Fishermen are delighted to receive subsidies for VMS subscription fees starting in 2025.

Stemming from the thoughts and aspirations of voters, along with concerns about comprehensive economic and social development solutions in the province, especially the fisheries sector, the 11th term of the Binh Thuan Provincial People's Council has strived to formulate policies that are appropriate to the local situation.

60% of ship owners do not pay charter fees.

Binh Thuan currently has 1,949 fishing vessels with a maximum length of 15 meters or more that are required to install VMS equipment according to the 2017 Fisheries Law. To date, 1,941 out of 1,949 operating fishing vessels in the province have installed vessel monitoring systems (VMS), achieving a 100% rate; the number of fishing vessels that have not installed VMS is 8 due to non-operation (3 vessels damaged and awaiting sale, 5 vessels awaiting enforcement of judgments). According to Decree No. 26/2019/ND-CP, VMS equipment installed on fishing vessels must be switched on 24/7 from the time the vessel leaves port to operate at sea until it returns to port. Maintaining the regular operation of VMS equipment, in addition to complying with fisheries laws and meeting the conditions for lifting the EC's "Yellow Card," also helps management agencies enhance the effectiveness and efficiency in managing, monitoring, and preventing IUU fishing. This is especially important for monitoring, detecting, warning, preventing, and handling fishing vessels and fishermen in the province who violate foreign waters, and for trawling vessels (including flying trawls) operating outside their designated fishing zones.

100% of fishing vessels over 15m in length currently in operation have installed VMS (Vehicle Monitoring System) tracking devices.

Despite its convenience, the fishing industry is facing numerous challenges in recent years due to declining fish stocks, fluctuating fuel prices, and the EC's "yellow card" warning on Vietnamese seafood products. Many fishing vessels are at risk of being idle for extended periods due to a lack of operating funds and a shortage of marine labor. Mr. Nguyen Van Chien, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that the loss of VMS (Vehicle Monitoring System) connectivity at sea is quite common, significantly impacting the control and monitoring of fishing vessels operating at sea and posing a high risk of illegal fishing in foreign waters. One of the reasons is that vessel owners face financial difficulties and inefficient operations. Through the vessel monitoring system, from the beginning of 2022 to the present, nearly 40,000 instances of fishing vessels losing VMS connectivity at sea have been recorded. Of these, approximately 60% were due to vessel owners failing to pay subscription fees.

Many fishing vessels are not maintaining VMS connectivity due to non-payment of fees.

According to statistics from service providers, the number of vessels whose service fees had expired as of August 16, 2024, was 485 out of 1,941 vessels equipped with VMS devices. When fishing vessel owners fail to pay their satellite service subscription fees on time, the VMS equipment provider will disconnect the VMS device, leading to ineffective data from the vessel monitoring system and hindering efforts to combat IUU fishing. The loss of VMS connectivity while operating at sea not only impacts the efforts of various sectors and levels in combating IUU fishing but also poses risks to the lives and property of vessel owners and workers in the event of vessel accidents or unforeseen natural disasters, as they lack the necessary equipment for assistance.

Maintaining VMS equipment has added to the financial pressure on fishermen venturing out to sea and staying at sea. (Photo: N. Lan)

The policy is of great significance.

Staying at sea with peace of mind is not only the aspiration of fishermen, but also the desire of all levels and sectors to accompany them in their journey of economic development and sovereignty protection. Installing and maintaining VMS equipment is very difficult for fishermen. Besides the average purchase price of 18-25 million VND per machine, fishermen also have to pay monthly subscription fees of 350,000-435,000 VND per machine (an average of 381,000 VND per machine) depending on the service provider, which adds further financial pressure on fishermen in the area to stay at sea.

Maintaining VMS at sea helps agencies enhance the effectiveness of managing, monitoring, and preventing IUU fishing.

Given this urgent need, at its 28th (special) session, the 11th Provincial People's Council passed a Resolution stipulating a policy to support VMS subscription fees in the province. Accordingly, the resolution stipulates a support level of 175,000 VND per month per vessel for VMS satellite service subscription fees, nearly 50% of the current monthly VMS satellite service subscription fee. The total estimated support for approximately 1,950 vessels over three years is 12.285 billion VND, averaging 4.095 billion VND per year, from the provincial budget. This policy will take effect from January 1, 2025.

Upon receiving the news, many fishing boat owners and fishermen in the province were delighted, as their journey of venturing out to sea is always supported by the State and relevant agencies. Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh – one of the fishermen specializing in offshore fishing in Duc Thang ward – was particularly pleased with the support policy. Mr. Thanh shared: “Through the media, I learned about this information and am very happy, even though it only covers 50% of the subscription fee. It's a great encouragement for fishermen to venture out to sea. Previously, we received support of 10 million VND per VMS device for installation, and now we are receiving support for the monthly subscription fee. We feel very secure maintaining a 24/7 VMS connection. In case of ship malfunctions, crew members experiencing health problems, or bad weather, we will receive timely support.”

Mr. Nguyen Van Chien affirmed: “The issuance of the policy to support the subscription fees for the VMS satellite service in the province is of great significance, aiming to seriously implement the directives of the Prime Minister and the National Steering Committee on combating IUU fishing, and to join the whole country in removing the EC's "Yellow Card," moving towards building a responsible and sustainable fisheries sector. At the same time, maintaining VMS at sea also contributes to supporting the effective implementation of disaster prevention and control, search and rescue at sea, and supporting fishermen to stay at sea, affirming the sacred sovereignty and sovereign rights of the Fatherland over its maritime territories and islands.”

Source: https://baobinhthuan.com.vn/ngu-dan-phan-khoi-khi-duoc-ho-tro-phi-thue-bao-vms-tu-nam-2025-125899.html