Can Tho (VNA) - Can Tho city is intensifying efforts to resolve vessel monitoring system (VMS) disconnections as part of its drive to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, aiming to ensure all fishing vessels maintain stable tracking signals while operating at sea.
The VMS plays a crucial role in enabling authorities to issue timely alerts when vessels risk entering restricted or foreign waters.
All 343 fishing vessels of 15 metres or more in the city have been fitted with VMS devices, but some have recently experienced technical glitches that caused temporary signal loss during offshore operations.
Le Thi Phuong, owner of a 15-m vessel in Tran De commune, said her vessel has long used a VNPT monitoring device but has recently encountered several disconnections. She added that while vessel owners are willing to replace outdated equipment, many hope for State support in the form of reduced costs or instalment plans, as the upgrade can cost tens of millions of VND, excluding monthly service fees.
Harsh marine conditions, particularly high humidity and salinity, often lead to equipment malfunctions. In response, the Can Tho Sub-Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance is working closely with service providers to routinely inspect devices, assist vessel owners, and carry out necessary maintenance and repairs to ensure uninterrupted monitoring.
The city is also moving quickly to implement subsidies for satellite subscription fees and support the replacement of VMSs. Under the current roadmap, all vessels of 15 metres or longer must upgrade their equipment by December 31, 2026.
According to Lu Tan Hoa, deputy director of the sub-department, authorities will further step up communication to ensure fishermen comply fully with VMS requirements. He said equipment providers have been asked to enhance device durability and establish repair points in areas with large numbers of vessels, as well as maintain backup units to promptly assist fishermen when malfunctions occur.
Thanks to consistent efforts, since January 2024, Can Tho has recorded no cases of vessels 24 metres or more losing connection for over six hours without reporting their position, or losing connection for over 10 days without returning to port. Connection loss among vessels with a length between 15 metres and under 24 metres has also been promptly addressed. Monitoring records show that no Can Tho-registered vessels have crossed into foreign waters since 2024.
VMS installation is mandatory under the 2017 Fisheries Law and is considered a key technical measure for managing fishing activities at sea./.
