VMS installation for fishing vessels measuring between 12 and 15 meters in length

VMS installation for fishing vessels measuring between 12 and 15 meters in length

According to Tran Van Phuc, General Director of Binh Dinh Province’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the province has made significant efforts to implement various measures with the aim of preventing local fishing vessels from infringing on foreign waters, thereby contributing to the removal of Vietnam's IUU "yellow card." However, the province has reported 10 violating vessels since the beginning of 2024, the majority of which measure under 15 meters in length. These vessels, which specialize in squid fishing, are not required to install VMS devices. They operate in southern fishing grounds and rarely return to the province. Violations of foreign waters by these fishing vessels have severely affected Vietnam's efforts to remove the European Commission’s "yellow card" warning.

As part of urgent measures to remove the IUU "yellow card", Binh Dinh Province has requested all squid-fishing vessels measuring between 12 and 15 meters in length in the southern provinces to install VMS devices.

“To assist local fishermen in the installation of VMS devices, the Binh Dinh Provincial People’s Council has issued a Resolution with the aim of providing financial support for the purchase and installation of VMS equipment on fishing vessels measuring between 12 and 15 meters in length,” General Director Tran Van Phuc stated.

VMS installation to monitor fishing activities

Accordingly, a total of 218 sqquid-fishing vessels measuring between 12 and 15 meters in length will receive support for the installation of the VMS devices. Each vessel will be eligible for a one-time subsidy for the installation of the device. The Binh Dinh Provincial People’s Committee will cover 50% of the installation cost, with a maximum subsidy of 10 million VND per device per vessel. The support policy applies to applications submitted to relevant authorities by December 31, 2024.

“We will acquire the funding from the provincial budget and other legal sources. Vessel owners eligible for the VMS subsidy must meet several criteria, including owning a fishing vessel that measures between 12 and 15 meters in length, a valid fishing vessel registration certificate, a valid technical safety certificate, and a valid fishing license, as per regulations. Additionally, the installed VMS devices must be completely new,” said Tran Van Phuc.

Phan Hong Son, a fisherman from Hoai Nhon Town (Binh Dinh Province), expressed concerns: “After a fishing vessel installs a VMS device, fishermen may be able to turn it off while operating at sea. If that happens, will the authorities be able to address these issues, especially since these vessels are not required by law to install VMS devices?”

According to Lam Hai Giang, Vice Chairman of the Binh Dinh Provincial People's Committee, under central government regulations, vessels measuring between 12 and 15 meters in length are not required to install VMS devices. However, these vessels are considered high-risk for violations and must be placed under the control of relevant authorities. Consequently, authorities have implemented an interim solution by using VMS devices to monitor the activities of these vessels.

“This is a temporary measure to remove the IUU 'yellow card'. In the long run, Binh Dinh Province will implement more fundamental and decisive solutions to combat IUU violations,” Vice Chairman Giang noted.

“Binh Dinh Province will take any steps necessary to help remove the EC’s 'yellow card'. The Provincial People’s Council’s resolution supporting VMS installation on fishing vessels measuring between 12 and 15 meters in length is evidence of this commitment,” commented Ho Quoc Dung, Secretary of the Binh Dinh Provincial Party Committee.

According to Quang Binh Province's Sub-Department of Fisheries, the province has installed vessel monitoring systems (VMS) on 1,119 out of the 1,143 required fishing vessels, reaching a coverage rate of 97.9%. Among these, VNPT Quang Binh has installed 797 devices, Vishipel 270, Binh Anh 28, Viettel 23, and Bach Khoa 1. The remaining 24 fishing vessels have failed to install a VMS device due to their inactivity or docked status.

At present, vessel owners primarily use the VX1.700 device installed on older vessels to report their position to local stations on land when they lose connection.