Maritime Law Advisory Solutions
Comprehensive legal services for shipping documentation, casualty response, and port compliance in Vietnamese waters
Return HomeOur Advisory Approach
The practice provides maritime law advisory services organized around three principal areas — shipping documentation review, maritime casualty and cargo claims, and port and vessel regulatory compliance. Each service area addresses specific legal requirements that arise in shipping operations and requires knowledge of both international maritime conventions and Vietnamese domestic regulations.
Shipping documentation forms the foundation of maritime commerce. Bills of lading, charter party agreements, and cargo insurance certificates each carry legal implications under the Hague-Visby Rules, UCP documentary credit provisions, and Vietnamese Maritime Code. The documentation review service examines these documents for compliance with applicable legal requirements and identifies potential issues affecting carrier liability, freight payment, or cargo delivery.
Maritime casualties require time-sensitive response given short limitation periods under maritime law. When cargo damage, vessel collision, or general average situation occurs, coordination among shipowners, cargo interests, P&I clubs, and marine surveyors becomes necessary. The casualty advisory service assists with investigation coordination, survey report analysis, liability assessment, and claims documentation preparation.
Port and vessel compliance involves navigating Vietnamese port state requirements, flag state regulations, and international safety and environmental standards. The compliance advisory service addresses crew documentation, inspection preparation, ISM and ISPS Code requirements, MARPOL environmental regulations, and cabotage restrictions applicable to vessels operating in Vietnamese waters.
Detailed Service Descriptions
Bill of Lading & Shipping Document Review
DOC-001Legal review of shipping documentation including bills of lading, charter party agreements, sea waybills, and cargo insurance certificates. The service ensures documentation compliance with Vietnamese maritime regulations and international conventions — including the Hague-Visby Rules and applicable UCP provisions for documentary credits. Particular attention is given to clean versus claused bills of lading, freight payment terms, delivery obligations, and carrier liability limitations. Suitable for shipping companies, freight forwarders, and trading firms that need their documentation reviewed before cargo loading or upon receipt of shipping packages.
Key Review Components
- Bill of lading clause analysis
- Charter party term assessment
- Carrier liability limitation review
- Letter of credit compliance check
- Hague-Visby Rules application
- Vietnamese code compliance
Maritime Casualty & Cargo Claim Advisory
CLAM-002Advisory support for parties involved in maritime incidents — including cargo damage claims, vessel collision disputes, general average declarations, and salvage operations. The service covers factual investigation coordination, survey report analysis, liability assessment under Vietnamese maritime code and applicable international conventions, and preparation of claim or defense documentation. The team liaises with P&I clubs, hull insurers, and classification societies as needed. Time-sensitive matters receive priority handling given the short limitation periods applicable to maritime claims. Designed for shipowners, charterers, cargo interests, and marine insurers.
Advisory Components
- Casualty investigation coordination
- Marine survey report analysis
- Liability assessment preparation
- P&I club communication
- Claim documentation drafting
- General average coordination
Port & Vessel Regulatory Compliance Advisory
PORT-003Comprehensive guidance on compliance with Vietnamese port state requirements, vessel registration regulations, and maritime labor standards. This covers crew documentation reviews, flag state inspection preparation, ISM Code compliance, ISPS Code security requirements, and environmental regulations including MARPOL annexes applicable in Vietnamese waters. The service also addresses customs and immigration formalities for vessels calling at Vietnamese ports and advises on cabotage restrictions. Particularly relevant for foreign vessel operators entering Vietnamese waters or domestic shipping companies expanding their fleet and route networks.
Compliance Areas
- Port state control preparation
- Flag state inspection readiness
- ISM Code compliance review
- ISPS security requirements
- MARPOL environmental compliance
- Crew documentation verification
Service Comparison & Selection Guidance
| Service Feature | Documentation Review | Casualty Advisory | Compliance Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Turnaround | 1-3 days | Same day start | 1-2 weeks |
| Service Fee (VND) | 2,800,000 | 6,200,000 | 14,600,000 |
| Bill of Lading Review | |||
| Charter Party Analysis | |||
| Casualty Investigation | |||
| P&I Club Liaison | |||
| Port State Control Prep | |||
| ISM/ISPS Compliance | |||
| MARPOL Environmental |
Best for Shipping Companies
Documentation review service suits shipping lines and freight forwarders needing regular bill of lading and charter party reviews before cargo operations.
Best for Cargo Interests
Casualty advisory service appropriate for cargo owners, charterers, and insurers dealing with cargo damage, collision incidents, or general average situations.
Best for Vessel Operators
Compliance advisory suits vessel operators entering Vietnamese waters for the first time or expanding operations requiring thorough regulatory preparation.
Technical Standards & Professional Protocols
Confidentiality & Data Protection
All client information and shipping documentation are handled in accordance with legal professional privilege principles and Vietnamese data protection requirements. Access to sensitive commercial information is restricted to personnel directly working on the matter. Document retention follows bar association guidelines for legal files.
Professional Indemnity Coverage
The practice maintains professional indemnity insurance in accordance with Vietnamese bar requirements. This coverage protects clients in the event of professional negligence or errors in legal advice. Insurance certificates are available upon request for client verification purposes.
Written Legal Opinions
When formal legal opinions are required for insurance purposes, internal decision-making, or third-party documentation, written opinions are prepared setting forth applicable law, fact analysis, and legal conclusions with supporting reasoning. These opinions follow professional standards for legal opinion letters.
Regulatory Knowledge Updates
The team monitors developments in Vietnamese maritime regulations, international shipping conventions, and port state control requirements through subscriptions to maritime law publications, participation in continuing legal education, and engagement with Vietnamese maritime authorities and industry associations.
Discuss Your Maritime Law Requirements
Whether you need documentation review, casualty support, or compliance advisory, contact us to discuss which service addresses your specific shipping law situation.
Contact Our Team