The Prime Minister has approved additional tasks to implement the 1979 International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention 79) in the 2019-2025 period.

A foreign seaman suffering a stroke at sea is rescued by the Vietnam Maritime Search
and Rescue Co-ordination Centre Region 3 in southern Ba Ria - Vung Tau province
(Photo: tuoitre.vn)

The Government leader instructed the Ministry of Transport to collaborate with relevant agencies in 2019-2022 to amend, supplement and issue legal documents in line with regulations of the convention.

The ministry will partner with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and local authorities to launch communication activities and guidance, and to conduct revision on the implementation of regulation on maritime search and rescue work.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will team up with various agencies to devise measures handling maritime incidents in line with the convention. 

A national plan on coping with accidents of marine vessels and civil aircraft at sea will be carried out in accordance with the approved plan.

In the coming time, the National Committee for Disaster Response, Search and Rescue will organise and participate in maritime search and rescue drills with other countries to implement signed agreements on search and rescue activities.