Vietnam Seaports Association
A Vietnamese cargo ship has been awarded an International Ship Security Certificate.
The Hawk One, capable of carrying 15,000 tonnes and owned by the Vietnam Sea Transport and Chartering Co (Vitranschart) is the first Vietnamese vessel to receive the certificate from the Viet Nam Register Office.
Addressing a ceremony held last Saturday, Vitranschart General Director Vo Phung Long said his company is taking measures to protect passengers, cargo and crew from any dangers which might arise on the high seas.
The certification acknowledges that the boat’s crew has been trained to deal with security threats including those by terrorists and pirates and is permitted to call at international ports.
Head of the Viet Nam Registration Office Nguyen Van Ban said he hoped the recognition will help Vitranschart successfully adopt similar security regulations for every ship in its 11-vessel fleet.
Ban said Hawk One meets the standards of the International Maritime Organisation’s diplomatic Conference on Maritime Security held in London in December 2002, at which amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS 74) were approved.
The organisation has also issued the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) which will come into effect on July 1, 2004. Viet Nam’s 232 vessels under the management of 68 companies must comply with the international body’s new rules.
Source: VNS (HCM City) – 14 April 2004
