Circular No. 27/2016/TT-BGTVT on training, issuing, and revoking the Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots and the Certificate of Operating Area for Marine Pilots

CIRCULAR

Article 24regulating training, issuance, revocation of certificates of professional competence for marine pilots

 and certificates of pilotage areas for marine pilotsand the Certificate of Pilotage Area

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

Pursuant to Decree No. 107/2012/NĐ-CP dated December 20, 2012 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Transport;

At the proposal of the Director of the Personnel Department and the Director General of the Vietnam Maritime Administration;

The Minister of Transport issues this Circular to regulate training, issuance, revocation of certificates of professional competence for marine pilots (hereinafter referred to as GCNKNCMHTHH) and certificates of pilotage areas for marine pilots (hereinafter referred to as GCNVHĐHTHH).

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

1. This Circular regulates training, issuance, revocation of certificates of professional competence for marine pilots (GCNKNCMHTHH) and certificates of pilotage areas for marine pilots (GCNVHĐHTHH).

2. This Circular applies to marine pilots, ship captains, marine pilot organizations, ship owners, and agencies, organizations, and individuals related to the use, training, issuance, and revocation of GCNKNCMHTHH and GCNVHĐHTHH.

Article 2. Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots and Certificate of Pilotage Areas for Marine Pilots

1. Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots

a) GCNKNCMHTHH is a certificate issued to marine pilots and ship captains who meet the provisions set out in Chapter II of this Circular. Marine pilots and ship captains are only permitted to guide ships within the limits specified in their GCNKNCMHTHH.

b) GCNKNCMHTHH includes GCNKNCMHTHH Class Three, Class Two, Class One, and Elite (issued to marine pilots) and GCNKNCMHTHH issued to ship captains guiding their own vessels.

d) The format of GCNKNCMHTHH is prescribed in Appendix 1 of this Circular.

2. Certificate of Pilotage Areas for Marine Pilots

a) GCNVHĐHTHH is a certificate issued to marine pilots and ship captains specifying the operational areas and routes where marine pilots are permitted to operate or ship captains are permitted to guide their own vessels. Marine pilots and ship captains are only allowed to guide ships on the routes listed in their GCNVHĐHTHH.

b) Marine pilots who have completed practical training guiding ships and ship captains who have guided ships in certain operational areas and routes shall be issued GCNVHĐHTHH for those specific operational areas and routes.

c) The validity period of GCNVHĐHTHH corresponds to the validity period of GCNKNCMHTHH.

d) The format of GCNVHĐHTHH is prescribed in Appendix 2 of this Circular.

A Grade Three Maritime Pilot is permitted to guide vessels with a total gross tonnage under 4,000 GT or a maximum length up to 115 meters.

2. A Class Two marine pilot is a pilot holding a GCNKNCMHTHH Class Two. A Class Two marine pilot is authorized to guide ships with a total gross tonnage up to 10,000 GT and a maximum length of 145 meters.

3. A Class One marine pilot is a pilot holding a GCNKNCMHTHH Class One. A Class One marine pilot is authorized to guide ships with a total gross tonnage up to 20,000 GT and a maximum length of 175 meters.

4. Elite-Class Marine Pilot is a pilot who has been granted an Elite-Class Competence Certificate for Marine Pilot. An Elite-Class Marine Pilot is permitted to guide all types of ships.

5. A marine pilot is authorized to guide government service vessels, fishing vessels, inland waterway vessels, submarines, diving vessels, floating storage units, mobile platforms, seaplanes, and foreign military vessels visiting Vietnam corresponding to the pilot's rank as stipulated in Clause 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this Article.

PART II

TRAINING, TESTING, ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE FOR MARINE PILOTS AND CERTIFICATES OF PILOTAGE AREAS

MARITIME PILOTAGE, CERTIFICATE OF PILOTAGE AREA

FOR SEAMEN'S PILOTS

1. The training program for marine pilots includes:

a) Basic marine pilot training program is a training program applicable to probationary marine pilots;

b) Advanced marine pilot training program is a training program applied to upgrade the rank of marine pilots from Class Two to Class One;

c) Marine pilot training program for ship captains guiding their own vessels.

2. The basic and advanced marine pilot training programs include the following main contents:

a) The Vietnamese Maritime Code, Law on Inland Waterway Transport, relevant legal documents concerning marine pilots, international conventions related to maritime safety, maritime security, and prevention of environmental pollution;

d) Compulsory maritime pilotage areas of Vietnam;

c) Ship handling training;

d) The mandatory maritime pilotage zone of Vietnam;

d) Marine pilot vocational English;

e) Bridge resource management;

g) Utilization and operation of navigational equipment on the bridge;

h) International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea;

i) Transportation of dangerous goods, passenger ships, and Ro-Ro ships.

3. The marine pilot training program for ship captains guiding their own vessels includes the contents specified in Points a, b, c, d, and đ of Clause 2 of this Article.

4. Marine pilot training institutions develop the marine pilot training program and submit it to the Ministry of Transport for promulgation.

Article 5. Training Institutions and Marine Pilot Training Programs

1. Marine pilot training institutions are maritime universities and colleges that offer navigation control majors.

2. Responsibilities of training institutions:

a) Organize training according to the marine pilot training program as prescribed;

b) Research and improve teaching methods, enhance training quality; propose amendments and supplements to the marine pilot training program to ensure suitability;

3. Marine pilots and probationary marine pilots are trained at marine pilot organizations.

Article 6. Maritime Pilot Examination Board

1. The Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration decides to establish the Maritime Pilot Examination Board.

2. The Maritime Pilot Examination Board shall consist of from five to seven members, including: the Chairman of the Board being a representative of the leadership of the Vietnam Maritime Administration, the other members being representatives of the functional departments related to the Vietnam Maritime Administration, pilot organizations, and training institutions.

3. The Maritime Pilot Examination Board is responsible for organizing the final examination for basic maritime pilot training courses and advanced maritime pilot training courses.

4. The Maritime Pilot Examination Board has the following tasks:

a) Reviewing the list of candidates according to the conditions stipulated in Chapter II of this Circular;

b) Advising the Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration on establishing question banks for each category of maritime pilots and each maritime pilot region; proposing adjustments and updates to the questions to be more aligned with reality;

c) Organizing, managing, and supervising examinations;

d) Handling incidents occurring during the examination period (if any);

đ) Establishing the Examination Committee for the final examination of basic maritime pilot training courses and advanced maritime pilot training courses (hereinafter referred to as the Examination Committee);

e) Summarizing the examination results and reporting to the Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration to decide on recognizing the graduation of trainees;

g) Collecting feedback from training institutions, trainees, and pilot organizations regarding the organization, curriculum, and training procedures for various categories of maritime pilots and reporting to the Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration.

Article 7. Examination Committee for Final Examinations

1. The Examination Committee consists of from five to seven members, including:

a) A Senior Maritime Pilot with at least 36 months of experience as a Senior Maritime Pilot;

b) A Ship Captain with a total gross tonnage of 3,000 GT or more and at least 36 months of experience in the corresponding position;

c) A reputable expert in maritime professional matters;

d) A representative of the Port Maritime Office and the Inland Waterway Port Office.

2. The Examination Committee for Final Examinations has the following tasks:

a) Organize questioning, grading, and compiling examination result reports as prescribed;

b) Recommend the Examination Board for Maritime Pilots to promptly correct errors in the examination questions;

c) Handle violations of examination rules within their authority and report to the Examination Board for Maritime Pilots.

Article 8. Conditions for Participation in Maritime Pilot Training Courses

1. Trainees participating in basic maritime pilot training courses must meet the following conditions:

a) Graduation from a university-level program in Marine Engineering;

b) At least 12 months of experience in the position of Deck Officer on ships with a total gross tonnage of 500 GT or more;

c) Meeting health standards as prescribed;

a) Holding a degree from a university-level program in Marine Engineering;

b) Meet health standards as prescribed;

c) Hold a Maritime English Certificate of Proficiency Level 3 as prescribed by the Minister of Transport;

c) Holding a Maritime English Certificate of Proficiency level 3 as prescribed by the Minister of Transport;

d) Holding a Second-Class Competency Certificate for Marine Pilots;

đ) Independently navigating vessels safely for at least 300 trips in the capacity of a Second-Class Marine Pilot or having at least 24 months of experience in the role of a Second-Class Marine Pilot, confirmed by the pilot organization and the local Port Maritime Office.

3. Trainees participating in maritime pilot training courses for self-navigating ship captains must meet the following conditions:

b) Meet health standards as prescribed;

d) Have at least 36 months of experience serving in the position of Master.

1. The documents for participation in basic maritime pilot training courses include:

a) Application form (for self-applicants) or a recommendation letter from the managing agency or organization;

b) Certified true copy of graduation certificate;

c) Certified true copy of professional qualification certificate and seafarer's book;

d) Certified true copy of English proficiency certificate;

đ) Health certificate in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health;

e) Curriculum vitae confirmed by the management agency, organization, or local authority at the commune where the applicant's household registration is located.

2. The documents for participation in advanced maritime pilot training courses include:

a) A letter requesting from the managing organization;

b) Certified true copy of the Professional Qualification Certificate for Maritime Pilot of Class Two.

3. The documents for maritime pilot training courses for ship captains leading their own vessels include:

a) Application form (for self-applicants) or a letter requesting from the managing organization;

b) Certified true copy of graduation certificate;

c) Certified true copy of the professional qualification certificate for ship captain and seafarer's book;

d) Certified true copy of English proficiency certificate;

đ) Health certificate in accordance with the regulations.

e) Curriculum vitae confirmed by the management agency, organization, or local authority at the commune where the applicant's household registration is located.

Article 10. Recognition of examination results

1. Candidates who achieve a score of 5 or higher (out of 10 points) in all subjects shall be recognized as having passed the course.

2. The Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration decides to recognize the completion of the maritime pilot training course based on the recommendation of the Chairman of the Maritime Pilot Examination Board.

Article 11. Conditions for issuing the Professional Qualification Certificate for Maritime Pilot

1. Conditions for issuing a Class III Pilot License:

7. Supplementing Clause 3a after Clause 3 of Article 11 as follows:

2. Conditions for issuing the Professional Qualification Certificate for Second-Class Maritime Pilot for those who already hold a Third-Class Maritime Pilot Professional Qualification Certificate:

a) Having completed 300 safe vessel leadings as a Third-Class Maritime Pilot or having held the position of Third-Class Maritime Pilot for a minimum of 24 months with 200 safe vessel leadings, confirmed by the pilot organization where the practical training took place and the local maritime port supervision office;

3. Conditions for issuing the Professional Qualification Certificate for Second-Class Maritime Pilot for those who hold a professional qualification certificate for ship captain of a vessel with a total gross tonnage of 3,000 GT or more and have held the corresponding position for a minimum of 36 months:

7. Supplementing Clause 3a after Clause 3 of Article 11 as follows:

4. Conditions for issuing the Professional Qualification Certificate for First-Class Maritime Pilot:

a) Having completed the advanced marine pilot training course;

b) Having completed 50 safe vessel leadings for ships with a total gross tonnage over 10,000 GT or maximum length over 145 meters; or having held the position of First-Class Maritime Pilot for a minimum of six months with 30 safe vessel leadings under the guidance of a maritime pilot holding a Professional Qualification Certificate for Maritime Pilot of First Class or above, confirmed by the pilot organization where the practical training took place and the local maritime port supervision office.

5. Conditions for issuing the Professional Qualification Certificate for Extraordinary Maritime Pilot:

a) Holding a Class I Pilot License;

b) Having completed a minimum of 300 safe vessel leadings as a First-Class Maritime Pilot or having completed 200 safe vessel leadings within a minimum period of 36 months, confirmed by the pilot organization where the practical training took place and the local maritime port supervision office;

c) Having completed 50 safe vessel leadings for ships with a total gross tonnage over 20,000 GT or maximum length over 175 meters; or having held the position of Extraordinary Maritime Pilot for a minimum of six months with 30 safe vessel leadings under the guidance of an Extraordinary Maritime Pilot, confirmed by the pilot organization where the practical training took place and the local maritime port supervision office.

6. Conditions for issuing the Professional Qualification Certificate for Maritime Pilot for ship captains leading their own vessels:

a) Completion of the marine pilot training course for self-navigating ship captains;

b) Possession of a valid Certificate of Professional Competence for Ship Captains;

c) Having completed a minimum of 12 safe vessel leadings within six months, confirmed by the local maritime port supervision office.

1. The application dossier for issuing the Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots includes:

a) A letter from the marine pilot organization or the shipmaster management unit according to the model prescribed in Appendix 3 of this Circular;

b) An application form according to the model prescribed in Appendix 4 of this Circular;

c) Three examination forms on professional competence for marine pilots of Grade III, two examination forms for marine pilots of Grades II, I, and Extra Class, and one examination form for self-navigating shipmasters according to the model prescribed in Appendix 5 of this Circular;

d) Two color photographs measuring 3 cm x 4 cm taken within six months prior;

đ) A health certificate according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health.

2. Organizations and individuals submit one set of the dossier directly at the Vietnam Maritime Administration or send it through the postal service or by other appropriate means.

3. The Vietnam Maritime Administration receives the dossier, checks the components and quantity of the dossier according to the regulations, registers it in the logbook, and schedules the issuance of the result within the prescribed time limit. If the dossier does not meet the requirements, the dossier will be returned and organizations and individuals will be guided to complete the dossier according to the regulations (in case of direct submission). In the case of receiving the dossier through the postal service, if the dossier does not meet the requirements, the Vietnam Maritime Administration will notify in writing within the latest two working days from the date of receipt of the dossier.

4. Within the latest five working days from the date of receiving the complete dossier according to the regulations, the Vietnam Maritime Administration issues the Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots according to the model prescribed in Appendix 1 of this Circular. In cases where the conditions for issuing the Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots are not met, the Vietnam Maritime Administration must respond in writing and clearly state the reasons.

5. The Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots is issued one original copy for marine pilots or shipmasters.

The Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots is reissued in cases of damage, loss, incorrect information, or expiration of validity period. In cases where the Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots has expired, the following conditions must be met:

1. Meeting the health standards as prescribed.

2. Marine pilots have held the position of marine pilot corresponding to the Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots for at least twenty-four months within five years. In cases where the requirement of twenty-four months is not met, they must undergo a minimum of three months of internship confirmed by the marine pilot organization and the maritime port supervision authority in the region. For self-navigating shipmasters, they must complete at least twelve safe self-navigation trips (confirmed by the maritime port supervision authority in the region) during the validity period of the Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots.

1. The application dossier for reissuing the Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots includes:

a) A request for reissuing the Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots, stating the reason and having confirmation from the head of the marine pilot organization or the shipmaster management unit according to the model prescribed in Appendix 6 of this Circular;

b) The original Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots to be reissued (in cases of damaged certificates or incorrect information);

c) Two color photographs measuring 3 cm x 4 cm taken within six months prior;

d) A health certificate according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health.

2. Organizations and individuals submit one set of the dossier directly at the Vietnam Maritime Administration or send it through the postal service or by other appropriate means.

3. The Vietnam Maritime Administration receives the dossier, checks the components and quantity of the dossier according to the regulations, registers it in the logbook, and schedules the issuance of the result within the prescribed time limit. If the dossier does not meet the requirements, the dossier will be returned and organizations and individuals will be guided to complete the dossier according to the regulations (in case of direct submission). In the case of receiving the dossier through the postal service, if the dossier does not meet the requirements, the Vietnam Maritime Administration will notify in writing within the latest two working days from the date of receipt of the dossier.

4. The Vietnam Maritime Administration reissues the Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots within the latest five working days from the date of receiving the complete dossier according to the regulations. In cases where the conditions for reissuing the Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots are not met, the Vietnam Maritime Administration must respond in writing and clearly state the reasons.

5. The reissued Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots is issued one original copy for marine pilots and shipmasters matching the number of the damaged or lost Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots.

Article 15. Conditions for Issuing the Certificate of Navigation Area for Marine Pilots

1. Hold a Certificate of Competency for Marine Pilot.

2. Specifically, for marine pilots guiding ships at offshore oil ports, to be issued the Certificate of Navigation Area for Marine Pilot, they must complete at least 18 safe ship guidance practices in that pilotage area and be assessed and confirmed by the pilot organization where the practice takes place and the Maritime Port Office of the region.

1. The application dossier for issuing the Certificate of Navigation Area for Marine Pilot includes:

a) A letter from the marine pilot organization or the shipmaster management unit according to the model prescribed in Appendix 3 of this Circular;

b) An application form according to the model prescribed in Appendix 4 of this Circular;

c) Two color photographs measuring 3 cm x 4 cm taken within six months prior.

2. Organizations and individuals submit one set of the dossier directly at the Vietnam Maritime Administration or send it through the postal service or by other appropriate means.

3. The Vietnam Maritime Administration receives the dossier, checks the components and quantity of the dossier according to regulations, registers it in the logbook, and schedules the result delivery within the prescribed time limit. If the dossier is incomplete according to regulations, the dossier will be returned and the organization or individual will be guided to complete it according to regulations (in case of direct submission). In case of receiving the dossier through the postal system, if the dossier is incomplete according to regulations, the Vietnam Maritime Administration will notify in writing no later than two working days from the date of receipt of the dossier.

4. Within no more than two working days from the date of receiving the complete dossier according to regulations, the Vietnam Maritime Administration issues the Certificate of Navigation Area for Marine Pilot according to the model specified in Appendix 2 of this Circular. In cases where the conditions for issuing the Certificate of Navigation Area for Marine Pilot are not met according to regulations, the Vietnam Maritime Administration must respond in writing and clearly state the reasons.

5. The Certificate of Navigation Area for Marine Pilot is issued one original copy to the marine pilot or the ship captain.

1. Marine pilots transferring navigation areas must have at least six months of ship guidance practice at the destination pilotage area with a minimum number of safe ship guidance practices (assessed and confirmed by the pilot organization where the practice takes place and the Maritime Port Office of the region) as follows:

a) One hundred ship guidance practices for the following pilotage areas: Quang Ninh (excluding the route guiding ships into Van Gia transshipment zone); Hai Phong - Thai Binh - Nam Dinh (excluding the route guiding ships into Thai Binh and Nam Dinh seaports); Ho Chi Minh City - Dong Nai - Binh Duong - Long An and Ba Ria - Vung Tau - Mekong River (excluding the route guiding ships passing through the Mekong River).

Clause 4. Within no more than two working days from the date of receiving all required documents, the Vietnam Maritime Administration shall issue the Certificate of Navigation Area for Marine Pilots for those transferring navigation areas. In cases where the conditions for issuing the Certificate of Navigation Area for Marine Pilots for those transferring navigation areas are not met, the Vietnam Maritime Administration must respond in writing and clearly state the reasons.

2. Marine pilots transferring to offshore oil ports must have at least three months and eighteen safe ship guidance practices.

a) Six ship leadings for marine pilots leading ships at offshore oil ports.

b) Thirty ship guidance practices for each remaining category of marine pilot.

1. The application dossier for issuing the Certificate of Navigation Area for Marine Pilot for marine pilots transferring navigation areas includes:

a) A letter from the marine pilot organization according to the model specified in Appendix 3 of this Circular;

b) An application form according to the model prescribed in Appendix 4 of this Circular;

c) A copy of the Certificate of Competency for Marine Pilot;

d) Two color photographs measuring 3 cm x 4 cm taken within six months prior.

2. Organizations and individuals submit one set of the dossier directly at the Vietnam Maritime Administration or send it through the postal service or by other appropriate means.

3. The Vietnam Maritime Administration receives the dossier, checks the components and quantity of the dossier according to regulations, registers it in the logbook, and schedules the result delivery within the prescribed time limit. If the dossier is incomplete according to regulations, the dossier will be returned and the organization or individual will be guided to complete it according to regulations (in case of direct submission). In case of receiving the dossier through the postal system, if the dossier is incomplete according to regulations, the Vietnam Maritime Administration will notify in writing no later than two working days from the date of receipt of the dossier.

4. Within no more than two working days from the date of receiving the complete dossier according to regulations, the Vietnam Maritime Administration issues the Certificate of Navigation Area for Marine Pilot for marine pilots transferring navigation areas. In cases where the conditions for issuing the Certificate of Navigation Area for Marine Pilot for marine pilots transferring navigation areas are not met according to regulations, the Vietnam Maritime Administration must respond in writing and clearly state the reasons.

5. The Certificate of Navigation Area for Marine Pilot for marine pilots transferring navigation areas is issued one original copy to the marine pilot.

The Certificate of Navigation Area for Marine Pilots (GCNVHĐHTHH) shall be reissued in cases where it is damaged, lost, contains incorrect information, or has expired. In cases where the GCNVHĐHTHH has expired, the following conditions must be met:

1. Meeting the health standards as prescribed.

2. A marine pilot must have held the position of marine pilot corresponding to the Certificate of Competency for Marine Pilot (GCNKNCMHTHH) for at least 24 months within five years. If less than 24 months, they must undergo a refresher training period of at least three months.

3. The ship captain must have safely navigated at least twelve voyages (confirmed by the Maritime Port Authority) during the validity period of the GCNKNCMHTHH.

1. The application dossier for reissuing the GCNVHĐHTHH includes:

a) An application form for reissuing the GCNVHĐHTHH, clearly stating the reasons and confirmed by the head of the marine pilot organization or the unit managing the ship captain according to the model specified in Appendix 6 of this Circular;

b) The original GCNVHĐHTHH to be reissued (for cases where the certificate is damaged or contains incorrect information).

c) Two color photographs measuring 3 cm x 4 cm taken within six months prior;

d) A health certificate according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health.

2. Organizations and individuals submit one set of the dossier directly at the Vietnam Maritime Administration or send it through the postal service or by other appropriate means.

3. The Vietnam Maritime Administration receives the dossier, checks the components and quantity of the dossier according to regulations, registers it in the logbook, and schedules the result delivery within the prescribed time limit. If the dossier is incomplete according to regulations, the dossier will be returned and the organization or individual will be guided to complete it according to regulations (in case of direct submission). In case of receiving the dossier through the postal system, if the dossier is incomplete according to regulations, the Vietnam Maritime Administration will notify in writing no later than two working days from the date of receipt of the dossier.

4. The Vietnam Maritime Administration shall reissue the GCNVHĐHTHH no later than five working days from the date of receiving the complete application dossier as prescribed. In cases where the conditions for reissuing the GCNVHĐHTHH are not met, the Vietnam Maritime Administration must respond in writing and specify the reasons.

5. The reissued GCNVHĐHTHH shall be issued one original copy to the marine pilot or ship captain matching the number of the damaged or lost GCNVHĐHTHH.

Article 21. Extension of Promotion Period and Revocation of Certificates

1. During their tenure, if a marine pilot causes a minor maritime accident due to navigation errors, the promotion period will be extended by three months; for serious accidents, the extension will be six months; and for particularly serious accidents, the extension will be twelve months.

a) Altering, erasing, or distorting the content of the certificate;

b) Selling, renting, or lending the certificate;

c) Providing false information or using counterfeit documents in the application dossier for issuance, extension, or reissuance of the certificate;

d) Causing a maritime accident while navigating the ship independently.

đ) Other cases as prescribed by law.

Fees and charges for issuing various certificates shall be implemented according to the regulations of the Ministry of Finance and paid to the issuing authority before receiving the certificate.

Article 23. Responsibilities of the Vietnam Maritime Administration

Establishing the Marine Pilot Examination Board, recognizing graduation; issuing, reissuing, and revoking GCNKNCMHTHH and GCNVHĐHTHH in accordance with this Circular.

Article 24. Responsibilities of Marine Pilot Organizations

1. Organizing refresher training for marine pilots; examining marine pilots during the training period; confirming the actual time spent on training and the number of safe navigation trips for marine pilots or trainee marine pilots.

2. Assign marine pilots according to their GCNKNCMHTHH and GCNVHĐHTHH.

3. Temporarily suspending work and imposing disciplinary actions in accordance with the law when a marine pilot causes a maritime accident due to navigation errors.

4. Continuously providing training and updating knowledge for marine pilots on professional skills, English language, maritime safety, maritime security, and environmental pollution prevention.

5. Promptly proposing rewards to competent authorities for outstanding collectives and individuals in marine pilot operations.

6. Monitoring and confirming the training process of marine pilots or independent ship captains.

Article 25. Responsibilities of the Maritime Port Control Authority Region

1. Supervise the activities of leading ships into and out of ports and operations at sea ports by marine pilots to ensure maritime safety, maritime security, and environmental protection.

2. Confirm the number of safe ship-leading trips of maritime pilots and captains who lead their own ships.

PART III

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 26. Effective date

1. This Circular takes effect from July 1, 2017;

2. Abolish the following Circulars:

a) Circular No. 36/2013/TT-BGTVT dated October 23, 2013, issued by the Minister of Transport, stipulating the training, issuance, and revocation of the Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots and the Certificate of Operating Area for Marine Pilots;

b) Circular No. 16/2015/TT-BGTVT dated May 8, 2015, issued by the Minister of Transport, amending and supplementing certain provisions of Circular No. 36/2013/TT-BGTVT dated October 23, 2013, issued by the Minister of Transport.

3. The Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots (GCNKNCMHTHH) and the Certificate of Operating Area for Marine Pilots (GCNVHĐHTHH) issued according to Circular No. 36/2013/TT-BGTVT dated October 23, 2013, issued by the Minister of Transport, stipulating the training, issuance, and revocation of the Certificate of Professional Competence for Marine Pilots and the Certificate of Operating Area for Marine Pilots, and amended and supplemented by Circular No. 16/2015/TT-BGTVT dated May 8, 2015, remain valid until their expiration date as stated on the certificates.

Article 27. Implementation Organization

1. The Vietnam Maritime Administration is responsible for organizing the implementation of this Circular in coordination with relevant agencies.

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