Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Combat Illegal Fishing Vessel Modifications

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will fully implement a registration system for fishing vessel construction and modification starting June 26, aiming to eradicate illegal expansions and systematically develop shipyards.
On June 25, the ministry announced the standards for facilities and equipment required for the registration of fishing vessel construction and modification businesses.
The registration system was established following amendments to the fishing vessel law in December 2022, but a one-year grace period was provided to ensure the stable registration of existing shipyards. As a result, companies currently operating in fishing vessel construction and modification must register with the relevant fisheries management office by December 20 of this year to continue their operations.
Companies that fail to register by the deadline and continue to engage in fishing vessel construction or modification may face penalties of up to three years in prison or fines of up to 30 million won. Additionally, registered companies that illegally expand or modify vessels will be subject to administrative sanctions, including suspension of operations.
This measure allows for administrative action against shipyards involved in illegal modifications, which is expected to strengthen the safety management system for fishing vessels.
Alongside the implementation of the registration system, the ministry plans to establish support measures. By 2029, a fishing vessel construction support center will be established in Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do, allowing registered companies to utilize construction equipment, facilities, and infrastructure when building vessels. Financial support for small-scale companies will also be pursued.
Choi Hyun-ho, head of the Fisheries Policy Office at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, stated, "We will strengthen support to ensure that the fishing vessel construction and modification industry, which has operated as a free business, can gain competitiveness. Through the registration system, we aim to significantly reduce illegal expansions and modifications, which are one of the causes of fishing vessel capsizing, thereby enhancing the stability of the working environment."

* This article has been translated by AI.