The Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command officers present national flags and life jackets to local fishermen in HCM City’s Thạnh An Island Commune on September 13. — Photo courtesy of Việt Nam Coast Guard

HCM CITY — A Việt Nam Coast Guard (VCG) programme called “Coast Guard Accompanies Fishermen” has helped raise awareness of legal issues among local fishermen and strengthen ties between maritime law enforcement and coastal communities in Thạnh An Island Commune in HCM City.

Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command under the VCG, in coordination with the municipal Party Committee, the city’s Border Guard Command, and authorities of Thạnh An Commune, on September 13 launched the programme with the message “For the health of fishermen.”

Doctors from Hùng Vương Hospital provide free medical check-ups and consultations for local residents in HCM City’s Thạnh An Island Commune during a programme called “Coast Guard Accompanies Fishermen” held on September 13. — Photo courtesy of Việt Nam Coast Guard

Colonel Cao Xuân Quận, Deputy Commissar of Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command, said the initiative helps strengthen the legal awareness of fishermen, improve livelihoods, and encourage them to confidently head out to sea.

“This programme reinforces the close bond between the Coast Guard, authorities, and local residents in safeguarding national sovereignty, maritime security, and safety,” he said.

Disadvantaged fishing households in HCM City’s Thạnh An Island Commune receive essential aid packages from the Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command. — Photo courtesy of Việt Nam Coast Guard

In cooperation with Hùng Vương Hospital, the programme provided free medical check-ups, consultations, medicines, and essential goods to more than 300 people, including policy beneficiaries and disadvantaged fishermen.

In addition, 700 notebooks, 200 pens, and 50 school bags were donated to local students.

The Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command’s officers and soldiers provided information on maritime and island-related laws, focusing on the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing through dialogues, leaflets and direct consultations. — Photo courtesy of Việt Nam Coast Guard

The Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command’s officers and soldiers provided information on maritime and island-related laws, focusing on the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing through dialogues, leaflets and direct consultations.

They helped fishermen better understand fishing boundaries, vessel monitoring system requirements, and offshore legal procedures.

Local ship owners in HCM City’s Thạnh An Island Commune sign commitments not to engage in IUU fishing. — Photo Courtesy of Việt Nam Coast Guard

Local ship owners also signed commitments not to engage in IUU fishing, while Coast Guard officers visited vessels at Thạnh An Port to distribute national flags, medical kits, life jackets, and flashlights.

As part of the event, they also offered incense in tribute to President Hồ Chí Minh at a memorial area for the late leader in the commune. — VNS