Square Star Marine

(Baonghean) - As a spiritual support for fishermen at sea, the Dien Ngoc Commune Maritime Militia Platoon (Dien Chau) is gradually promoting the role of "square star sea soldiers" on the economic development front and protecting the sovereignty of sea and island borders.

As a fishing boat owner, often present in distant seas, when the Military Command of Dien Ngoc commune encouraged him to join the maritime militia, Mr. Ngo Tri Nguyen immediately agreed. Mr. Nguyen said: The offshore fishing boat owned by his family has 12 main workers on board, of which 8 are assigned to the maritime militia platoon of the commune. We want to contribute our small part to maintain the security as well as the sovereignty of our homeland's sea and islands. As for Mr. Le Sy Vinh (Dong Loc hamlet), when we knew that we were a "soldier" of the platoon, we were very excited. Mr. Vinh confided: Every time we go to sea, life and death are very fragile because this is a profession that always has many potential risks. Therefore, joining the maritime militia platoon will help fishermen participate in rescuing fishing boats when they encounter incidents at sea.

Dien Chau fishermen prepare to go to sea.

Based on the actual situation and strategic position of the locality, in order to stabilize and promote the strength of the marine economy associated with the task of protecting the sovereignty and security of the homeland's sea and islands, in August 2011, the Military Command of Dien Chau district issued a decision to establish the Dien Ngoc Commune Marine Militia Platoon under the direction of Military Region 4 and Nghe An province on the organization and formation of the Marine Militia Platoon. Accordingly, in each trip out to sea, along with exploiting aquatic resources, the militia squads also coordinate to carry out a number of assigned tasks.

Mr. Nguyen Van Dung - Vice Chairman of Dien Ngoc Commune People's Committee said: The awareness of sea and island sovereignty among fishermen is very high, so after being mobilized, many fishermen registered to participate. To support fishing boats and "soldiers", fishing boats have been purchased with boat insurance and 100% of fishermen participating in the maritime militia platoon have purchased health insurance. Each boat is equipped with a lighting system, life jackets, life buoys, and E-com long-range radios that can be connected to the mainland. Although newly established, the platoon operates very effectively.

Currently, in the whole Dien Chau district, there are about 1,400 fishing vessels, of which about 500 are large capacity vessels. In Dien Ngoc commune alone, there are over 400 fishing vessels at sea, of which about 60 are over 90CV vessels, mainly fishing offshore. Therefore, the establishment and stable operation of the Dien Ngoc Marine Militia Platoon has helped fishermen feel secure to stick to the sea to exploit the economy and protect the sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland. The District Party Committee and People's Committee continue to support the budget of 100 million VND for the maritime militia to operate during the year.

With a core role in all activities at sea, the Dien Ngoc maritime militia force is striving to create a healthy exploitation environment for fishermen at sea, and at the same time is an important bridge connecting the situation at sea with the mainland. However, the operational model of the Dien Ngoc commune maritime militia platoon still poses many practical issues that need to be further studied and completed. The fishing grounds of Dien Chau fishermen are quite large, stretching from Quang Ninh to Quang Ngai, with a large area, so the platoon's operations at sea still face many difficulties. The maritime militia platoon often goes out to sea for long days, and the time to return to shore is very short. Mr. Nguyen Van Dung added: To improve the operational efficiency of the maritime militia platoon, it is necessary to join hands to overcome difficulties, from central agencies to local Party committees and authorities in the implementation process. The current requirement is to research and perfect the model and method of operation, and further improve appropriate policies and regimes to support and motivate militia officers and soldiers to complete their tasks and work effectively.

Article and photos:Pham Bang