Decision No. 51/2015/QD-TTg On the organization of search and rescue for inland waterway traffic accidents

Pursuant to …;

Von the supervisioncouncillORS- social development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, amended and supplemented by Decree No. 109/2025/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CP c Quức tìm kiếmpoliciescứticleperiodn giao thông đườngThis Resolution takes effect from the date it is adopted by the National Assembly.thủy nội địa|||i đcouncillORSa

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Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government dated December 25, 2001;

Pursuant to the Law on Inland Waterway Traffic Safety dated June 15, 2004 and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Inland Waterway Traffic Safety dated August 17, 2015, and the Ordinance on the Organization of Search and Rescue Operations in Inland Waterways issued by the Ministry of Transport,commission The Prime Minister issues this Decision on the organization of search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic.June 2024;year 2014;

At the proposal of the Ministry trThis Decision stipulates the organization of search and rescue operations on inland waterways, port waters, inland waterway wharf areas, waters outside channels, and unmanaged waters for transportation purposes; the responsibility for directing search and rescue operations of the National Committee for Search and Rescue; the responsibility for organizing search and rescue operations of the Ministry of Transport, provincial People's Committees (hereinafter referred to as provincial People's Committees), relevant ministries and agencies, and related organizations and individuals.

This Decision applies to organizations and individuals, both domestic and foreign, involved in the organization of search and rescue operations on inland waterways, port waters, inland waterway wharf areas, waters outside channels, and unmanaged waters for transportation purposes in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.commission In this Decision, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

1. Vessels operating on inland waterways, port waters, inland waterway wharf areas, waters outside channels, and unmanaged waters for transportation purposes (hereinafter referred to as vessels) include: inland waterway vessels, ocean-going ships, military vessels, public service vessels, fishing vessels, and other vessels as prescribed by law.

Article 2. Applicability

2. Hotline is a telephone number available 24/24 hours for search and rescue operations.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

3. On-site commander for organizing search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic (hereinafter referred to as on-site commander) is the person coordinating search and rescue activities, maintaining communication between the site and the main search and rescue agency, and implementing instructions from the main search and rescue agency to organize search and rescue operations at the site.

4. Main search and rescue agency for inland waterway traffic (hereinafter referred to as main search and rescue agency) is the agency responsible for coordinating search and rescue activities for inland waterway traffic.

5. Forces organizing search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic are specialized or part-time units for search and rescue under ministries, sectors, localities, and other organizations and individuals participating in search and rescue operations upon request of the main agency or when discovering natural disasters, accidents, or emergencies involving inland waterway traffic.

6. Particularly serious inland waterway traffic accident is an accident caused by collision or malfunction leading to the sinking of vessels carrying oil or toxic chemicals, posing danger; high risk of causing epidemics to people or living environment; necessitating channel closure or blockage.

Article 4. Principles of Organizing Search and Rescue Operations for Inland Waterway Traffic

1. Information about natural disasters, accidents, or emergencies requiring search and rescue operations must be promptly reported to the local authorities where such incidents occur and the main agency.

2. Be proactive and ready with human resources, equipment, and devices for response activities according to each area and nature of the incident.

3. Ensure information for response activities; report promptly to the competent authority when the situation exceeds the capacity of the forces organizing search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic.

4. Unify command and closely coordinate all mobilized forces participating in search and rescue operations throughout the implementation process.

5. Ensure safety for persons and vessels participating in search and rescue operations; structures and vessels operating within the search and rescue area, and protect the environment.

3. Ensure information for search and rescue activities; report promptly to the competent authority when the situation is assessed to exceed the capacity of the organized inland waterway traffic search and rescue forces.

4. Command uniformly, coordinate closely all mobilized forces participating in search and rescue throughout the implementation process of search and rescue operations.

5. Ensure safety for persons and means participating in search and rescue; structures and means operating within the search and rescue area and protect the environment.

Article 5. Division of Responsibility for Authorities in Charge of Search and Rescue of Inland Waterway Traffic

1. The People's Committee of the province shall be in charge of organizing search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic within the administrative boundaries of the locality.

2. The Ministry of Transport shall be in charge and coordinate with relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to organize search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic in cases of particularly serious inland waterway accidents involving two or more provincial-level localities; direct the coordination of search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic in areas at the boundary of two or more provincial-level localities when necessary.

3. The National Committee for Search and Rescue shall direct relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to mobilize forces, means, and equipment to participate in search and rescue operations in situations exceeding the response capacity of the authorities specified in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article.

Article 6. Forces, Means, and Equipment Participating in Search and Rescue Operations for Inland Waterway Traffic

Forces, means, and equipment participating in search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic include:

1. Specialized or part-time search and rescue agencies and units under ministries, sectors, and localities, and other organizations and individuals.

2. Units and organizations implementing management and maintenance tasks in inland waterway areas; inland waterway port authorities.

3. Forces, means, and equipment of agencies and units stationed in the area.

4. Forces, means, and equipment of foreign organizations and individuals when mobilized by competent Vietnamese authorities.

5. Forces, means, and equipment of oil spill response centers.

6. Other forces, means, and equipment operating on inland waterways.

Article 7. Joint Drills for Organizing Search and Rescue Operations for Inland Waterway Traffic

1. Annually, based on actual conditions, the Ministry of Transport and the People's Committees of provinces shall develop plans and organize joint drills for search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic in key areas.

2. Joint activities and implementation of drills shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Article 8. Sources of Funding for Search and Rescue Operations for Inland Waterway Traffic

1. Sources of funding to ensure search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic include state budget funds, sponsorships, support, aid, voluntary contributions from organizations and individuals, and other lawful sources as prescribed by law.

2. State budget funds are allocated in the annual budget estimate. The establishment, development of estimates, and payment of funds shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the State Budget Law and current guiding documents.

3. Organizations and individuals participating in search and rescue operations shall be paid and supported in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Chapter II

INFORMATION AND ORGANIZATION OF SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS FOR INLAND WATERWAY TRAFFIC

 SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS FOR INLAND WATERWAY TRAFFIC

Article 9. Information for Search and Rescue Operations for Inland Waterway Traffic

1. The authority in charge of search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic shall use hotlines or other communication methods to receive information about natural disasters, catastrophes, and inland waterway traffic accidents.

2. The content of the information includes:

a) Determining the location of persons and vessels affected by natural disasters, catastrophes, and accidents;

b) The nature of the natural disaster, catastrophe, or accident;

c) The time of occurrence of the natural disaster, catastrophe, or accident;

d) The number of victims when the natural disaster, catastrophe, or accident occurs and the name, age, or identification of the victims;

e) Other information: Name of the affected vessel, registration number, inspection number, or other identification; requests for assistance in rescuing victims or towing and salvaging vessels and other requests; name, address, and contact methods with the vessel owner.

Article 10. Supplying, receiving, and processing information for search and rescue in inland waterway traffic

1. Organizations and individuals upon discovering or receiving information about persons or means of transport involved in inland waterway traffic accidents shall immediately report to the local authority where the natural disaster, catastrophe, or inland waterway traffic accident occurred, or to the leading search and rescue agency or the nearest public security agency in the fastest manner possible.

2. Agencies and units receiving the information (including cases where the information is incomplete as provided for in Clause 2, Article 9 of this Decision) shall be responsible for checking and immediately reporting to the leading search and rescue agency, and organizing forces, means, and equipment to participate in search and rescue operations according to their functions and tasks.

3. Agencies and units assigned the task of search and rescue shall be responsible for immediately receiving and processing information on natural disasters, catastrophes, and inland waterway traffic accidents; promptly preparing plans and conducting search and rescue operations.

Article 11. Regulations on warning and announcing dangerous areas and natural disasters on inland waterways

1. Warning, announcement, and forecasting of hazardous zones, natural disasters, and catastrophes shall be carried out in accordance with the functional and task provisions of relevant ministries, sectors, and localities.

2. The Vietnam Inland Waterway Administration and Provincial Departments of Transport, based on their management levels, shall issue notices restricting inland waterway traffic, announce dangerous areas to vessels participating in inland waterway traffic through mass media or prohibit vessel activities in dangerous areas.

3. In cases where natural disasters, catastrophes, or inland waterway traffic accidents affect road, railway, irrigation, hydropower works, or oil spill, chemical leakage, or radioactive pollution areas, the leading search and rescue agency shall coordinate with agencies and units managing such works and related authorities to implement measures to warn, restrict traffic, or prohibit traffic to ensure safety for the works and traffic activities in the area.

4. Mass media outlets shall, based on their assigned functions and tasks, cooperate in disseminating warnings about natural disasters, catastrophes, and inland waterway traffic accidents.

Article 12. Leading agency for search and rescue in inland waterway traffic

When natural disasters, catastrophes, or inland waterway traffic accidents occur, the leading search and rescue agency shall be responsible for:

1. Organizing the gathering of information on natural disasters, catastrophes, and inland waterway traffic accidents to develop appropriate plans, mobilize or recommend the mobilization of forces, means, and equipment to respond promptly and effectively.

2. Designating on-site commanders for inland waterway traffic search and rescue operations.

3. Ensuring smooth traffic order and safety; in cases where natural disasters, catastrophes, or accidents harm the environment, they must immediately report to the competent state environmental protection agency for prompt resolution.

4. Maintaining communication with on-site commanders, directing search and rescue operations.

5. Monitoring each situation and development of the incident to know, process information, provide guidance, and support rescue measures promptly for those affected and between on-site commanders and forces, means, and equipment participating in search and rescue operations.

6. Directly mobilizing forces, means, and equipment to participate in search and rescue operations when necessary; immediately reporting to the directly competent authority for search and rescue to mobilize forces, means, and equipment to respond when beyond their capacity.

7. Coordinating with other relevant agencies and organizations to resolve aftermaths of search and rescue operations.

8. In cases where foreign vessels or vessels with foreign nationals experience natural disasters, catastrophes, or inland waterway traffic accidents, the leading agency shall be responsible for reporting to the National Search and Rescue Committee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate with the competent authority of the country where the affected persons or vessels are from to jointly resolve the aftermath of the incident.

Article 13. On-site Commander for Inland Waterway Search and Rescue Operations

1. The on-site commander, designated by the leading search and rescue authority, shall be responsible for:

a) Directly commanding and mobilizing forces to implement search and rescue plans according to specific situations at the scene;

b) Ensuring safety for persons and vessels participating in search and rescue operations;c) Maintaining communication between search and rescue vessels and those in distress, assigning specific tasks to each vessel involved in search and rescue activities, and regularly reporting the implementation of search and rescue tasks at the scene to the leading search and rescue authority;

d) Implementing guidance and requirements for search and rescue operations at the scene issued by the leading search and rescue authority;

đ) Reporting and proposing to the leading search and rescue authority to supplement, change the organization of search and rescue plans or strengthen forces, means, and equipment participating in search and rescue activities in accordance with actual conditions of inland waterway traffic search and rescue operations; changes to the organization of search and rescue plans or stopping search and rescue activities must be approved by the leading search and rescue authority;

e) Having the authority to adjust search and rescue plans to suit actual conditions in emergency situations where contact with the leading search and rescue authority cannot be established, and subsequently reporting to the leading search and rescue authority as soon as possible thereafter;

2. In cases where natural disasters, accidents, or inland waterway traffic accidents occur without an on-site commander, the captain or person operating the vessel who first discovers the incident shall serve as the temporary on-site commander and immediately report to the leading search and rescue authority while commanding search and rescue operations until an on-site commander is appointed;

3. If the mobilization of forces and means exceeds capacity for search and rescue operations, the on-site commander or temporary on-site commander for search and rescue shall immediately report to the leading search and rescue authority or the nearest local government or relevant agencies for assistance;

Article 14. Other Organizations and Individuals Cooperating in Inland Waterway Search and Rescue Operations

Organizations and individuals cooperating in search and rescue operations shall be responsible for:

1. Complying with orders from the leading search and rescue authority regarding the mobilization of forces, means, and equipment;

2. Cooperating with other search and rescue units to participate in inland waterway traffic search and rescue operations under the direction of the on-site commander and mobilization by the leading search and rescue authority; promptly informing the on-site commander and competent authorities of information related to inland waterway traffic search and rescue operations;

3. In cases where natural disasters, accidents, or inland waterway traffic accidents cause environmental harm, immediately reporting to the state management agency responsible for environmental protection.

3. In cases where natural disasters, catastrophes, or inland waterway traffic accidents pose a threat to the environment, immediately report to the state management agency responsible for environmental protection.

Article 15. Masters and drivers of vessels participating in inland waterway traffic search and rescue operations

1. Masters and drivers of vessels operating on inland waterways shall be responsible for:

a) Participating in rescuing persons involved in inland waterway traffic accidents when they discover or receive information about natural disasters, catastrophes, or inland waterway traffic accidents near their operational area, provided that it does not endanger themselves or their vessels; reporting to local authorities or the leading agency for search and rescue operations regarding their participation in such activities;

b) Complying with mobilization orders to participate in search and rescue operations issued by the leading agency for inland waterway traffic search and rescue operations. In cases of emergency where there has been no mobilization order from the leading agency for inland waterway traffic search and rescue operations, they must comply with the mobilization of the on-site commander.

2. Masters and drivers of vessels participating in search and rescue operations shall be responsible for:

a) Coordinating and communicating with the victims' vessels and the leading agency for search and rescue operations to understand the situation, unify methods and measures to maintain communication with the victims' vessels; protecting evidence related to the accident;

b) If the parties involved have agreed on rescue support measures without additional assistance, immediately report to the leading agency for search and rescue operations or the on-site commander to stop the mobilization of further support and rescue efforts;

c) If additional support is needed, notify the leading agency for search and rescue operations to request necessary assistance and support;

d) Proposing search and rescue plans to the on-site commander; carrying out tasks assigned by the on-site commander and having the responsibility to inform and report to the on-site commander;

3. Persons on vessels encountering natural disasters, catastrophes, or inland waterway traffic accidents, under conditions permitting, shall be responsible for:

a) Taking every measure to save themselves and others on board, minimizing the risk of death due to natural disasters, catastrophes, or inland waterway traffic accidents;

b) Contacting nearby forces, vessels, and civilians to receive timely rescue;

c) Directly or through rescue forces, informing the leading agency for search and rescue operations to receive instructions for search and rescue operations.

Chapter III

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORGANIZATIONS, UNITS, AND INDIVIDUALS IN SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS FOR INLAND WATERWAY TRAFFIC

IN SEARCH AND RESCUE OF INLAND WATERWAY TRAFFIC

Article 16. Provincial People's Committees

1. Leading and coordinating with competent agencies for search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic to mobilize local forces, equipment, and organizations based in the locality to participate in search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic within their jurisdiction.

2. Regularly reporting to the National Committee for Search and Rescue during the organization and command of particularly serious inland waterway traffic search and rescue operations, and in situations exceeding the local response capacity, to seek guidance and mobilization of forces, equipment, and organizations from other ministries, sectors, and localities to participate in search and rescue operations.

3. Developing plans to mobilize local forces, equipment, and organizations based in the locality to participate in search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic within their jurisdiction.

4. Mobilizing forces, equipment, and individuals based in the locality and nearby local forces, equipment, and organizations to participate in search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic; maintaining public security and order during search and rescue operations and providing assistance and support to victims.

5. Leading and directing coordination with relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals to verify, investigate, and resolve natural disasters, catastrophes, and inland waterway traffic accidents within their jurisdiction.

6. Ensuring safe passage for vessels operating through areas conducting search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic, on local inland waterway routes, and specialized inland waterway routes.

7. Approving the local plan for search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic drills.

7. Approve the local search and rescue drill plan for inland waterway traffic.

Article 17. Ministry of Transport

1. Mobilize forces, means, and equipment from various ministries, sectors, localities, units, organizations, and individuals to cooperate in participating in inland waterway traffic search and rescue operations in accordance with Clause 2, Article 5 of this Decision.

2. Report to the National Committee for Search and Rescue during the organization and command of special serious inland waterway traffic search and rescue operations when the situation exceeds the capacity of the Ministry of Transport to mobilize forces, means, and equipment from various ministries, sectors, and localities to participate in search and rescue operations.

3. Direct agencies and units under the Ministry to coordinate with provincial People's Committees and relevant ministries and sectors in developing and implementing plans that combine the use of forces, means, and equipment from various inland waterway, maritime, road, and railway specialties to perform their tasks while being ready to participate in search and rescue operations.

4. Direct agencies and units under the Ministry to mobilize their own forces, means, and equipment to coordinate with provincial People's Committees in participating in inland waterway traffic search and rescue operations; dispatch forces, means, and equipment for search and rescue operations under the Ministry to organize search and rescue operations for vessels and equipment of other ministries and sectors and localities at the request of the National Committee for Search and Rescue.

5. Organize and ensure safety of inland waterway traffic in areas where search and rescue operations are conducted within national inland waterway routes.

6. Annually report to the National Committee for Search and Rescue on the activities of search and rescue operations involving forces and means under the Ministry in accordance with regulations.

7. Approve the plan for inland waterway traffic search and rescue drills submitted by the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration.

Article 18. National Committee for Search and Rescue

1. Direct ministries, sectors, localities, organizations, and individuals to mobilize forces, means, and equipment to participate in inland waterway traffic search and rescue operations when the situation exceeds the capacity of the search and rescue forces.

2. Direct ministries, sectors, and localities in training and enhancing the skills of search and rescue operations for inland waterway traffic for related organizations and individuals; supervise and inspect the implementation of agencies.

Article 19. Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control

1. Direct measures to prevent and avoid floods, storms, tropical depressions, and other natural disasters related to inland waterway traffic.

2. Coordinate with the National Committee for Search and Rescue in mobilizing forces, means, and equipment for search and rescue operations when people or vessels suffer inland waterway traffic accidents caused by floods, storms, or tropical depressions.

Article 20. Ministry of National Defense

1. Coordinate with the National Committee for Search and Rescue in developing and implementing plans that combine the use of forces, means, and equipment of the Navy, Border Guard, Coast Guard, military regions stationed in the area, and other military forces in performing the tasks of the Ministry of Defense; be ready to stand guard and participate in search and rescue operations according to the inland waterway traffic operation area.

2. Dispatch military forces, means, and equipment to participate in search and rescue operations for vessels and ships under the management of the military or upon the request of the main search and rescue agency.

3. Provide information and report to the National Committee for Search and Rescue on the activities of search and rescue operations involving defense forces in accordance with regulations.

Article 21. Ministry of Public Security

1. Coordinate with the Ministry of Transport and provincial People's Committees in developing and implementing plans that combine the use of police forces and means in performing the tasks of the Ministry of Public Security while being ready to stand guard and participate in search and rescue operations.

2. Dispatch police forces and means to participate in search and rescue operations for vessels under the management of the police or upon the request of the main search and rescue agency; investigate and handle inland waterway traffic accidents in accordance with the law.

3. Provide information and report to the National Committee for Search and Rescue on the activities of search and rescue operations involving police forces in accordance with regulations.

Article 22. Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Planning and Investment

1. The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning and Investment allocate state budget for ministries, sectors, and localities in inland waterway traffic search and rescue operations.

2. Inspect the management and use of state budget funds in accordance with regulations.

Article 23. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Direct agencies and units under the Ministry to mobilize forces, means, and equipment to participate in inland waterway traffic search and rescue operations when incidents occur involving vessels and ships belonging to the fisheries sector; vessels and ships of other ministries, sectors, and localities upon request.

2. Coordinate with ministries, sectors, and localities in sharing information and databases on managing fishing vessel rescue activities participating in inland waterway traffic.

3. Provide information and report to the National Committee for Search and Rescue on the Ministry's inland waterway traffic search and rescue activities in accordance with regulations.

4. Direct agencies and units under the Ministry to coordinate with ministries and sectors to ensure the safety of irrigation works and dikes along inland waterways to take measures to respond to natural disasters, catastrophes, and inland waterway traffic accidents.

Article 24. Ministries, agencies at ministerial level

1. Other ministries and sectors within their functions and tasks shall cooperate with the leading agency for inland waterway traffic search and rescue to mobilize forces, means, and equipment from their units to participate in search and rescue operations.

2. Within their responsibilities, immediately take measures to respond when receiving information and requests about handling natural disasters, catastrophes, and inland waterway traffic accidents.

3. Coordinate with the National Committee for Search and Rescue in developing plans for using their ministry or sector’s forces and means in inland waterway traffic search and rescue operations.

Article 25. Organizations and individuals operating inland waterway traffic means

1. Comply with orders from competent authorities regarding mobilizing their own means to participate in inland waterway traffic search and rescue operations.

2. Participate in search and rescue drills when requested by competent authorities.

3. Update the hotline of the leading agency for inland waterway traffic search and rescue on their means and captains or drivers of the means.

Article 26. Organizations and individuals managing forces, means, and equipment stationed locally

1. Inform relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals when discovering natural disasters, catastrophes, or inland waterway traffic accidents.

2. Quickly mobilize forces and means to participate in inland waterway traffic search and rescue operations according to the requirements of the leading agency for search and rescue within their capacity.

3. Mobilize forces and means of their unit to participate in search and rescue plans and programs under the on-site command and control.

4. Participate in inland waterway traffic search and rescue drills in their area when requested.

Article 27. Responsibilities of insurance enterprises in inland waterway traffic search and rescue

1. Cooperate and provide documents, files, and related information about insured persons and means according to the content required by the competent authority for search and rescue during rescue operations and incident resolution.

2. Cooperate with the leading agency for search and rescue and related agencies to resolve and compensate for losses in accordance with the law.

Chapter IV

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 28. Effective Date

This Decision takes effect from December 1, 2015.

Article 29. Responsibility for Implementation

1. The Ministry of Transport shall lead and coordinate with the National Committee for Search and Rescue to inspect and supervise the implementation of this Decision.

2. During the implementation process, the National Committee for Search and Rescue and the Ministry of Transport shall compile issues arising that require timely amendments and supplements, propose, and report.

3. Ministers, heads of agencies at ministerial level, heads of government agencies, chairpersons of provincial People's Committees, Chairperson of the National Committee for Search and Rescue, heads of agencies, organizations, and individuals concerned are responsible for implementing this Decision./.