Naval Force: Steadfast companion to fishermen, guardian of the nation’s seas

Beyond its core mission of safeguarding national sovereignty and maritime territory, the Vietnam People’s Navy has long played a crucial role in assisting fishermen by providing guidance, protection, and emergency support across the nation’s waters.

The Vietnam People’s Navy protects maritime sovereignty while supporting fishermen in safely working at sea. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

Colonel Le Van Huong, Deputy Head of the Navy’s Political Department, emphasized that naval units consistently carry out public outreach campaigns to raise awareness among coastal fishing communities.

These efforts include educating fishermen on the Party’s and the State’s maritime policies, legal fishing practices within Vietnam’s territorial waters, the legal and historical basis for Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), measures to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, environmental protection, and the strategies of foreign powers in the East Sea.

Through these programs, the Navy has reached over one million fishermen with crucial information on safe harbor locations, communication protocols, and disaster alerts. Over 100,000 posters, brochures, and multimedia materials have been distributed.

This outreach extends across all major media platforms and covers inland, coastal, and offshore areas—including border waters adjacent to other countries. As a result, fishermen have become more aware of legal and sustainable fishing practices, environmental responsibilities, and their vital role in safeguarding maritime security.

Pham Van An, owner of fishing vessel KH-39672TS from Khanh Hoa Province, shared: “We regularly receive updates from naval officers on legal fishing guidelines, coordinates, fishing zones, naval radio frequencies, and safe harbors in the Truong Sa Islands. They’ve also taught us how to handle emergencies at sea. Thanks to their support, we’ve learned how to fish lawfully and stay out of trouble.”

Brigade 170, under Naval Region 1 sent officers and soldiers to help fishermen in Ha Tu ward, Quang Ninh province to prevent and fight the storm at the fishing port area where fishermen's boats are anchored. (Photo: VNA)

Rescue and relief at sea

Since 2020, the Vietnam People’s Navy has deployed over 30,000 personnel and 1,050 vehicles for 950 search-and-rescue missions, saving 1,485 people and 120 fishing vessels.

It has provided more than 2,000 cubic metres of freshwater, 10 tonnes of rice, and other essential supplies. Naval medical teams on islands, radar stations and offshore platforms have treated nearly 9,800 fishermen, free of charge, with a total value of nearly 2 billion VND.

In addition, fishing villages and dock shelters in the Truong Sa archipelago offer essential services such as seafood purchasing and fuel supply at mainland prices. These shelters have accommodated more than 850 vessels for refueling, resupply and storm avoidance.

Nguyen Tam, captain of vessel BD-93967TS from Quang Ngai province, said: “My boat had two serious accidents at sea. On both occasions, we were rescued in time by Navy officers stationed in Truong Sa.

"I once suffered from appendicitis and needed emergency surgery on the island. Without timely intervention, I might not have survived.”

Le Dinh Chien, owner of vessel QN-64663TS from Quang Ninh province, added: “My boat often fishes in the Gulf of Tonkin. On several occasions, we experienced engine failure and drifted dozens of nautical miles from shore.

"Thanks to Navy Region 1 personnel, we received timely repairs and were able to continue fishing. With the Navy’s support, we feel confident working at sea.”

Colonel Bui Quang Thuyen, Deputy Commander of Navy Region 4, emphasised that while supporting fishermen offshore, naval ships and island units also maintain readiness for combat, patrol, surveillance and sovereignty protection. They combine these duties with deterring foreign intrusions, safeguarding legal fishing grounds and ensuring the safety of fishermen and their property.

“We operate shortwave and ultra-high-frequency civil radio networks around the clock on fixed frequencies to keep communication lines open with vessels,” Thuyen said.

“This helps us respond quickly to emergencies, guide residents during bad weather and minimise damage from natural disasters.”

Navy Region 5 promptly rescued fishermen'sboat in distress. (Photo: Navy Region 5)

Fishermen as frontline defenders

According to Colonel Huong, the Navy Command has also worked closely with local administrations to strengthen the role of fishermen as frontline defenders of the nation's maritime sovereignty.

As part of these efforts, fishermen are encouraged to observe and report unusual activities at sea. They are also invited to participate in joint training programmes and simulation exercises alongside naval forces.

In addition, the Navy supports fishermen in safeguarding vital national assets such as oil rigs and survey vessels. Authorities help localities monitor and assess the capacity and readiness of their fishing fleets. Communication systems connecting fishermen with naval units are being upgraded to ensure faster and more reliable coordination at sea.

Training sessions are regularly organised to equip fishermen and maritime militias with emergency response skills, communication protocols and survival techniques for dealing with dangerous situations at sea.

By actively engaging coastal communities, the Navy has strengthened fishermen’s ability to report foreign vessel incursions and cooperate with authorities.

With steadfast commitment and courage, Vietnam’s naval personnel continue to stand by those who live and work at sea. In doing so, they not only foster greater public awareness and strengthen civil-military bonds, but also inspire fishermen to venture offshore and contribute directly to the defence of the nation’s maritime sovereignty.

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