Decree No. 71/2006/ND-CP on Management of Seaports and Marine Navigable Channels.

This Decree provides for investment in, construction, management and operation of seaports and marine navigable channels, and management of marine shipping activities in Vietnamese ports. The Decree consists of 5 Chapters divided into 62 articles.
This Decree shall apply to military ports, fishing ports, and inland ports and harbours located in seaport waters. Investment in and construction of seaports and marine navigable channels shall comply with the approved seaport development plan (arts. 6-9). The Minister of Transport shall have the competence to announce the opening or closure of seaports (arts. 10-17). Articles 18-21 deal with principles of management and operation of seaports and marine navigable channels. Any foreign vessel may enter a seaport only if they satisfy conditions on safety, security and environmental pollution prevention (arts. 22 and 23). Procedures for vessels to arrive at and depart from seaports are provided for in articles 24-34. Articles 37-52 deal with the following: requirements on operations of vessels in seaport waters; salvage and handling of marine accidents; assurance of safety, order and sanitation in seaports. Requirements for oil vessels and on prevention of environmental pollution are set out in articles 55-57. Specialized state management agencies shall be coordinated by port authorities and shall have the responsibility to inspect, supervise, control and protect vessels, passengers, crew, etc. operating in seaports (arts. 58 to 61).