According to the proposal which has just been sent to the municipal people's committee, the lifeboat team would be headquartered at Can Gio District Border Guard Station.
Lying some 50 kilometres southeast of HCM City, Can Gio is the only city locality that borders the sea.
Local residents on Thanh An Island in Can Gio have faced lots of difficulties travelling to the mainland to seek hospital treatment, especially during rough seas.
"While local hospitals have been unable to provide transportation services for patients living in Can Gio and neighbouring localities, it’s vital we have a lifeboat team in those areas to better aid local residents," the department said. "We'll provide proper training activities for the staff while local authorities should be responsible for preparing and maintaining facilities and equipment."
The department said that if their plan was approved, they would propose expanding the lifeboat service in the city centre around the Bach Dang Wharf in District 1.