Firm at the forefront
These days, ship BV98309TS of the Standing Militia Flotilla (Ho Chi Minh City Command) is performing patrol and control missions against IUU fishing in the waters bordering Vietnam - Indonesia. Sea waves are raging, the ship is constantly swaying, but inside the cockpit, the soldiers are still firmly holding their positions.
Mr. Hoang Quang Trung - Commander of the Standing Militia Flotilla said: "We deeply grasp the directives of the Party, State, Central Military Commission, Ministry of National Defense and superiors. In which, the task of combating IUU fishing, especially in border waters, is identified as a key task. Each officer and soldier upholds the spirit of responsibility, is ready to overcome storms, contributing to the whole country to soon remove the "yellow card" of the European Commission".
The Navy, Coast Guard, and Standing Militia forces also directly propagate and guide fishermen to comply with the law: not to encroach on foreign waters; maintain operation of journey monitoring equipment; record full fishing logs; fish in the right fishing grounds, according to regulations. Propaganda sessions take place right on the deck, with a simple, easy-to-understand voice, associated with each sea trip, each real risk that fishermen may encounter.
In many emergency situations, forces on duty at sea promptly support fishing vessels in distress, share fresh water, food, medicine, coordinate rescue and relief, especially in bad weather conditions.
Fisherman Huynh Thanh Hai, captain of fishing vessel KG95965TS (An Giang province), currently has 17 vessels with more than 100 workers operating in the adjacent sea area. Attached to the sea profession for more than 20 years, each sea trip lasting over 6 months, Mr. Hai clearly understands the dangers at the head of the waves.
In the middle of the sea, seeing the Navy, Coast Guard, and People's Army ships is reassuring. They not only check and remind the law but are also ready to help when fishing boats encounter problems. Thanks to that, we are more confident when sticking to the sea for many days," Mr. Hai shared.
From the beginning of the wave, sending complete faith
In the middle of the ocean, the national flag flying on each ship is like a living milestone affirming sovereignty. For fishermen, it is not only pride but also a reminder of the responsibility to protect the sea, protect the law, and put national interests first.
Captain Vo Hoang Rot, fishing vessel AG95788TS, said: "Being regularly propagated by forces, awarded national flags, and supported when facing difficulties, we fishermen always remind each other to strictly comply with the law. Now, no matter what the circumstances, we are determined not to violate foreign waters.
Sharing his expectations for the 14th National Party Congress, fisherman Rot expressed his belief: "We fishermen believe in the Party's leadership and hope that the Congress will continue to have policies and pay more attention to the lives and livelihoods of fishermen, so that fishermen can feel secure to reach out to sea, stick to the sea for a long time, exploit in accordance with the law and together with the forces maintain the sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland.
On the Truong Sa 04 ship (Brigade 125, Naval Region 2), the atmosphere of emulation to achieve achievements to celebrate the 14th Party Congress also took place soi noi, closely associated with the task.
Captain Nguyen Thanh Trung - Captain of Truong Sa 04 ship said: "Officials and soldiers on board clearly define their responsibilities, strengthen duty, observe, detect, be ready to handle all situations, determined to maintain sea and island sovereignty, peace in the sea direction. This is the most practical action, making a contribution to celebrating the important political event of the country".
