MASTERS ON BOARD NEAR-COASTAL SHIPS OF LESS THAN 50 GT MUST HAVE A LOWER SECONDARY EDUCATION COMPLETION CERTIFICATE
On February 21, 2020, the Ministry of Transport issues the Circular No. 03/2020/TT-BGTVT prescribing standards of competence, professional certificates, training for seafarers, and minimum safety complement requirements for Vietnamese seagoing ships.
Accordingly, requirements for issuance of certificates of competency to masters on board near-coastal ships of less than 50 GT include: Holding a lower secondary education completion certificate; Completing a short-term training course in control engineering and pass the exam as prescribed by the Minister of Transport. Any candidate acquiring a certificate in elementary control engineering shall only be required to pass the exam.
Besides, the Ministry of Transport also stipulates that the approved period of seagoing service for issuance of certificates of competency of masters on board near-coastal ships of less than 50 GT; deck officers on board ships of less than 500 GT on near-coastal voyages and ratings forming part of a navigational watch shall be at least 12 months; 36 months and 18 months, respectively, etc.
This Circular takes effect on April 15, 2020.
