Maintaining sovereignty over seaborne ships

Steady gold at the beginning of the wave

These days, the BV98309TS ship of the Standing militia Squadron (HCMC Command) is carrying out patrolling and controlling the fight against IUU fishing in the waters bordering Vietnam - Indonesia. The waves are bustling, the ships are constantly moving, but inside the cockpit, the soldiers are still stuck to their positions.

Mr. Hoang Quang Trung - Squadron Commander of the Standing militia Squadron said: "We thoroughly grasp the instructions of the Party, State, Central Military Commission, Ministry of National Defense and superiors. In particular, the task of combating IUU fishing, especially in border waters, is identified as a key task. Each officer and soldier must uphold their sense of responsibility, be ready to overcome the storm, and contribute to the whole country in soon removing the "yellow card" of the European Commission".

The regular Navy, Coast Guard, and Militia forces also directly propagate and instruct fishermen to comply with the law: not to violate foreign waters; maintain the operation of voyage monitoring equipment; record a complete fishing log; catch fish in accordance with regulations. The propaganda sessions take place right on the deck of the boat, in a rustic, easy-to-understand voice, associated with each sea trip, each practical risk that fishermen can face.

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, owner of fishing boat KG95965TS (An Giang province), currently has 17 boats with more than 100 workers operating in the border waters. Having been involved in the sea profession for more than 20 years, each trip at sea lasting over 6 months, Mr. Hai clearly understands the dangers at the head of the wave.

"In the middle of the sea, seeing ships of the Navy, Coast Guard, and Militia makes me feel secure. They not only check and remind the law but are also ready to help when fishing boats have problems. Thanks to that, we are more confident when sticking to the sea for a long time," Mr. Hai shared.

From the beginning of the wave, we send all the trust

In the midst of the coast, the national flag is floating on each ship as a living milestone affirming sovereignty. For fishermen, it is not only a source of pride but also a reminder of the responsibility to keep the sea, keep the law, and put national interests above all.

Snooker Vo Hoang Rui, fishing boat AG95788TS, said: "Taking advantage of the forces' regular propaganda, giving the national flag, and support when facing difficulties, we fishermen always remind each other to strictly comply with the law. Now, no matter the circumstances, we are determined not to violate foreign waters".

Sharing about the expectations for the 14th National Congress of the Party, fishermen in Rap expressed their confidence: "We fishermen believe in the leadership of the Party and hope that the Congress will continue to have policies and pay more attention to the lives and livelihoods of people going to sea, so that fishermen can feel secure to go offshore, stick to the sea for a long time, exploit the right law and work with the forces to maintain the sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland".

On Ship Truong Sa 04 (125 Brigade, Navy Region 2), the atmosphere of competing to achieve achievements to celebrate the 14th National Party Congress also took place enthusiastically, closely linked to the task.

Captain Nguyen Thanh Trung - Captain of Truong Sa 04 Ship said: "The officers and soldiers on the ship clearly identify their responsibilities, increase their duty, observe, detect, be ready to handle all situations, determined to maintain sovereignty over the sea, islands, and peace at sea. This is the most practical action, making a contribution to celebrating the country's important political event".

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