Hon Gai

Load line zone

China Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Jan 21 to Apr 30, Summer May 1 to Jan 20.

Tides

Max 4.3m, min -0.1m.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

Hon Gai is approached from Vinh Ha Long (20°54'N 107°04'E) and entered via Cua Luc, consequently, any of the passages through the islands of Archipel des Fai Tsi Long which lead to Vinh Ha Long may be used, depending on the size of vessel.

However, the only recommended approach for large vessels is from seaward, from N of Xuy Nong Chao (20°37'N 107°10'E) to the pilot boarding place.

Then via Passe Henriette to Vinh Ha Long and across the dredged channel to Cua Luc.

The main channel to reach Hon Gay is marked by 7 pairs of buoys and is dredged to 8.1m at low tide, width 80m at the bottom and width 110m on the surface of the channel.

Charts and publications

BA 3875, 3889. Admiralty Pilot NP30, NP286(6).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

In the 4 hours prior to arrival message, the Master has to declare exact arrival time and health situation of crew members and passengers. Must also declare sickness or mortality onboard, if any.

Owners or charterers should also advise other relevant cargo related information to the vessel's nominated agent before arrival.

Communications

Hongai Radio (XVQ), Tel: +84 33 826268, Fax: +84 33 828600.

RT (HF): Operates 0001-1500hrs UTC.

VHF: Ch 16, 27 and 73 operate throughout 24 hours.

Notice of readiness

The NOR should be tendered when the vessel arrives at the pilot station.

Documents

There are some other special forms to be completed which are delivered by the vessel's agent before or upon vessel's arrival at the pilot station.

In the case of a cruise ship, vessel's agent must mail the Entry/Exit cards for passenger completion before arrival.

If stowaways are onboard the Master must inform the Port Authority and vessel's agent 72, 36 and 24 hours prior to arrival with full details.

Health

Pratique cannot be applied for by radio. It is normally applied for after the Quarantine delegation have viewed all the vessel's documents related to health (such as Health Declaration, Vaccination books, Ship Sanitation ControlCertificate) and granted.

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Exemption Certificates may be renewed.

Customs and immigration

Customs: Officers and crew have to declare their personal effects to Customs as required. This includes foreign exchange, accompanied baggage and goods. The Customs allowance for officers and crew are a maximum of 1.5 litres of alcohol, a maximum of 400 cigarettes, 50-100 cigars, a maximum of 100gm of tobacco. Penalties for non compliance are based upon individual circumstances.

The bonded store will be sealed while a vessel stays in the port. A release of bonded goods may be permitted at any time subject to Customs approval and presence onboard.

Crew/passenger are not allowed to sell or change their personal effects, which are already declared to Customs, with local people. It is strictly prohibited to supply any bonded goods to shore personnel.

The following are prohibited from import/export: Weapons, explosives, drugs, antiques, documents relating to national security, cultural articles which may cause harm to Vietnam morality.

Flags

Vietnam regulations require vessels entering a Vietnamese port to display the Vietnam flag. If the vessel does not possess a Vietnamese flag, the Master can request the local agent to supply it on arrival at the pilot station. Penalty for non compliance is approx US$100-200.

Notices and regulations

The main/emergency radio transmitter and direction finder will be sealed when the vessel is in port. No direct communications are therefore possible so all messages must be routed through the vessel's agent.

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Vietnam Maritime Administration.

Position: Director of Marine Safety Department.

Address: 8 Pham Hung Road, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Tel: +84 4 768 3194.

Fax: +84 4 768 3058.

Mob: +84 90 329 5340.

Email: [email protected]

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Medical

Doctors and hospitals are available locally.

Where it is

Hon Gai faces the Gulf of Tongkin and is approx 35nm from Haiphong and 60nm from the border with China (mainland).

The port

The port handles small vessel and passenger.

What are the pilot arrangements at Hon Gai?

Pilotage is compulsory and the pilot boards in position 20°43.5'N 107°10.1'E.

What time zone is Hon Gai in?

Local time at Hon Gai is UTC+7. No summer time.

Which load line zone is Hon Gai in?

China Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Jan 21 to Apr 30, Summer May 1 to Jan 20.

Who carries out Port State Control at Hon Gai?

Port State Control at Hon Gai: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Hon Gai?

The UN/LOCODE of Hon Gai is VNHON.

What crews who called at Hon Gai say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

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