In 2015, the safety refresher training system for seafarers was reformed with the aim of strengthening practical skills. However, a failure to forecast demand led to a chronic backlog of trainees. Furthermore, the uniform application of merchant vessel standards (STCW) to fishing vessels (STCW-F) created a qualitative problem, undermining the effectiveness of the education. This study aims to diagnose these issues and propose effective improvement measures. This research employed a mixed-methods approach. First, a comparative analysis was conducted between international conventions (STCW and STCW-F) and domestic regulations, institutional standards, and curricula. Second, an empirical analysis was performed through a survey of 220 merchant and fishing vessel seafarers, which was supplemented by in-depth interviews. The analysis revealed several critical gaps. The domestic legal framework does not distinguish between STCW and STCW-F and the curriculum is heavily biased toward theory, failing to meet international practice-oriented competency standards. The survey and interview results confirmed that the current fits all training is severely misaligned with the operational realities of fishing vessels, which have different equipment and environments. Based on these findings, this study proposes three prolonged improvement plans. First, the curriculum should be dualized to reflect the distinct characteristics of merchant and fishing vessels. Second, a hybrid training model that combines mandatory shore-based training for high-risk drills with flexible onboard training for basic skills should be introduced. Third, facility standards for training institutions should be converted from rigid mandates to flexible guidelines. These measures are expected to resolve the chronic training backlog and enhance the practical emergency response capabilities of all seafarers.

This study aimed to improve safety and reduce labor intensity in offshore crab pot fisheries through the development of six types of automated fishing gear: a bait cutter, bait crusher, mainline arranging device, automatic pot hauler, cold water tank system, and crab pot unloading device. Sea trials demonstrated that both the bait cutter and bait crusher effectively reduced overall operation time. The mainline arranging device lowered the risk of injury compared to the conventional manual handling. The automatic pot hauler enabled the automated separation of crab pots, significantly decreasing the physical workload. The cold water tank system facilitated the efficient sorting of live crabs while enhancing onboard safety. Additionally, the crab pot unloading device reduced physical strain on workers and minimized catch damage. A satisfaction survey revealed high levels of approval among fishers, particularly regarding labor reduction and improved safety. Economic analysis indicated that vessels equipped with the automated gear experienced reduced overall operating costs. These findings suggest that the developed technologies will contribute to the long-term sustainability and modernization of offshore crab pot fisheries.

This study examined the operational characteristics and fishing performance of an offshore pot fishery targeting swimming crabs (Portunus trituberculatus) to identify key issues and proposed strategies for improving efficiency and fisher safety. Analysis was based on approximately one year of fishing logbook data recorded by a pot fishing vessel. The total annual catch amounted to 30,084 kg, with the highest catch per unit effort of 0.07 kg per trap observed in autumn at depths of 20–25 m. No crabs were caught below 15℃ while the peak catch occurred at around 25℃. Catches were geographically concentrated in the mid-northern West Sea, especially near Taean and Boryeong. Economically important bycatch species, including sand crabs, octopus, and turban snails, exhibited distinct spatial distributions. An average of 1,996 traps were deployed per operation with a low loss rate of 1.6 traps. Based on field-level observations, this study proposed the development of automated or semi-automated equipment, such as bait cutters, automatic mainline arranging devices, pot-hauling and separation systems, chilled water tanks for sorting, and automated unloading systems. These technologies are expected to reduce labor demands, improve safety, and enhance the overall operational efficiency of the pot fishery.

This study was attempted to solve the problem that the current training is not consistent with the actual working environment of the fishing vessel, even though the advanced fire extinguishing training for international fishing vessels is mandatory. As a result of the survey, the lack of timely use of fire extinguishing equipment and the difficulty of organizing the fire extinguishing organization were found, and the main problems were analyzed as low understanding of fixed fire extinguishing facilities, low awareness of fire-related laws and regulations, and inefficiency of fire extinguishing training. It was found that the current Seafarers Act does not clearly define the roles and responsibilities of advanced fire extinguishers, and lacks specific standards for designated educational institutions, so there is a problem that the accuracy and reliability of the training contents with the STCW-F Convention and STCW Convention are inconsistent. In addition, it has been confirmed that the fire extinguishing organization, internal communication, and fire extinguishing training in ships, as stipulated in international agreements, are not properly reflected in the domestic curriculum. In particular, the current training consists of general contents that do not take into account the characteristics of fishing vessels, so there is a lack of practical emergency response fire extinguishing training manuals. Therefore, this study proposes the development of customized training content for fishing vessels considering the special working environment and risk factors of fishing vessels based on international agreements, and emphasizes the need for policy support, such as strengthening participation of fishing vessels in education and training, and establishing a legal basis for the operation of emergency fire extinguishing organizations.

This study attempted to solve the problem that the current education does not match the actual working environment of the fishing vessel despite the mandatory lifeboat training of international fishing vessel. The survey analyzed the difficulties of using life rafts and communication facilities and found that the main problems were the launch of life rafts, lack of communication equipment proficiency, and absence of emergency training scenarios. Due to the lack of standards for designated educational institutions, the current Seafarers Act has been discovered to be a problem that the accuracy and reliability of education are not consistent with the international fishing vessel agreement and the merchant vessel agreement. Additionally, the training for retreat and emergency response as stipulated by international agreements were not properly reflected in the domestic curriculum. In particular, the current training consists of general contents without considering the characteristics of the fishing crew, and there was a lack of practical emergency response training manuals. Therefore, based on international agreements, this study proposes the development of customized training contents for fishing vessel that takes into account the special working environment and risk factors of them. In addition, it emphasizes the need for policy support, such as strengthening participation of fishing boats in education and training and establishing a legal basis for the operation of emergency life raft organizations.

This study attempted to solve the problem that the current safety education contents of Korean fishing vessels are not consistent with the STCW-F Convention and do not properly reflect the actual operating environment of the fishing vessels. Despite the reinforced duty of safety education for fishing vessels after the Ferry Sewol accident, the problem has been pointed out that the effectiveness is still low due to merchant-oriented education contents and uniform education methods. Therefore, this study compared and analyzed laws related to safety education for fishing vessels and the STCW-F Convention, and derived improvement measures by collecting voices from the field through a survey of fishing vessels. As a result of the study, it was confirmed that the current fishing vessel safety education does not take into account the reality of fishing such as fishing vessel type, navigation distance, and ship output, and that the core curriculum required by STCW-F Convention is omitted. In addition, it was found that education content on major accident types that frequently occur along the coast was also insufficient. In order to improve this, this study proposes to re-establish the target of safety education for fishing vessels based on STCW-F Convention related to fishing vessels, and to prepare a segmented education system by reorganizing the training contents to suit reality. In addition, the need to clearly distinguish the education of merchant and fishing vessels through the revision of the Seafarers Act and the Ship Employees Act was suggested, and to establish a safety education system for fishing vessels that meets STCW-F Convention and domestic conditions.