The national flag in the middle of the ocean.

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - The image of the red flag with a yellow star flying on every fishing vessel at sea is not only a national identifier, but also embodies the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland's seas and islands. The national flag flying high in the open sea also instills willpower, faith, and strength in fishermen to persevere at sea, work diligently, and protect their homeland's waters.

Mr. Pham Gia Thuong's boat, TH-91856 TS, from Sam Son ward, prepares the national flag before setting sail.

Busy preparing fishing gear for a long voyage, the fishermen on the TH-91856 TS vessel in Sam Son ward have an indispensable part of their equipment: the national flag. This is not just about complying with the law, but also a sacred and noble duty. In a conversation with us, the ship's owner, Pham Gia Thuong, recounted his memories of being close to the national flag during his time at sea: "During fishing trips in the Gulf of Tonkin or the waters from Quang Tri province southward, seeing the red flag with a yellow star fluttering on other ships, we feel less alone, as if we're seeing family. The colors of the national flag at sea have become a signal to identify fellow countrymen amidst the vast expanse of waves."

In the minds of every fisherman, fishing is not only a means of livelihood for their families, but more importantly, a sacred duty to the nation. Therefore, every fishing trip carries the image of the national flag. Flying the national flag on the vessel affirms the ship's nationality and demonstrates respect for diplomatic protocol, especially at this time when the entire country is resolutely implementing regulations against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Mr. Nguyen Van Chung, owner of the TH-93360 TS fishing vessel from Van Loc commune, has spent decades fishing in offshore waters. His memories of his life at sea are countless, including a story closely associated with the image of the national flag. Mr. Chung recounted: “On March 23, 2025, while fishing in offshore waters, a crew member on board suffered an accident, losing a lot of blood and needing emergency medical attention. At that time, the vessel was about 50km from the coast of Van Loc commune. After sending a signal on the vessel's tracking system and requesting assistance from the provincial fisheries patrol force, the entire crew waited anxiously. Only when we saw the red color of the national flag on a distant ship did we feel we were being rescued. Fortunately, after receiving assistance from the fisheries patrol force, the injured crew member received first aid and was safely brought ashore.”

Thanh Hoa province has 102km of coastline and is considered to have favorable conditions for developing the seafood exploitation industry. According to statistics, the province currently has 6,555 fishing vessels, including 1,063 large-capacity fishing vessels participating in seafood exploitation in the Gulf of Tonkin, the central provinces, and fishing grounds in the Truong Sa and Hoang Sa sea areas.

Mr. Le Van Han, manager of Lach Hoi fishing port in Sam Son ward, said: "We regularly remind fishermen that, in addition to catching seafood, each fishing trip is also a task to coordinate with functional forces to participate in protecting maritime sovereignty. Raising the flag on fishing boats is not only an expression of love for the homeland but also compliance with Article 61 of Decree 58/2017/ND-CP, which stipulates that Vietnamese vessels must fly the national flag of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Currently, 100% of vessels anchored and entering/exiting the port proactively display the national flag. Especially due to the harsh weather conditions at sea, many boat owners even carefully carry a spare national flag on each fishing trip.”

To boost the morale and determination of fishermen to venture out to sea, every year, Party committees, government agencies, and departments in the province have organized the presentation of tens of thousands of national flags to fishermen. Especially in recent years, to protect maritime sovereignty, each fishing trip, in addition to its economic mission, also carries the task of asserting the sovereignty and boundaries of the Fatherland at sea. At the ceremony to present 2,000 flags to fishermen in Nghi Son town in June 2025, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Hoai Nam reminded the fishermen: "Each national flag is a meaningful gift to encourage and motivate fishermen to venture out to sea, as well as to affirm that the mainland always looks towards the homeland's islands and seas, towards the resilient fishermen who cling to the sea and fishing grounds. Through the presentation of national flags, we will spread the spirit of patriotism and awaken national pride so that fishermen can join hands in affirming and protecting the sacred maritime sovereignty of the Fatherland."

Text and photos: Tran Thanh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/quoc-ky-giua-bien-khoi-256174.htm