From November 1st, new regulations on licensing maritime crew training facilities will be applied. Photo: Vietnam Maritime Administration.

This Decree stipulates the conditions for maritime crew training facilities; the procedures for granting and revoking Certificates of Eligibility for maritime crew training facilities; the evaluation and temporary suspension of maritime crew training activities; and the issuance of Certificates of Conformity for the recruitment and supply of maritime crew.

This Decree applies to maritime crew training and education institutions; maritime crew recruitment and supply organizations; and organizations and individuals involved in maritime crew training, education, recruitment, and supply activities in Vietnam.

Requirements for maritime crew training facilities

Regarding the requirements for facilities and instructors of maritime crew training institutions, the Decree stipulates the following:

Facilities requirements: The training facilities and equipment must comply with national technical standards issued by the Minister of Construction .

Possess a valid Certificate of Conformity to the Quality Management System according to TCVN ISO 9001 or ISO 21001 standards.

There is a database for managing the training and professional certification of maritime seafarers, which can be searched in accordance with the STCW Convention and connected to the seafarer management database of the specialized maritime state management agency.

Lecturer requirements: Lecturers teaching theory in maritime crew training programs must have a university degree or higher in a field relevant to the subject and training program they are assigned to teach.

Practical instructors must possess: a Chief Instructor Certificate or a certificate issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), or an IMO-recognized body, in accordance with Rule 1/6 of the STCW Convention;

A certificate of professional competence for a minimum position of Chief Officer on a ship of 3000 GT or more, or Second Engineer on a ship with a total main engine power of 3000 kW or more; a certificate of professional training and experience suitable to the requirements of each training program as prescribed by the Minister of Construction.

Regulations for initial licensing of training and educational institutions.

According to the Decree, the issuance of Certificates of Eligibility for Maritime Crew Training Facilities includes:

Issuance of certificates for the first time to training institutions that meet the conditions stipulated in Articles 4 and 5 of this Decree; Changes to the name of the training institution recorded on the Certificate; Changes to the training location recorded on the Certificate.

The Decree also stipulates that the Vietnam Maritime and Inland Waterways Administration shall issue Certificates of Eligibility for maritime crew training facilities in accordance with the provisions of this Decree.

Organizations applying for a Certificate can submit one set of documents directly, or send them via postal service, or submit them through the online public service system to the Vietnam Maritime and Inland Waterways Administration.

This Decree shall take effect from November 1, 2026.

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