VMS - a pillar of support for fishermen to venture out to sea and maintain their livelihoods.

Recognizing this, in recent times, relevant authorities have regularly intensified propaganda and mobilization efforts to raise awareness among fishermen about the importance of installing VMS equipment to ensure the safety of fishing operations, as well as the safety of fishermen's lives and property.

Hai Phong is a key fishing ground in the country with 4,500 vessels, including 350 offshore fishing vessels concentrated in the districts of Do Son, Thuy Nguyen, Cat Hai, and Kien Thuy (Hai Phong). It is also a regular destination for thousands of fishing vessels from provinces ranging from Quang Ninh to Phu Yen. In recent times, alongside strict measures and penalties for fishing vessels violating foreign waters, the city's efforts in promoting and encouraging fishermen in various localities to install VMS (Vehicle Monitoring System) equipment have yielded positive results.

For example, at the Mat Rong fishing port in Lap Le commune, Thuy Nguyen district, nearly 300 fishing vessels and service boats from the three communes of Lap Le, Phuc Le, and Pha Le are anchored. According to Major Pham Hong Kien, Head of the Bach Dang Border Guard Control Station, Trang Cat Border Guard Post, 98% of fishing vessels have been equipped with VMS devices, with only a few remaining because these vessels are frequently docked at the port.

Coast Guard Region 1 inspects vessel tracking devices on offshore fishing boats. Photo: PV

According to Mr. Vu Van Cu, head of the Nam Trieu Marine Fishing Group (Lap Le commune), in the past, local fishermen mainly operated independently and did not fully understand the purpose and benefits of installing VMS equipment. However, after being informed and encouraged by relevant authorities, they have recognized the importance of this measure and voluntarily complied. This benefits both the country as a whole and the rights of each fisherman and boat owner.

It can be seen that since the installation of vessel tracking systems (VMS), the number of fishermen in the city's localities violating the law during their fishing activities has decreased. Not only that, it also provides fishermen and their vessels with a channel of information, helping them avoid risks during their work. Regularly fishing in the Gulf of Tonkin, Mr. Dinh Nhu Tai, a fisherman from Lap Le commune, is very concerned about the weather and storms. Previously, he regularly updated himself on information about storms and tropical depressions, and received guidance on moving to safe areas. After installing the VMS, his vessel has an additional reliable channel for receiving information. Dinh Nhu Tai said: “Not only does the VMS remind us of our location and fishing area, but it also regularly informs fishermen about the weather conditions in those areas. This helps us be more proactive in responding to the weather during fishing!”

Coast Guard and Border Guard forces monitor fishermen in Lap Le commune (Hai Phong) installing VMS equipment. Photo: PV

Nguyen Trong Minh, a fisherman from Nghi Thiet commune, Nghi Loc district (Nghe An province), currently working on a fishing boat from Lap Le commune, shared: “Installing the VMS equipment helps me know where I'm fishing so I don't go into my own waters. I can know the location and if there are any problems at sea, I can immediately call the relevant authorities for assistance. It really has many benefits!”

Captain Hoang Van Duc, a police officer from Team 1, Legal Department (Coast Guard Region 1 Command), who regularly performs duties at sea, stated: “During patrol, inspection, and control operations, the Coast Guard Region 1 Command has collaborated with border guards and relevant agencies and local authorities to educate fishermen about the benefits of VMS (Vehicle Monitoring System). As a result, fishermen have voluntarily installed these devices to ensure they operate within designated areas and do not encroach on foreign waters. Especially in the event of an incident at sea, the VMS is crucial, helping fishermen pinpoint the location of their distressed vessel so that authorities can come to their rescue!”

Now, fishermen are more confident during their long days at sea. With improved legal knowledge and support from relevant authorities, VMS equipment has become a crucial tool for them to expand their fishing operations in distant waters, contributing to economic development while simultaneously protecting the sovereignty of the nation's seas and islands.