Chungho Seo Proposes Bill to Strengthen Emergency Response for Distant Water Fishing Vessels

Mandatory Emergency Drills for Distant Water Fishing Vessels
of 300 Gross Tons or More Ahead of Cape Town Agreement

Chungho Seo, a member of the National Assembly representing the People Power Party for Sacheon, Namhae, and Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province, has sponsored a partial amendment to the Distant Water Fisheries Development Act to strengthen the emergency response capabilities of distant water fishing vessels in preparation for the Cape Town Agreement, an international convention on fishing vessel safety scheduled to take effect in February 2027.

The current Seafarers Act regulates emergency preparedness drills for ships with a total tonnage of 500 tons or more. However, there have been calls to clarify the obligations for conducting abandon ship and fire-fighting drills for distant water fishing vessels of 300 gross tons or more, which are subject to the agreement.

[Photo by Chungho Seo, National Assembly Secretariat] Photo of Chungho Seo

The proposed amendment mandates that the captains of distant water fishing vessels with a gross tonnage of 300 tons or more must conduct abandon ship and fire-fighting drills at least once a month. It also stipulates that fines may be imposed for violations of this requirement.

Through this measure, the aim is to establish a foundation for the domestic implementation of the Cape Town Agreement and further strengthen the safety management and emergency response systems of distant water fishing vessels.

Assemblyman Seo stated, "Because distant water fishing vessels operate in remote areas for extended periods, it is essential to have a thorough emergency response system in place. By clarifying the obligations for abandon ship and fire-fighting drills through this amendment, we will reinforce the institutional foundation for safeguarding the lives and safety of fishing vessel crew members."

He further emphasized, "Going forward, I will continue to do my utmost to create a safer working environment by improving fisheries and maritime safety systems to meet international standards."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.