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| Firefighting drill for a fire incident on a distressed vessel__Photo: VNA |
The Prime Minister has recently approved the list of additional tasks for the implementation of the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979 (SAR Convention), aiming to strengthen the country’s legal framework, coordination mechanisms and operational capacity in maritime search and rescue during 2026-30.
Under Decision 2674/QD-TTg dated December 10, the Ministry of Construction is assigned to coordinate with related ministries, sectors and localities in reviewing, revising or promulgating legal documents to ensure consistency between Vietnam’s law and standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as well as the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The ministry is also responsible for guiding and inspecting the implementation of regulations on maritime safety and search and rescue by localities, and for formulating a scheme to consolidate the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center, with enhanced decentralization and delegation of powers to regional coordination centers.
In addition, the ministry will organize and participate in conferences, seminars, forums, SAREX exercises, and joint drills with related countries to implement signed search and rescue cooperation agreements, as well as SAR-related meetings of IMO and ICAO subcommittees.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Vietnam Television, the Voice of Vietnam, and the Vietnam News Agency will have to coordinate with related ministries, sectors and localities in strengthening public communication activities aimed at raising awareness about SAR Convention and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974; Vietnam’s maritime search and rescue areas of responsibility; and sovereignty and sovereign rights. They are also tasked to apply appropriate forms of transmitting, receiving and processing information on maritime search and rescue and safety for those engaged in maritime activities.
The Ministry of National Defense is assigned to develop a scheme for the establishment of the National Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center, as well as a scheme to upgrade the Bach Long Vi Search and Rescue Station into the Bach Long Vi Search and Rescue Coordination Center.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will, in coordination with relevant ministries, sectors and local authorities, develop marine environmental incident response services in conformity with the requirements of SAR Convention. Additionally, the ministry must closely monitor weather conditions and promptly issue notices and warnings to vessels upon the occurrence of storms, tropical depressions and marine weather hazards.
Under the Decision, the Prime Minister assigns related ministries and sectors to procure modern, integrated equipment and assets capable of conducting long-endurance maritime search and rescue activities, and build or upgrade modern, complete, dual-use command and control centers for search and rescue forces. Another task is to enhance training and capacity building for management officers and personnel engaged in maritime search and rescue activities.- (VLLF)
