A Study on Institutional Improvement Plans for Activating Civilian Rescue Forces in Marine Accident

Marine accidents often pose significant risks to seafarer, including drowning, falls, isolation, and drifting, especially when a ship capsizes or sinks. This underscores the need for prompt rescue responses immediately following such incidents, although the coast guard's capabilities remain constrained across vast maritime areas. In contrast, fishing vessels, which are commonly distributed along coastal regions, can quickly respond to emergencies, highlighting the importance of public-private cooperation. This study investigates the current status of the mobilization and support system for civilian rescue teams through a comprehensive analysis of relevant laws, literature, and prior research, and proposes institutional improvements for the timely establishment of a maritime disaster rescue teams. To enhance the participation and expertise of civilian maritime rescue teams, including unregistered fishers, it is essential to improve volunteer remuneration and the systems for disaster and property compensation, as well as to establish provisions for safety and search-and-rescue equipment. Additionally, implementing welfare programs, such as scholarships and international training programs, is important. These measures are expected to strengthen public-private cooperation in maritime rescue operations.