Coordinated Training Exercise in Maritime Search and Rescue Operations 2024

On the morning of May 17, 2024, in the Gulf of Tonkin, the Regional Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center no.1 (Regional Center I) collaborated with the Command of Coast Guard Region 1 to organize a coordinated training exercise in maritime search and rescue operations for 2024.

The training involved leaders, personnel, officers from both units, with participating vessels including the SAR 411 from Regional Center I (serving as the on-scene commander), the CSB 2005 and CSB 2006 vessels, the CSB 602 boat from Coast Guard Region 1.

According to the hypothetical scenario: At 09:00 on May 17, 2024, a collision occurred at sea between the Biển Đông 45 vessel and the fishing boat HP 90345 TS, which had 12 fishermen on board, in position (20°36'24"N; 106°56'36"E). As a result, the fishing boat had severe damage and sank after 15 minutes of attempting to rectify the situation. The Biển Đông 45 vessel managed to rescue four crew members, while eight others from the HP 90345 TS fishing boat panicked, jumped into the water, and drifted. The captain of the Biển Đông 45 vessel contacted Regional Center I to report the incident and request immediate assistance.

Upon receiving the distress from the Biển Đông 45 vessel, Regional Center I immediately activated the emergency response protocol, swiftly coordinating with relevant units, verifying the nature of the distress, locating the distress vessel, using supporting software to identify vessels in the vicinity of distress position to mobilize for the search and rescue, and dispatching the SAR 411 vessel to the scene as the on-scene commander. Simultaneously, Coast Guard Region 1 Command dispatched the CSB 2005, CSB 2006 vessels, CSB 602 boat, which were on standby near the incident area, to participate in the search and rescue operations.

During the training, both units focused on enhancing the skills of officers and crew members, improving planning, command, and coordination capabilities between the SAR vessel and the Coast Guard Region 1 vessels in on-scene command, search and rescue operations. Practicing search and rescue techniques for individuals drifting at sea under adverse weather conditions, launching buoyant apparatus box type, rescuing victims drifting on life rafts, using Jackson nets to lift people from the water onto vessels, and providing first aid to the victims.

Mr. Bùi Hoàng Tiệp, Director of  Regional Center I, stated that the training achieved its intended objectives. The search and rescue training exercise is essential and should be conducted regularly to effectively implement operational command mechanisms and ensure readiness and coordination between the leaders of both units in handling maritime rescue situations within the responsible area; manage and utilize facilities, technical equipment efficiently and ensure the successful completion of tasks under any circumstances.

Colonel Lương Cao Khải, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard Region 1, emphasized that the training was a practical activity for the two units to exchange and learn from each other's handling capabilities in maritime incident response and search and rescue operations. It also provided valuable experience for officers and soldiers from both units in ensuring safety and responding to maritime incidents, fostering proactive, creative, and decisive actions, and enhancing command organization capabilities in performing assigned tasks.

After the maritime search and rescue training, both units conducted propaganda to raise awareness about maritime safety and search and rescue according to the SAR 79 Convention and regulations against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) to fishermen who were working at training seawater; distributed leaflets, life vests, lifebuoys, and national flags to fishermen./.

Commanders of two units plan search and rescue operations at the scene

The SAR 411 (OSC) and the CSB 2005, CSB 2006 Vessels Conduct Search Operations at the scene

Crew members of SAR 411 keep watch and search for drifting victims as the SAR Vessel approaches the Scene

The SAR 411 uses a Jackson net to lift victims onto the SAR vessel

Doctors and the medical team of SAR 411 provide First Aid to drowning victims

 

The Working Teams from Both Units Distribute Leaflets, Life Jackets, Lifebuoys, and National Flags to Local Fishermen

The SAR 411 Workboat Rescues Victims