Safe boat crew

The safe fishing boat groups in Kien Luong support each other in fishing activities, contributing to maritime safety. This model enhances fishermen's awareness of law compliance and contributes to combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The Hon Chong Port Border Guard Station currently manages 1,374 fishing vessels, including 1,326 fishing vessels and 48 fishing logistics service vessels, operating in the communes of Kien Luong, Hon Nghe, Son Hai, and part of To Chau ward. With such a large number of fishing vessels, disputes over fishing grounds and theft of fishing gear remain complex, posing many potential risks to maritime security and order. Furthermore, many vessels operating far offshore are also prone to engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Officers and soldiers of the Binh An Border Guard Station disseminate regulations on combating IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing to members of the No. 2 Safe Fishing Boat Team. Photo: THUY TRANG

Faced with this reality, the unit, in coordination with various sectors and localities, has implemented numerous solutions to manage fishing activities, including encouraging fishermen to participate in the Safe Fishing Vessel Group model. Lieutenant Colonel Le Van Cuong, Commander of the Hon Chong Port Border Guard Station, said that this is a "skillful public relations" model implemented to strengthen the connection between fishing vessels operating at sea. "Maintaining communication between vessels in the group helps fishermen proactively support each other when encountering risks at sea. At the same time, it creates conditions for border guards to promptly grasp the situation, contributing to ensuring safety for each fishing trip," Lieutenant Colonel Le Van Cuong said.

Not only do these safe fishing boat groups help fishermen feel secure when venturing out to sea, but they also serve as an extension of the border guard force in gathering intelligence, disseminating legal information, and maintaining security and order at sea. Currently, Kien Luong commune has established four safe fishing boat groups with 20 members and 25 fishing boats participating. Members participate voluntarily and sign commitments to strictly adhere to the laws on fisheries, combat IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing, and protect maritime sovereignty and islands. They also promptly notify the border guard and local authorities when they detect any violations of national sovereignty and border security at sea.

Mr. Truong Quang Ut, head of Safe Fishing Boat Team No. 2 in Hon Chong hamlet, said that the team has five members who work in seafood purchasing and fishing logistics services. Each fishing trip lasts 4-5 days, and the members are all familiar with each other and have been working together for many years. “When encountering rough seas, strong winds, or engine failures, the boats in the team can support each other promptly, which makes us feel more secure when staying at sea for extended periods. Although we don't meet often, the boats still maintain contact, reminding each other to comply with regulations, not violate foreign waters, maintain tracking devices, and keep complete logbooks,” Mr. Ut shared.

After more than a year since its establishment, the model has proven remarkably effective in maritime rescue and support operations. Mr. Huynh Van Phuong, the owner of a fishing boat in Ba Nui hamlet, recounted: “During a recent fishing trip, my boat suffered engine failure and drifted at sea. As soon as I sent out a distress signal, other boats in the group operating nearby quickly came to my aid, towing my boat to a safe area. Thanks to this, all the crew members were safe.”

According to Lieutenant Dang Hoang Khang, Head of the Binh An Border Guard Control Station, the unit assigns officers and soldiers to directly monitor the activities of fishing vessels through the vessel tracking system, walkie-talkies, and telephones. In addition, the border guard force regularly organizes meetings, disseminates legal information, and guides fishermen on skills for handling incidents, rescue, and relief operations at sea; and understands the difficulties and obstacles fishermen face during fishing activities. “Through these meetings, we remind fishermen to strictly comply with regulations against IUU fishing and not violate foreign waters,” Lieutenant Dang Hoang Khang said.

Lieutenant Colonel Le Van Cuong noted that although the model has only been implemented for over a year, it has proven highly effective, contributing to strengthening production linkages and minimizing risks at sea. Fishermen's awareness of complying with the law has improved. To date, no cases of fishing vessels violating foreign waters have been recorded in the area. "The safe fishing vessel group model is one of the practical solutions in managing fishing vessels, contributing to the country's efforts to lift the IUU 'yellow card' sooner," Lieutenant Colonel Le Van Cuong said.

THUY TRANG

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/to-tau-thuyen-an-toan-a481871.html