I act as a "digital" bridge for fishermen in coastal areas.

Major Dang Ba Viet – Deputy Political Officer of Cua Sot Border Guard Station (Loc Ha commune, Ha Tinh province) has created a Zalo group called "Fishermen Understand the Law - Safe Sea Voyages," helping fishermen access legal information in a timely manner, ensuring safety on every fishing trip.

I am Major Dang Ba Viet (born in 1987) - Deputy Political Officer of Cua Sot Border Guard Station (Loc Ha commune). During my work, recognizing the difficulties in disseminating legal information to fishermen, I, along with officers and soldiers of the Public Relations Team, created the Zalo group "Fishermen Understand the Law - Safe Sailing," aiming to bring legal information closer to the local people.

To ensure the model operates effectively, we held numerous meetings to agree on the content, implementation methods, and specific task assignments for each officer and soldier. Consensus within the unit is a crucial foundation for the model to be quickly put into practice and achieve its intended results.

The distinguishing feature of this approach is the application of digital technology to legal awareness campaigns. Through Zalo groups, QR code systems, and AI virtual assistants, regulations on fisheries exploitation and combating IUU fishing are conveyed to fishermen more quickly, visually, and conveniently.

Today, I, along with officers and soldiers from the team, traveled by motorbike to Cua Sot Fishing Port to disseminate information and guide fishermen to join the Zalo group "Fishermen Understand the Law - Safely Go Out to Sea".

Printed copies incorporating QR codes were prepared in advance and distributed to fishermen, making it convenient for them to look up information and join the group.

Initially, many boat owners refused to join the Zalo group, arguing that accessing information via phone wasn't really necessary for their fishing operations. After we explained the situation, many changed their minds and actively participated.

For older boat owners, using smartphones can be challenging. We patiently provide support and explain things repeatedly so that they can operate them independently afterward.

To join the group, fishermen simply need to scan the QR code with their smartphone.

After joining, information about laws, weather, fishing grounds, etc., is updated regularly and continuously.

Among the group members is Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh (residing in Loc Ha commune). Previously, whenever he needed to find out about new regulations on fisheries exploitation, Mr. Thanh often had to ask many people or search for information from various sources. Since joining the Zalo group, all the necessary information is updated promptly, making it easier for him before each fishing trip.

After each propaganda session, I, along with the officers and soldiers of the unit, often assist fishermen in repairing fishing gear, transporting supplies, and resolving any difficulties that arise in their lives. These simple acts contribute to strengthening the bond between the military and the people, facilitating the mobilization efforts.

Besides legal issues, fishermen also proactively seek me out to discuss and ask for advice on the difficulties they face at sea. This makes me feel their trust even more strongly, and it also motivates me to continue accompanying and supporting them better in the future.

The model has received active cooperation from local authorities and the Management Board of Fishing Ports and Storm Shelters for Fishing Vessels in Ha Tinh province in disseminating information and encouraging fishermen to comply with regulations on fisheries exploitation.

After nearly three months of implementation, the Zalo group has attracted nearly 300 members, posting hundreds of pieces of information on laws, weather, fishing grounds, and combating IUU fishing. Many cases of potential violations have been detected and promptly addressed; the awareness of law compliance among fishermen has gradually improved.

Before each fishing trip, many fishermen proactively open Zalo groups to check weather warnings, fishing ground information, and relevant regulations. Timely updates from this digital information channel help them adjust their plans and minimize risks during fishing operations.

For me, the Zalo group "Fishermen Understand the Law - Safe Sea Voyages" is not just an information channel, but has become a bridge bringing the law closer to each fishing trip of our fishermen.

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/toi-lam-cau-noi-so-cho-ngu-dan-vung-bien-post311430.html