VCG and JCG conduct joint exercise at sea

Accompanying Ship CSB 8004 to the exercise area were the patrol vessel Dejima (PL05) and the patrol boat Fuyo (CL122) of the JCG's Region 7.

The scenario assumed that Ship CSB 8004 of the VCG was navigating in international waters, adjacent to the maritime zone under the responsibility of JCG Region 7. While underway, the Region 7 Operation Center notified the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (Vietnam MRCC) that two persons were in distress and drifting at sea near the ship’s operating area.

Delegates of the two sides pose for a group photo before Ship CSB 8004 departs Hakata Port.

Immediately after receiving the information, the Vietnam MRCC requested the VCG ship to coordinate urgently in the SAR mission. Upon arriving at the search area, Ship CSB 8004 and JCG patrol vessels exchanged communication frequencies and shared drift estimates provided by the Region 7 Operation Center. Ship CSB 8004 intensified its search, detected one survivor, deployed a rescue craft for recovery, provided first aid, and handed the person over to the Dejima vessel. Shortly afterward, a helicopter carrying the JCG rapid-response rescue team arrived, located the second survivor, and recovered the person safely.

Senior Colonel Le Thanh Hai, head of the VCG mission, emphasized that the successful outcome was attributed to detailed pre-exercise coordination between the two forces and smooth operational synchronization during the drill. Despite the limited timeframe, the exercise featured a relatively large scale and realistic scenario aligned with the operational conditions of both sides. He added that the joint training provided the VCG with valuable opportunities to learn from the JCG’s experience, while also strengthening mutual understanding in SAR organization, procedures, and maritime rescue techniques.

Translated by Chung Anh