New regulations for foreign fishing boats to operate within VN’s territorial waters

The decree stipulates that foreign fishing boats are allowed to legally operate in Việt Nam’s territorial waters for fishing purposes if they are licensed by Vietnamese competent agencies.

Each fishing license is issued to only one boat and will expire after 12 months (for seafood exploitation) and 24 months (for other fishery activities). The license is extended only three times of 12 months each. 

In addition, foreign fishing boats must operate in Việt Nam’s territorial waters on the basis of international cooperation, equity, and mutual benefit, and in respect of the country’s national independence, sovereignty, domestic laws and international laws. 

The decree sets seven criteria for licensing overseas fishing boats. These include investment license, registration certification, certification on technical safety, radio frequency and transmitter use license, certifications of captain and chief mechanic, list of the crew, and at least one person who has good command of Vietnamese or English. 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is eligible to license, re-issue, extend and revoke licenses.  

By Khánh Phương