Minister of Transport: Maritime rescue forces are the unsung heroes

According to Minister Nguyen Van Thang, the maritime rescue forces often work in risky and harsh environments.

On July 18th, 2023, Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang visited and inspected the SAR 413 vessel (Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre - VMRCC) in Con Dao, Ba Ria – Vung Tau province. During the visit, the minister commended the sacrifices and hard work of the maritime rescue forces for their dedication to the country and the people. He emphasized that the maritime rescue forces frequently operate in risky, harsh conditions, far from their families.

Minister Nguyen Van Thang visited and encouraged the maritime search and rescue forces

The head of the Ministry of Transport highlighted: “The maritime rescue forces are the unsung heroes. The people will always recognize the care and assistance the rescue forces provide to those in distress.”

Given the Government's limited resources, maritime rescue operations face many challenges, however, the minister encouraged the rescue forces to remain dedicated to their arduous but noble tasks, continuing to contribute to the country's efforts alongside the transport sector.

Minister Nguyen Van Thang directed relevant agencies and units to address the difficulties and obstacles faced by the Vietnam MRCC, particularly by ensuring adequate policies and compensation for the rescue forces.

Previously, in a report at the meeting, Mr. Le Do Muoi, Director of the Vietnam Maritime Administration, noted that the Centre is the leading agency in search and rescue operations in Vietnamese waters, coordinating with domestic and international forces to rescue and support those in distress at sea. This collaboration ensures maritime safety and security, prevents environmental pollution, and upholds Vietnam's responsibilities as a maritime nation and member of international conventions like UNCLOS 1982, SAR 79, and SOLAS 74. Additionally, the Centre handles international search and rescue cases involving Vietnamese vessels and crew in foreign waters, establishing Vietnam's credibility and trust in the global maritime search and rescue system, and affirming the role and position of Vietnam's maritime sector on the international stage.

These efforts provide confidence for seafarers and fishermen to venture out to sea, contributing to affirming the nation's sacred maritime sovereignty.

Mr. Nguyen Bao Anh, Director of the Regional Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre No.III, reporting on the Centre's search and rescue operations

However, Director Le Do Muoi mentioned that the Centre currently has seven rescue ships that need upgrading to operate more effectively. The Vietnam Maritime Administration requested the Ministry of Transport to facilitate the construction of new ships with greater range and durability to meet the evolving demands of rescue operations.

Mr. Nguyen Bao Anh, Director of Regional Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre No. III (Vungtau MRCC), reported that in 2022, the Centre handled over 110 incidents, dispatching 11 rescue missions and saving and supporting 344 people in distress at sea. "Annually, to proactively respond to the regional harsh maritime weather due to storms and tropical depressions, the Centre allocates SAR assets at Con Dao, a high-risk area for maritime accidents during the rainy season," Mr. Bao Anh said, affirming that the maritime rescue forces currently operate with the spirit of "treating those in distress as our family members”./.