Circular No. 48/2015/TT-BGTVT on inspection of inland waterway vessels

CIRCULAR

Regulations on Inspection of Inland Waterway Vesselsa

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Pursuant to the Law on Inland Waterway Traffic dated June 15, 2004;

Pursuant to the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Inland Waterway Traffic dated June 17, 2014;

Pursuant to the Law on Product Quality and Commodities dated November 21, 2007;

Pursuant to Decree No. 107/2012/NĐ-CP dated December 20, 2012 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Transport; The Minister of Transport issues this Circular on inspection of inland waterway vessels.

The Minister of Transport issues this Circular amending and supplementing certain articles of Circular No. 29/2018/TT-BGTVT dated May 14, 2018, issued by the Minister of Transport on quality inspection, technical safety, and environmental protection for railway transportation vehicles, and Circular No. 18/2019/TT-BGTVT dated May 20, 2019, issued by the Minister of Transport guiding the implementation of Decree No. 139/2018/NĐ-CP dated October 8, 2018, of the Government on business operations of vehicle inspection services.

1. This Circular stipulates the inspection of inland waterway vessels and the organization of such inspections for inland waterway vessels.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

a) Inland waterway vessels used for national defense and security purposes, fishing boats;

2. This Circular does not apply to:

b) Inland waterway vessels without engines with a total load capacity up to 15 tons or carrying up to 12 people;

c) Inland waterway vessels with main engine power under 5 horsepower and carrying fewer than 5 people;

d) Rafts.

This Circular applies to organizations and individuals related to the activities of inspecting inland waterway vessels.

Article 2. Applicability

1. Industrial products used for inland waterway vessels (hereinafter referred to as industrial products) include: materials, machinery, and equipment used in the construction, conversion, repair, and installation on inland waterway vessels.

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

2. Safety technical inspection and environmental protection mark for inland waterway vessels (hereinafter referred to as the inspection mark) is a symbol issued to inland waterway vessels certified by the inspection authority to meet safety technical quality standards and environmental protection requirements.

3. Design documents include: design documents for new construction, conversion, modification of vessels; design documents for imported vessels, vessels constructed without supervision of inspection; product design; standardized design models; design for converting ocean-going vessels into inland waterway vessels.

4. Guidance documents include: stability notice for the master, oil pollution response plan for the vessel, pollution response plan for the vessel carrying harmful liquid substances.

5. Copying and reviewing standardized design models involve copying and reviewing designs based on standardized design models that have been reviewed.

Article 4. Contents of Inspection Work for Vessels

Chapter II

Article 3. Contents of vessel inspection work

1. Reviewing design documents and guidance documents of vessels.

2. Inspecting quality, safety technical standards, and environmental protection (hereinafter referred to as inspection), issuing certificates of safety technical standards and environmental protection for imported vessels.

3. Inspecting and issuing certificates for industrial products used for vessels.

4. Inspecting and issuing certificates of safety technical standards and environmental protection for vessels during new construction, conversion, repair, and restoration.

5. Inspecting and issuing certificates of safety technical standards and environmental protection for vessels during operation.

6. Measuring the total load capacity and volume of vessels.

The inspection work prescribed in Article 4 of this Circular must be carried out in accordance with the provisions of technical regulations, technical standards set forth in Appendix I of this Circular.

1. Types of vehicle inspections include:

a) Initial inspection, including: inspection of newly manufactured vehicles, imported vehicles, and initial administrative registration vehicles;

b) Periodic inspection, including: regular inspection; annual inspection; on-road inspection; intermediate inspection;

c) Abnormal inspection as prescribed in the system of regulations, technical standards, and technical specifications set forth in Appendix I of this Circular.

2. The contents and deadlines for each type of inspection shall be carried out according to the system of regulations, technical standards, and technical specifications set forth in Appendix I of this Circular.

1. A vessel must undergo an initial inspection and issuance of a Safety Technical and Environmental Protection Certificate for Domestic Waterway Vessels before its first administrative registration.

3. For registered vessels undergoing periodic or abnormal inspections, they can be inspected and issued a Safety Technical and Environmental Protection Certificate for Domestic Waterway Vessels at any inspection unit with sufficient capacity and authority over the area where the vessel is moored.

4. Inspection units may only inspect and issue Safety Technical and Environmental Protection Certificates for Domestic Waterway Vessels in accordance with their capacity, authority, and within the assigned areas.

Chapter III

PROCEDURE FOR REVIEWING DESIGN DOCUMENTS AND GUIDANCE MATERIALS; INSPECTION AND ISSUANCE OF SAFETY TECHNICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CERTIFICATES FOR DOMESTIC WATERWAY VESSELS; INSPECTION AND ISSUANCE OF QUALITY SAFETY TECHNICAL CERTIFICATES FOR INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS Article 8. Application Documents for Reviewing Design and Guidance Materials 1. For reviewing new design, conversion, modification, and filing of documents, the application includes: a) One original copy of the Design Review Request Form according to the model specified in Appendix II of this Circular; b) Three original copies of the design documents including calculations, drawings, descriptions, and technical documents (if applicable) as stipulated by the technical standards and technical specifications applicable to the vessel. For design documents prepared by foreign design units or for vessels designed by foreigners or for export from Vietnam, the language used in the descriptions and calculations must be either Vietnamese or English accompanied by a Vietnamese translation, while the language used in the drawings can be either Vietnamese or English;

2. For reviewing standardized design models, the application includes:

a) One original copy of the Domestic Waterway Vessel Standardized Model Review Request Form according to the model specified in Appendix III of this Circular;

b) Three original copies of the design documents including calculations, drawings, and descriptions as stipulated by the technical standards and technical specifications applicable to the vessel.

3. For copying and reviewing standardized design models, the application includes one original copy of the Domestic Waterway Vessel Standardized Model Usage Request Form according to the model specified in Appendix IV of this Circular.

4. For reviewing imported vessel designs, the application includes:

b) Three original copies of the design documents including calculations, drawings, descriptions, and technical documents (if applicable) as stipulated by the technical standards and technical specifications applicable to the vessel and technical documents provided by foreign organizations for the vessel (if applicable). The descriptions and calculations in the design documents must be in Vietnamese or English accompanied by a Vietnamese translation, while the drawings can be in Vietnamese or English;

c) Documentation to determine the age of the vessel;

d) Import declaration form of the organization or individual importing the vessel (in cases where the vessel has already been imported into Vietnam).

5. For reviewing industrial product designs, the application includes:

a) One original copy of the Domestic Waterway Vessel Standardized Model Review Request Form according to the model specified in Appendix III of this Circular;

a) In cases where industrial products are produced or manufactured domestically, the submitted application includes: one original copy of the Design Review Request Form according to the model specified in Appendix II of this Circular; three original copies of the design documents including calculations, drawings, descriptions, and technical documents (if applicable) as stipulated by the technical standards and technical specifications applicable to the product;

b) In cases where industrial products are imported, the submitted application includes: one original copy of the Design Review Request Form according to the model specified in Appendix II of this Circular; three original copies of the design documents including calculations, drawings, descriptions, and foreign technical documents provided for the vessel (if applicable) as stipulated by the technical standards and technical specifications applicable to the product. The descriptions and calculations in the design documents must be in Vietnamese or English accompanied by a Vietnamese translation, while the drawings can be in Vietnamese or English; import declaration form of the organization or individual importing the product.

6. For reviewing designs converting ocean-going ships into domestic waterway vessels, the application includes:

b) Three original copies of the design documents including calculations, drawings, descriptions, and technical documents (if applicable) as stipulated by the technical standards and technical specifications applicable to the vessel.

7. For reviewing guidance materials, the application includes:

a) One original copy of the Guidance Material Review Request Form according to the model specified in Appendix II of this Circular;

b) Three original copies of the guidance material documents.

a) One original copy of the Domestic Waterway Vessel Standardized Model Review Request Form according to the model specified in Appendix III of this Circular;

b) Three original design dossier copies consisting of calculation sheets, drawings, descriptions, and technical documents (if any), in compliance with the applicable technical standards and technical regulations for the equipment.

7. For the review of guidance document materials, the dossier shall include:

a) One original Application for Review of Guidance Documents in the form prescribed in Appendix II of this Circular;

b) Three original copies of the guidance document dossier.

2. The Vietnam Register of Ships or units authorized by the Vietnam Register of Ships shall receive and examine the file; in case the file is incomplete according to regulations, they shall guide the completion immediately on the same working day (for cases submitted directly) or within two (2) working days for cases submitted through the postal system and other appropriate forms; if the file is complete, they shall schedule the time to deliver the result.

3. From the date of receiving the complete application file in accordance with regulations, within twenty (20) working days for designs of new types of vessels made of new materials, with new functions, or vessels operating on inland waterway routes along the coast, from shore to islands, between islands; vessels carrying liquefied gas, dangerous chemical tankers, oil tankers with flash point temperatures not exceeding 60°C, with total deadweight of 500 tons or more; high-speed passenger ferries, air-cushion vehicles; floating restaurants, floating hotels, overnight cruise ships, passenger ships with capacity of 100 passengers or more; or within five (5) working days for other designs and guidance documents, the Vietnam Register of Ships or units authorized by the Vietnam Register of Ships shall complete the review of the design and guidance document files; if satisfactory, issue a certificate of design review according to the model prescribed in Circular No. 15/2013/TT-BGTVT dated July 26, 2013 of the Minister of Transport on the format of certificates and technical inspection books for marine vessels, inland waterway vessels, and industrial products used for inland waterway vessels (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 15/2013/TT-BGTVT), and issue a notification of guidance document/design review according to the model prescribed in Appendix VI of this Circular; if unsatisfactory, notify in writing the organization or individual to rectify the deficiencies.

4. For design files that have been rectified according to the notification of the Vietnam Register of Ships or units authorized by the Vietnam Register of Ships, from the date of receipt of the rectified design file, within two (2) working days complete the review of the design file; if satisfactory, issue a certificate of design review as prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article; if unsatisfactory, notify in writing the organization or individual to rectify again.

1. Organizations and individuals submit the file directly or send through the postal system or other appropriate forms to the registration unit, the file includes: Application for inspection according to the model prescribed in Appendix V of this Circular (except in cases of direct application or telephone application), technical file of the vessel. The technical file of the vessel is specified as follows:

a) For inspection and issuance of certificates of technical safety and environmental protection for newly built, converted, repaired, or restored vessels or vessels that were built without supervision by the registration unit, submit the original design file that has been reviewed.

b) For inspection and issuance of certificates of technical safety and environmental protection for vessels currently in operation, submit the original Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection for Inland Waterway Vessels issued during the previous inspection.

c) For inspection and issuance of certificates of technical safety and environmental protection for vessels converted from marine vessels to inland waterway vessels, submit the original conversion design file that has been reviewed and the Certificate of De-registration of Vietnamese Marine Vessel.

2. The registration unit receives and examines the file; in case the file is incomplete according to regulations, they shall guide the completion immediately on the same working day (for cases submitted directly) or within two (2) working days for cases submitted through the postal system and other appropriate forms; if the file is complete, they shall schedule the time and place for inspection.

3. The registration unit conducts the inspection. Within one (1) working day for inspections of vessels located less than seventy (70) kilometers from the office and two (2) working days for inspections of vessels located seventy (70) kilometers or more from the office or inspections in coastal areas, islands, from the end of the on-site inspection, if the inspection results meet the requirements of technical standards, the registration unit issues the Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection for Inland Waterway Vessels according to the model prescribed in Circular No. 15/2013/TT-BGTVT and stamps the completion seal on the completed design files for new construction, conversion, repair and restoration of vessels as prescribed in Clauses 1, 2, 3 of Appendix IX of this Circular; if the inspection results are unsatisfactory, notify in writing the organization or individual requesting the inspection.

4. Organizations and individuals requesting inspection of vessels pay fees and charges as prescribed and may collect results directly at the registration unit or through the postal system or other appropriate forms.

1. Organizations and individuals submit applications either directly or through postal services or other appropriate means to the Vietnam Vehicle Inspection Agency. The application package includes: A request for inspection according to the form prescribed in Appendix V of this Circular (except in cases of direct submission or telephone requests), technical documentation of the imported vehicle. Technical documentation of the imported vehicle shall be as follows:

a) For imported vehicles that have been inspected and issued a certificate of conformity by a foreign inspection agency recognized by the Vietnam Vehicle Inspection Agency, when importing into Vietnam, submit the design documentation of the vehicle which has been reviewed by the foreign inspection agency (a copy with the original for comparison), the original certificate of conformity issued by the foreign inspection agency for the vehicle, related technical documents; provide documentation to determine the age of the vehicle, a copy of the import receipt confirmed by the organization or individual importing the vehicle including commercial invoices or equivalent documents, the import declaration of the organization or individual importing the vehicle;

b) For imported vehicles that have been inspected and issued a certificate of conformity by a foreign inspection agency not yet recognized by the Vietnam Vehicle Inspection Agency or have not been inspected and issued a certificate of conformity by a foreign inspection agency, submit the original design documentation which has been reviewed.

2. The Vietnam Vehicle Inspection Agency receives the application; if the application is incomplete according to regulations, it will guide completion on the same working day (for direct submissions) or within two working days for applications submitted through postal services or other appropriate means; if the application is complete, schedule the inspection time and location.

3. The Vietnam Vehicle Inspection Agency conducts the inspection directly or delegates an inspection unit to conduct the inspection as follows:

a) For vehicles specified in point a, Clause 1 of this Article, carry out an inspection to confirm the actual technical condition of the vehicle against the reviewed design documentation and the certificate of conformity already issued for the vehicle;

b) For vehicles specified in point b, Clause 1 of this Article, carry out an initial type inspection of the vehicle.

4. Within one working day for inspections conducted within 70 kilometers from the office and two working days for inspections conducted beyond 70 kilometers from the office or at sea or island areas, from the end of the on-site inspection, if the inspection results comply with technical standards and regulations, the Vietnam Vehicle Inspection Agency or the delegated inspection unit will issue a Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection for inland waterway vessels according to the form prescribed in Circular No. 15/2013/TT-BGTVT, if the inspection results do not meet requirements, notify the requesting organization or individual.

5. Organizations and individuals requesting inspection of imported vehicles pay fees and charges as prescribed and may collect the results directly from the Vietnam Vehicle Inspection Agency or the delegated inspection unit or through postal services or other appropriate means.

1. Organizations and individuals submit applications directly or through the postal system or other appropriate methods to the Vietnam Maritime Administration Bureau or units authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration Bureau. The application for inspection includes: An inspection request form according to the model prescribed in Appendix V of this Circular (except in cases of direct submission or telephone requests), technical documentation of the industrial product. Technical documentation of the industrial product is specified as follows:

a) For single or batch-produced domestic industrial products, original design documentation that has been reviewed must be submitted.

b) For imported industrial products that have been inspected by foreign maritime inspection agencies recognized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration Bureau, the registration documentation issued by the foreign maritime inspection agency for the industrial product (a copy with the original for comparison) and related technical documents (if any); A copy of the import certificate confirmed by the organization or individual importing the product including Commercial Invoice or equivalent documents, and the import declaration of the organization or individual importing the product.

c) For imported industrial products that have been inspected by foreign maritime inspection agencies but not yet recognized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration Bureau or not yet inspected by foreign maritime inspection agencies, original design documentation that has been reviewed must be submitted.

2. The Vietnam Maritime Administration Bureau or units authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration Bureau receive the application; if the application is incomplete according to regulations, it will be guided to complete on the same working day (for direct submissions) or within two working days for submissions through the postal system or other appropriate methods; if the application is complete, a time and place for inspection will be scheduled.

3. The Vietnam Maritime Administration Bureau or units authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration Bureau conduct inspections. For products specified in points a and c of Clause 1 of this Article, within one working day for inspecting industrial products located less than 70 km from the office and two working days for inspecting industrial products located 70 km or more from the office or inspecting industrial products in coastal or island areas, starting from the end of the on-site inspection, if the inspection results meet the technical standards and regulations, the Vietnam Maritime Administration Bureau or units authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration Bureau will issue certificates for industrial products used in inland waterway vessels according to the model prescribed in Circular No. 15/2013/TT-BGTVT, if the inspection results do not meet the requirements, the organization or individual requesting the inspection will be notified.

4. Organizations and individuals requesting inspection of industrial products pay fees and charges as prescribed and may collect the results directly at the Vietnam Maritime Administration Bureau or units authorized by the Vietnam Maritime Administration Bureau or through the postal system or other appropriate methods.

Article 13. Registration Documents, Inspection Stickers, and Control Numbers Issued to Vessels

a) Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection for Inland Waterway Vessels;

b) Various inspection reports and technical inspection reports.

a) Logbook of cargo handling equipment inspection for vessels equipped with such equipment;

b) Logbook of vessel water displacement certification when requested by the vessel owner;

c) Certificates for industrial products used in inland waterway vessels.

3. Inspection stickers according to the model prescribed in Appendix VII of this Circular will be issued together with the Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection for Inland Waterway Vessels. Inspection stickers are affixed to the vessel as follows:

a) For vessels with a front windshield: The inspection sticker is affixed to the inside upper right corner of the windshield (viewed from the driver's seat towards the bow of the vessel), in a visible position;

b) For vessels with a cabin or sleeping quarters but without a front windshield: The inspection sticker is affixed to the outside upper right corner of the front wall of the cabin or sleeping quarters (viewed from the driver's seat towards the bow of the vessel), in a visible position;

c) For vessels not covered under point a or b of this clause but with a cargo hold enclosure: The inspection sticker is affixed to the outside upper right corner of the cargo hold enclosure near the bow (immediately below the reinforcing edge of the cargo hold opening), in a visible position;

d) For remaining vessels: The inspection sticker is affixed to a visible position, least likely to be impacted by collision or weather.

4. Control Number

a) After being inspected and meeting the technical standards and regulations, vessels will be marked or attached with a control number, which is marked or attached to the vessel to monitor each vessel and the total number of registered vessels nationwide;

b) The control number consists of a letter part and a numeric part. The letter part comprises two uppercase letters VR (for vessels specified in Clauses 1, 2, and 3 of Appendix IX of this Circular) and VS (for vessels specified in Clause 4 of Appendix IX of this Circular). The numeric part comprises eight digits, the first two digits are the last two digits of the year the vessel was built, followed by six sequential natural numbers managed and directly assigned by the Vietnam Maritime Administration Bureau. This number is recorded in the vessel registration management database throughout the vessel's operational life;

c) Registration units, upon receiving the issuance of six sequential natural numbers from the Vietnam Maritime Administration Bureau, must confirm receipt to the Vietnam Maritime Administration Bureau. Registration units use control numbers in ascending order. Monthly, units must report on the use of control numbers, forecast plans for the next month, and report back to the Vietnam Maritime Administration Bureau.

5. The size and location of the control number are prescribed in Appendix VIII of this Circular.

Chapter IV

ORGANIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MEANS INSPECTION WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MEANS INSPECTION WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS

1. The Vietnam Inspection Agency shall be responsible for organizing the implementation of the contents of means inspection as prescribed in Article 4 of this Circular; establishing a unified system of inspection units throughout the country; implementing the means inspection work as prescribed in Clauses 1, 2, and 3 of Article 4 of this Circular.

2. Inspection units under the Vietnam Inspection Agency and inspection units under the Department of Transport (hereinafter referred to as inspection units) that have been confirmed and notified of their inspection unit category shall implement the contents of the means inspection work as prescribed in Clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of Article 4 of this Circular and other inspection contents when authorized by the Vietnam Inspection Agency in accordance with the capacity of the inspection unit after confirmation and notification.

3. Inspection units are classified into Category I, Category II, and Category III based on the requirements for capacity stipulated in Appendix X of this Circular and shall perform the following inspection work:

a) Category III inspection units shall carry out inspection work for means as prescribed in Clause 4 of Appendix IX of this Circular.

b) Category II inspection units shall carry out inspection work for means as prescribed in Clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Appendix IX of this Circular (excluding cargo ships with a total deadweight of 2,000 tons or more; oil tankers with flash point temperature greater than 60°C and a total deadweight of 1,000 tons or more; oil tankers with flash point temperature not exceeding 60°C and a total deadweight of 500 tons or more; inland waterway vessels of VR-SB class with a total deadweight of 500 tons or more or passenger ships of VR-SB class with a carrying capacity of 50 persons or more; air cushion vessels; vessels carrying dangerous chemical liquids in drums; liquefied gas carriers).

c) Category I inspection units shall carry out inspection work for all types of inland waterway vessels.

Article 15. Responsibilities of the Vietnam Inspectorate Bureau

2. Organizing guidance and direction on means inspection business and inspecting the implementation of this Circular.

3. Building, managing, and guiding the uniform use of the database for managing means inspection of inland waterway vessels; connecting data transmission networks and managing data of inspection units.

4. Organizing training on inspection business.

5. Implementing the confirmation and announcement of the capacity of inspection units according to the provisions in Appendix X. Announcing the categories of inspection units on the website of the Vietnam Inspection Agency.

8. Specifying inspection reports and technical inspection certificates issued to means.

9. Printing, managing, and issuing various seals and publications used in means inspection.

10. Reporting the results of inspection work as prescribed.

Article 16. Responsibilities of the Department of Transport

1. Inspect, supervise activities, and handle violations of individuals and units conducting inspections under local management. Coordinate with the Vietnam Inspection Agency to inspect the inspection work of units conducting inspections under local management.

2. Direct functional units of the Department of Transport:

a) Coordinate with local authorities to promote awareness, mobilize, inspect, and handle cases that do not comply with regulations on inland waterway vessel inspections;

Article 17. Responsibilities of inspection units

4. Inspection units must ensure sufficient human resources to perform inspection work in the assigned area in accordance with the provisions of Appendices X and XI; Assign inspectors to conduct inspections according to their qualifications and capacities recorded in their inspector certification.

5. Conduct inspections and issue certificates of technical safety and environmental protection for inland waterway vessels objectively, in compliance with professional requirements, and in accordance with the law.

6. The head of the inspection unit and the inspectors directly conducting inspections shall be responsible for the results of the inspections.

9. Adhere to professional guidance from the Vietnam Inspection Agency regarding inspection work and issuing certificates of technical safety and environmental protection for vessels.

10. Comply with supervision, inspection, and monitoring of inspection activities by competent authorities.

11. Manage and supervise inspection activities, regularly educate staff, inspectors, and employees on professional ethics; prevent and combat corruption in inspection activities of the unit.

13. Upon receiving a written request for an extraordinary inspection from a competent state agency, the inspection unit must organize the inspection and provide a written response about the inspection results according to the content, time, and location specified in the request.

14. Revoke the certificate of technical safety and environmental protection and the inspection seal of the vessel in the event of an accident where the technical condition is no longer guaranteed; revoke the certificate of technical safety and environmental protection when issuing new registration files for the next inspection cycle.

Article 18. Responsibilities of the vehicle owner, design facilities, new construction, conversion, repair and restoration facilities, industrial product manufacturing facilities, testing facilities serving inspection work

1. Implement the provisions on vehicle inspection and industrial product inspection set forth in this Circular and other relevant legal regulations.

2. Return the Certificate of Inspection and Inspection Label upon notification of recall from the inspection unit or when receiving a new Certificate of Inspection and Inspection Label (except in cases of loss).

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 19. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from January 1, 2016.

2. Repeal the Regulations on Inspection of Inland Waterway Vessels issued together with Decision No. 25/2004/QĐ-BGTVT dated November 25, 2004, Circular No. 34/2011/TT-BGTVT dated April 26, 2011 of the Minister of Transport on amending and supplementing certain articles of the Regulations on Inspection of Inland Waterway Vessels issued together with Decision No. 25/2004/QĐ-BGTVT dated November 25, 2004 and the standards, responsibilities, and tasks of inland waterway vessel inspectors issued together with Decision No. 2687/2000/QĐ-BGTVT dated September 14, 2000 of the Minister of Transport.

Article 20. Transitional Provisions

1. Inspection units operating before the effective date of this Circular shall continue to perform their duties according to the Regulations on Inspection of Inland Waterway Vessels issued together with Decision No. 25/2004/QĐ-BGTVT dated November 25, 2004 until they are assessed and confirmed for capability.

2. By January 1, 2018, the Vietnam Registration Agency must confirm the capabilities and notify the inspection units.

Article 21. Responsibility for implementation:

The Director of the Ministry's Office, the Inspector General of the Ministry, Heads of Departments, the Director of the Vietnam Registration Agency, Directors of Provincial Departments of Transport under central cities, heads of agencies, organizations, and individuals related to this matter are responsible for implementing this Circular./.