eCDT VN application: Fishermen see benefits but are still confused

The locality actively deployed

Implementing efforts to remove the "yellow card" of the European Commission (EC), especially overcoming shortcomings and limitations according to the EC's recommendations at the 4^th inspection in October 2023, the Directorate of Fisheries (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) has accelerated the completion progress to put into use the "Electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability System (eCDT VN)" from early 2024.

eCDT VN is a shared software, installed and used by smartphones, and applied to seven subjects, including the Directorate of Fisheries, Sub-Department of Fisheries, Fishing Port Management Board, Border Guard, export processing companies, fish barns, and fishermen.

To support fishermen in installing the application, the Fishing Port and Wharf Management Board under the Hai Phong Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has disseminated, organized training, and guided ship owners and captains to use eCDT VN software. At the same time, arrange forces to guide and support ship owners and captains in implementing eCDT VN electronic declaration when exporting and importing.

Mr. Ta Vu, Head of the Profession Office, the Fishing Port and Wharf Management Board, said that the Fishing Port and Wharf Management Board identified the implementation of the eCDT VN application as an especially important task to make the seafood output transparent; control fishing vessels entering and exiting the port; collect and submit fishing logs; monitor seafood output unloaded through the port; and issue receipts and certificates of raw seafood and certificates of origin for exploited seafood according to regulations.

Declaring on eCDT VN software has supported fishermen to fulfill export and import requirements and declare output quickly, conveniently, and accurately; limit errors recorded in the fishing log.

Currently, the Fishing Port and Wharf Management Board has coordinated to disseminate and guide fishermen to implement the eCDT VN system at two designated fishing ports, namely Ngoc Hai Fishing Port and Tran Chau Fishing Port. Accordingly, 115 fishing vessels installed the software and created an account. At the same time, make confirmations for 346 requests to dock and 471 requests to leave the port.

There is still a lot of confusion

At Ngoc Hai Fishing Port, when his fishing vessel had just docked, fisherman Le Van Tuan, owner of fishing vessel HP 90484-TS, quickly made a declaration on eCDT VN software. Mr. Tuan said: "Initially, using the software was quite difficult because we were not very familiar with it. After using it for a while, we now start to feel easier. In the past, the declaration on paper was very difficult. I just hope the software becomes more and more complete, more stable, and easier to use."

Mr. Bui Quang Thanh, owner of the fishing vessel HP90396-TS, said that at first he was unfamiliar with using the software, so he was still confused but is now gradually mastering it. "Later, when we use it well, whether on the ship or at home, we can easily declare information," said Mr. Thanh.

Mrs. Trinh Thi Luyen, wife of the owner of the fishing vessel HP 90611-TS, said: "I am using eCDT VN software. Because I am not familiar with the operations, I still encounter many difficulties. However, thanks to the guidance of the Fishing Port and Wharf Management Board's officers and staff, I have gradually become more proficient. I hope that in the coming time, I will be able to self-declare at home or on the ship without having to go directly to the Management Board. From there, we will save a lot of time."

Mr. Ta Vu said that currently, fishermen's use of eCDT VN software only stops at sending the port export and leaving requests. Logging on the system is still limited. Fishermen's operations are still slow, requiring support from fishing port staff. The time to complete port export and leaving procedures for a vessel is long.

Some fishermen do not use smartphones, delaying the installation and use of eCDT software while there are no regulations mandating and handling this behavior.

Therefore, Mr. Vu proposed that in the coming time, in order for the implementation of eCDT VN software to achieve more positive results, it is necessary to strengthen training activities and synchronous guidance at all fishing ports and localities so that fishermen can easily access and use eCDT VN software.

At the same time, there should be clear regulations on responsibilities for organizations and individuals who do not implement or intentionally delay in the implementation process, as well as strict measures to handle organizations and individuals who do not comply with regulations.