Collaboration in Search and Rescue for a Singaporean Oil Tanker Fire Near Da Nang Port

Collaboration in Search and Rescue for a Singaporean Oil Tanker Fire Near Da Nang Port

Collaboration in Search and Rescue for a Singaporean Oil Tanker Fire Near Da Nang Port

Collaboration in Search and Rescue for a Singaporean Oil Tanker Fire Near Da Nang Port

Collaboration in Search and Rescue for a Singaporean Oil Tanker Fire Near Da Nang Port

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Collaboration in Search and Rescue for a Singaporean Oil Tanker Fire Near Da Nang Port

25/10/2023

The simulated scenario under the ASEAN Multilateral Agreement on Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue in Central Vietnam.

On October 25 2023, the Ministry of Transport of Vietnam hosted a conference in Da Nang to disseminate and implement the ASEAN Multilateral Agreement on Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue (SAR). During this event, the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (VIETNAM MRCC) organized a simulation exercise to enhance coordination efforts.

Mr. Trần Việt Hà, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Transport, delivered a speech.

Overview of the Simulation: At 1:30 PM, a Singaporean-flagged oil tanker with a capacity of 10,000 DWT and carrying 15 crew members departed Da Nang for Singapore. Approximately 30 nautical miles from Da Nang Port, a fire broke out in the engine room. The captain issued an urgent distress call, reporting that the fire was uncontrollable and that six crew members had sustained serious injuries while attempting to evacuate. Upon receiving the distress signal, VIETNAM MRCC alerted higher authorities and deployed the SAR 412 rescue vessel to take command of the scene.

Delegates share information during the conference.

Simultaneously, Vishipel was requested to broadcast emergency notifications to nearby vessels for assistance in fire suppression and rescue operations. The Vietnam Aeronautical Search and Rescue Coordination Center was also tasked with preparing for possible aerial rescue missions.

The Vinasarcom established a forward command center to oversee the operation.

Additionally, local agencies, including the Navy, Coast Guard, Border Guard, Police, Danang Hospital and Danang Emergency Center, were mobilized to ensure safety, security, and environmental protection.

By 2:00 PM, SAR agencies from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Myanmar had requested detailed information about the incident from VIETNAM MRCC. Efforts were made to share data regarding the distressed ship and its crew, and inquiries were sent to relevant agencies in those countries seeking additional information.

By 3:15 PM, SAR 412, in coordination with naval and coast guard vessels, successfully rescued all 15 crew members. The injured crew members were transported to Da Nang for medical treatment.

The shipowner requested authorization for a chartered medical flight to transport severely burned victims to Singapore for specialized care.

A representative from Vinasarcom delivered a speech on granting permits for foreign vessels to enter Vietnamese territory for search and rescue missions.

Additionally, they sought permission for two Singaporean tugboats to tow the damaged tanker to Singapore for repairs and investigation.

When a request was received to allow aircraft and tugboats to enter Vietnam for search and rescue operations, the VIETNAM MRCC fulfilled its responsibilities by promptly reporting to the Vinasarcom as well as the Vietnam Maritime Administration, in order to seek guidance and directives.

The simulated exercise highlighted several challenges, including the coordination of foreign vessels and aircraft entering Vietnamese territory for SAR operations.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Bui Dac Kien of Vinasarcom, the Ministry of National Defense is responsible for advising the Prime Minister on granting permits for military vessels. The Vinasarcom is responsible for consolidating requests from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the People's Committees of provinces and cities regarding the entry of foreign vehicles into Vietnamese territory. Each search and rescue area is managed by a specific ministry authorized by that ministry. This ministry, through the Vinasarcom provides reports to the Prime Minister.

The rescue team of SAR 412 reached a foreign vessel crew in distress at sea.

Mr. Tran Viet Ha, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department under Ministry of Transport, emphasized the need to review and amend relevant legal frameworks and improve organizational structures for effective SAR coordination.

Mr. Hà emphasized that search and rescue operations are a top priority for the government and relevant ministries due to their humanitarian goals. These operations are essential for ensuring safety in maritime and aviation activities and contribute significantly to trade, tourism, economic development, and interpersonal exchanges.

In recent years, Vietnam has been actively involved in signing and implementing various international agreements related to search and rescue. Notable agreements include the 1979 Search and Rescue Convention (SAR 79), the search and rescue provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.

The signing of the ASEAN Agreement on Maritime and Air Search and Rescue Cooperation in 2022 by Vietnam and other ASEAN countries represents an important step in enhancing cooperation in search and rescue operations among member states. This agreement is crucial for improving the effectiveness, coordination, and timeliness of search and rescue efforts in the ASEAN region.

As the government-designated agency responsible for implementing the ASEAN Search and Rescue Cooperation Agreement, the Ministry of Transport plans to conduct workshops in 2023 and 2024 to promote awareness of the agreement.

These workshops will offer comprehensive information about the agreement and create a platform for relevant authorities to discuss the mechanisms for its implementation. This initiative will facilitate the professional and systematic application of the agreement once it comes into effect. The ASEAN multilateral agreement on maritime and air search and rescue was officially signed by ASEAN countries on October 17, 2022, during the 28th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting (ATM 28).

At this meeting, representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Vietnam Maritime Administration presented the ASEAN Agreement on Aviation and Maritime Search and Rescue, along with discussions about the organizational structure for air search and rescue operations and coordination mechanisms for civil aviation search and rescue efforts./.