ASEAN and China agreed on a number of issues on search and rescue to help distressed fishermen and vessels in the East Sea at a seminar that closed in Hanoi on June 20.

At the two-day event, organised by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, participants who came from ASEAN member nations and China shared the view that the East Sea poses risks to seafarers and vessels, including natural disasters and heavy traffic, while safety equipment is inefficient and information and disaster warnings are inadequate.

Though countries pay more attention to search and rescue activities, it has little impact as more and more incidents occur.

Brunei representatives stressed the need of global-scale coordination to respond more swiftly and effectively to emergencies.

A number of challenges facing search and rescue activities were also highlighted, including the lack of information sharing and coordination mechanisms among countries, disconnected signal systems and language barriers.

Those from Singapore , Malaysia and Indonesia emphasised the absence of the region’s mechanisms and procedures in treating post-rescue victims, adding that sovereign disputes in the East Sea also hinder rescue cooperation.

Chinese, Malaysian and Singaporean delegates suggested rescue teams hold regional drills on sand table towards ASEAN–China exercises in the field.

According to them, ASEAN and China should devise search and rescue regulations and procedures. Relevant parties were also encouraged to join the 1979 International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue.

Recommendations will be submitted to ASEAN and Chinese senior officials for consideration.-VNA