The model "The Coast Guard accompanies fishermen" has been implemented by the High Command of Coast Guard Region 2 since 2017 in Ly Son island district of Quang Ngai province, Trieu An commune in Trieu Phong district and the island district of Con Co of Quang Tri province. This is a new model of mobilization and propaganda for fishermen to improve their understanding of the law, helping the island get closer to the shore, creating a fulcrum for fishermen to reach out to sea.

Colonel Le Huy Sinh, Political Commissar of the High Command of Coast Guard Region 2 was quoted by the press as saying that the High Command of Coast Guard Region 2 synchronously deployed various forms of measures. Firstly, regularly educating staff to have a deep understanding of the importance of propaganda and assistance to fishermen to improve their livings as the responsibility of each organization and individual of the High Command of Coast Guard Region 2.

Secondly, every year, the High Command of Coast Guard Region 2 sets up plans and organizes mass mobilization campaigns in localities, focusing on islands and coastal communes where there are many fishermen, through which helping poor families and disadvantaged families improve their lives.

Thirdy, patrol ships are assigned by the High Command of Coast Guard Region 2 to perform their duties in conjunction with the implementation of propaganda and help fishermen operating at sea, thereby building people’s trust and enhancing the solidarity between the army and the people.

The High Command of Coast Guard Region 2’s vessel 8002 brings Ly Son’s fishermen home for celebrating Tet holiday. Photo: Xuan Tho.

Propaganda about illegal fishing for fishermen

Sharing with reporters about the propaganda of anti-illegal fishing for fishermen, Colonel Le Huy Sinh said: We have coordinated with the party committee, local mass organizations such as the propaganda committee, border guards forces of provinces and coastal districts to organize direct propaganda sessions for fishermen, focusing on the contents of Vietnamese law, the laws of the countries in the region related to seafood exploitation, especially the regulations of the European Commission on illegal fishing at sea ... Along with that is propaganda through the program "For the sovereignty and safety of the sea and islands" that the High Command of Coast Guard Region 2 signed with the Television and Broadcasting Station of the 6 central provinces, including the legal content "things fishermen need to pay attention to" which is broadcast monthly.

The High Command of Coast Guard Region 2 also strengthens the patrol and control at sea to prevent and propagate fishermen not to encroach foreign waters, and at the same time be ready to sanction administrative violations in cases ships violate the law many times although being reminded, and send notice of their violation to the local government where the violating vessel is registered.

Search and rescue is a peacetime combat mission

Over the past time, the search and rescue work for fishermen has been highly valued by the High Command of Coast Guard Region 2. Coast Guard Region 2 always defines the search and rescue mission as a task of fighting in peacetime; saving people, helping people, protecting people is an imperative of the heart, the image and high quality of "Uncle Ho's soldiers – Cost Guard soldiers".

Therefore, the Regional Command always has annual plans on search and rescue at sea, which is regularly supplemented and updated, and organized to train proficiently to be close to the actual situation; Maintaining forces and means to be available 24/24 to ready perform the search and rescue work immediately.

The model “The Coast Guard accompanies fishermen” has been implemented very well by the High Command of Coast Guard Region 2 for the past 2 years. Through the program, people’s awareness of the strategic role and position of the Vietnamese sea and islands has been improved, thereby building patriotism, love for the homeland and the responsibility of citizens to the sea and island of the country.

Colonel Vo Van Kinh - Deputy Political Commissar of the High Command of Coast Guard Region 2 visits each room to say hello to and give lucky money for some children on the occasion of the Tet holiday. Photo: Xuan Tho.

Colonel Le Huy Sinh said: “We have mobilized social resources to join hands and accompany to help fishermen, especially poor families, improve their lives, have peace of mind to reach out to sea for socio-economic development and together with other forces to protecte sovereignty and security of the country’s sea and islands. In particular, the people's awareness of law observance in fishing, especially in protecting the marine environment and exploiting aquatic resources has been raised”.

In the time being, the general direction is still to mobilize, propagate and help fishermen as much as possible. The High Command of Coast Guard Region 2 will expand the scope and subjects of the program throughout the Central Coast.

The Coast Guard vessel 1014 approaches to tow boat NA 97768 TS. Photo: Manh Thuong

Besides, it is to promote cooperation with the party committees, local mass organizations, armed forces units in the area, businesses, philanthropists, political and social organizations to join ith the High Command of Coast Guard Region 2 to accompany, create resources to help fishermen both physically and mentally, ensuring the building of the entire people's defense posture and the people's security posture at sea, firmly contribute to the development of the country's marine economy and protecting sovereignty, maintaining security, order and safety in the sea and islands of the country.

Thanh Bình