Representatives from the Coast Guard Region No.3 Command and the HCM City Fatherland Front Committee and local authorities present national flags, life jackets, and essential gifts to fishermen at the An Thới Đông-Hiệp Phước ferry terminal on July 3. — Photos Courtesy of the Việt Nam Coast Guard

HCM CITY — The HCM City-based Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command in co-operation with the city Fatherland Front Committee and local authorities, on July 3 launched the "Coast Guard accompanies fishermen" programme in An Thới Đông Commune.

The initiative combined legal dissemination regarding illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing with essential survival training and social welfare activities.

During the event, officers from the command conducted educational campaigns at the An Thới Đông-Hiệp Phước ferry terminal and the commune's town hall.

Local fishermen, ship captains, and vessel owners were briefed on the core regulations of the Law on Fisheries, the Law on the Việt Nam Coast Guard, and specific anti-IUU frameworks.

Following the briefings, boat owners and captains signed commitments promising not to violate anti-IUU regulations.

The command also distributed handbooks, leaflets, national flags, life jackets, flashlights, and medical kits to support fishermen during their maritime operations.

Practical training sessions on water rescue and first-aid techniques for drowning victims were also provided to equip locals with vital skills for sea voyages.

Speaking at the event, Colonel Nguyễn Đức Hiếu, Deputy Commander for Legal Affairs of the command, said combating IUU fishing is not only a requirement for sustainable fisheries development but also a national responsibility.

"Every fisherman plays a crucial role in protecting marine resources, safeguarding the nation's reputation, and defending the country’s sovereignty over its seas and islands," he said.

With close co-ordination among local authorities, functional forces, and fishermen, Việt Nam would soon see the European Commission’s "yellow card" warning lifted, leading to a modern, responsible, and sustainable fishing sector, he added.

An officer from the Coast Guard Region No.3 Command disseminates legal regulations on anti-IUU fishing and drug crime prevention to local officials and residents in HCM City’s Cát Lái Wardon July 3.

Nguyễn Minh Kha, vice chairman of An Thới Đông Commune’s People’s Committee, highly appreciated the practical impact of the programme.

The activities successfully enhanced legal awareness and equipped local fishermen with the necessary skills to confidently reach out to the sea, he said.

On this occasion, the city Fatherland Front Committee and the command presented 40 gifts alongside essential equipment to local policy benefit families and fishermen facing difficult financial circumstances.

On the same day, the command also organised a similar legal dissemination campaign in the city’s Cát Lái Ward.

The event drew the participation of nearly 120 local officials and residents, with 140 informational leaflets distributed focusing on anti-IUU regulations and anti-drug crime awareness. — VNS