Minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Kang said, "We will expand the budget for distributing inflatable life vests by about 14.7 billion won and invest 5 billion won in establishing a monitoring system for accident signs."
Minister Kang mentioned this during a meeting with the press corps held at the Government Sejong Center on the afternoon of the 17th, focusing on measures against fishing vessel accidents. According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the number of deaths and missing people due to fishing vessel safety accidents increased by 41, from 78 in 2023 to 119 last year. This year, continuous vessel accidents have also occurred in the Seo Gyeong-ho (Yeosu), Je Seong-ho (Jeju), and Shin Bang-ju-ho (Buan) regions, with 26 individuals reported dead or missing just this month. It is reported that the damage has worsened as the crew members did not wear life vests.
He noted, "Fishermen may get caught in nets while wearing thick solid life vests, and they are often uncomfortable to wear while sleeping, so they do not wear them frequently," adding, "The regulations mandate that they only be worn when a storm warning or weather alert is issued." He explained, "We are considering distributing inflatable life vests that are easier and simpler to wear instead of solid life vests and making it mandatory for all crew members."
Minister Kang also emphasized the need to develop a system for signaling potential accidents to prevent incidents. Currently, when a vessel's communication system is turned off, the Coast Guard or public vessels check the vessel's condition. However, it is common for the system to shut down even in non-threatening situations due to frequent errors with the communication system. Additionally, it is reported that there are not enough personnel to manage the 10,000 vessels that may be simultaneously at sea. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries aims to enhance the accident signaling system to reduce system errors, analyze vessel patterns, and automate the management of high-risk vessels.
Minister Kang stated, "Recent causes of fishing vessel accidents are believed to be adverse weather conditions, navigational negligence, and excessive fishing due to competition among fishermen," adding, "To prevent this, a fisheries reform centered on the total allowable catch (TAC) system is necessary, and a sustainable nearshore fisheries law should be enacted this year."
According to the nearshore fisheries law, if fishermen do not catch their total allowable catch, they can sell the corresponding amount of fishing rights. This is expected to prevent excessive fishing by fishermen and reduce accident risks through the mandatory reporting of location and catches.
The nearshore fisheries law is currently pending in the relevant standing committee. Minister Kang revealed, "We are holding a public hearing regarding the development of the nearshore fisheries act and are working to ensure the bill passes in the standing committee."