# Another crew member, B, suffered a finger amputation during fishing operations and requested assistance from the captain, who notified rescue services. Following their guidance, B preserved the severed part and was transported to a nearby hospital for surgery.
To address the healthcare needs of fishermen who suffer injuries or health deteriorations while at sea, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is launching a pilot program for an "onboard doctor" service. This initiative will run until the end of the year for deep-sea fishing workers.
On May 14, the ministry announced that it will sign a memorandum of understanding with representatives from eight organizations on May 15 to kick off the pilot program. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will oversee the initiative, with administrative support from Jeju Province. The Korea Maritime Traffic Safety Authority and the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives will execute the program, while the Foundation for Cooperation between Large, Medium, and Small Enterprises and the Incheon Port Authority, Yeosu Gwangyang Port Authority, and HK InnoN will provide financial support.
The "onboard doctor" program aims to support health management for those engaged in fishing activities far from land, where access to medical care is limited. The Jeju area is located more than 640 kilometers from the mainland, with travel times of three to four days. Fishing trips can last over 45 days.
This pilot program is designed to manage the health of fishermen throughout the entire fishing cycle, including pre-departure, during operations, and in emergencies.
As part of the program, fishermen will receive support for routine health check-ups, management of results, and assistance for those who have not undergone examinations. They will also benefit from remote consultations and prescriptions for chronic conditions, as well as pre-departure health checks for long fishing trips.
Additionally, regular health assessments will be conducted during fishing periods, and if any abnormal results are found, doctors will provide consultations. Emergency care and management will also be available for trauma and other urgent cases.
The ministry plans to utilize advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and low-orbit satellite communications to implement this program. Initially, over 100 fishing vessels operating in the waters near Jeju, with around 1,000 fishermen, will be included in the pilot program, which will run from May 15 to December. The ministry will evaluate the results to consider potential expansions.
Choi Hyun-ho, head of the Fisheries Policy Office at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, stated, "This program is a systematic health management measure aimed at saving the lives of fishermen and preventing risks. We will also closely examine the health management of foreign fishermen who may fall into gaps in care through this pilot program."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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