VMS devices: The "all-seeing eye" at sea.

In an effort to lift the European Commission's (EC) "yellow card," the installation of vessel tracking systems (VMS) is a key solution to help state agencies closely and transparently manage fishing activities. These devices help warn of natural disasters and assist fishermen when they encounter problems at sea.

Modern fisheries management tools

The 2017 Fisheries Law stipulates that fishing vessels 15 meters or longer must install vessel tracking systems (VMS). This is a mandatory requirement to strengthen the management of fisheries activities and is also one of the important solutions to implement the EC's recommendations on combating IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing.

In recent times, An Giang's fisheries sector has intensified its efforts in disseminating legal regulations and encouraging fishermen to strictly comply with the installation and maintenance of VMS equipment. According to statistics from the Provincial Fisheries and Fisheries Inspection Department, 100% of fishing vessels subject to mandatory installation in the province have now completed the installation of VMS equipment.

Officials from the Provincial Fisheries and Fisheries Inspection Department monitor fishing vessel signals on the vessel tracking system. Photo: THUY TRANG

According to Mr. Le Van Tinh, Deputy Head of the Fisheries and Fisheries Inspection Department of the province, the VMS system connects the VMS equipment installed on the vessels with the Central and local Fisheries Vessel Monitoring Centers. Through this system, authorities can monitor the location and operational routes of fishing vessels in real time; promptly detect cases of signal disconnection, exceeding permitted fishing boundaries, or the risk of encroaching on foreign waters.

Beyond being a tool for state management, VMS equipment also supports fishermen in their fishing operations at sea. Through the system, fishermen can receive weather warnings, facilitate communication, and assist in search and rescue operations in case of incidents, contributing to the safety of people and vessels during offshore fishing.

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Mr. Nguyen Van Tam, the owner of a fishing boat in Rach Gia ward, said that during long fishing trips, crew members always check the VMS equipment signal to ensure continuous connectivity. Maintaining the equipment's operation is not only a regulatory requirement but also helps the boat owner manage fishing operations and ensure safety during fishing at sea.

Strengthen enforcement against violations.

Despite the achievements, the management of fishing vessels through vessel tracking devices still faces some difficulties. In reality, there are still cases of fishing vessels losing signal connection while operating at sea or not strictly complying with regulations related to VMS equipment.

Since the beginning of 2026, the province has recorded a number of fishing vessels losing signal connection or exceeding permitted fishing boundaries. According to the Provincial Fisheries and Fisheries Inspection Department, the loss of signal connection stems from various causes such as equipment malfunction, unstable power supply on board, satellite failures, or service providers temporarily suspending connection when vessel owners have not paid their subscription fees. Some equipment also experiences intermittent signal issues, making verification and handling difficult.

To improve management effectiveness, the Provincial Fisheries and Fisheries Inspection Department regularly issues warnings to fishing vessels at risk of IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing; at the same time, it coordinates with functional forces to strengthen monitoring and supervision of cases of prolonged signal loss or activities near the maritime boundary. Inspection and handling of violations are carried out strictly to raise awareness of law compliance among vessel owners, captains, and fishermen.

The Provincial People's Council has issued a resolution providing financial support to fishing vessel owners for upgrading and replacing VMS equipment. According to regulations, vessel owners are supported with up to 50% of the cost, not exceeding 5 million VND per vessel for upgrades and not exceeding 11 million VND per vessel for replacement of VMS equipment. This policy helps alleviate difficulties for fishermen and creates conditions for vessel owners to maintain stable operation of the equipment.

Furthermore, Government Decree No. 41/2026/ND-CP, which details the implementation of several articles of the Fisheries Law, allows each fishing vessel to be equipped with a maximum of two VMS devices. When the primary device malfunctions or loses signal, the backup device will automatically activate, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring. This new regulation is expected to help overcome connectivity issues and improve the efficiency of managing fishing fleets.

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With the involvement of all levels and sectors and the consensus of fishermen, the management of fishing vessels through VMS equipment continues to be strengthened, contributing to the sustainable development of the fisheries sector and working together with the whole country towards the goal of soon lifting the EC's "yellow card" warning.

THUY TRANG

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/thiet-bi-vms-mat-than-tren-bien-a488669.html