The "The Coast Guard Accompanies Fishermen" programme, implemented from 2019 to 2024, in collaboration with the mass mobilisation boards of six provinces and cities (Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai and Binh Dinh) and the Command of Coast Guard Region 2, has yielded many positive results. The programme has strengthened the unity between the military and the people, built a "people's security posture" and enhanced awareness about the protection of maritime sovereignty.

Officers and soldiers from the Command of Coast Guard Region 2 providing medical examination and treatment to residents.

Colonel Tran Hong Que, Deputy Political Commissar of the Command of Coast Guard Region 2, stated that legal education for fishermen has been regularly conducted, covering topics such as the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Viet Nam Law of the Sea 2012, the Viet Nam Coast Guard Law 2018, regulations on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and laws regarding maritime order and safety, including the trade of prohibited goods and tax evasion.

Over the past five years, the Command of Coast Guard Region 2 has organised 52 propaganda sessions for more than 16,757 individuals, and distributed over 18,700 legal books and materials. These efforts have fostered patriotism, heightened awareness of maritime sovereignty, and strengthened the responsibility to combat illegal activities at sea among fishermen.

Additionally, the Command has frequently collaborated with relevant agencies to effectively exchange information, monitor social security, and coordinate efforts in combating smuggling, commercial fraud, and drug-related crimes.

During that period, the Command of Coast Guard Region 2 has collaborated with the mass mobilisation boards of the six provinces and cities to organise 23 "Coast Guard Accompanies Fishermen" programmes; 26 "I Love My Homeland's Sea and Islands" contests; and 3 "Island Tet" programmes, distributing 10,350 gifts to policy beneficiary families, fishermen, ethnic minorities, religious communities, and disadvantaged students.

Under the programme, 750 scholarships and 412 bicycles were given to children of disadvantaged fishing families, whilst 15 students facing hardships were supported with the monthly allowance of VND 1 million. Two disadvantaged families received financial support to build Great Solidarity houses, and free medical examinations and medicines, along with 300 first-aid kits were offered to 1,500 social policy beneficiaries and disadvantaged families. The total cost of programme implementation was over VND 15 billion.

The Command has also received, exchanged, and coordinated the verification of 356 incidents involving maritime accidents and equipment failures; deployed 34 ships and 12 boats to conduct search and rescue operations for nine vessels and 45 crew members and fishermen in distress at sea. The most recent rescue operation successfully saved 18 fishermen and crew members during Typhoon No. 5, involving the fishing vessel QNg 95058TS from Binh Chau Commune, Binh Son District (Quang Ngai Province), and the vessel DNa 0494 from Da Nang.

Colonel Le Huy Sinh, Political Commissar of the Command of Coast Guard Region 2, emphasised that the force consistently maintains patrols, inspections, and law enforcement duties to protect maritime security and sovereignty. The force also directly guides and educates fishermen on avoiding violations of foreign waters during fishing activities, minimising damages and preventing diplomatic issues for our Party and State. In the future, the Command of Coast Guard Region 2 will continue to focus on effectively implementing the "Coast Guard Accompanies Fishermen" programme, especially in economically and socially disadvantaged island districts and areas with ethnic and religious communities.

"The unit will continue to innovate and diversify the content, emphasising legal education and consultation to enhance legal awareness among fishermen. Through mass mobilisation activities, we will actively encourage the people to participate in protecting maritime sovereignty and security, build strong political foundations, and achieve economic, cultural, and social development goals" Colonel Le Huy Sinh noted.

Reporting by NGOC PHUONG - Translating by TRUC VY