A bridge connecting the sea and the land.

(Baonghean)Over the years, the maritime militia platoons of Quynh Luu district have played a significant role in economic development, supporting each other in fishing activities at sea, and contributing to the firm protection of maritime sovereignty and islands.

The Quỳnh Nghĩa commune's maritime militia consists of 15 members organized into two platoons, operating on two boats that directly participate in fishing activities. Each fishing trip typically lasts over 20 days. Thanks to the effective use of modern equipment such as Icom radios, binoculars, GPS devices, and nautical charts, and their participation in political education and military training courses, as well as their knowledge of the Law on the Sea and Islands, the Law on Fisheries, and relevant fishing agreements, the Quỳnh Nghĩa maritime militia's fishing boats have consistently operated efficiently and safely during each voyage.

Each year, income gradually increased, reaching an average of 80 million VND per person per year in 2012. Not only did the militia fishing vessels improve the income of the crew members, but they also exchanged information with other vessels about fishing grounds, helped tow many boats with engine failures safely ashore, and provided crucial information to Border Guard Post 148 regarding the location and coordinates of vessels in distress at sea, enabling timely rescue operations.

Over the past year, two platoons of the Quynh Nghia coastal militia have directly protected the scene and rescued seven crew members in distress, bringing them safely ashore. Ho Van Mau, a member of the Quynh Nghia coastal militia, said: “We are both fishing and ensuring safety at sea, in accordance with the military's policy. When there are cases of distress or conflicts with unfamiliar vessels, we coordinate rescue efforts to ensure safe maritime rescue operations.”

The Quỳnh Lưu district's maritime militia currently comprises 90 people, organized into 6 platoots, each with 15 members. To date, the Quỳnh Lưu district maritime militia has affirmed its position and strengths in providing mutual support in supplying ice, fishing gear, and sharing information on fishing grounds. Despite periods of high fuel prices and unfavorable weather conditions, the maritime militia teams have maintained a spirit of solidarity, actively staying at sea and venturing further offshore to shift fishing grounds from inshore to offshore areas, determined not only to increase production but also to contribute to protecting the sovereignty of the nation's seas and islands.

In the past three years, the Quỳnh Lưu maritime militia has reported nearly 100 incidents of foreign fishing vessels encroaching on Vietnam's territorial waters to the mainland and has conducted search and rescue operations in 48 cases. Lieutenant Colonel Ngô Văn Ngọc, Head of the Militia Department of the Quỳnh Lưu District Military Command, added: “The maritime militia members have clearly understood their duties; they have promptly informed the Military Commands of the communes and border guard posts of valuable information, enabling military agencies at all levels to monitor the situation, direct and advise local Party committees and authorities on organizing and handling operations to ensure more effective maritime activities.”

The Quỳnh Lưu maritime militia also actively participates in disseminating information and mobilizing fishermen to comply with the guidelines, policies, and laws of the Party and the State, helping fishermen raise their awareness of law compliance, linking labor and production, economic development with maintaining security and order at sea, affirming maritime sovereignty, and serving as an important bridge between the sea and the mainland.

Hong Dien (Quynh Luu Radio Station)