Mandatory 'Life Jacket Wearing' Even for 2 or Fewer Passengers Onboard

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries amended the "Fishing Vessel Safety Operation Act Enforcement Rules" on the 19th to require that life jackets be worn at all times even if the number of people on board a fishing vessel is two or fewer. The enforcement rules will take effect from October 19, 2025.

Until now, wearing life jackets on fishing vessels was only mandatory when on exposed decks during typhoon, storm warnings, or preliminary warnings. However, if a fishing vessel has two or fewer people on board, it can be difficult to rescue a person who falls into the sea due to slipping or other accidents, potentially leading to significant casualties. Therefore, the requirement to wear life jackets at all times has been strengthened even for fishing vessels with two or fewer people on board.

Earlier on the 2nd, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced the "Fishing Vessel Safety Management Measures," which include plans for the continuous wearing of life jackets and the distribution of inflatable life jackets. Accordingly, the requirements for wearing life jackets will be gradually improved to mandate wearing them at all times regardless of weather warnings, and the distribution of convenient inflatable life jackets will be expanded.

Kang Do-hyung, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, said, "I urge all fishers to wear life jackets with the mindset that a life jacket is a life-saving vest," and added, "The government will also meticulously implement detailed measures of the fishing vessel safety management plan to create a safe working environment."