JCG visited Danang MRCC on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan (1973-2023).

On the afternoon of February 14, the delegations included Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, officers of the JCG, Commanders, and crew members of The Tokyo Regional Command’s SETTSU Patrol ship visited Danang Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (Danang MRCC).

At the meeting, Colonel Satoshi Niwa - The captain of the SETTSU Patrol Vessel thanked the Director of Danang MRCC for a warm welcome. Both sides discussed about missions of Danang MRCC and SETTSU patrol vessel.

Representatives of the SETTSU patrol vessel and Danang MRCC exchanged presents.

Colonel Satoshi Niwa and the commanders of SETTSU patrol vessel attended a SARCOMEX between SAR department of Danang MRCC and Operations Center of JCG. After this exercise, Lieutenant Yuko Tanabe - Head of Strategy Committee of the International Criminal and Investigation Division, Guard and Rescue Department of JCG assessed that both sides have good coordination in constructing scenario, connecting, and processing distress. However, this exercise had not increased in complexity compared with previous exercises. Lieutenant Tanabe hoped that in the future, the script would be more complex and closer to reality for improving the experiences for officers on both sides. Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Loan - Deputy Manager of the SAR Department also highly appreciated the progress in coordination and the exercise has been more effective.

On this occasion, an English rhetoric program for officers and crew members of Danang MRCC and SETTSU patrol vessel was held. This program helps both sides get to know each other by presenting general introductions, typical cases, and actual activity videos. Lieutenant Colonel Hashimoto Kazuyuki - Helicopter Captain and SETTSU ship crew members expressed their impression of Danang MRCC’s field documentation and wished the same exchanges would be organized for other law enforcement vessels when visiting Danang MRCC.

The commander of SETTSU patrol vessel visited SAR vessels at Danang MRCC and highly appreciated the training and practice about rescuing MOB and victims on life raft as well as first-aid skills

Speaking at a friendly football match between crew members of SETTSU patrol vessel and Danang MRCC, Colonel Satoshi Niwa expressed his delight at participating in a useful exchange activity, helping crews and officers of both sides understand each other and strengthen our relationship.

Mr. Bui Tan Nguyen – Director of Danang MRCC said: “Most of the officers of both units have one thing in common which is working on broad in difficult and extreme weather conditions. This football match is a good opportunity for crew members of both sides to interact with each other. As well as this match also delivers a message that the health of crews is very important and physical exercise helps improve not only health but also spiritual life. Thereby, it helps crews perform more effectively in all assigned tasks.”

Colonel Niwa Satoshi and Colonel Tatsuno Masaya gave the presents to players with excellent performance.

At the end of the working session, Mr. Bui Tan Nguyen, on behalf of the Leader of Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre, sent a sincere thanks to officials of Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, the Commanders of JCG always believed in building a relationship between Vietnam and Japan units to deploy effectively search and rescue activities as well as creating opportunities for units in two countries to interact and know each other. Thereby this helps improve efficiency and capacity to perform tasks.

Based on achievements between JCG and Vietnam MRCC in recent years, Mr. Bui Tan Nguyen hoped that Embassy of Japan in Vietnam would continue to facilitate for both sides to hold more meaningful and practical activities for strengthening the relationship between the two units in breadth, and depth. The whole goal is a fulcrum for seafarers, bringing benefits to the people of both countries.

Leaders, officials, and crew members of Danang MRCC visited SETTSU patrol vessel.

Danang MRCC

(Translated by Nguyen Ngoc Mai Anh)