Amend regulations on the inspection cycle for ships.

The Ministry of Transport has just issued the National Technical Standard on Classification and Construction of Inland Waterway Vessels (QCVN 72:2025 replacing QCVN 72:2013), effective from August 1, 2025.

Remove the requirement for annual inspections of some ships during the first five years.

According to QCVN 72:2025, the inspection schedule for inland waterway vessels (ships) includes: Annual inspection, Intermediate inspection, Periodic inspection, and On-dock inspection.

QCVN 72:2025 replaces QCVN 72:2013 and has revised the inspection cycle for certain vessels classified as VR-SI, VR-SII, and VR-SIII (illustrative image).

In this case, the intermediate inspection must be carried out within a period not exceeding 36 months, within a month before or one month after the scheduled inspection date, and coinciding with the second or third annual inspection.

Regular inspections are conducted to reconfirm the classification granted to the vessel. The time interval between two regular inspections for all types of vessels shall not exceed 5 years.

On-dry inspections are conducted to verify the technical condition of the submerged parts in order to maintain the classification assigned to the vessel. For wooden-hulled vessels that are not covered, on-dry inspections should be conducted no more than once every 12 months. For other vessels, on-dry inspections are conducted concurrently with periodic inspections and must be carried out within 36 months from the date of completion of the classification inspection or from the date of the previous on-dry inspection.

Notably, the new regulations have revised the inspection cycle, excluding VR-SI, VR-SII, and VR-SIII class vessels that are passenger ships, oil tankers, liquefied gas carriers, hazardous chemical carriers, hazardous cargo carriers, and uncoated wooden-hulled vessels, the annual inspection requirement will not apply until the vessel reaches 5 years of age.

QCVN 72:2025 also includes provisions for special types of vessels and vessels carrying dangerous goods to ensure practical application and technical safety and environmental protection for these types of vessels (illustrative image).

Additional regulations for special-type vessels and vessels carrying dangerous goods.

According to the Inland Waterway Vessel Division of the Vietnam Register, in QCVN 72:2025, the Ministry of Transport has also amended and supplemented many other regulations in ship inspection, including: revising the inspection volume in new construction, conversion, and operation; adding a method for calculating significant wave height to determine ship classification for vessels operating in areas without specific regulations on operational classification; and adding regulations on the inspection of industrial products.

Additionally, the new regulations also amend the provisions regarding the significant wave height Hs according to vessel class to assist operators and facilitate the monitoring of vessel operations by relevant authorities. Accordingly, VR-SB, VR-SI, VR-SII, and VR-SIII vessels will be permitted to operate in waters with significant wave heights of 1.85 m, 1.30 m, 0.80 m, and 0.40 m, respectively.

QCVN72:2025 also amends and supplements regulations for ship hatch covers, and adds regulations for ships carrying steel coils.

The regulations regarding required documents for safe ship operation have been supplemented and amended, including: stability notice, cargo loading instructions, cargo securing manual, and grain cargo manual.

Amendments and modifications related to the steering shaft and rudder; related to anchoring equipment, replacing anchor chains with anchor cables.

Supplement and amend regulations related to gasoline-fueled vessels. Add regulations for vessels carrying dangerous goods, chemical bulk carriers, and liquefied gas carriers (applying regulations similar to those for seagoing vessels). Add regulations for other types of vessels, including: crane vessels, pontoon cranes, sand carriers, self-elevating vessels, vessels powered by low-flashpoint fuels, and vessels using batteries for propulsion.

In addition, the regulations also include provisions for controlling machinery using wire drive systems and regulations related to high voltage. Detailed regulations for explosion-proof electrical equipment are also added.

Supplementing and modifying electrical equipment for special types of vessels (oil tankers, chemical tankers, liquefied gas carriers, catamarans, container ships, and dangerous goods carriers).

Amendments and additions to regulations related to fire-resistant structures and fire-fighting equipment; related to materials and welding; and related to the freeboard of VR-SB vessels, aiming to align with those of restricted seagoing vessels of category III.

Supplementing and amending requirements related to life-saving equipment, radio equipment, navigational equipment, and shipwreck rescue equipment.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/sua-quy-dinh-ve-chu-ky-dang-kiem-tau-thuy-192250113152338801.htm