South Korean maritime safety initiatives

South Korean authorities and cooperatives have implemented several measures to enhance safety within the fishing and maritime sectors.

In October 2026, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives, and other organizations launched a project to distribute essential safety equipment. Using the Rural and Fishing Village Win-Win Cooperation Fund, the initiative provided 431 automatic fire extinguishing devices for unmanned engine rooms and 237 sets of inflatable life jackets to 18 fishing villages across the country.

Following this, in November 2026, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries released maritime debris accident maps to address risks involving floating objects, such as ropes or discarded nets, becoming entangled in ship propellers. These maps highlight high-risk areas across six major maritime zones, including Incheon-Pyeongtaek, Busan-Yeosu, and Jeju. To ensure accessibility, the Ministry distributed 2,000 physical copies and integrated accident data into the ‘Bada Navi’ mobile app and GPS navigation equipment.