Decision No. 29/2008/QĐ-BGTVT On the positions, duties according to the positions of seafarers and registration of seafarers working on Vietnamese ships

Pursuant to …;

Regarding the title, duties according to the title of seafarers and registration of seafarers working on Vietnamese-flagged vessels

Seafarer titles, duties according to titles, and registration of seafarers working on Vietnamese-flagged vessels

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MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION

Pursuant to the Maritime Code of Vietnam dated June 14, 2005;

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;

At the proposal of the Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration and the Head of the Cadre and Civil Servant Organization Department,

DECISION:

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Decision stipulates the titles, duties according to titles of seafarers and registration of seafarers working on Vietnamese-flagged vessels.

Article 2. Applicability

This Decision applies to seafarers working on Vietnamese-flagged vessels and relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals. For Vietnamese seafarers working on foreign-flagged vessels, this Decision shall only apply when specific provisions are set forth herein.

Article 3. Application of Law

Seafarers working on Vietnamese-flagged vessels must comply with the provisions of this Decision, Vietnamese laws, international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party, and the laws of countries where the vessel docks.

Article 4. National Flag on Vietnamese-flagged Vessels

1. Protecting and maintaining the dignity of the National Flag is a sacred duty of each seafarer.

2. The National Flag must be hoisted at the designated location. When the vessel is underway or at anchor, the National Flag must be hoisted at the top of the bow mast. For vessels without a bow mast, the National Flag must be hoisted at the top of the main mast. Each day, the National Flag must be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. During winter days with fog, the National Flag must be raised at a time when it can be seen clearly. In the following cases, the National Flag may be raised earlier or lowered later than the specified times:

a) Entering or leaving port;

b) Meeting military vessels or Vietnamese vessels when both vessels can see each other.

3. The raising and lowering of the National flag shall be carried out by the watch crew under the orders of the deck watch officer.

4. When the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Vice President, the Chairman of the National Assembly, the Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister, or the Deputy Prime Minister is on board the vessel, in addition to the National Flag hoisted at the top of the bow mast, another National Flag must also be hoisted at the top of the main mast and may only be lowered once these guests have left the vessel.

5. On major holidays or days with special directives from the Prime Minister, the National Flag must be raised according to the flag-raising ceremony. When the vessel is underway at sea and weather conditions permit, in addition to the National Flag hoisted at the top of the bow mast, another National Flag must also be hoisted at the top of the main mast.

6. When the vessel is anchored or docked at a foreign port, the National Flag of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam must be raised before and lowered after the National Flag of the country whose port the vessel is docked in.

7. While navigating within territorial waters or entering, leaving, or anchoring in the waters of a foreign port, the vessel must hoist the National Flag of that country at the main mast of the vessel.

8. The National flag must be flown in an unfurled state. On days of national mourning, the National flag must be flown according to the mourning ritual.

Article 5. Ceremonial Flags on Vietnamese-flagged Vessels

The decoration of ceremonial flags when the ship is moored or anchored at a port must follow the following rituals:

1. On major holidays, hang a line of international maritime signal flags from the bow mast to the stern mast of the vessel through crossbeams on the foremast and mainmast. At the top of the foremast, mainmast, and stern mast, hoist the National Flag; at the bow, hoist the house flag. If the vessel is loading or unloading cargo, decorations must be arranged so as not to affect the vessel's cargo operations.

2. Ritual on other holidays: hoist a line of international maritime signal flags from the bow mast to the foremast, a second line from the mainmast to the stern mast. The National flag shall be hoisted at the top of the foremast, mainmast, and stern mast;

3. The use of international maritime signal flags for decoration must select flags of appropriate size and color to make the flag line look beautiful and solemn;

4. The Vietnamese National flag and foreign National flags, military flags, rank flags, and red cross flags shall not be used for decoration in the ceremonial flag line.

Article 6. Welcoming Guests Aboard the Vessel

When guests specified in Clause 4 of Article 4 of this Decision visit the vessel:

1. In cases where prior notice has been given, the master must order all crew members to wear formal attire according to holiday protocol, stand in a single file along the deck corridor, and the master must be present at the foot of the gangway to welcome the guests aboard.

2. In case of no prior notice, the officer on duty on deck must greet the guests at the bottom of the stairs while simultaneously informing the captain to receive the guests.

Chapter II

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES BY POSITION

Mục 1. OFFICER TITLES

Article 7. Officer titles

1. The officer titles on Vietnamese ships include: captain, chief mate, chief engineer, second engineer, deck officer (third mate, fourth mate), engine officer (third engineer, fourth engineer), passenger ship mate, radio officer, electrician, security officer, refrigeration officer, boatswain, bosun's mate, seaman, chief machinist, machinist, electrician, radio operator, steward, doctor or medical attendant, waiter, cook, pantryman, passenger service team leader, passenger service attendant, dining room team leader, dining room attendant, baggage management supervisor, laundry worker, accountant, cashier, salesperson, ticket seller, security guard, refrigeration technician, and pumpman. Depending on the type of ship, technical characteristics, and intended use, the ship owner arranges appropriate officer titles according to the ship's crew complement.

2. For positions not specifically defined in Clause 1 of this Article, the ship owner shall arrange such positions based on the technical conditions and intended use of the ship.

Mục 2. DUTIES ACCORDING TO TITLES

Article 8. Duties of the captain

1. Duties of the captain when handing over or receiving the ship:

a) The handover of the ship must be directly between the incoming captain and the outgoing captain;

b) When handing over or receiving the ship, detailed information about the hull, machinery, equipment, property, all documents, cash, and a summary of each category must be handed over;

c) When receiving a ship, the captain must be informed by the outgoing captain about the ship’s special structure, technical capabilities, operational capacity, and plans for continued operation. When handing over the ship, the outgoing captain requires each responsible officer to submit a written report on the condition of their respective department and an inventory of the ship's assets. Upon receiving the ship, the captain, along with the chief mate, chief engineer, and second engineer, conducts inspections and investigations to understand the actual condition of the ship;

d) The start and end times of the handover must be recorded in the handover record, signed by both parties, and entered into the ship's logbook. The handover record must be made in four copies: one copy sent to the ship owner, one retained on board the ship, and two copies given to the handing-over party and the receiving party;

đ) The outgoing captain must convene all crew members to introduce the incoming captain and announce the specific time for transferring command to the new captain.

2. Duties of the captain when putting the ship into operation or ceasing operations:

a) Implement the ship owner's orders to put the ship into operation, cease operations, or undergo repairs or dismantling;

b) Before each voyage, the captain must take measures to ensure safety for people, the ship, and cargo on board, including technical supplies, fuel, fresh water, food, and provisions of the ship;

đ) Be well informed about weather conditions in the area the ship will pass through, plan the voyage, and chart the course on the nautical chart taking into account the full impact of geographical, meteorological, and hydrographic conditions and other factors;

e) Inspect the loading and unloading of cargo according to the cargo plan to ensure quantity and quality of the cargo. Pay particular attention to the loading and transportation of bulk cargo and dangerous goods on the ship; utilize the ship's volume and carrying capacity but ensure its stability and safety;

đ) Be well-informed about weather conditions in the areas the ship will pass through, plan the voyage, and chart the course on nautical charts taking into account geographical, meteorological, and hydrographic conditions, as well as other factors;

e) Inspect the loading and unloading of cargo according to the cargo plan to ensure the quantity and quality of the cargo. Pay particular attention to the loading and transportation of bulk cargo and dangerous goods on board; utilize the ship's volume and carrying capacity while ensuring stability and safety of the ship;

g) At least two hours before the ship leaves the port, the captain must know the entire situation regarding the ship's preparation work, check the presence of crew members and others still on board;

h) In case a crew member is absent, to ensure the ship departs on time, the captain must promptly inform the port director, ship owner if the ship is docked at domestic ports, or notify the agent, competent diplomatic agency of Vietnam if the ship is docked at foreign ports of the name, position, and departure time of that crew member. Simultaneously, all necessary measures must be taken to ensure this crew member returns to the ship or meets the ship at the next port, provided that their absence does not affect the safety of the ship.

3. Duties of the captain during the voyage:

a) Check the voyage plan; regularly monitor the watchkeeping schedule in the bridge, ensure the ship follows the planned route, and issue orders to the watchkeeping officers when necessary;

b) Only the captain has the authority to change the predetermined course. In cases of collision risk or to avoid unexpected dangers or when someone falls into the sea, the deck watch officer may change the course but must immediately inform the captain afterward;

c) Promptly be present in the bridge when requested by the deck watch officer and remain continuously in the bridge when navigating through narrow channels, straits, canals, near shorelines, entering and leaving ports, in hazardous areas, during bad weather, limited visibility, or through high-density maritime traffic zones. In these situations, the captain must apply appropriate measures, prepare the anchor for immediate deployment, and inform the engine room to be ready for maneuvering as needed;

d) When encountering drifting icebergs, obstacles, or direct threats to the ship, or when encountering tropical storms, air temperatures below 0°C combined with strong winds causing icing on the upper structures of the ship, or wind force 9 or higher without receiving storm warnings, the captain must take necessary measures to handle the situation appropriately to ensure safety for people, the ship, and cargo; simultaneously, immediately inform surrounding vessels, the ship owner, and the first competent authority the ship can contact about these developments;^°đ) When the ship enters an ice region guided by an icebreaker, the captain must follow the guidance of the icebreaker's captain and promptly provide recommendations to the icebreaker to ensure safe navigation of the ship;

e) Daily inspection and confirmation of the contents of various logs as prescribed must be conducted;

a) When the ship is sailing in compulsory pilotage waters, a pilot must be used as required. In non-compulsory pilotage areas, if deemed necessary, the captain may still use a pilot to ensure safety;

4. The captain's duties when a pilot is guiding the vessel:

b) Ensure safety in the embarkation and disembarkation of pilots, properly arrange accommodation and meals for pilots, and facilitate their duties;

c) Before the pilot begins their duty, the captain must inform the pilot about the ship's maneuverability, machinery status, equipment conditions, and other necessary information to enable the pilot to handle the ship effectively;

d) Must be present in the bridge to promptly address situations, enhance vigilance, and prepare the anchor for immediate deployment. If it is necessary to be absent from the bridge, the captain must introduce the officer designated to replace them to the pilot.

d) Must be present in the bridge to promptly handle situations, enhance vigilance, and prepare for anchoring at the ready position. In case of necessity to be absent from the bridge, the captain must inform the pilot of the officer authorized to replace him.

d) The use of pilotage does not exempt the captain from his duty to control the vessel. The captain must take timely and accurate preventive measures and handle any situation that may arise to ensure absolute safety for the vessel;

e) In case the pilot handles a situation inaccurately or unreasonably, the captain must promptly stop the pilot's action and require the pilot to take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of the voyage. If necessary, the captain has the right to request a replacement for the pilot.

5. Duties of the captain when someone falls into the sea:

When someone falls into the sea, the captain must promptly apply effective measures to search and rescue the person, while informing the ship owner or manager, operator, maritime information station, maritime search and rescue center, maritime port authority, and relevant authorities nearby, as well as notifying other vessels in the vicinity to assist in the search and rescue operation. The vessel may only be allowed to leave the area where the person fell into the sea after all efforts to search have been made and it is determined that there is no hope of finding the person, except in cases where it poses a serious danger to the vessel and others on board. The time and measures taken for the search and rescue operation must be recorded in the ship's logbook.

6. The captain's duties in search and rescue operations:

a) Upon receiving a distress signal or discovering a vessel in distress, the captain shall have the duty to quickly dispatch the vessel to provide assistance if doing so does not pose a serious danger to the vessel and its crew. The time, location of the distressed vessel, and reasons for providing or not providing assistance must be recorded in the ship's logbook;

b) When rescuing a distressed vessel, the captain must apply all effective measures to save lives. Salvaging the vessel, cargo, and other property can only be carried out with the agreement of the distressed vessel's captain under a salvage contract. In cases where the distressed vessel's captain cannot sign a salvage contract due to certain reasons, at least verbal agreement, radio communication, or visible signals from the distressed vessel's captain must be obtained. These forms of agreement must be recorded in the ship's logbook;

c) When encountering an unmanned vessel, if conditions permit, the captain must organize towing the vessel to the nearest port and notify the port authority, ship owner or manager, operator, and the competent diplomatic or consular representative of Vietnam in that country. If towing is not possible, the position of the vessel, the reason for not towing, and notification to the nearest port authority must be recorded in the ship's logbook;

7. The captain's duties when the vessel encounters an accident or collision:

a) In the event of a collision with another vessel, the captain must request the captain of the other vessel to inform him of the name, call sign, IMO number, registered port, departure port, destination port, and the name of the ship owner. At the same time, inform the other vessel of similar information about his own vessel and report to the ship owner, operator, and the nearest maritime port authority. If feasible, he must take responsibility to rescue the distressed vessel, primarily saving lives;

b) After an accident or collision, the captain must promptly prepare a record detailing the sequence of events, clearly stating the damage suffered by each party, confirmed by the captain of the other vessel and relevant parties. Simultaneously, continue to complete the accident documentation according to legal regulations;

c) In the event that his vessel is in distress and cannot be salvaged and must be abandoned, the captain must apply all measures to save people and organize taking the ship's logbook, engine logbook, radio logbook, charts of the affected area, money, and other necessary documents and files of the vessel;

d) If his vessel requires assistance due to an accident, the captain must use every means to request help from other vessels, but first seek assistance from vessels flying the flag of Vietnam;

đ) If assisted by another ship, the captain has the duty to command the crew and passengers of his ship to strictly comply with the regulations of the assisting ship;

e) The captain must fully report all maritime incidents involving the vessel according to legal provisions;

8. Duties of the captain when abandoning the ship:

a) When abandoning the ship, the captain must organize the evacuation of people onto lifeboats in priority order: children, pregnant women, sick persons, elderly persons, women, and disabled persons;

b) When abandoning the vessel, the captain still bears the responsibility for organizing the search and rescue of passengers (if any) and missing crew members, and applying necessary measures to bring the remaining people to a safe place and back home, if the accident occurs in a foreign country;

c) The captain must be the last person to leave the ship;

9. Duties of the captain when there is a patient on board:

a) In the case where there is a patient on board but the vessel lacks the capability to treat the sick person, the captain must find every means to obtain medical assistance, including bringing the vessel to the nearest port and immediately reporting to the port authority and the ship owner or manager, operator;

b) In the case where the captain falls seriously ill or suffers an unexpected accident, temporarily transfer command of the vessel to the chief mate and report to the ship owner, operator, and the competent diplomatic or consular representative of Vietnam in that country if the vessel is in a foreign country, and must record this in the ship's logbook;

10. Duties of the captain when entering, leaving the port, anchoring:

a) When the vessel operates in territorial waters or is moored at ports and anchorage areas in Vietnam or abroad, the captain must comply with Vietnamese laws, relevant international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member, and the laws of that country;

b) Before and during the process of the ship arriving, and before and after the process of the ship departing the port, communication between the ship's crew and others is prohibited, except in cases of real necessity;

c) In the event of disputes related to the arrest of the vessel or crew, the captain must promptly file a maritime protest and immediately report to the competent diplomatic representative of Vietnam in that country and the ship owner or manager, operator to take intervention measures;

d) When the ship is anchored in the port, the captain must organize the application of fire prevention and firefighting measures to ensure the safety of people, the ship, and cargo;

d) When the vessel travels in unfamiliar areas or areas with limited visibility or near zones with many dangerous obstructions, the captain has the right to require other officers to be present at their posts to perform their duties.

e) Must be present in the bridge when dispatching vessels to enter or leave a seaport or when docking or undocking at a pier or anchorage area. When the vessel is anchored in areas where maritime safety conditions are not guaranteed, the captain must frequently be on board the vessel. If absent from the vessel, the chief mate must remain on board to handle any situations that may arise on behalf of the captain.

g) When the captain is not on board the vessel, specific instructions for the chief mate or the watch officer on deck must be given beforehand. Important matters must be clearly recorded in the ship's logbook and the watch officer on deck must be informed of the captain's address and telephone number (if available) during the time ashore.

h) Daily inspection and signing confirmation of the contents of various logbooks as required;

i) At the end of each voyage, the captain must prepare a report to the ship owner, or the ship manager, operator regarding the situation of the voyage and the results of implementing the ship operation plan;

11. Duties of the captain when the ship carries passengers:

Implement necessary measures to ensure absolute safety for passengers, crew members, cargo, luggage, and property on the vessel; organize survival training, firefighting training, and salvage operations for the crew; and guide passengers to familiarize themselves with and use life-saving equipment, firefighting equipment, and other safety devices.

12. Duties of the captain when receiving a newly built ship:

Upon receiving a newly built vessel, the captain has the responsibility to organize the detailed handover concerning the hull, machinery, all technical equipment, technical documents, assets, and living utensils. The receipt and handover of the vessel must be documented in a record signed by both the handing-over party and the captain of the receiving party. Organize for the crew to become acquainted with the vessel to quickly put it into safe operation.

13. Duties of the captain when repairing the ship:

a) Approve the repair items prepared by the chief mate and engineer and report to the ship owner for decision;

b) Report to the shipowner for comments on any modifications or additions to repair items if deemed necessary, and only modify or add such repair items upon the shipowner's consent.

c) During the time the vessel is on the slipway, the captain must apply measures to ensure the safety of the vessel and comply with the rules of the slipway. Together with the chief mate, the engineer-in-charge, and related parties, conduct inspections of the hull, sea valves, propeller, rudder, and document the current condition of these components. This inspection must also be conducted before the vessel leaves the slipway and confirmed by the classification society.

d) Organize supervision over the progress, quality of repairs, ensure workplace safety, and organize for the crew to properly carry out self-repair and maintenance work during the ship's repair period.

đ) Upon completion of the ship repair work, each section of the repair and maintenance must be inspected separately to ensure quality and prevent damage to the ship owner's interests.

14. The duty watch of the captain:

a) If there is no third officer position on board, the captain shall take over the watch duties of the third officer;

b) If there is no second officer and third officer positions on board, the duties of these positions shall be carried out by the captain and chief officer according to the captain's assignment.

Article 9. Duties of the Chief Mate

The chief mate is the captain's successor, subject to direct management and command by the captain, and has the following duties:

1. Directly organize the management and operation of the vessel, serve the daily life and discipline on board; directly manage and command the deck department, service department, and medical department on board, assist the captain in directing the work of deck officers when the vessel is not underway. In the absence of the captain, the chief mate shall represent the captain in overseeing general tasks on the vessel; issue orders related to the execution of crew duties according to this Decision upon the captain's authorization.

2. Stand watch from 04:00 to 08:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00 each day. When dispatching the vessel to enter or leave a port or navigate through narrow channels, the chief mate must be present at the bow of the vessel to direct the implementation of the captain's orders.

3. Organize the exploitation and maintenance of the hull, deck, cranes, superstructure, cabins, offices, warehouses, machinery systems, and equipment on deck such as cargo holds, anchors, rudders, winches, cranes, mooring ropes, fire prevention systems, water level gauges, ventilation systems, anti-leakage tools, and life-saving equipment according to operational procedures and technical regulations; promptly report any damage or loss to the captain and propose remedial measures; if the equipment is related to the engine room, notify the engineer-in-charge to take appropriate measures.

4. Monitor working hours, arrange compensatory rest and annual leave for deck crew members; arrange accommodation, meal times, work schedules, study periods, rest, and entertainment for crew members.

5. Collaborate with the engineer-in-charge to establish and submit to the captain a duty roster for the vessel's crew, which must be implemented upon receiving an alarm signal for firefighting, life-saving, salvage operations, or abandoning the vessel; organize monthly drills for the crew on firefighting, life-saving, and salvage operations; directly command all crew activities to save the vessel upon receiving an alarm signal; organize, instruct, assist, and inspect the number of crew members and passengers boarding lifeboats upon receiving an order to abandon the vessel, and help the captain protect the ship's logbook, radio logbook, charts, cash, and other necessary documents by all means; regularly inspect life-saving, firefighting, and salvage equipment and report to the captain to take timely remedial actions; regularly inspect the hull and deck equipment.

6. Maintain records of repairs for deck equipment and check the results of such repairs; plan the supply of materials, technical equipment, fresh water, food, and organize their management and use when provided.

7. Check bilge water tanks, ballast tanks, and fresh water tanks. When necessary, order the watch officer on the engine room to pump water to adjust the vessel's balance; inspect mooring ropes and the propeller area before notifying the engine room to start the engine test run.

8. In the absence of the captain, if there is an urgent situation endangering the vessel's safety or upon receiving an order from the Port Director or the shipowner, the chief mate is responsible for requesting a pilot to maneuver the vessel safely.

9. Supervise cleanliness on board the vessel and organize regular health checks for crew members.

10. Before the vessel departs from the port, inspect and report to the captain matters related to the voyage such as sealing cargo holds, watertight doors, securing deck equipment and cargo, the number of crew members present, and any stowaways; inspect the steering gear, anchor equipment, sound signaling devices, navigation lights, bells, and internal communication equipment. At least two hours before departure, the chief mate must provide a detailed report to the captain about the preparation for the voyage.

11. Organize cargo receipt and delivery, parcels, and prepare relevant documents for the captain; report daily to the captain on the cargo handling situation and the quantity of cargo loaded/unloaded; before loading/unloading cargo, establish a cargo handling plan according to the captain's requirements to maximize capacity and tonnage, ensuring compliance with regulations on cargo handling and transportation; pay special attention to multiple types of cargo in one voyage, cargo discharged at multiple ports, dangerous goods, bulk cargo, deck cargo, and other cargoes. The cargo handling plan must be approved by the captain before loading onto the ship or unloading from the ship.

12. During cargo handling, must frequently be present on board to monitor the progress of cargo loading/unloading; prevent loss, damage, and shortage to ensure the correct quantity and quality of cargo when receiving and delivering; if absent, report to the captain and delegate monitoring duties to the deck officer but clearly specify necessary requirements and attention.

13. When loading cargo, check padding, separation, ventilation; follow the correct procedures and regulations for cargo transportation, especially for dangerous goods, bulk cargo, and deck cargo; ensure safety for workers and equipment during cargo handling.

14. Monitor the opening and closing of cargo holds according to technical procedures; directly witness the sealing of cargo holds and inspect the lead seals according to the transportation contract requirements.

15. In case of incidents affecting cargo, take all measures to save the cargo and promptly report to the captain; regularly check cargo securing and hatch covers; apply appropriate measures to ensure cargo safety during navigation in bad weather conditions; thoroughly inspect cargo holds before accepting cargo off the ship and implement appropriate measures to ensure ship and cargo safety.

16. Ensure the loading/unloading and transportation of dangerous goods, bulk cargo, heavy cargo, deck cargo, oversized cargo, and other special types of cargo in accordance with regulations.

17. Organize passenger reception and service for passenger ships but without assigning a chief mate for passengers.

18. Develop, organize, and supervise the implementation of plans for deck maintenance and preservation.

19. Guide specialized training for deputy chief mates in practice and instruct new crew members on the use of life-saving and fire-fighting equipment.

20. Perform other tasks assigned by the captain.

Article 10. Duties of the Chief Engineer

The Chief Engineer is under the direct management and control of the Captain and has the following specific responsibilities:

1. Organize the management and operation of labor, implement work schedules, shift rotations, and rest periods for crew members in the engine and electrical departments.

2. Organize safe and economically efficient operation of machinery and equipment such as main engines, boilers, refrigeration units, auxiliary machines, power systems, and other equipment according to current procedures and regulations; ensure technical safety in the use, maintenance, repair, and upkeep of machinery and systems managed by other departments such as anchor windlasses, steering gear, cargo handling cranes, winches, piping systems, ventilation systems, and other systems; guide crew members of these departments to operate according to current procedures and regulations.

3. Regularly inspect and monitor the implementation of technical safety procedures and labor safety regulations within their area of responsibility;

4. Continuously supervise and monitor the implementation of fire prevention and explosion control rules in the engine room, generator stations, workshops, warehouses, offices, living quarters, and other areas managed by the engine and electrical departments.

5. Upon receiving an alarm signal, direct the crew members of the engine and electrical departments to perform their tasks as prescribed. In case of abandoning the ship, carry and protect the engine logbook and related documents.

6. Daily check the recording and sign off on the engine logbook, fuel oil logbook, and other logs tracking the operation of machinery and equipment managed by the engine and electrical departments.

7. Organize immediate repairs and maintenance of machinery and equipment by the engine room and electrical crew; maintain regular, emergency, and periodic maintenance schedules for machinery and equipment; propose periodic repair plans for machinery and equipment under his responsibility and conduct inspections of repair results; approve budgets for technical supplies and fuel proposed by engine and electrical officers; simultaneously monitor the use and storage of supplied technical supplies and fuel.

8. Directly control the ship's engine when maneuvering in and out of ports, through straits, narrow channels, dangerous areas, or when visibility is limited, and only leave the engine room or control room (if available) with the captain's permission and hand over control to the second engineer.

9. Promptly and accurately execute the captain's orders for ship maneuvering; if unable to comply due to any reason or delay, the chief engineer must immediately inform the captain to address the issue. In exceptional cases, if complying with the captain's order would endanger crew members' lives or damage machinery and equipment, the chief engineer must immediately inform the captain and only comply with the order if the captain decides to continue execution; the captain's order and its execution must be recorded in the ship's log and engine log.

10. Inspect the preparation of the engine and electrical departments for the voyage and at least two hours before departure, report to the captain about the preparation status of his department.

11. Prepare reports for the ship owner and ship operator regarding the condition of the ship's machinery and equipment as stipulated.

12. During ship maneuvering within ports, narrow channels, or at sea, the chief engineer may change the operating mode of machinery and other technical equipment or adjust fuel and fresh water only with the captain's approval.

13. Anticipate potential difficulties and malfunctions of machinery and equipment and prepare effective measures to address them; report to the captain to proactively handle situations as needed.

14. In case of machinery or equipment malfunction, the chief engineer acts based on his responsibility and experience to resolve the issue and promptly report to the captain the measures taken and the next steps.

15. If crew members in the engine and electrical departments cause damage to machinery and equipment, the chief engineer has the authority to stop their work and promptly report this to the captain.

16. When the ship is berthed at a port, with the captain's approval, the chief engineer may be absent from the ship but must delegate tasks to the second engineer and provide clear contact information ashore.

17. Upon arriving to take up duties on board the ship, the chief engineer must receive and manage all machinery, equipment, fuel, lubricants, tools, assets, technical materials, and documents belonging to the engine and electrical department; the quantity and professional capacity of the crew members in the engine and electrical department. The handover record shall be made in four copies, each signed by the captain: one copy given to the ship owner, one for the captain, and one for each party involved in the handover.

18. When receiving a newly built ship, a newly purchased ship, or a repaired ship, the chief engineer organizes the acceptance and receipt of the engine and electrical sections.

19. Develop, organize the implementation, and monitor the execution of the maintenance and repair plan for the machinery.

20. The chief engineer shall perform the duty shift in the following cases:

a) If there is no second engineer position on board, the chief engineer shall perform the watchkeeping duties.

b) If there is no third engineer on board, the duties of that position shall be undertaken by the chief engineer and the second engineer according to the chief engineer's assignment;

c) If there is no fourth engineer position on board, the chief engineer must undertake the watchkeeping duties of the fourth engineer.

Article 11. Duties of the Second Engineer

The second engineer is the immediate successor to the chief engineer, subject to direct management and supervision by the chief engineer, and has the following responsibilities:

1. Directly manage and operate the main engines and other machinery and equipment according to technical standards and procedures; regularly carry out maintenance and repair of sudden malfunctions of the machinery and equipment under his responsibility.

2. Ensure the technical condition and normal operation of the main engines, propeller shaft systems, emergency engines, water distillation equipment, oil purifiers, mechanical parts of the steering gear, towing machines, and fire-fighting equipment in the engine room; automated devices, testing and measuring instruments, as well as other technical equipment serving the machinery and equipment under his responsibility.

3. Develop the work schedule for the engine department; assign duty shifts, maintenance shifts, record attendance, arrange leave and compensatory leave for crew members of the engine and electrical departments;

4. Be present during the start-up of the main engines, engagement of the propeller shaft transmission, and other important machinery; directly manage the fire-fighting system and firefighting equipment in the engine room.

5. Prepare and submit to the chief engineer plans for repairs, maintenance, and spare parts procurement for the main engines and other machinery and equipment under his management; organize the implementation of repairs according to the approved plan.

6. Receive, store, distribute, adjust, and calculate lubricating oil;

7. Monitor and record technical parameters, items repaired and maintained; manage various technical files and logs of the machinery;

8. Directly organize training and guide professional skills for the engine and electrical department crew.

9. At least three hours before the ship departs from the port, report to the chief engineer about the preparation for the voyage.

10. Guide the professional skills for the trainee second engineer;

11. When necessary and with the captain's approval, the second engineer may replace the chief engineer; if there is no marine engineer officer position on board, the second engineer is responsible for ensuring the technical operation of refrigeration equipment, air conditioning systems, and air-cooled cooling systems serving the ship's living conditions.

12. The watchkeeping duty of the second engineer is from 04:00 to 08:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00 daily.

13. Perform other tasks assigned by the chief engineer;

Article 12. Duties of the Third Officer

The third officer is subject to direct management and supervision by the captain when the ship is underway and by the first mate when the ship is not underway, and has the following responsibilities:

1. Directly oversee and organize the maintenance and upkeep of marine machinery, charts, maritime documents, and firefighting equipment on board.

2. Manage the bridge, chart room, and nautical logbook; preserve and correct nautical charts and other maritime documents according to received notifications;

3. Plan the route and prepare maritime charts and documents for the voyage; check navigation lights, machinery, equipment, and maritime tools within his scope of responsibility.

4. Maintain and ensure the operation of the ship's clock, chronometer, take daily chronometer error, and record the chronometer log;

5. Maintain, check errors, and calibrate maritime tools and equipment on board; manage spare parts and components for marine machinery and equipment; directly start and stop the gyrocompass according to the captain's orders.

6. Prepare plans for spare parts procurement, regular and emergency repairs; ensure that marine machinery is always in a state of normal operation with high accuracy, while managing and using resources and equipment reasonably.

7. Assist the first mate in overseeing cargo handling and loading/unloading according to the diagram approved by the captain.

8. When maneuvering the ship in and out of port, be present at the helm or at the position designated by the captain to execute the captain's orders; in case of necessity, undertake some of the first mate's duties as assigned by the captain.

9. At least three hours before the ship departs from the port, report to the first officer about his preparations for the voyage;

10. Undertake the duties of the third officer if there is no third officer position on board, except for the watchkeeping duty which is undertaken by the captain.

11. Guide the professional skills for the trainee second officer;

12. Undertake the watchkeeping duty from 00:00 to 04:00 and from 12:00 to 16:00 daily.

13. Carry out other tasks assigned by the captain.

Article 13. Duties of the Third Officer

The Third Officer shall be directly managed and supervised by the Master when the vessel is underway and by the Chief Officer when the vessel is not underway, and shall have the following duties:

1. Directly oversee and organize the maintenance and preservation of life-saving and fire-fighting equipment such as lifeboats, self-inflating life jackets, life rings, personal life jackets, fire extinguishers, and fire hoses, ensuring that these tools and equipment are always in a safe and ready-to-use condition in case of emergency situations.

2. Regularly inspect the equipment on lifeboats, develop plans, and periodically replace and supplement supplies such as fresh water, dry rations, and first aid kits after approval by the Master.

3. Directly oversee administrative work on board and manage the vessel if there is no designated management position on board.

4. Assist the Master in preparing documents for port entry and departure procedures.

5. Assist the Chief Officer in checking and maintaining salvage equipment.

6. Assist the Second Officer in maintaining and adjusting navigational equipment, correcting charts, and other maritime guidance materials.

7. At least three hours before the vessel departs from the port, report to the Chief Officer about the preparation for the voyage.

8. When maneuvering the vessel into or out of the port, be present in the bridge to execute the Master's orders regarding manual steering, logbook entries, determining the vessel's position, and other maritime operations.

9. Guide specialized training for trainee Third Officers.

10. Take charge of watchkeeping from 08:00 to 12:00 and from 20:00 to 24:00 daily.

11. Perform other tasks assigned by the Master.

Article 14. Duties of the Third Engineer

The Third Engineer shall be directly managed and supervised by the Chief Engineer, and shall have the following duties:

1. Directly manage and operate the independent power generator, air compressor, fuel oil purifier, fuel oil pump, fuel heating equipment, and other devices. On steam-powered vessels, the Third Engineer is responsible for the boiler, auxiliary machinery, and equipment related to the boiler; directly supervise the fireman's work if there is no designated Boiler Foreman position on board.

2. Operate and maintain main engines and other machinery according to technical standards and procedures;

3. Organize the receipt, storage, distribution, adjustment, and calculation of fuel for the vessel;

4. Develop and submit to the Chief Engineer a plan for the repair and maintenance of machinery and equipment under his/her management, and organize the implementation of repairs according to the approved plan;

5. Prepare technical material estimates for machinery and equipment under his/her management and organize the management and use of technical materials in accordance with current regulations;

6. Monitor, record technical parameters, and manage files and documents related to machinery and equipment under his/her responsibility;

7. At least three hours before the vessel departs from the port, report to the Chief Engineer about the preparation for the voyage.

8. Assume the duties of the Fourth Engineer if there is no designated Fourth Engineer position on board, except for watchkeeping duties handled by the Chief Engineer.

9. Provide professional training for the Trainee Third Engineer;

10. Take charge of watchkeeping from 00:00 to 04:00 and from 12:00 to 16:00 daily.

11. Perform other tasks assigned by the Chief Engineer.

Article 15. Duties of the Fourth Engineer

The Fourth Engineer shall be directly managed and supervised by the Chief Engineer, and shall have the following duties:

1. Directly manage and operate the piping system, ballast water system, bilge pumps, drainage pumps, and equipment serving those systems; the engine room ventilation system, potable water and sanitation system, auxiliary boilers, lifeboat engines, independent pumps, deck machinery such as anchors, winches, cargo cranes, and sound signaling systems.

2. Operate machinery to ensure their technical condition and operational mode according to current regulations and standards.

3. Develop and submit to the Chief Officer a plan for repairing and maintaining machinery under his/her management, and organize the implementation of repairs according to the approved plan.

4. Forecast technical materials for machinery under his/her management, and organize the management and use of allocated materials in accordance with current regulations.

5. Together with the Second Officer, inspect cargo holds, ballast water, and pipeline systems before and during cargo handling operations.

6. Monitor and record technical parameters, and manage documentation related to machinery under his/her responsibility.

7. At least three hours before the vessel departs, report to the Chief Engineer about the preparation for the voyage.

8. Provide professional guidance to trainee engineers on board.

9. Take charge of watchkeeping from 08:00 to 12:00 and from 20:00 to 24:00 daily.

10. Perform other tasks assigned by the Chief Officer.

Article 16. Duties of the Passenger Officer

The Passenger Officer shall be directly managed and supervised by the Master, and shall have the following duties:

1. Organize and manage the passenger service department and handle matters related to passenger transportation and luggage on board.

2. Ensure that passenger cabins, clubhouses, rest and entertainment areas, kitchens, storage rooms for passenger service equipment, and accommodation for passenger service staff are always neat, tidy, clean, and attractive; conduct inspections of passenger cabins together with the doctor before receiving passengers.

3. Organize the reception, accommodation, and provision of material and spiritual services for passengers; sell and control tickets; report to the Captain the number of tickets needed at arrival ports.

4. Manage assets under his/her responsibility, develop plans to replenish or replace equipment to ensure sufficient quantity and quality.

5. Regularly monitor order, hygiene, technical safety, labor safety, and fire prevention within his/her area of responsibility.

6. Before the ship receives passengers, check the sealing of watertight doors, securing, and proper placement of items under his/her management.

7. Supervise and monitor the provision of passenger services under his/her responsibility.

8. Oversee food preparation to ensure food safety and correct portion sizes for passengers.

9. Organize regular health checks for crew members under their responsibility together with the doctor; promptly identify and report to the Master cases where crew members do not meet health standards for passenger service.

10. Collect feedback from passengers and report to the Master for timely resolution.

11. Safeguard spare keys for passenger cabins as required.

12. Regularly inspect the storage and management of assets and items for passenger service.

13. Develop regulations for departments under their management and assign tasks to passenger service crew members, submitting them for the Master's approval. Implement the regulations once approved by the Master.

14. Within twenty-four hours after the end of the voyage, submit to the Captain for approval a settlement statement of income and expenditure for the passenger service department, and deliver this report to the ship owner.

Article 17. Duties of Radio Officers

Radio Officers are directly managed and commanded by the Master and have the following duties:

1. Directly manage and operate the radio equipment system on board according to procedures and regulations; manage and command the work of radio operators.

2. Ensure the technical condition and normal operation mode of the radio equipment system on board; regularly check the technical condition and certificates of radio machines and equipment and promptly report to the Master; promptly repair any malfunctions of radio machines and equipment and ensure their normal operation.

3. Ensure smooth communication by radio according to maritime communication rules; maintain the correct reception regime for weather forecasts and maritime notices.

4. Be thoroughly familiar with the technical condition of machines and equipment belonging to the radio equipment system on board; prepare and submit to the Master plans for repairing and maintaining radio machines and equipment and organize the implementation of approved plans.

5. Prepare technical supplies estimates for the ship's radio equipment system and be responsible for managing and using the technical supplies provided.

6. In case the ship encounters an accident or receives an emergency signal from the automatic alarm device, immediately report to the Master.

7. Monitor and record various radio logs; assign shifts, plan work and rest schedules for radio operators. If there is no radio officer quota on board, the radio operator will assume the duties of the radio officer.

8. Upon assuming duties on board, receive detailed information about radio equipment, automatic telephone systems, lifeboat radios, technical supplies, technical documentation, and various radio logs and minutes.

9. The radio officer on duty operates according to the operational mode of the ship's radio communication system.

10. In cases where there is no radio officer or radio operator position, the radio duties of the ship are assigned by the Master to crew members with appropriate professional qualifications.

Article 18. Duties of Electricians

Electricians are directly managed and commanded by the Chief Engineer and have the following duties:

1. Supervise and command the work of electricians.

2. Directly manage and operate according to current procedures and regulations all electrical systems and equipment on board such as generators, remote control systems, internal communication systems, signaling systems, power sources for marine machinery and other equipment; directly supervise electric motors and converters, emergency generators, navigation lights, batteries.

3. Ensuring the technical condition and normal operation mode of electrical machinery and equipment on board the ship.

4. Prepare and submit to the Chief Engineer plans for repairing and maintaining the ship's electrical machinery and equipment system and organize the implementation.

5. Prepare technical supplies estimates for the ship's electrical machinery and equipment system and be responsible for managing and using the technical supplies provided.

6. Operate shifts according to the operational mode of the ship's electrical machinery and equipment, if only an electrician position is arranged on board, all electrical duties of the ship are assumed by the electrician, if only an electrician position is arranged, all electrical duties of the ship are assumed by the electrician. If there is no electrician or electrician position on board, all electrical duties of the ship are assigned by the Chief Engineer.

7. Must be present in the main distribution panel area when the ship enters and leaves port, travels through narrow channels, under conditions of limited distant visibility, when pumps start working, cargo cranes prepare to work, or select operating modes for generators.

Managing technical documentation related to the ship's electrical section; monitoring and recording various types of electrical logs.

9. Assign shift schedules, plan work and rest schedules for electricians.

10. At least three hours before the ship departs from the port, report to the Chief Engineer on the preparation work of the electrical department.

Article 19. Duties of Marine Security Officers

The marine security officer shall be directly managed and supervised by the captain and shall have the following duties:

1. Regularly inspect to ensure the implementation of security measures according to the approved security plan; monitor the implementation of the ship's security plan, including any modifications or supplements to that plan;

2. Coordinate with other crew members and port security officers to ensure security during cargo transportation activities and supply operations on board the ship;

3. Propose modifications and supplements to the ship's security plan;

4. Report any deficiencies and non-compliance in the ship's security plan to the company's security officer and implement corrective measures;

5. Always enhance awareness of security vigilance on board the ship; organize security training for personnel on board; report to the company's security officer about any security incidents occurring on board the ship;

6. Coordinate with the company's security officer and the port security officer at the destination port to implement the ship's security plan;

7. Regularly inspect to ensure that the ship's security equipment is in good working condition, maintained, and calibrated appropriately;

8. In cases where there is no marine security officer on board, the ship owner or captain shall designate in writing a crew member with appropriate certification to assume the role.

Article 20. Duties of the Refrigeration Officer

The refrigeration officer shall be directly managed and supervised by the chief engineer and shall have the following duties:

3. Supervise and manage the work of refrigeration mechanics;

2. Directly manage and operate the machine capacity and ensure the technical condition and operating mode of refrigeration machinery and equipment, air cooling systems, and temperature control systems on board the ship in accordance with current procedures and regulations;

5. Prepare technical material estimates and be responsible for managing and using allocated technical materials;

4. Develop and submit to the chief engineer a repair and maintenance plan for refrigeration machinery and equipment; organize the implementation of the approved plan;

7. Manage technical documentation for the ship's refrigeration system;

8. In cases where there is no Refrigeration Engineer, the duties of the Refrigeration Engineer shall be performed by the Second Engineer.

Article 20. Duties of Boatswains

Boatswains are subject to direct management and command by the Chief Officer. The duties of Boatswains are as follows:

Article 21. Duties of the Boatswain

The boatswain shall be directly managed and supervised by the first mate and shall have the following specific duties:

3. Inspect order and cleanliness on deck; guide deckhands to comply with safety regulations on board, especially when performing high-altitude, over-the-side, and hold work, and when entering and leaving ports;

2. Inspect and oversee the preservation of the hull, various ropes, equipment of mooring systems, cranes, life-saving, firefighting, salvage equipment, stores for spare parts and technical supplies, and other assets managed by the deck department;

3. Inspect order and cleanliness on the deck; guide crew members to comply with safety requirements on board the ship, particularly when performing high-altitude work, along the ship's sides, in cargo holds, ballast tanks, tanks, and when entering or leaving the port;

6. Draft and submit to the Chief Officer technical material estimates for the deck department and organize the reasonable management and use of allocated materials;

7. Draft and submit to the Chief Officer plans for repairing and maintaining winches, cranes, blocks, capstans, ropes, and other deck equipment;

8. Manage and use machinery, equipment, and tools under their jurisdiction in accordance with technical procedures;

9. Before the ship leaves the port, organize the secure lashing of tools, equipment, and cargo on deck, close cargo holds, cover hatchways, wedge down, and tighten lashings in accordance with regulations;

10. Regularly inspect the technical condition of life-saving, fire-fighting, and salvage equipment and other equipment;

9. Before the ship departs from the port, organize the secure lashing of tools, equipment, and cargo on the deck, close cargo holds, seal water-tight doors, cover cargo holds with tarpaulins, insert wedges, and tighten turnbuckles in accordance with regulations;

10. Regularly inspect the technical condition of life-saving, firefighting, salvage equipment, and other equipment;

13. When the ship approaches or leaves a pier or enters dangerous areas, the Boatswain must be present at the bow to perform duties;

12. When loading or unloading oversized cargo, prepare lifting equipment and directly control the cargo lifting operation under the supervision of the first mate or the deck officer on duty;

15. As required, take over shifts or relief watches as assigned by the Chief Officer.

14. Assume the duties of the chief mate when there is no chief mate position on board;

15. When necessary, assume watchkeeping or supervisory duties as assigned by the first mate;

Article 22. Duties of the Assistant Boatswain

The assistant boatswain shall be directly managed and supervised by the boatswain and shall have the following duties:

1. Manage warehouses, maintain cargo hold covers, tarpaulins covering machinery and equipment on deck, other tools and assets belonging to the deck department; receive, store, issue, and recover materials.

2. Maintain firefighting equipment and devices, except for fire-fighting equipment in the engine room.

3. Be responsible for ropes, mix paints, operate machinery on deck such as winches, cranes, and monitor lighting systems including floodlights, mast lights, and navigation lights.

4. Carry out carpentry work, rigging, and control lifeboats.

5. Directly receive fresh water, inspect and measure fresh water, ballast water, bilge water, and record daily monitoring data.

6. When entering or leaving port, the Second Officer must be present at the helm to perform assigned tasks.

7. As necessary, the Second Officer participates in watchkeeping and supervises watches according to the assignment of the Chief Officer.

Article 23. Duties of Seamen

Seamen are directly managed and supervised by the Chief Officer and have the following duties:

1. Perform watch duties and comply with orders from the deck officer on watch;

2. Maintain and service the hull, deck, and other machinery and equipment as assigned by the First Officer or the Second Officer.

3. Monitor cargo loading and unloading, promptly identify damaged, wet packages, improper handling, and report to the deck officer on watch for appropriate action. Be familiar with ship operations when entering and leaving ports, opening and closing cargo holds, mooring, raising and lowering cranes, measuring water levels, maintaining pilot boarding and disembarkation, and being proficient in flag and light signals;

4. Understand the structure, characteristics, technical features of the vessel, designated locations for firefighting, lifesaving, and salvage equipment, and properly maintain and use them according to regulations.

5. Strictly adhere to ship rules regarding working hours, living conditions, security, order, and hygiene.

6. If trained and instructed in diving techniques, when performing underwater tasks assigned by the Second Officer or Chief Officer, ensure safety and complete the assigned tasks;

7. Perform other tasks assigned by the First Officer.

Article 24. Duties of the Chief Engineer

The Chief Engineer is directly managed and supervised by the Second Engineer and has the following duties:

1. Maintain and repair machinery and equipment according to the requirements and guidance of the Chief Engineer and engineering officers.

2. Maintain machinery and tools equipped in the ship's workshop;

3. Implement industrial hygiene practices for machinery and equipment in the engineering department.

4. When necessary, perform watchkeeping duties for the engineer according to the assignment of the Second Engineer.

Article 25. Duties of Engineers

Engineers are directly managed and supervised by the Second Engineer and are directly assigned tasks by the engine room officer on watch and have the following duties:

1. Carry out maintenance, repair, and cleaning of machinery and equipment, receiving spare parts and materials according to the Second Engineer's instructions; perform watch duties as required by the engine room officer on watch;

2. Use machinery, firefighting, lifesaving, anti-toxic, heat-resistant, smoke-proof, seawater filtration, oil filtration equipment, and prevent environmental pollution according to procedures and standards.

3. Perform other tasks assigned by the Second Engineer.

Article 26. Duties of Electricians

Electricians are directly managed and supervised by the Radio Officer or the engine room officer on watch if there is no Radio Officer position on board and have the following duties:

1. Ensure the operation of electrical machines and equipment according to technical procedures. Do not switch main circuit breakers without permission from the Radio Officer or the engine room officer on watch. Ensure continuous power supply to the entire ship. Report any abnormal operation of electrical machines and equipment to the engine room officer on watch or the Radio Officer immediately for corrective measures;

2. Ensure the correct operation of generators, emergency generators, crane motors, diesel auxiliary engines, emergency batteries, automatic boiler controls, electric fans, other electrical equipment, and lighting systems according to technical procedures;

3. Maintain electrical equipment such as autopilot devices, telephone communication devices, and repair and replace electrical household appliances according to the Radio Officer's guidance;

Article 27. Duties of Radio Operators

Radio Operators are directly managed and supervised by the Radio Officer and have the following duties:

1. Ensure communication between the ship and other ships and shore radio stations; receive distress signals, maritime notices, and weather forecasts;

2. Manage the communication system, sound receivers, television transmitters, and film projectors on board;

Article 28. Duties of the Steward

The Steward is directly managed and supervised by the Second Officer and has the following duties:

1. Organizing the management and operation of the service department on board. Planning work and rest schedules for service crew members, receiving and distributing their wages;

2. Preparing and submitting to the Second Officer a budget for purchasing food supplies for the vessel's daily needs and organizing the purchase, storage, and reasonable use of these supplies;

3. Inspect, monitor, and plan reports to the Second Officer regarding the preparation for replacement or supplementation of kitchenware, dining room equipment, living quarters, workrooms, club facilities. Organize management and use of equipment, facilities, and other assets under their responsibility.

4. Handling financial matters of the vessel and performing financial transactions as prescribed;

5. Assisting the Captain in transactions and organizing receptions and banquets on board;

6. Assisting the Third Officer in tasks related to obtaining permission for the vessel to enter and leave ports;

7. After each voyage, compiling a comprehensive report to the Captain on the settlement of income and expenditure of the vessel;

8. At least three hours before the vessel departs from the port, reporting to the Second Officer about the readiness of his department for the voyage;

9. In cases where there is no Chief Steward position, the Chief Steward duties will be assumed by the Third Officer.

Article 29. Duties of the doctor or medical staff

The doctor or medical staff shall be directly managed and supervised by the chief officer and shall have the following duties:

1. To be responsible for health care and hygiene on board the ship, monitor the health of crew members, passengers, and other persons on board, provide emergency treatment and medical care; if necessary, arrange for patients to rest or transfer them to a hospital for treatment.

2. To receive and treat patients on board; directly inspect and report to the chief officer on the hygiene conditions of crew and passenger cabins, dining rooms, clubs, and other public areas; report to the chief officer on the condition of patient treatment.

3. To check the quality of food, drinking water used on board, and conduct inspections to ensure kitchen, dining room, and hotel hygiene standards. Participate in preparing daily menus for crew members and passengers.

4. Regularly organizing health check-ups for crew members, reporting to the Captain those with infectious diseases, drug use, and monitoring environmental pollution prevention measures;

5. Managing the vaccination records of crew members;

6. Preparing supplementary and replacement budgets for medical equipment and medicines; monthly and quarterly inventory checks and reporting to the Captain; properly storing and maintaining medicines and medical equipment as required;

7. Guiding crew members on first aid methods in case of accidents and basic knowledge on disease prevention during summer, winter, tropical, and equatorial regions;

8. Before each voyage, to check the health certificates of crew members, their vaccination records, certificates exempting from ship sanitation processing, and certificates of animal inoculation (if applicable).

9. Implementing Vietnamese laws and international conventions on health and labor protection on board;

10. Caring for childbirth and preserving deceased persons' remains on board;

11. At least three hours before the vessel departs from the port, reporting to the Second Officer about the readiness of his department for the voyage;

12. After each voyage, to compile reports on the health status of crew members. If necessary, prepare lists and report to the captain and ship owner about individuals who need health checks.

13. To manage the sick bay, operating room, isolation room, patient rooms, medical equipment, and medications. If there is no doctor or medical staff position on board, the medical duties shall be assigned by the captain.

Article 30. Duties of the steward

The steward shall be directly managed and supervised by the chief officer and shall have the following duties:

1. To undertake service work on board the ship; in cases where there are two stewards or more, specific duties shall be determined by the Chief Officer.

2. The steward is responsible for serving the dining room of the ship, cleaning the cabins of the captain, officers, working rooms, club rooms, bathrooms, and toilets.

3. To wash and iron tablecloths, sheets, blankets, mats, mosquito nets, and prepare purchase plans for replenishment and replacement of supplies, subject to approval by the chief officer. If there are two stewards or more on board, specific duties for each shall be defined by the chief officer.

Article 31. Duties of the head chef

The head chef shall be directly managed and supervised by the ship manager and shall have the following duties:

1. To organize and carry out kitchen tasks and directly prepare daily meals for crew members and passengers.

2. To organize the storage and use of food supplies for the daily life of crew members and passengers.

3. To receive and distribute food supplies to the Messman for preparing daily meals and to prepare menus ensuring correct quantities and hygiene standards.

4. To manage the food storage, kitchen utensils, and equipment. To organize repairs for damaged items and to prepare plans for purchasing supplementary replacements for these items.

5. To maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and dining room equipment.

Article 32. Duties of the pantryman

The pantryman shall be directly managed and supervised by the head chef and shall have the following duties:

1. To perform kitchen tasks and ensure that crew members have the correct meal regimen.

2. In cases where there is no head chef position, the duties of the head chef shall be assumed by the pantryman. On ships without both a head chef and a pantryman, the chief officer shall assign crew members to serve.

Article 33. Duties of the passenger service team leader

The passenger service team leader shall be directly managed and supervised by the passenger deputy captain and shall have the following duties:

1. To directly supervise passenger cabin service staff; prepare and submit to the passenger deputy captain work schedules and rest plans for passenger cabin service staff and cabin rules.

2. To be present at the stairway entrance when passengers board or disembark the ship to welcome or see off passengers and hand over to cabin service staff for room assignments.

3. After the ship leaves the port, to inspect passenger cabins, record the number of available beds, and report to the passenger deputy captain.

4. To inform passengers of ship regulations, items and facilities they are permitted to use, and how to properly use and store these items and facilities.

5. To daily inspect and urge passenger cabin service staff to fulfill their duties and remind passengers to comply with ship regulations.

6. To receive and distribute amenities and items in passenger cabins.

7. Together with the passenger deputy captain, handle violations of regulations, damage to ship property, passenger property, and related matters between passengers and cabin service staff.

8. To prepare records and settle compensation payments for damages caused by passengers to amenities and items.

9. Before the ship leaves the port, to report to the passenger deputy captain on preparations for the voyage according to their duties.

Article 34. Duties of Passenger Service Attendants

Passenger service attendants are directly managed and directed by the passenger service team leader and have the following duties:

1. Serving passengers, managing assets and amenities for passengers under their responsibility.

2. Cleaning passenger cabins, bathrooms, and corridors daily.

3. Receive passengers boarding the ship, guide and assist passengers in receiving their cabins and arranging accommodations according to ticket numbers; hand over living amenities and room keys to passengers, instruct passengers on how to use life jackets and evacuation routes when the "abandon ship" alarm is sounded;

4. Before passengers leave the ship, check the amenities and equipment in the passenger cabin. If they are complete and undamaged, return the receipt to the passenger and collect the room key back; if damage or loss is discovered, invite the passenger to wait for the decision of the passenger chief officer and the passenger service team leader;

5. After passengers have left the ship, immediately carry out cleaning, replace items in the passenger cabins, and prepare to receive new passengers.

6. Frequently being present in the assigned passenger cabin area to promptly assist passengers when needed.

7. Reporting immediately to the cabin supervisor about any damaged amenities in the passenger cabins so that appropriate measures can be taken.

8. In case of strong winds and large waves, closing the watertight doors and water-tight doors in the passenger cabins under their responsibility.

9. Performing other tasks as assigned by the cabin supervisor after obtaining approval from the passenger chief officer.

Article 35. Duties of the Table Service Team Leader

The table service team leader is directly managed and directed by the passenger chief officer and has the following duties:

1. Directing and overseeing passenger cabin attendants, managing dining room and lounge equipment.

2. Distributing dining room and lounge equipment to dining and lounge attendants.

3. Properly preserving dining room and lounge equipment.

4. Planning purchases, replacements, and repairs for dining room and lounge equipment.

5. Directly serving banquets on board together with dining and lounge attendants.

6. Establish and submit to the passenger chief officer for approval the work schedule and rest plan for the dining and refreshment service staff;

7. Preparing compensation records for passengers who damage or lose property under their responsibility; reporting immediately to the passenger chief officer if necessary.

Article 36. Duties of Table Service Staff

Table service staff are directly managed and directed by the table service team leader and have the following duties:

1. Serving passengers according to menu requirements.

2. Managing dining rooms, lounges, and equipment under their responsibility.

3. Carrying out cleaning of dining rooms, lounges, and equipment.

Article 37. Duties of Baggage Storage Manager

The baggage storage manager is directly managed and directed by the passenger chief officer and has the following duties:

1. Manage assets, equipment, warehouses, and public rooms serving passengers;

2. Receiving and delivering luggage for passengers traveling on the ship.

3. Issuing, receiving, and managing wooden items, tools, and other amenities provided for passenger cabins, dining rooms, lounges, bathrooms, and clubs.

4. Maintaining asset records and other documents under their management.

5. Organizing repairs for damaged items under their responsibility.

6. Handing over and storing passenger luggage; compensating for any damage or loss of passenger luggage according to regulations.

7. Performing other tasks assigned by the passenger chief officer.

Article 38. Duties of Laundry Worker

The laundry worker is directly managed and directed by the passenger service team leader and has the following duties:

1. Washing and ironing fabric items such as quilts, pillowcases, sheets, tablecloths, face towels, and bath towels for passengers;

2. Managing and using washing machines and ironing boards; if they are damaged, reporting to the passenger service team leader for repair or replacement plans;

3. Preparing material and item estimates for laundry and ironing purposes;

4. Performing other tasks assigned by the passenger service team leader or the deputy captain for passenger services.

Article 39. Duties of Accountant

The accountant is directly managed and directed by the passenger chief officer and has the following duties:

1. Settling and finalizing revenues and expenditures related to passengers;

2. Preparing regular or emergency purchase estimates for supplies, cultural products, foodstuffs, and other goods for passenger and crew services to be submitted to the deputy captain for passenger services for approval by the ship captain;

3. Issuing receipts and records for supplies, cultural products, foodstuffs, and other goods stored in passenger and crew warehouses according to orders from the deputy captain for passenger services;

4. Issuing receipts for ticket sales, food and beverage sales, and other charges;

5. Managing ledgers and financial documents related to passenger revenues and expenditures;

6. Finalizing revenues and expenditures reports to be submitted to the deputy captain for passenger services after each voyage.

Article 40. Duties of Cashier

The cashier is directly managed and directed by the passenger chief officer and has the following duties:

1. Managing funds related to passengers;

2. Receiving and disbursing funds according to accounting receipts and payment vouchers;

3. Safeguard all receipts and books related to income and expenditure;

4. Manage and complete all procedures for issuing and collecting various types of tickets on board the ship;

5. Performing other tasks assigned by the deputy captain for passenger services.

Article 41. Duties of Salesperson

The salesperson is directly managed and directed by the passenger chief officer and has the following duties:

1. Selling goods to serve passengers;

2. Maintaining records, files, and documents to manage assets and goods sold to passengers in accordance with regulations;

3. Estimating purchases of goods to sell to passengers and submitting these estimates for approval by the deputy captain for passenger services;

4. Accepting and delivering goods to the ship ensuring quality and quantity;

5. Selling goods at prices approved by the deputy captain for passenger services and depositing sales proceeds with the ship's cashier as required;

6. Ensuring that the onboard sales counter remains clean and attractive;

7. Performing other tasks assigned by the deputy captain for passenger services.

Article 42. Duties of Ticket Seller

The ticket seller is designated by the passenger chief officer after obtaining the captain's approval and has the following duties:

1. Daily receipt of various tickets sold to passengers, bearing responsibility for any losses caused by themselves;

2. Completing settlement procedures and depositing cash with the ship's cashier at the end of each day;

3. Maintaining order and cleanliness at the ticket selling location;

4. Performing other tasks assigned by the deputy captain for passenger services.

Article 43. Duties of Security Officer

The security officer is directly managed and directed by the passenger chief officer and has the following duties:

1. Ensuring order and safety for passengers when boarding and disembarking the ship and during their stay on board;

2. Promptly addressing and preventing illegal actions that disrupt order and safety on board;

3. Conducting on-the-spot inspections and preparing reports for immediate offenses committed on board. Preparing files for offenses discovered by passengers;

4. Participating in preparing reports for cases where passengers suffer accidents, deaths on board, or deaths related to passengers;

5. Manage individuals detained on board the ship and hand them over to port authorities along with necessary documents; if the ship is in foreign waters and the detainee is a Vietnamese citizen, the security officer may hold them until returning to Vietnam upon the captain's order;

6. If there are multiple security officers on board, the deputy captain for passenger services designates a team leader to oversee them collectively.

Article 44. Duties of Refrigeration Mechanic

The refrigeration mechanic is directly managed and directed by the refrigeration officer and has the following duties:

1. Maintain, repair, and operate refrigeration systems on the ship such as cargo holds, food storage areas, air conditioning systems, temperature control systems, cooling systems, and other systems in accordance with established procedures and regulations;

2. Repair the refrigeration machinery and equipment on the ship according to the assignment and guidance of the refrigeration officer or the second engineer.

Article 45. Duties of Pump Operator

The pump operator is directly managed and directed by the second engineer and has the following duties:

1. Carry out oil or water pumping operations in cargo holds according to orders from the chief mate and under the supervision and guidance of the duty engineer;

2. Clean and maintain pipelines and equipment used for pumping operations according to technical procedures and operate machinery and equipment under their management proficiently; repair such machinery and equipment according to the guidance of the chief engineer, second engineer, and engineering officers;

3. Use firefighting equipment in the pump room, promptly identify and handle any malfunctions of machinery and equipment under their responsibility to rectify them or report to the chief engineer, second engineer, or refrigeration officer for resolution.

PART 3. WATCHES ON BOARD SHIPS

Article 46. Watches of Crew Members

1. The captain is responsible for organizing 24-hour watches on board. The chief mate, passenger mate, and engineer have the responsibility to assist the captain in checking the organization and implementation of watches on board.

2. Watchkeeping is the duty of crew members. Each crew member's watch is divided into sea watches and shore watches:

a) Sea watch duration is four hours, and each day they work two watches separated by eight hours; in cases where time zones change, the sea watch duration is determined by the master;

b) Shore watch duration is set by the master based on specific conditions when the vessel is at anchor.

3. Crew members on watch shall perform the following duties:

a) It is not allowed to leave the post or hand over the watch to another person without permission from the captain, engineer, or watch officer.

b) In case of alarm, they must continue their watch duties until someone else takes over at the designated location according to the emergency task assignment chart.

c) During the watch, they must record all relevant information in the logbook of their department as required;

d) Crew members are strictly prohibited from engaging in activities unrelated to their watchkeeping duties.

4. Handover of watches must be conducted at the watch station. The watch officer must take over the watch at least 15 minutes before the watch starts. Other crew members must take over the watch at least 5 minutes before it starts. The crew member handing over the watch must notify the relieving crew member at least 15 minutes before the watch starts.

5. Based on the technical condition and operating conditions of the ship, the captain shall specify the watch system for crew members in the radio room, air conditioning unit, and electrical department.

Article 47. Uniforms During Watches

1. Crew members on watch must wear uniforms. When on shore watch, they must wear a watch armband on the left arm and name tag. The watch armband consists of three horizontal stripes, each stripe being 15 mm wide with a total width of 45 mm. The colors of the watch armband are as follows:

a) The watch armband for officers has the colors: dark blue - white - dark blue;

b) The watch armband for crew members has the colors: red - white - red.

2. The ship owner is responsible for providing uniforms and duty arm bands.

Article 48. Authority to Allow Strangers Onboard

1. The captain, deck watch officer, and security officer have the authority to allow strangers onboard.

2. The captain has the authority to allow strangers into the bridge, chartroom, and radio room but must comply with the ship's security plan.

3. The captain and engineer have the authority to allow strangers to enter the engine room and other areas under the engine department's management but must comply with the ship's security plan.

Article 49. Duties of the Deck Watch Officer

1. The deck watch officer is directly commanded by the captain. When the ship is berthed at a port or anchorage area, if the captain is absent, the deck watch officer is commanded by the chief mate; no one other than the captain may cancel or change the deck watch officer's watch; the deck watch officer may not leave the watch post without permission from the captain or chief mate when authorized by the captain.

2. The deck watch officer has the following general duties:

a) To manage the watch to ensure safety for people, the ship, cargo, and cleanliness on board; to pay attention to observing and monitoring the situation around the ship;

b) To apply necessary measures to ensure the ship's safety and normal operation;

c) When there are threats to the ship's safety such as fire, explosion, or hull damage, to issue alarm signals and take reasonable measures to eliminate these threats; in all cases, timely report to the captain or chief mate;

d) To maintain the voyage chart with the course direction until the ship enters the port; in case of maritime accidents, to take every measure to protect until the accident investigation is completed;

đ) To handle communication information; to monitor and process maritime notifications promptly to ensure the safety of the ship's journey.

3. The deck watch officer has the following duties during sea watches:

a) To understand the ship's operational situation and relevant conditions in the voyage area to proactively take over the watch;

b) Upon taking over the watch, check the ship's position on the chart, verify the speedometer readings, compass heading, compass deviation, and navigation lights; check the rudder alignment using the gyrocompass and magnetic compass, compare these readings; conduct the watch takeover procedure according to regulations;

c) During sea watches, the deck watch officer must always be present in the bridge, only entering the chartroom briefly after assigning the lookout forward to the seaman on watch; determine the ship's position; regularly monitor the navigation lights' operation;

e) Use marine equipment, check the fog signal device, arrange lookouts forward, adjust the clock in the bridge and engine room; determine the vessel's position and act according to the captain's orders. If visibility suddenly decreases and the captain has not yet arrived at the bridge, the deck officer on duty may reduce the vessel's speed and sound the fog signal;

đ) In case of fog, heavy rain, snow, or other weather phenomena that limit visibility, promptly report to the captain and inform the engine watch officer. Use radar, check fog signal equipment, arrange lookouts forward, adjust clocks in the bridge and engine room, determine the ship's position, and act according to the captain's orders. If visibility suddenly decreases and the captain has not yet arrived at the bridge, the deck watch officer may reduce the ship's speed and sound fog signals;

e) In rough seas, use necessary measures to ensure the ship's journey safety;

g) Check the bilge water level and record the results in the ship's logbook; if the water level is abnormal, promptly report to the captain and chief mate for appropriate action. Bilge water level checks must be conducted at least once at the end of each sea watch;

m) Prepare necessary reports, perform bridge inspection checklists, and record maritime activities in the logbook. Monitor and record meteorological and hydrographic conditions.

4. The deck officer on duty during shore duty has the following duties:

k) In case of a person falling overboard, sound a general alarm and take appropriate rescue measures immediately, and report to the captain;

b) When the vessel is docked, pay attention to monitoring the vessel's draft, mooring lines, mouse guards, gangways, and strictly follow the port rules; monitor cargo loading and unloading, and promptly report to the captain or first mate any developments that could cause damage to cargo or affect vessel safety; ensure gangways have safety nets, edges have lifebuoys, and sufficient lighting at night; responsible for implementing appropriate security measures;

c) Before testing the main engine, observe obstacles behind the stern; when testing the engine, pay attention to the mooring lines.

4. The deck watch officer has the following duties during shore watches:

a) Must receive information about the overall situation on board, cargo operations, repairs, number of crew members on board, and other necessary tasks related to ensuring ship safety from the previous watch; when the ship is anchored, monitor the weather and surrounding conditions, check the anchor position using all methods, and take necessary measures to prevent drifting.

b) When the ship docks at the port, it is necessary to pay attention to monitoring the draft of the ship, the mooring lines, the mouse guards, the gangways on and off the ship, and strictly comply with the port regulations; monitor the loading and unloading of cargo and promptly report to the captain or chief mate about any developments that may cause damage to the cargo and affect the safety of the ship; ensure that the gangways have safety nets, lifebuoys next to the gangways, and sufficient lighting at night; be responsible for implementing appropriate security measures.

c) Before testing the main engine, carefully observe obstacles behind the stern; during engine testing, pay attention to the mooring lines;

d) When encountering bad weather and receiving storm warnings, appropriate measures must be taken to protect the vessel from storms.

đ) In case there is an alarm on the ship but the captain and chief mate are absent, the officer of the watch on the bridge must directly command the crew members present on the ship to take appropriate actions to deal with emergency situations. If there is an alarm from nearby ships, contact must be made and assistance organized if required when the other ship requests it; report to the captain about the situation on the ship during the captain's absence.

e) Supervise the daily work and repair tasks under his responsibility; check and monitor the implementation of fire prevention and firefighting rules and labor safety regulations on the ship.

g) At night, organize patrols and observe the surrounding conditions of the vessel.

h) Record the list of people going ashore, returning from shore to the ship, supervise the number of crew members allowed to go ashore, and report to the captain about those who return late.

i) During rest periods when many crew members go ashore, the officer of the watch on the bridge must organize the remaining personnel on board to be ready to protect the safety of the ship.

k) In case there are people coming aboard from shore to work, the officer of the watch on the bridge must organize the supervision of their working process.

l) During times when the ship is not handling cargo, at night, the officer of the watch on the bridge may rest in his own cabin but still must wear the watch uniform.

m) Monitor the opening and closing of cargo holds, covering with tarpaulins and ventilation systems, securing, loading, and unloading of cargo.

Article 50. Duties of the Engine Room Watch Officer

1. The Engine Room Watch Officer is directly commanded by the Chief Engineer; bears full responsibility for all actions related to the operation of machinery and equipment according to technical procedures, ensuring the normal operation of all machinery and equipment. The Engine Room Watch Officer may not leave the watch without the consent of the Chief Engineer or the Second Engineer authorized by the Chief Engineer.

2. The duties of the Engine Room Watch Officer include the following:

a) Directing the engineers, electricians; regularly monitoring the operating conditions of machines, equipment, furnaces, boilers according to technical procedures.

b) Organizing the execution of the watchkeeping duties in the engine room and boiler room, ensuring order and industrial hygiene in the engine room.

c) Ensuring that machinery within the engine department operates normally and safely, and promptly addressing any incidents.

d) Monitoring the repair work of shore personnel working on the ship under his responsibility, ensuring labor safety, preventing fires and explosions, and technical safety for the ship.

đ) Monitoring fuel consumption and the use of technical supplies on board.

e) Conducting oil and water measurements in tanks; pumping bilge water, ballast water, fuel to adjust the ship according to the requirements of the Officer of the Watch on the Bridge; when pumping out various types of waste water, it must be done in accordance with regulations.

g) When the ship is underway, the Engine Room Watch Officer has the duty to strictly follow orders from the bridge by the captain or the Officer of the Watch on the Bridge.

h) The Engine Room Watch Officer does not have the authority to change the operating mode of the main engine or other engines on his own initiative. In cases where it is necessary to change the operating mode or stop the engines, the Engine Room Watch Officer must inform the Officer of the Watch on the Bridge and the Chief Engineer beforehand.

i) In case of an incident or a threat to human life, the Engine Room Watch Officer has the right to stop the main engine or other engines and must immediately report to the Officer of the Watch on the Bridge and the Chief Engineer. If it is deemed that stopping the main engine or other engines poses a serious threat to the ship, the captain may require the Engine Room Watch Officer to continue operating the machinery and bear responsibility for any consequences. In this case, the Engine Room Watch Officer must record the captain's order in the engine logbook, and the captain must record it in the ship's logbook.

k) When the Chief Engineer is absent, the Engine Room Watch Officer does not have the authority to start the main engine except in truly necessary cases, but with the captain's order.

l) Handover of watch may not be conducted when the ship is maneuvering alongside or departing from a berth or during accident prevention and emergency response periods, unless with the consent of the Chief Engineer.

m) During handover, the relieving officer is responsible for personally checking the operational status of the machinery and equipment, the operating mode, and the technical condition of the machinery and equipment. The handing-over officer is responsible for clearly handing over specific details and providing necessary recommendations to the relieving officer.

n) Prepare necessary reports, perform engine room inspection checklists, and record engine room activities in the engine logbook.

Article 51. Duties of the Watchkeeping Seafarer

1. The watchkeeping seafarer shall be directly commanded by the watchkeeping officer on deck. The handover and taking over of watches by the seafarer shall be decided by the watchkeeping officer on deck.

2. The on-duty seaman shall perform the following duties:

a) Shall not leave their post and must conscientiously complete assigned tasks; upon taking over the watch, they must thoroughly understand the situation of the previous watch.

b) When taking over the helm watch, the watchkeeping seafarer must accept the rudder position and maintain the course already set. During steering, regularly check the rudder position and monitor the operation of the steering system; promptly report to the watchkeeping officer on deck about any deviations in the rudder position and malfunctions of the steering system;

c) When the vessel is moored at a port, the watchkeeping seafarer must be present at the location designated by the watchkeeping officer on deck and execute orders from the watchkeeping officer on deck;

d) When on duty at the gangway, the watchkeeping seafarer must inspect, issue passes, and record the names of passengers boarding and disembarking the vessel in the watch log. Unfamiliar persons may not board the vessel without the approval of the watchkeeping officer on deck. In case of accidents or incidents, promptly sound the alarm and act according to the orders of the watchkeeping officer on deck;

đ) Monitor cargo handling operations, promptly identify damaged, wet packages, improper handling, and report to the watchkeeping officer on deck for appropriate action;

e) Turn on and off lighting and the ship's emblem lights painted on the smokestack at night during the time the vessel is moored or docked at a port, raise and lower flags as prescribed. Patrol as required by the watchkeeping officer.

Article 52. Duties of the Watchkeeping Engineer

1. The watchkeeping engineer shall be directly commanded by the watchkeeping engine room officer; the handover and taking over of watches shall be decided by the watchkeeping engine room officer.

2. The on-duty engineer shall perform the following duties:

a) Be fully aware of the technical condition and operating regime of machinery and equipment in the engine room.

b) Accept from the outgoing engineer the status of machinery and equipment operation and any recommendations or orders from the previous watch that still need to be carried out. Report to the watchkeeping engine room officer about the acceptance of the watch;

c) While on duty, the watchkeeping engineer must ensure the normal operation of the assigned machinery and equipment. Follow the correct operating procedures for machinery and equipment and maintain industrial hygiene in the engine room;

d) When discovering abnormal operation of machinery or equipment malfunctions, take appropriate measures to address them promptly and report to the watchkeeping engine room officer for corrective actions.

Article 53. Duties of the Watchkeeping Electrician

1. The watchkeeping electrician shall be directly commanded by the watchkeeping engine room officer or the electrical officer if such a position is established on the vessel. If there is no electrician position on the vessel, the watchkeeping electrician duties shall be performed by the electrical officer.

2. The watchkeeping electrician has the following duties:

a) Receive the handover of the operational status of electrical machinery and equipment;

b) Report to the watchkeeping engine room officer or the electrical officer about the acceptance of the watch;

c) Ensure the operating regime of electrical machinery and other electrical equipment in accordance with technical procedures.

d) Shall not switch on or off main circuit breakers without permission from the electrical officer or the watchkeeping engine room officer;

đ) Ensure continuous power supply to the vessel; when discovering abnormal operation of generators and equipment, promptly report to the watchkeeping engine room officer or the electrical officer for corrective measures;

Article 54. Duties of the Watchkeeping Radio Operator

1. The watchkeeping radio operator shall be directly commanded by the radio officer and follow the maritime radio communication watch system. If the number of radio operators on the vessel is insufficient, the radio officer must take the watch. If there is no radio operator position on the vessel, the watchkeeping radio duties shall be performed by the radio officer.

2. The watchkeeping radio operator has the following duties:

a) Ensure communication between the vessel and other vessels and shore radio stations. Receive distress signals, maritime notices, and weather forecasts;

b) Upon taking over the watch, they must be familiar with the operational status of all radio equipment, especially automatic distress signal transceivers;

c) Carry out communication tasks in accordance with international maritime radio communication regulations;

d) Upon receiving a distress signal, immediately inform the watchkeeping officer on deck and the radio officer. At the same time, comply with the captain's orders in accordance with international maritime radio communication regulations;

đ) Only transmit alarm signals and urgent distress signals upon the captain's order or that of a person authorized by the captain;

e) Strictly comply with regulations when calling or responding on distress and emergency frequencies. During communication, no personal conversations or work unrelated to the watch are permitted;

g) Must strictly adhere to frequency usage requirements as requested by coastal or monitoring stations;

h) At least once a day, check and adjust the time in the radio room and bridge with time signal stations;

i) Shall not leave the watch position or engage in personal activities while on watch. Strictly forbidden to allow unfamiliar persons or crew members without duties into the radio room. The radiotelegraphist can only leave the watch position with the approval of the captain or the radio officer;

k) All outgoing telegrams must be approved by the captain;

l) If the ship's transmitter has high power or communication is more favorable, assist other stations when requested;

m) Must keep all telegrams and contents of radio transactions strictly confidential. Only the captain has the right to check the contents of telegrams;

n) Report to the radio officer any malfunctions or abnormal operation of radio equipment; at the same time, quickly find and implement all possible measures to repair and fix;

o) At least one hour before handing over the watch, check the operation of radio equipment and record the results in the radio watch log;

p) Record the radio log; check and mark the inspection list.

Section 4. SAFETY AND LIVING REGIMES ON VIETNAMESE SEAWORTHY VESSELS

Article 55. Assignment of Tasks and Guidance in Emergency Situations

1. On board the vessel, a duty assignment chart for emergency situations must be established when there is an alarm regarding fire, person overboard, hull breach, and abandoning ship (Assignment Chart).

2. The Assignment Chart must clearly specify:

a) General alarm signal, fire alarm signal, life-saving alarm signal, hull breach prevention signal, and abandoning ship signal;

b) The general duties of each crew member and passenger upon receiving an alarm;

c) The assembly points and specific duties of each crew member and passenger upon receiving an alarm for each type of alarm on board;

d) Members of command teams, engine room teams, response teams, support teams, security teams, medical teams, and order maintenance teams (on passenger ships), and the duties of each team upon receiving an alarm;

đ) Substitute positions for key roles and individuals responsible for operating life-saving and firefighting equipment;

3. The Assignment Chart must be posted in corridors, bridge, engine control rooms, and areas where crew members and passengers gather.

Article 56. Individual Responsibility Form Upon Alarm

1. In the crew and passenger cabins, the "Personal Responsibility Card During Alarm" must be posted in a conspicuous place, written in both Vietnamese and English.

2. The Personal Responsibility Card During Alarm shall include the following contents:

a) Types of alarm signals;

b) Concentration location and tasks to be performed for each type of alarm;

c) Lifeboat number and seating position within the lifeboat.

Article 57. Alarm Signals on Board

1. Alarm signals must be issued using the electric bell and the ship's public address system. A short ring lasts from 1 to 2 seconds; a long ring lasts from 4 to 6 seconds; intervals between rings last from 2 to 4 seconds.

2. Electric bell alarm signals are defined as follows:

a) General alarm consists of seven short rings followed by one long ring repeated several times (...-----);

b) Fire alarm consists of a continuous ringing lasting 15 to 20 seconds, repeated multiple times (--------);

c) The person overboard alarm consists of three long rings repeated 3 to 4 times (----- ----- -----);

d) The hull breach alarm consists of five long rings repeated 2 to 3 times;

(-----    -----   -----   -----   -----);

đ) Abandon ship alarm consists of six short rings followed by one long ring, repeated multiple times (...-----);

e) The all clear signal is a continuous ring lasting 15 to 20 seconds (--------).

3. After the ringing of the bell, verbal announcements must follow. In case of fire or hull breach alarms, the location of the incident must be clearly announced. If the electric bell system or the ship's public address system is damaged or unavailable, any device capable of producing similar sound can be used to alert crew members and passengers.

Article 58. Drills and Exercises

1. To ensure that crew members perform their duties effectively during emergencies, the captain must organize drills for each type of alarm according to regulations. For passenger vessels, the captain must also organize guidance for passengers to familiarize themselves with various types of alarms.

2. Only the captain has the authority to order the organization of alarm drills on board. Drill records must be kept in the ship's logbook and training record book.

Article 59. Use of Lifeboats

1. Lifeboats may only be used for ensuring safety for people, passengers, crew, and for man overboard or abandon ship drills.

2. Lifeboats must be inspected, maintained, and promptly replaced or supplemented with equipment as required.

3. The lifeboat is commanded by the chief mate or a deck officer. Crew members assigned to operate the lifeboat must hold a lifeboat driving certificate. The lifeboat may only leave the ship upon the captain's order. Upon returning to the ship, the commanding officer must report the results to the captain.

Article 60. Living Regimes of Crew Members on Vietnamese Seaworthy Vessels

1. The living schedule on board is set by the captain. In necessary cases, the captain may adjust this schedule to suit work requirements and weather conditions in different seasons and regions.

2. Crew members must strictly adhere to the ship's living regulations and properly implement hygiene and disease prevention regimes on board. Crew cabins, workrooms, clubs, corridors, stairways, bathrooms, toilets, and other public areas must always be clean, tidy, and orderly.

3. Gambling, drug use, and other unhealthy activities are strictly prohibited on board.

4. Entertainment activities on board may only proceed until 10 PM; special cases are determined by the captain.

Article 61. Use of cabins and rooms on board the ship

1. Based on actual conditions, the captain shall specify the management and use of cabins and rooms on board. The first officer is responsible for arranging and organizing crew cabins.

2. It is strictly prohibited to store explosives, weapons, flammable materials, dangerous goods, and other banned items in crew cabins, workrooms, and public rooms.

3. The first key to a cabin shall be given to the occupant of that cabin, while the second key shall be numbered and managed by the chief officer. Crew members and passengers are not allowed to change their cabin keys.

4. Crew members assigned the task of managing workrooms, clubs, and other public rooms shall be responsible for protecting the assets of those rooms and cabins.

5. When there is an alarm, procedures, or a ship-wide inspection, crew cabins and public rooms must not be locked.

Article 62. Meal times and dining rooms on board the ship

1. Daily meal times on board the ship shall be determined by the captain. Officers shall dine in the officers' dining room, while other crew members shall dine in the crew dining room. Crew members must eat at the designated time, except those on duty. Crew members entering the dining room must wear clean clothes and are not permitted to wear shorts or T-shirts. During meals, loud conversations are prohibited, and hygiene must be maintained in the dining room. Only sick crew members, upon recommendation by a doctor or medical staff, may eat in their cabin.

2. The dining room must always be clean, with tablecloths and necessary utensils on the tables. Dining room servers must wear uniforms.

Article 63. Compensatory rest, shore leave, and vacation of crew members

1. Overtime rest and shore leave for crew members are decided by the captain. When necessary, the captain has the right to designate crew members to remain on board to perform duties.

2. When going ashore or returning to the ship, crew members must report to the duty officer.

3. Before the ship departs from the port, crew members must be present on the ship at the time specified by the captain.

4. When the ship is at a port, at least one-third of the total number of crew members from each department must be present on the ship. When the ship is anchored in anchorage areas, at least two-thirds of the total number of crew members from each department must be present on the ship. When the ship is at a port or in anchorage areas, the captain has the authority to assign watch duties to any crew member based on the requirements of the ship's operations.

5. Each crew member, before leaving the ship for vacation or transferring to another ship or changing positions, must hand over to the replacement crew member by means of a transfer document confirmed by the relevant officer in charge regarding the following contents:

a) Tasks being performed;

b) Machinery, equipment, tools under their responsibility and necessary instructions;

c) Ship-provided assets and supplies, including cabin keys.

Chapter III

REGISTRATION OF CREW MEMBERS, ISSUANCE OF CREW BOOKS AND CREW PASSPORTS

Section 1. CREW REGISTRATION AND ISSUANCE OF CREW BOOKS

Article 64. Crew Registration and Issuance of Crew Books

1. Crew registration refers to the initial registration of crew members assigned to work on Vietnamese ships and foreign ships in the Crew Register and the issuance of Crew Books to crew members.

2. Crew Books shall be issued to Vietnamese crew members working on Vietnamese ships and foreign ships, and to foreign crew members working on Vietnamese ships.

Article 65. Organization of Crew Registration

1. The Vietnam Maritime Branch or Port Maritime Authority shall carry out crew registration according to the decision of the Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration.

2. The organization conducting crew registration shall have the responsibility to:

a) Establish and manage the Crew Register;

b) Implement the registration of crew members in the Crew Register;

c) Issue Crew Books to crew members;

d) Inspect the management and use of Crew Books.

3. The Crew Register must contain the following basic information:

a) Name of the crew member;

b) Gender;

c) Date of birth;

d) Place of birth;

đ) Nationality;

e) Place of permanent residence registration;

g) Place of long-term temporary residence registration;

h) Identity card number/Passport number, date of issue; place of issue;

i) Position;

k) Crew management organization;

l) Crew member code.

4. The Crew Book shall follow the model specified in Appendix I of this Decision.

Article 66. Responsibilities of the holder of the Crew Book

1. Each crew member shall only be issued one Crew Book. Crew members are responsible for keeping and preserving the Crew Book; they are not allowed to erase, alter, or modify the contents of the Crew Book, nor lend it to others or use it contrary to legal regulations.

2. In case of loss of the Crew Book, the crew member must report to the port authority, police agency, People's Committee of the commune, ward, or other competent authority, and immediately notify in writing the issuing authority of the loss.

Article 67. Responsibilities of Crew Management Organizations and Ship Captains

Crew management organizations are responsible for assigning crew positions; The ship captain is responsible for confirming accurately and completely the assignment of crew positions, time of boarding and disembarking from the vessel in the Crew Book and shall be liable for their confirmation.

Article 68. Procedures for Registering and Issuing the Crew Book

1. The application dossier for registering and issuing the Crew Book includes:

a) A form requesting issuance of the Crew Book according to the model prescribed in Appendix II of this Decision;

b) Copies of certificates proving professional competence for positions within the minimum safe manning scale; copies of basic safety training certificates for other positions;

c) Three color photographs measuring 4x6 cm, taken within six months, facing forward, bareheaded, with a white background.

2. The registration authority is responsible for registering in the Crew Registration Book and issuing the Crew Book no later than three working days from the date of receiving a valid application dossier as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article.

Article 69. Reissuing the Crew Book

1. The Crew Book shall be reissued in the following cases:

a) When the Crew Book has run out of pages;

b) When the Crew Book is too old, torn, or the writing is faded;

c) When the Crew Book is lost.

2. The application dossier for reissuing the Crew Book includes:

a) A form requesting reissuance of the Crew Book according to the model prescribed in Appendix II of this Decision;

b) Three color photographs measuring 4x6 cm, taken within six months, facing forward, bareheaded, with a white background;

c) In case of loss of the Crew Book, there must be a confirmation from the port authority, public security agency, People's Committee of the commune, ward, or other competent authority.

3. The registration organization is responsible for checking the original dossier and reissuing the Crew Book no later than two working days from the date of receiving a valid application dossier as stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article. The number of the Crew Book remains the same as the old one.

Section 2. CREW PASSPORT

Article 70. Issuance of Crew Passport

1. The Crew Passport is issued to Vietnamese crew members working on international shipping routes and is used for exiting and entering the country aboard ships.

2. The Crew Passport is issued by the Vietnam Maritime Administration according to the model prescribed in Appendix III of this Decision. The Crew Passport is valid for no more than five years from the date of issuance and can be extended once, with a maximum duration of three years. The extension must be processed at least thirty days before the passport expires.

Article 71. Responsibilities of Holders of the Crew Passport

1. Using the seafarer's passport for its intended purpose and in accordance with the provisions of the law.

2. Carefully preserving and maintaining it, without erasing, altering the contents within the seafarer's passport, and not allowing others to use it.

3. When the Crew Passport is lost, it must be reported immediately in writing to the Vietnam Maritime Administration; if abroad, it must be reported immediately to the nearest diplomatic or consular agency of Vietnam.

Article 72. Procedures for Issuing, Renewing, Extending, and Amending the Crew Passport

1. Application dossier for issuing, renewing, extending, and amending the Crew Passport:

a) First-time issuance:

- A form requesting issuance of the Crew Passport according to the model prescribed in Appendix IV of this Decision;

- A copy of the Identity Card;

- Two color photographs measuring 4x6 cm, taken within six months, facing forward, bareheaded, with a white background;

b) Reissuance:

The Crew Passport is reissued in cases of loss, damage, having been extended once and having less than thirty days remaining validity, or having expired; The dossier includes:

- A form requesting issuance of the Crew Passport according to the model prescribed in Appendix IV of this Decision;

- A copy of the Identity Card;

- Two color photographs measuring 4x6 cm, taken within six months, facing forward, bareheaded, with a white background;

- A report of the loss of the passport confirmed by the police, port authority, border guard unit in case of loss;

- Returning the old passport in case of damage or less than thirty days remaining validity or expiration.

c) Extension, replacement of passport:

The Crew Passport that has not been extended and still has at least thirty days validity; the passport still has validity but has run out of visa pages will be extended or replaced. The dossier includes:

- A form requesting extension or replacement of the Crew Passport according to the model prescribed in Appendix V of this Decision;

- A copy of the Identity Card;

- Two color photographs measuring 4x6 cm, taken within six months, facing forward, bareheaded, with a white background;

- The Crew Passport.

d) Amendment of the Crew Passport:

In case of need to adjust the surname, given name, date of birth, place of birth, or ID card number in the Crew Passport, the dossier includes:

- A form requesting amendment of the Crew Passport according to the model prescribed in Appendix V of this Decision;

- A copy of the Birth Certificate;

- A copy of the Identity Card or other legal document proving the adjustment;

- A request letter clearly stating the reason for the amendment, confirmed by the crew management organization.

- The Crew Passport.

2. Individuals who handle the procedures themselves must present their Identity Card. If the crew management organization handles the procedures, they must provide an introduction letter and present the Identity Card of the staff member handling the procedures.

3. The Vietnam Maritime Administration checks the dossier and issues the Crew Passport no later than five working days; reissues, replaces, extends, or amends the Crew Passport no later than two working days from the date of receiving a valid application dossier as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article.

Chapter IV

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 73. Effective Date

1. This Decision shall take effect fifteen days from the date of publication in the Official Gazette and shall replace Decision No. 65/2005/QĐ-BGTVT dated November 30, 2005 of the Minister of Transport on the positions, duties according to positions of seafarers and registration of seafarers working on Vietnamese ships.

2. Seafarer passports issued under Decree No. 91/CP dated August 23, 1997 of the Government on the regulations for ship registration and seafarers and Decision No. 65/2005/QĐ-BGTVT dated November 30, 2005 of the Minister of Transport on the positions, duties according to positions of seafarers and registration of seafarers working on Vietnamese ships shall remain valid until the expiration date stated in such seafarer passports.

3. Seafarer Books issued under Decision No. 65/2005/QĐ-BGTVT dated November 30, 2005 of the Minister of Transport on the positions, duties according to positions of seafarers and registration of seafarers working on Vietnamese ships shall remain valid until they are reissued or replaced with new Seafarer Books.

4. The Vietnam Maritime Administration shall organize the printing of Seafarer Books and Seafarer Passports in accordance with this Decision and shall begin issuing them from April 1, 2009. Seafarer Books and Seafarer Passports issued under Decision No. 65/2005/QĐ-BGTVT dated November 30, 2005 of the Minister of Transport on the positions, duties according to positions of seafarers and registration of seafarers working on Vietnamese ships shall continue to be used for issuance to seafarers until March 31, 2009.

Article 74. Implementation Organization

1. The Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration shall be responsible for organizing, guiding, and supervising the implementation of this Decision.

2. The Heads of the Office, Inspectorate, and Departments under the Ministry, the Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration, the Heads of relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals shall be responsible for implementing this Decision./.