VMS - a fulcrum for fishermen to go offshore
(Baonghean.vn) - Installing fishing vessel monitoring equipment (VMS) for vessels with lengths from 15m to under 24m is considered one of the important solutions to quickly remove the "yellow card" of the European Commission.
Realizing this, recently, the authorities have regularly promoted propaganda and mobilization work to make fishermen aware of the installation of VMS equipment to ensure safety for fishing activities, people and property of fishermen.
Hai Phong is a key fishing ground of the country with 4,500 boats, of which 350 are offshore fishing boats concentrated in the districts of Do Son, Thuy Nguyen, Cat Hai, Kien Thuy (Hai Phong). This is also a regular area for thousands of fishing boats from Quang Ninh to Phu Yen provinces to exploit aquatic products. In recent times, in addition to measures and sanctions to strictly handle fishing boats violating foreign waters, propaganda and mobilization work for fishermen in localities of the city in installing VMS equipment by competent agencies has yielded positive results.
For example, at Mat Rong fishing port in Lap Le commune, Thuy Nguyen district. This is the anchorage of nearly 300 fishing vessels and fishing service vessels of the three communes of Lap Le, Phuc Le and Pha Le. According to Major Pham Hong Kien - Head of Bach Dang Border Control Station, Trang Cat Border Post, up to now, the number of fishing vessels equipped with VMS equipment is up to 98%, only a few vessels have not been installed because these vessels are often at the port.
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| Coast Guard Region 1 checks the journey monitoring equipment on fishermen's offshore fishing boats. Photo: PV |
According to Mr. Vu Van Cu - Head of the Nam Trieu Sea Fishing Group (Lap Le commune), in the past, local fishermen mainly operated freely and did not fully understand the purpose and benefits of installing VMS equipment, but when the authorities propagated and mobilized them, they realized the importance of this work and voluntarily complied. It not only achieved the common interests of the country, but also for the interests of each person and each boat owner.
It can be seen that since the installation of the fishing vessel monitoring device, the number of fishermen in the city's localities violating the law during their fishing activities has decreased. Not only that, it also helps fishermen and their vehicles have an information channel, avoiding risks during their fishing activities. Regularly exploiting and fishing in the Gulf of Tonkin fishing grounds, Mr. Dinh Nhu Tai, a fisherman in Lap Le commune, is very concerned about the weather and storms. Previously, he regularly updated information about storms and tropical depressions as well as being guided to move to safe areas. After installing the VMS device, his ship has an additional channel to receive reliable information. Dinh Nhu Tai said: "Not only does it remind us of the location and sea area where we are exploiting seafood, the VMS device also regularly notifies fishermen about the weather situation in the sea areas. That helps us be more proactive in responding to the weather during fishing!"
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| Coast Guard and Border Guard forces monitor fishermen in Lap Le commune (Hai Phong) installing VMS equipment. Photo: PV |
Mr. Nguyen Trong Minh, a fisherman in Nghi Thiet commune, Nghi Loc district (Nghe An), who is currently working on a fishing boat in Lap Le commune, shared: “Installing VMS equipment helps me know where I am fishing so that I don’t go through my waters. I can know the location and when there is a problem at sea, I can immediately call the agencies to come and support. It really has many benefits!”
As a person who regularly performs duties at sea, Captain Hoang Van Duc - Police Officer, Task Force No. 1, Law Department (Command of Coast Guard Region 1) said: “During the process of performing patrol, inspection and control tasks, Command of Coast Guard Region 1 has coordinated with the Border Guard force and functional agencies, local authorities to propagate to fishermen to firmly grasp the effects of VMS equipment. From there, fishermen voluntarily install it so that during the process of fishing in the right area, not violating foreign waters. Especially in the process of encountering incidents at sea, VMS equipment is very important, helping fishermen determine the location of the ship in distress so that the functional agencies can come to rescue them!”.
Now, fishermen are more confident in their long days at sea. Along with the understanding of the law and support from the authorities, VMS devices have become a fulcrum for fishermen to promote fishing in distant waters, both for economic development and to protect the sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland.