Fishermen determined to protect Vietnamese seas The energetic activity at one shipyard in the southern province of Binh Dinh displays the patriotism of the civilian Vietnamese fishing fleet as well as tensions over the East Sea. Shipbuilding Many recent incidents involving Chinese vessels and Vietnamese fishing boats have been the cause increased effort and activity, not only for fishermen, but for shipbuilders. Sailors are determined to protect Vietnamese territorial waters and long-held fishing grounds from Chinese incursions despite dangers.  This means shipyard is busy these days, as new ships are being completed for fishermen in various southern provinces of Vietnam such as Binh Dinh, Quang Nam and Quang Ngai.  Captain Nguyen Phuc Tri has sailed for 30 years and owns two ships that operate near Hoang Sa and Truong Sa islands. Because of these tense times, he has decided to build another ship in order to help protect Vietnam's fishing areas. "The area which the the Chinese oil rig illegally occupies takes up our traditional fishing spots. But we won't be intimidated and are determined to protect our seas," he said. Another captain also decided to build a third ship. According to him, not only does the Chinese oil rig illegally occupy Vietnamese fishing waters, but it also makes it difficult for other ships to travel without clashes with Chinese ships.  Repairs for the next venture The head of Binh Dinh Department of Exploitation and Protection of Fisheries Resources, Mai Kim Thi, said the province has 10 shipyards with increasing orders. Last year, they built 270 new ships, and in the first months of 2014 they have built 48. The sailors go to their fishing spots in groups and often call to report any dangerous situations. Van Cong Viet, a retired fisherman, is willing to venture to the sea again because of the Chinese incursion. Meanwhile, Captain Pham Hau is more concern about the situation. He said, "If China is successful with this oil rig, they may bring out the second oil rig. We hope the government will give financial support to build ships and protect our waters." Nguyen Cong Binh, deputy head of the Department of Exploitation and Protection of Fisheries Resources said, "We also cooperate with other agencies to encourage people to protect our seas and provide hotlines to fishermen in cases of emergency."  By Doan Cong, dtinews.vn