Public Security motorboat driving certificates (Form No. 10);

p) Statistics of officers and soldiers with certificates of professional competence, crew member certificates, and motorboat drivers' certificates (Form No. 11);

q) Crew member directory for People's Public Security watercraft (Form No. 12).

3. Printing, Managing, and Using Forms

a) The Traffic Police Department coordinates with the Industry Security Bureau to unify the design, quality, and technical standards of forms for People's Public Security motorboat driving certificates and examiner certificates. They organize printing, managing, and providing forms for training, examination, issuance of motorboat driving certificates, examiner certificates, and crew member directories at the Traffic Police Department and print motorboat driving certificate forms according to the registration of local public security agencies;

b) Based on actual needs, the Traffic Police Division registers the quantity of motorboat driving certificate forms required by their unit with the Traffic Police Department; other forms are printed and managed by the Traffic Police Division according to regulations;

c) Damaged motorboat driving certificate forms and examiner certificates must be recorded by series and destroyed periodically every eighteen months by the managing authority according to regulations.

4. Destruction of Forms

a) Forms for People's Public Security motorboat driving certificates and examiner certificates shall be destroyed if they are damaged, recalled, or no longer comply with current regulations;

b) The Traffic Police Department's form destruction committee is chaired by the Director of the Traffic Police Department, with the Deputy Chair being the Head of the Training Guidance, Examination, and Permit Management Division, and the Committee Members being the Heads of the Logistics and Personnel Divisions. The Secretary is the form manager from the Training Guidance, Examination, and Permit Management Division;

c) The local public security agency's form destruction committee is chaired by the Head of the Traffic Police Division, with the Deputy Chair being the Head of the Logistics Division, and the Committee Member being the Head of the Registration and Vehicle Management Team. The Secretary is the form manager from the Traffic Police Division;

d) The form destruction committee is responsible for inventorying, destroying forms so that they are no longer usable, preparing a destruction report, and reporting the results to the Director of the Traffic Police Department or the Provincial Public Security Chief.

Chapter IV

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 33. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from May 26, 2025.

2. Circular No. 46/2016/TT-BCA dated November 8, 2016, of the Minister of Public Security regarding professional competence certificates, crew member certificates, positions, staffing levels, and training, examination, and issuance of motorboat driving certificates for People's Public Security becomes invalid from the date this Circular takes effect.

3. In case the legal normative documents referred to in this Circular are amended, supplemented, or replaced, they shall be implemented according to the newly issued legal normative documents.

Article 34. Transitional Provisions

1. Certificates of examiners grading the boat driving test for the People's Public Security that were issued before the effective date of this Circular shall continue to be used within the validity period stated on the certificate and may be renewed upon expiration of the validity period.

2. In cases where applications have been accepted, training for boat driving for the People's Public Security is ongoing but has not yet concluded, or the course has ended and a decision to establish an examination board has been made but the examination has not yet taken place, when this Circular becomes effective, such training or examination shall continue to be carried out in accordance with Circular No. 46/2016/TT-BCA dated November 8, 2016, issued by the Minister of Public Security regarding certificates of professional capability, professional certificates, job titles, crew member quotas on watercraft, and training, examination, and issuance of boat driving certificates for the People's Public Security.

Article 35. Responsibility for Implementation

1. The Director of the Traffic Police Department shall be responsible for guiding, inspecting, and urging units and local public security agencies in implementing this Circular.

2. Heads of units under the Ministry of Public Security; Directors of Academies, Principals of Public Security Colleges; Directors of Provincial and Central City Public Security Departments shall be responsible for enforcing this Circular.

3. During the implementation of this Circular, if there are difficulties or obstacles, local public security agencies shall report to the Ministry of Public Security (through the Traffic Police Bureau) for timely guidance./.