Vietnam Maritime Code.

This Code provides for maritime shipping activities and for activities related to the use of seagoing vessels for economic, cultural and scientific research purposes.
The Code consists of 18 Chapters divided into 261 articles: General provisions (I); Seagoing vessels (II); Shipcrew (III); Seaports (IV); Contracts of carriage of cargo by sea (V); Contracts of carriage of passengers and luggage by sea (VI); Charterparties (VII); Shipping agency and ship brokerage (VIII); Maritime pilotage (IX); Towage of seagoing vessels (X); Maritime salvage (XI); Recovery of sunken property (XII); Collisions (XIII); General average (XIV); Limitation of civil liability for maritime claims (XV); Contracts of marine insurance (XVI); Settlement of maritime disputes (XVII); Implementation provisions (XVIII).
Vietnamese seagoing vessels and vessels owned by foreign individuals or organizations, satisfying the conditions stated in article 16, shall be registered in the Vietnam National Register of Ships. Vietnamese seagoing vessels must be inspected, classified and granted technical certificates of marine navigation safety and security, and prevention of environmental pollution by the Vietnam Register or foreign registries (arts. 23 to 31). Transfer of ownership and mortgage of seagoing vessels, maritime liens, and arrest of seagoing vessels are provided for in articles 32 to 44. The classification of seaports and their functions are specified in articles 60 and 61. Port authorities shall perform the state management of maritime shipping in seaports and seaport waters (arts. 66 and 67). Maritime claims not subject to limitation of civil liability shall include claims for oil pollution damage, for nuclear damage, etc. (art. 221).