On October 10, Gyeongsangnam-do announced that, starting from the 19th, wearing life jackets will be mandatory on fishing vessels with two or fewer people on board.
This change follows the revision of the Fishing Vessel Safe Operation Act, which previously required life jackets only during weather advisories such as typhoons or high seas warnings. Now, regardless of weather conditions, all fishing vessels with two or fewer people on board must wear life jackets at all times.
Accordingly, Gyeongsangnam-do will distribute 25,000 inflatable life jackets to coastal fishing vessels, fishery management vessels, and fishing boat operators.
In addition, from October 13 to 19, the province will hold an "Autumn Safe Operation Campaign," gathering fishermen, relevant agencies, and stakeholders at local ports and harbors.
The campaign will include the adoption of a fishing vessel safety pledge and slogan, demonstrations and hands-on experiences of wearing life jackets, and a safety operation promotional march.
Lee Sanghoon, Director of the Provincial Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Bureau, stated, "This legal revision is not a regulation, but a safety measure to protect precious lives at sea," adding, "We hope that distributing inflatable life jackets will encourage fishermen in the province to wear them actively and ensure safe fishing operations."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
