Vietnam’s Government has promulgated a decree regulating the operation of foreign military ships arriving and departing from visits in the Southeast Asia country.

According to Decree 104/2012/NĐ-CP issued on December 9, foreign military ships that travel in the country’s territorial areas must obtain permission from state authorised agencies and obey the host country’s laws as prescribed by the decree.

During the ship’s stay in Vietnam , crewmembers should follow approved action programmes. Any changes to the programme must be reported to the authorities for permission.

Vessels are required to fly the national flag of Vietnam at a position equal to the position of the ship’s home country flag.

The decree defines regulations for vessels that anchor off the coast of Vietnam for common, official and courtesy visits, other procedures related to entering and leaving the country as well as changing port.

In addition, the newly-issued document stipulates prohibited activities foreign military ships must avoid in Vietnam. /.VNA