The low awareness of compliance with the provisions of the law, limited first aid skills, and the lack of technical safety equipment are among the main reasons for occupational accidents at sea. Therefore, fishermen need to increase their awareness of preventing occupational accidents to stay safe during each fishing trip.

It is necessary to raise awareness of fishermen about preventing occupational accidents at sea. IN THE PHOTO: The Da Nang-based Regional Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre No 2 brings a fisherman who suffered a work-related accident ashore safely (photo taken in July, 2022). (Photo courtesy of Da Nang MRCC)

Many incidents at sea

In August 2022, while operating at sea, fishing ship QB 98196 TS encountered a propeller failure, making it adrift in rough seas and high sea waves due to the influence of a tropical storm.

After receiving SOS message, the Viet Nam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (Viet Nam MRCC) asked the Da Nang-based Regional Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre No 2 (Da Nang MRCC) to immediately send out its rescue ship SAR 412 to help fishermen in the distress at sea.

After many hours of sailing at the fastest speed, the maritime rescue force approached the fishing boat in distress and transferred the fishermen to SAR 412 to ensure safety and medical care. In addition, they took measures to prevent the ship QB 98196 TS from sinking to protect assets for fishermen.

In mid-August, Viet Nam MRCC coordinated with relevant agencies to provide timely assistance to save a sick fisherman.

Right after receiving an urgent request for assistance from the ship DNA 90406TS as a crew member on board was reported in critical health condition, Viet Nam MRCC immediately asked the ship to stop fishing activities and guide the shortest route for the ship to run to the mainland.

Also, Viet Nam MRCC coordinated with the Da Nang Coastal Information Station to connect with the 115 Da Nang Emergency Centre to timely provide first aid instructions for the sick fisherman. According to the diagnosis by mainland doctors, the sick fisherman was able to have acute appendicitis.

At the same time, the Viet Nam MRCC asked the Da Nang MRCC to immediately send out its rescue ship SAR 412, carrying doctors from the city’s Emergency Centre 115, to help the victim and brought him to the mainland for further treatment.

Mr. Ho Xuan Phong, Head of the Rescue Coordination Division of the DaNang MRCC, remarked that besides the objective causes of bad weather conditions and collisions with the reefs, fishermen's awareness of complying with legal regulations when going fishing at sea is not high. Also, fishing boats are not fully equipped with life-saving equipment.

When an incident occurs, fishermen's first aid skills are limited, making it difficult to handle. On the other hand, the maintenance and preservation of fishing vessels do not have a clear procedure.

That many ship owners hire inexperienced and untrained people poses for many potential risks. In addition, fishing activities mainly at night cause the circadian rhythms of fishermen to change, leading to such diseases as high blood pressure, appendicitis, chronic stomach, and others.

Raise awareness of fishermen

Mr. Ho Xuan Phong said that every year, Da Nang MRCC coordinates with relevant units and localities to organise 10-12 training sessions on first aid work for fishermen.

“We introduce fishermen to distress channels, and how to locate their locations so that functional force can easily zone and approach the ship in distress, thereby promptly protecting people's lives and properties” added he.

According to Deputy Director of Fisheries Sub-Department Trinh Quang Vinh, in order to ensure safety and minimise damage for fishermen when conducting fishing activities, the sub-department has paid special attention to issuing technical safety certificates for ships when satisfying the conditions as prescribed; as well as encouraging ships to operate in teams to easily support each other.

“The city has been implementing many support policies for fishermen at sea, including many policies on crew and hull insurance. Currently, the local fishery sector is also advising the municipal People’s Council to issue policies to support organisations and individuals that are damaged by natural disasters while operating at sea" said Trinh Quang Vinh.

Senior Lieutenant Colonel Tran Doan Toan, a politician of the Son Tra Border Guard Station, said that, at the Man Quang Border Guard Station, an average of 10-15 fishing vehicles head out to sea every day.

Before the fishing boats depart, the inspection of paperwork, certificates, the equipment of life-saving, and fire prevention and fighting means, are strictly and fully implemented by border guards in accordance with regulations.

Besides, the Son Tra border guard force have regularly organised training courses for fishermen on safety skills and experience, and provided life jackets and national flags for fishermen.

Reporting by THIEN NGUYEN - Translating by M.DUNG