1. 2 Minimum Standards for Vessel Design, Construction and Equipment Objective To reduce shipping accidents from structural and technical shortcomings and improve the safety onboard inland waterway vessels by establishing minimum standards for vessel design, ship construction and equipment, and by developing a mechanism to certify and control that these standards are complied with. Project type and duration National with Cross-border Impact 2 years 1

2. 2 Minimum Standards for Vessel Design, Construction and Equipment Justification Type and condition of tankers and other vessels sailing on the Mekong River varies considerably. Traffic on the Mekong River is increasing. Absence of relevant technical standards Failing to monitor and control the implementation of such standards constitutes a significant environmental risk and compromises safety. Insufficient national standards and lack of regional harmonization. 2

3. 2 Minimum Standards for Vessel Design, Construction and Equipment Outputs 1.Existing regulations on vessel design, construction and equipment reviewed as well as recommendations. Harmonisation process between Thailand/Lao and Viet Nam/Cambodia started. 2.Regulations amended and additional regulations prepared where needed. 3.Advanced training on the regulations, standards and guidelines prepared, carried out and incorporated into the existing inland navigation-training programme. 4.Detailed institutional strengthening scheme for inspection and control for identified relevant agencies and operators proposed. Capacity building carried out. 5.A pilot project with a shipping company/vessel operator on the practical implementation of minimum equipment requirements for existing vessels implemented. 3

4. 2 Minimum Standards for Vessel Design, Construction and Equipment KEY ACTIVITIES Review existing national regulations regarding to vessel design, construction and equipment, and compare with international standards and guidelines. Harmonise recommendations with neighbouring countries and update standards and guidelines according to international standards and guidelines. Amend existing regulations, and define minimum equipment requirements for existing and new vessels Conduct training courses Identify relevant authorities for inspection and control of vessels Pilot projects for 3-5 potential shipping companies / vessel operators. 4

5. 5 Fence or bulwark Spill belt

6. 2 Minimum Standards for Vessel Design, Construction and Equipment Budget Per country:336 – 459,000 USD Total all four countries: 1,591,000 US$ Implementing Agency Thailand:Marine Department, MOT Lao PDR:Department of Waterways, MPWT Cambodia:Inland Waterway Transport Department, MPWT Viet Nam:The Viet Nam Inland Waterway Administration, VIWA 6