Visiting and honoring seafarers on World Seafarers Day 2023

The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of the Vietnam Maritime Administration visits and encourages seafarers on the occasion of "World Seafarers' Day 2023"

On June 19th, 2023, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of the Vietnam Maritime Administration announced that it had coordinated with the Youth Union of several organizations including Danang Maritime Port Authority, the Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre Region II (Danang MRCC), Danang Port and relevant agencies and units to visit seafarers on the occasion of "World Seafarer Day 2023" from June 9th-25th, 2023.

The collaboration aims to honor the great contributions and dedication of seafarers to the maritime industry.

As part of this initiative, the delegation visited and encouraged the crew members aboard several vessels in Danang MRCC (SAR 412, SAR 274, Canoe CN01, Canoe CN03), Danang Maritime Port Authority (CV01, CV02), and Danang Port (M/V Nasiko Sky, M/V Phuong Nam 46).

The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of the Vietnam Maritime Administration and related units visited and encouraged the crew of rescue vessels SAR 412 and SAR 274.

During the meeting, crew members shared their thoughts and experiences regarding the seafaring profession and life aboard ships. This exchange aimed to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced while at sea, including the shortages and dangers that crew members encounter during long journeys. Additionally, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of the Vietnam Maritime Administration, along with other agencies and units, coordinated to distribute leaflets outlining the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of crew members. These leaflets pertained to the management of the crew book, which includes recording and reporting the times of boarding and disembarking the ship. This initiative was in accordance with Circular No. 23/2017/TT-BGTVT, issued by the Ministry of Transport on July 28th, 2017, which regulates the titles and duties of crew members and the registration process for those working on Vietnamese ships.

The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of the Danang Maritime Port Authority has urged organizations and individuals in the maritime sector at Da Nang seaport to pay greater attention to seafarers—the crew members. They propose organizing specific activities to honor and express gratitude for these individuals' contributions and dedication to society as a whole and the maritime industry in particular. This initiative aims to ensure that crew members feel secure and steadfast in all circumstances.

During the meeting, Mr. Mai Chi Thanh, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of the Vietnam Maritime Administration, stated that there are currently nearly 50,000 Vietnamese crew members working on almost 1,400 shipping vessels. Mr. Thanh noted that large ships operated by Vietnamese crews have reached nearly every continent, contributing significantly to the country's economic development. "Seafarers are diligent workers who spend their days at sea, facing a precarious lifestyle that is swayed by the waves. Additionally, they constantly face risks, and when out in the vast ocean, the chances of being unable to respond quickly to emergencies are even higher," Mr. Thanh shared.

According to Mr. Thanh, there are month-long sea trips as well as annual trips that require seafarers to be away from their families for an entire year. The concepts of holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year) are not part of a seafarer’s experience. “If talent is the vital energy of the nation, then skilled seafarers are crucial to the development of the maritime transport industry and serve as a powerful reserve force for protecting our seas and islands,” Mr. Thanh emphasized. “They must be properly invested in and developed, and their dignity deserves respect.”

Mr. Thanh also stated that there are numerous examples of Vietnamese seafarers who have been recognized by international organizations. One notable example is seafarer Tran Van Khoi, a member of the Youth Union at the Danang MRCC. At the 125th session of the IMO Council, he was awarded the "IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea." Mr. Khoi received this honor for his courageous actions in rescuing four individuals during the sinking of the cargo ship VIETSHIP 01 in October 2020, despite facing severe weather conditions in the East Sea. This is the first time the IMO has recognized a Vietnamese seafarer for bravery in a rescue operation at sea./.