Circular No. 75/2014/TT-BGTVT stipulates the registration of inland waterway vessels applicable to organizations and individuals related thereto. This Circular abolishes previous regulations and provides detailed provisions on registration procedures, information changes, cancellation of registration, file management, and fees.
Scope of application
Organizations and individuals related to the registration of inland waterway vessels include vessel owners, vessel registration authorities, Departments of Transport, Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration Branches, and Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration.
Key points
- Organizations and individuals wishing to submit applications directly or through postal services for the registration of inland waterway vessels may do so.
- The vessel registration authority shall examine and issue the Certificate of Vessel Registration within three working days.
- Vessel owners must mark the name, registration number, safe draft line, and permitted passenger capacity on the vessel.
- In cases where the registration authority is changed, the vessel owner must return the old Certificate of Registration to the original registration authority and receive a sealed file from the new authority.
- The registration authority is responsible for establishing the Register of Inland Waterway Vessels and managing files in accordance with regulations.
🌐 Social impact of this document
- Positive impact: Helps ensure safety on inland waterways, enhancing effective management of vessels.
- Negative impact: May cause difficulties for some individuals and organizations during the registration process due to requirements for documentation and deadlines.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to prepare to register an inland waterway vessel?
You need to submit an Application for Registration, receipt of initial tax payment (if applicable), Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection (if subject to inspection), and Declaration of Vessel Safety Conditions.
What is the processing time for registration applications?
The registration authority will issue a receipt and schedule the issuance of results within three working days from the date of receiving complete application documents.
If I transfer ownership of the vessel, what procedures should I follow?
You need to submit an Application for Re-registration, receipt of initial tax payment (if applicable), Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection (if subject to inspection), and other documents proving new ownership rights.
What actions should I take when changing the registration location of the vessel?
You must return the old Certificate of Registration to the original registration authority and simultaneously receive a sealed file from the new authority.
Which agency is responsible for implementing this Circular?
The Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration, Provincial Departments of Transport under the Central Government, and Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration Branches are responsible for enforcing this Circular.
Full text
CIRCULAR
Regulations on Registration of Inland Waterway Vessels
________________
Pursuant to the Law on Inland Waterway Traffic
Pursuant to the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Inland Waterway Traffic;
Pursuant to Decree No. 107/2012/NĐ-CP dated December 20, 2012 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Transport;
At the proposal of the Director of the Transport Department and the Director of the Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration,
The Minister of Transport hereby promulgates this Circular on the registration of inland waterway vessels.
PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability
1. This Circular stipulates procedures for registering inland waterway vessels and organizing the registration of such vessels.
2. This Circular applies to organizations and individuals related to the registration of inland waterway vessels.
3. Inland waterway vessels owned by organizations and individuals that are put into operation on inland waterways must be registered in accordance with this Circular, except for primitive vessels with a total load capacity under 01 ton or carrying capacity under 05 persons or rafts.
4. This Circular does not apply to the registration of the following types of vessels:
a) Vessels performing defense and security duties;
b) Fishing boats;
c) Sports and recreational vessels.
Article 2. Interpretation of Terms
In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:
1. are vessels specifically used for fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing. These are specialized vessels used for exploiting, breeding, and processing aquatic products.
2. Sports and recreational vessels are specialized vessels used for training, competing in sports, and recreational activities.
3. Vehicle Owner Subject refers to organizations and individuals owning the vessel.
4. Modification of technical characteristics of the vessel means changing the structure, dimensions, power, load capacity, function, or operating area of the vessel.
5. Unoperational vessel refers to newly built or imported vessels that have not yet been put into operation on inland waterways.
Chapter II
REGISTRATION OF INLAND WATERWAY VESSELS
Article 3. Registration of Vessels
1. Vessels with complete documentation as prescribed will be registered in the Register of Inland Waterway Vessels by the competent registration authority specified in Article 8 of this Circular and issued a Certificate of Registration of Inland Waterway Vessel.
2. In cases where the owner of the vessel is an individual without permanent residence but has temporary residence registration at the locality, the registration of the vessel shall be carried out as if the individual had permanent residence registration.
3. Vessels must be re-registered in the following cases:
a) Transfer of ownership;
b) Change of name or technical characteristics;
c) The domicile or place of permanent residence registration of the vessel owner moves to another provincial administrative unit;
d) Transfer from another registration authority to the inland waterway vessel registration authority.
a) Certificate of Registration of Inland Waterway Vessel as prescribed in Model No. 1 - Appendix I attached to this Circular;
b) Replacement Certificate of Registration of Inland Waterway Vessel issued when there is sufficient documentation as prescribed in Article 17 of this Circular.
Article 4. Cancellation of Vessel Registration
Cancellation of vessel registration shall be applied in the following cases:
1. The vessel is missing.
2. The vessel is destroyed.
3. The vessel is no longer capable of being restored.
4. Transfer of ownership of the vessel.
5. Change of registration authority.
6. At the request of the vessel owner.
Article 5. Name of the Vessel
1. Apart from the registration number assigned by the vessel registration authority, the vessel may also have a specific name.
2. The name of the vessel is set by the vessel owner but must not duplicate the name of any inland waterway vessel already registered in the Register of Inland Waterway Vessels of the registration authority. If the name of the vessel is derived from historical figures or historical events in Vietnam, the vessel owner must comply with the provisions of the law on culture.
Article 6. Registration number and marking of registration number on vessels
1. The registration number of a vessel includes two groups: the letter group and the number group.
a) Letter group: Consists of letters as prescribed in Appendix II attached to this Circular.
b) Number group: Consists of four digits numbered from 0001 to 9999; localities with more than 10,000 vessels may use a number group consisting of five digits after exhausting the four-digit number group; the number group shall be marked after the letters as prescribed in Appendix II attached to this Circular.
2. The size of letters and numbers marked on vessels is specified as follows:
a) Minimum height: 200 mm;
b) Minimum width of stroke: 30 mm;
c) Distance between letters or numbers: 30 mm.
3. The color of letters and numbers when marked must be different from the background color.
4. Position for marking the registration number on vessels:
a) The registration number of a vessel must be marked at a place that is not obstructed on the left side, right side, and front of the cabin of the vessel;
b) In case the vessel does not have a cabin, it shall be marked on the dry hull sides at both ends of the vessel;
c) In case the vessel does not have a cabin and the height of the dry hull is insufficient to mark the registration number according to regulations, the size may be reduced but must be marked at the most visible location;
d) In case the passenger-carrying vessel has a capacity of over 12 people, in addition to marking the registration number, the permitted number of passengers must also be posted above the registration number of the vessel.
Article 7. Contents of the Vessel Registration Book
The Vessel Registration Book contains the following contents:
1. Serial number, registration number.
2. Name of the vessel, date of issuance.
3. Name and address of the vessel owner.
4. Class of the vessel, purpose, year of construction and place of construction.
5. Designed length, maximum length.
6. Designed width, maximum width.
7. Hull height, draft.
8. Dry hull, hull material.
9. Quantity, type, and power of main engines.
10. Gross tonnage, pulling force, pushing force, permitted number of passengers.
1. The Vietnam Inland Waterway Administration and regional Inland Waterway Management Branches organize and implement the registration of vessels carrying the VR-SB class for organizations and individuals.
2. Provincial Departments of Transport under central municipalities implement the registration of vessels carrying the VR-SB class, non-motorized vessels with a gross tonnage exceeding 15 tons, motorized vessels with a total power of main engines exceeding 15 horsepower, and passenger-carrying vessels with a capacity exceeding 12 people for organizations and individuals whose registered domicile or permanent residence is within the respective provincial municipality.
3. County-level traffic management agencies implement the registration of motorized vessels with a total power of main engines from 5 to 15 horsepower or passenger-carrying vessels with a capacity from 5 to 12 people for organizations and individuals whose registered domicile or permanent residence is within their jurisdictional area.
4. Commune, ward, town level:
a) Implement the registration of non-motorized vessels with a gross tonnage from 1 to 15 tons or passenger-carrying vessels with a capacity from 5 to 12 people, motorized vessels with a power of main engines below 5 horsepower or passenger-carrying vessels with a capacity below 5 people for organizations and individuals whose registered domicile or permanent residence is within their jurisdictional area;
b) Organize management for primitive vessels with a gross tonnage below 1 ton or a capacity below 5 people or rafts operating on inland waterways to ensure safety conditions as prescribed.
5. The registration agency prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article shall organize and implement the registration of vessels prescribed in Clauses 3 and 4 of this Article; the registration agency prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article shall organize and implement the registration of vessels prescribed in Clause 4 of this Article.
The Vietnam Inland Waterways Administration and the Transport Departments of provinces and centrally governed cities shall be responsible for printing, managing, using, and issuing the blank Certificates of Registration for inland waterway vessels.
Chapter III
PROCEDURE FOR ISSUING THE CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION
Organizations and individuals with such needs shall submit directly one set of application documents or send them through the postal system or other appropriate means to the vessel registration authority as stipulated in Article 8 of this Circular. The application package includes:
1. Documents to be kept at the vessel registration authority:
a) A request for registration of inland waterway vessels according to Model No. 2 - Appendix I issued together with this Circular;
c) Original receipt of stamp duty payment (original) for vessels subject to stamp duty payment;
d) Safety condition declaration form of inland waterway vessels according to Model No. 3 - Appendix I issued together with this Circular for vessels not subject to inspection.
2. Presenting original copies of the following documents for the vessel registration authority to check:
a) Valid certificate of technical safety and environmental protection for vessels subject to inspection;
b) Import permit or import declaration form for imported vessels as prescribed by law;
c) Purchase contract or new construction contract for vessels subject to inspection;
d) Documents proving permission to operate and having a registered office in Vietnam for foreign organizations or documents proving permission to reside in Vietnam for foreign individuals;
đ) Financial lease contract for cases where a financial leasing organization requests registration of the vessel at the place of permanent residence or temporary residence of the lessee.
3. In cases where the vessel owner is a newly constructed, converted, repaired, or restored vessel operating entity permitted under the law, when registering, there is no need to present the documents specified in point c, Clause 2 of this Article.
4. The vessel registration authority shall accept, examine the application package, and process it as follows:
a) For direct submission of the application package, if the package is complete, issue a receipt and schedule the result delivery within the prescribed time limit; if the package is incomplete, return it and guide the organization or individual to complete the package;
Organizations and individuals with such needs shall submit directly one set of application documents or send them through the postal system or other appropriate means to the vessel registration authority as stipulated in Article 8 of this Circular. The application package includes:
1. Documents to be kept at the vessel registration authority:
a) Request for registration of inland waterway vessels according to Model No. 4 - Appendix I issued together with this Circular;
c) Original receipt of stamp duty payment (original) for vessels subject to stamp duty payment;
d) Safety condition declaration form of inland waterway vessels according to Model No. 3 - Appendix I issued together with this Circular for vessels not subject to inspection.
2. Presenting original copies of the following documents for the vessel registration authority to check:
a) Valid certificate of technical safety and environmental protection for vessels subject to inspection;
b) Financial lease contract for cases where a financial leasing organization requests registration of the vessel at the place of permanent residence or temporary residence of the lessee.
3. For vessels in operation before January 1, 2005, follow the provisions of Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article.
4. For vessels newly constructed domestically after January 1, 2005, in addition to following the provisions of Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article, the vessel owner must present the original purchase contract or new construction contract for vessels subject to inspection for the registration authority to check, except in cases where the vessel owner is a newly constructed, converted, repaired, or restored vessel operating entity permitted under the law.
5. The vessel registration authority shall accept, examine the application package, and process it as follows:
a) For direct submission of the application package, if the package is complete, issue a receipt and schedule the result delivery within the prescribed time limit; if the package is incomplete, return it and guide the organization or individual to complete the package;
Organizations and individuals with such needs shall submit directly one set of application documents or send them through the postal system or other appropriate means to the vessel registration authority as stipulated in Article 8 of this Circular. The application package includes:
1. Documents to be kept at the vessel registration authority:
a) An application for re-registration of inland waterway vessels in accordance with Form No. 5 attached as Appendix I to this Circular;
d) A receipt for payment of the initial tax (original) in cases where ownership rights are transferred and the vessel is subject to the initial tax;
đ) A declaration of safety conditions of inland waterway vessels in accordance with Form No. 3 attached as Appendix I to this Circular for vessels not subject to inspection;
2. Presenting original copies of the following documents for the vessel registration authority to check:
a) Valid certificate of technical safety and environmental protection for vessels subject to inspection;
b) A purchase contract for the vessel or other documents proving that the vessel has been given, gifted, or inherited in accordance with the law for vessels subject to inspection;
c) Documents proving permission to operate and having a registered office in Vietnam for foreign organizations or documents proving permission to reside in Vietnam for foreign individuals;
d) A financial lease contract for cases where a leasing organization requests registration of the vessel at the place of permanent residence or temporary residence of the lessee;
3. The vessel registration authority shall accept, examine the file, and process it as follows:
a) For direct submission of the application package, if the package is complete, issue a receipt and schedule the result delivery within the prescribed time limit; if the package is incomplete, return it and guide the organization or individual to complete the package;
Organizations and individuals with such needs shall submit directly one set of application documents or send them through the postal system or other appropriate means to the vessel registration authority as stipulated in Article 8 of this Circular. The application package includes:
1. Documents to be kept at the vessel registration authority:
a) An application for re-registration of inland waterway vessels in accordance with Form No. 6 attached as Appendix I to this Circular;
c) Original receipt of stamp duty payment (original) for vessels subject to stamp duty payment;
đ) A declaration of safety conditions of inland waterway vessels in accordance with Form No. 3 attached as Appendix I to this Circular for vessels not subject to inspection;
2. Present the original Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection of the vessel still valid after the vessel has changed its technical characteristics for vessels subject to inspection for the vessel registration authority to check;
3. For vessels re-registered due to changes in technical characteristics, implement the provisions of Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article;
4. For vessels re-registered due to a change in name, implement the provisions of Point a, Point b, Point d, and Point đ of Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article;
5. The vessel registration authority shall accept, examine the application package, and process it as follows:
a) For direct submission of the application package, if the package is complete, issue a receipt and schedule the result delivery within the prescribed time limit; if the package is incomplete, return it and guide the organization or individual to complete the package;
Organizations and individuals with such needs shall submit directly one set of application documents or send them through the postal system or other appropriate means to the vessel registration authority as stipulated in Article 8 of this Circular. The application package includes:
1. Documents to be kept at the vessel registration authority:
a) An application for re-registration of inland waterway vessels in accordance with Form No. 7 attached as Appendix I to this Circular;
d) A receipt for payment of the initial tax (original) for vessels subject to the initial tax;
2. Presenting original copies of the following documents for the vessel registration authority to check:
a) A purchase contract for the vessel or a decision on the transfer of the vessel by the competent authority or other documents proving that the vessel has been given, gifted, or inherited in accordance with the law. In cases where the owner of the vessel is a foreign organization or individual registering the vessel under their name, they must present documents proving permission to operate and have a registered office in Vietnam or documents proving permission to reside in Vietnam;
b) The original Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection of the vessel still valid for vessels subject to inspection;
3. The vessel registration authority shall accept, examine the file, and process it as follows:
a) For direct submission of the application package, if the package is complete, issue a receipt and schedule the result delivery within the prescribed time limit; if the package is incomplete, return it and guide the organization or individual to complete the package;
Organizations and individuals with such needs shall submit directly one set of application documents or send them through the postal system or other appropriate means to the vessel registration authority as stipulated in Article 8 of this Circular. The application package includes:
1. Documents to be kept at the vessel registration authority:
a) An application for re-registration of inland waterway vessels in accordance with Form No. 7 attached as Appendix I to this Circular;
d) Receipt for payment of the initial registration fee (original), for vehicles subject to the initial registration fee.
2. Presenting original copies of the following documents for the vessel registration authority to check:
a) A purchase contract for the vessel or a decision on the transfer of the vessel by the competent authority or other documents proving that the vessel has been given, gifted, or inherited in accordance with the law. In cases where the owner of the vessel is a foreign organization or individual registering the vessel under their name, they must present documents proving permission to operate and have a registered office in Vietnam or documents proving permission to reside in Vietnam;
b) The original Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection of the vessel still valid for vessels subject to inspection;
3. The vessel registration authority shall accept, examine the file, and process it as follows:
a) For direct submission of the application package, if the package is complete, issue a receipt and schedule the result delivery within the prescribed time limit; if the package is incomplete, return it and guide the organization or individual to complete the package;
Organizations and individuals with such needs shall submit directly one set of application documents or send them through the postal system or other appropriate means to the vessel registration authority as stipulated in Article 8 of this Circular. The application package includes:
1. Documents to be kept at the vessel registration authority:
a) Application for re-registration of inland waterway vessels as prescribed in Model No. 8 - Appendix I promulgated together with this Circular.
2. Present the original Certificate of Technical Safety and Environmental Protection of the vehicle still valid for inspection for vehicles required to undergo inspection for review by the vehicle registration authority.
3. The vessel registration authority shall accept, examine the file, and process it as follows:
a) For direct submission of the application package, if the package is complete, issue a receipt and schedule the result delivery within the prescribed time limit; if the package is incomplete, return it and guide the organization or individual to complete the package;
Organizations and individuals with such needs shall submit directly one set of application documents or send them through the postal system or other appropriate means to the vessel registration authority as stipulated in Article 8 of this Circular. The application package includes:
1. Documents to be kept at the vessel registration authority:
a) Application for issuance of a new Inland Waterway Vessel Registration Certificate as prescribed in Model No. 9 - Appendix I promulgated together with this Circular.
3. The vessel registration authority shall accept, examine the file, and process it as follows:
a) For direct submission of the application package, if the package is complete, issue a receipt and schedule the result delivery within the prescribed time limit; if the package is incomplete, return it and guide the organization or individual to complete the package;
Article 18. Cancellation of vehicle registration.
a) Application for cancellation of inland waterway vessel registration as prescribed in Model No. 10 - Appendix I promulgated together with this Circular.
2. Documents specified in Clause 1 of this Article shall be retained by the vehicle registration authority for cancellations specified in Clauses 1, 2, and 3 of Article 4 of this Circular.
3. The vessel registration authority shall accept, examine the file, and process it as follows:
a) For direct submission of the application package, if the package is complete, issue a receipt and schedule the result delivery within the prescribed time limit; if the package is incomplete, return it and guide the organization or individual to complete the package;
Chapter IV
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS
Article 19. Responsibilities of the vehicle owner.
1. To follow procedures for registering the vehicle as prescribed, write the name, registration number, draw the safe draft mark, and indicate the number of persons allowed to be carried on the vehicle.
2. When changing the registration authority, the vehicle owner must comply with the following provisions:
b) Accept and keep sealed vehicle files handed over by the previous registration authority to submit to the new registration authority.
1. Organize the implementation of this Circular.
2. Organize the implementation of vessel registration in accordance with the regulations.
3. In cases where the vessel registration authority changes, the original registering authority shall be responsible for implementing the following provisions:
a) Cut the corner of the Certificate of Vessel Registration issued and include it in the sealed file, while removing the name of the vessel from the Register of Inland Waterway Vessels.
b) Issue a certificate of cancellation of vessel registration in accordance with Model No. 11 - Appendix I attached to this Circular;
c) Seal the vessel registration file;
d) Hand over the entire sealed vessel registration file to the vessel owner.
4. Establish the Register of Inland Waterway Vessels; store and manage vessel registration files in accordance with the regulations.
5. Collect, remit, and use the vessel registration fee in accordance with the law.
Article 21. Responsibilities of other registration authorities
1. Implement this Circular within their scope of responsibility.
3. Implement the provisions of Clause 3 and Clause 4 of Article 20 of this Circular.
7. Collect, remit, and use the vessel registration fee in accordance with the law.
Chapter V
IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS
Article 22. Effectiveness
This Circular takes effect from February 15, 2015. The Circular No. 21/2011/TT-BGTVT dated March 31, 2011, issued by the Minister of Transport regarding the regulations on inland waterway vessel registration, is hereby abolished.
Article 23. Responsibility for Implementation
The Head of the Ministry's Office, the Head of the Ministry's Inspectorate, Heads of Departments, Directors of the Vietnam Inland Waterway Administration, Provincial and Centrally-Administered City Departments of Transport, Heads of agencies, organizations, and individuals concerned are responsible for implementing this Circular./.
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