The model was first piloted in Phu Quy Island in the southern province of Binh Thuan, according to Rear-admiral Doan Bao Quyet, Deputy Political Commissar of the Vietnam Coast Guard.

“In 2 years of implementation, the model has been well received by fishermen, islanders, local administrations, and others who have been working with the Vietnam Coast Guard. The model has been praised for its practicality in raising fishermen’s awareness, sense of responsibility, and knowledge of the law,” said Quyet.

Rear-admiral Doan Bao Quyet, Deputy Political Commissar of the Vietnam Coast Guard, visits a fisherman in distress. (Photo: MH/dangcongsan.vn)

Quyet says that the coast guard force has been working closely with local administrations and social organizations to educate fishermen and islanders about the law,  particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Law of the Sea of Vietnam, maritime laws of countries that claim adjacent or overlapping waters, and international regulations and practices.

The model encourages islanders and fishermen to participate in defending national sovereignty, maintaining the security, safety, and order of Vietnam’s sea and islands. Le Van Ut, a fisherman who lives on Phu Quy Island, said: “The Coast Guard force is the fishermen’s fellow-traveler. Fishermen working offshore will feel more secure whenever they see the Coast Guard flag.”

Coast Guard officers have distributed leaflets telling fishermen what they should do when fishing offshore. Fishermen were also given national flags, life jackets, and free medical exams, treatment, and medicine.

Pham Thi Huong, Deputy Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of Ly Son Island District in Quang Ngai province, said: “When natural calamities strike, Coast Guard officers are quick to help fishermen. We have a close emotional bond with them, who have organized many programs to help our people.”