Commercial split beam echosounder (ES70) installed on a krill fishing vessel was calibrated in order to utilize it in estimating biomass of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). The method of calibration was to analyze the difference between the bottom backscattering strength of the commercial split beam echosounder (i.e. ES70) and the scientific echosounder (i.e. EK60) at one of transects near South Shetland Islands designated by CCAMLR. 38 kHz and 120 kHz were used for the calibration, and krill swarm signal levels obtained from multi frequencies, was examined to verify the calibration result. The analysis result indicated possibility of calibration by bottom backscattering strength, since the proportion of krill swarm signals within 2 dB < SV 120 kHz-38 kHz < 12 dB (i.e. a common SV 120 kHz-38 kHz range of 38 kHz and 120 kHz to be an indicator of Antarctic krill) over the total acoustic signals were 26.95% and 92.04%, respectively before and after the calibration.

Korea has a systemic problem with lack of engine maintenance, especially among the Commercial Fishing Vessel fleet. This results in a inordinate percent of SAR call-outs for vessels with engine failure. These SAR call-outs lead to a free tow to shore by KCG or by one of its volunteer associates. Although these tows are not a terrible economic burden on KCG, it is a burden in terms of time and resources mis-allocated. This paper proposes a Commercial Fishing Vessel Examination (CFVE) program modeled after the program run by USCG. It is expected that adopting the CFVE program, KCG may be able to create a culture of safety among fishermen; thus, replicating the USCG’s success rates.