Sea's 'Seatbelt' Life Jackets Mandatory for All Fishermen From July

The Donghae Regional Coast Guard is intensifying its public awareness campaign ahead of the mandatory implementation of life jacket usage for all fishing vessel crew members, set to take effect on July 1.

Under the current Fishing Vessel Safety Act, life jacket use is already required for crew members working or moving on exposed decks. However, the new regulation expands this mandate significantly.

Starting July 1, all individuals aboard fishing vessels must wear life jackets when on any exposed deck, irrespective of the total number of crew members. This measure aims to enhance safety at sea and reduce fatalities in case of accidents.

Captains bear the responsibility of supervising their crew's compliance. Both crew members and captains will face penalties if violations are detected. The fines are structured to increase with each subsequent offense, starting at 900,000 won for a first violation, escalating to 1.5 million won for a second, and reaching 3 million won for a third offense.

The regulation applies equally to foreign crew members serving on domestic fishing vessels. Enforcement will not only check for the mere presence of a life jacket but also ensure it is worn correctly and is functional. The Donghae Coast Guard stressed that life jackets are the most critical safety equipment for preserving lives during maritime incidents, citing a past incident in November near Ganggu Port where a small fishing vessel was involved.