PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
My Tho
Pilot
updated May 2010Pilotage is compulsory and available daylight hours only. Pilot boards in Vung Tau Bay in position 10°20.7'N 107°03'E.
Key data
updated Jun 2020Size limits
LOA 106m, 5,300DWT.
Load line zone
China Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Jan 21 to Apr 30, Summer May 1 to Jan 20.
Tides
Tidal range is 6.67-8.05m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berths | — | — | 3 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Jun 2020Approach
The 72km channel has a depth of 6.5-10.0m.
Restrictions
Vessels with a draught in excess of 4.0m must wait for HW.
Tugs
One tug available.
Charts and publications
BA 3986. Admiralty Pilot NP30, NP286(6).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2012Communications
Radio: Communication is possible via Inmarsat.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) coast radio station can be used for long range communications.
VHF: Ch 16 for calling and safety.
Notice of readiness
The NOR should be tendered when the vessel arrives at the pilot station.
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 Control Certificate) and granted.
Ship Sanitation Control and Ship Sanitation Control 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 max of 1.5 litres of alcohol, a max of 400 cigarettes, 50-100 cigars, a max 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.
Inspections
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
Port services
updated May 2010Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available.
Medical
Hospital available.
About My Tho
updated Jun 2020Where it is
My Tho lies approx 20nm W of Ho Chi Minh on the N arm of the Mekong delta.
The port
The port handles general cargo, dry bulk and liquid cargo.
Questions about My Tho
What are the pilot arrangements at My Tho?
Pilotage is compulsory and available daylight hours only.
What time zone is My Tho in?
Local time at My Tho is UTC+7. No summer time.
Which load line zone is My Tho 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 My Tho?
Port State Control at My Tho: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of My Tho?
The UN/LOCODE of My Tho is VNMUT.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at My Tho 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.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.