Training on the use of SAROPS system to improve the maritime search and rescue capabilities of Vietnamese forces

With the approval of the Ministry of Transport, the Office of Defense Cooperation at the US Embassy in Hanoi, in collaboration with the Vietnam Maritime Administration, organized a training course on the SAROPS. This course was conducted by experts and lecturers from the US Coast Guard (USCG). The training took place from June 19th to June 30th, 2023, at Danang MRCC (Region II Centre). A total of 23 officers from the Vietnam Maritime Administration, the Vietnam MRCC, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) participated.

Attendants of the training course

After two weeks of training, studying, and exchanging knowledge, the USCG provided skills training on using their system as well as optimal planning methods for search and rescue operations. Throughout the training course, USCG experts and instructors gained initial insights into the actual conditions of Vietnam's seas through feedback from the trainees. Climate change is having serious consequences, leading to an increased frequency of storms and tropical depressions, along with unpredictable developments influenced by both the Northeast and Southwest monsoons. This evolving situation places higher and more stringent demands on search and rescue operations in Vietnam's waters. USCG instructors carefully listened to and took into account the trainees' perspectives on geographical and weather conditions in Vietnam. They also conducted direct surveys of specific types of vessels and objects used in Vietnam, such as baskets, wooden boats, and trawlers. This information will help them update and enhance data and features in the SAROPS system, making it more suitable for operations in Vietnam.

Mr. Jeremy Obenchain, Maritime Advisor, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, US Embassy in Hanoi, speaking at the closing ceremony

At the closing ceremony, Mr. Jeremy Obenchain, Maritime Advisor from the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau at the US Embassy in Hanoi, heard a report on the training results from the Vietnam Maritime Administration and the USCG. According to the report, all 23 trainees met the standards and conditions necessary to receive their certificates. Notably, several outstanding individuals provided valuable ideas that contributed to the successful and timely implementation of the training course.

Admiral Romli bin Mustafa, Kedah/Perlis Regional Director, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency speaking at the closing ceremony

Admiral Romli bin Mustafa, the Director of the Kedah/Perlis Region at the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, congratulated the trainees from the Vietnam Maritime Administration, the Vietnam MRCC, and the MMEA on their successful completion of the training course. This course was designed to improve their skills in using the SAROPS software and to facilitate the exchange of experiences in search and rescue coordination. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the leaders of Danang MRCC for the warm welcome extended to the delegation.

Captain Andrew Stokes, Instructor from the USCG,  summarizes the course

Captain Andrew Stokes, an instructor from the USCG Coast Guard, stated, “It was an honor to collaborate with the maritime units of Vietnam and Malaysia. These two weeks were filled with valuable knowledge sharing from all participants. As instructors, we also gained valuable insights from your experiences. Moving forward, the USCG is committed to further developing the SAROPS system to make it more suitable, efficient, and convenient, while also providing advanced training for the search and rescue teams in Vietnam and Malaysia.”

Mr. Nguyen Van Tinh, Deputy General Director of the Vietnam MRCC, speaking at the closing ceremony

Deputy Director General Nguyen Van Tinh of the Vietnam MRCC expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the USCG instructors and the staff at the US Embassy in Vietnam for their unwavering support in enhancing the search and rescue capabilities of Vietnamese forces. Their assistance plays a crucial role in minimizing human and property losses during maritime accidents and incidents. The Vietnam MRCC regularly utilizes the SAROPS and SEAVISION systems for effective planning, which has contributed to the successful execution of many complex and urgent search and rescue operations. Mr. Nguyen Van Tinh also expressed his hope that US maritime law enforcement will continue to offer more training and support programs for the Center's officers./.

The delegation from the US Embassy in Hanoi and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency took souvenir photo with the leaders and officials of Danang MRCC.

The delegation visits SAR vessel