Vietnam Ship Detentions Not Uncommon

In the first half of 2012, Vietnamese ships were inspected by PSC 434 times at foreign ports, with 30 ships being detained for 457 errors.

The number of Vietnamese ships which are seized at foreign ports in the first half of 2012 reduced compared to the same period of 2011. However, the number of ships that were inspected overseas did not decrease, according to the Vietnam Maritime Administration.

“The Vietnamese fleet is still the subject of ‘priority’ for inspection, especially at seaports of China and Indonesia,” said Mr. Do Duc Tien, vice chief of the Vietnam Maritime Administration.

Tien said most of the 30 ships that were detained had operated overseas for a long time and they had not returned to Vietnam for check.

The Vietnam Maritime Administration said many Vietnamese ships were detained overseas for technical errors because of the prolonged economic crisis that has resulted in difficulties for ship owners.

In addition, Vietnamese ships did not correctly implement the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (ISM Code). Many sailors were not paid salary on time. Consequently, their sense of discipline and working style were affected.