With the enforcement of stricter life jacket regulations for fishing vessel crew, the Mokpo Coast Guard has identified 32 individuals for failing to wear them during a month-long crackdown.
The Mokpo Coast Guard reported on September 7 that it detected a total of 19 violations involving 32 individuals who did not wear life jackets during inspections at fishing sites throughout August.
This enforcement action follows the recent amendment to the 'Fishing Vessel Safety Operations Act,' which has strengthened the requirement for crew members to wear life jackets.
To minimize confusion following the regulatory changes, the Mokpo Coast Guard conducted a month-long promotional and guidance period in July before initiating enforcement. During this time, they informed fishing vessels and crew about the life jacket requirements, issuing 47 warnings to 80 individuals.
Starting in August, the Coast Guard shifted to actual enforcement, resulting in the identification of 19 violations involving 32 individuals who were not wearing life jackets.
The fines for not wearing a life jacket can be significant. Penalties range from 900,000 won for the first offense, 1.5 million won for the second, and up to 3 million won for the third offense.
Wearing a life jacket is crucial for safety at sea, as immediate rescue is often more challenging than on land in the event of an accident. The Mokpo Coast Guard plans to continue encouraging fishermen and crew members to adopt life jacket use as a standard practice.
Park Hye-ryang, head of the Mokpo Coast Guard's Marine Safety Division, stated, "Wearing a life jacket is the most fundamental safety rule for protecting one's life at sea. I urge all fishermen and crew members to wear life jackets to ensure safe fishing activities."
Additionally, the Mokpo Coast Guard intends to maintain ongoing promotions and inspections to ensure that the life jacket requirement is firmly established in the field. They will continue safety management activities to help crew members familiarize themselves with the regulations and make life jacket use a habit.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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