South Korea Revises Onboard Safety Standards to Strengthen Seafarer Welfare and Maritime Workplace Safety
South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) has announced revisions to its Onboard Safety and Health Standards, introducing practical changes aimed at improving seafarer safety, streamlining onboard health management, and reducing operational confusion for shipowners and crew.
The revised standards, which will be officially announced on July 20, are designed to strengthen the effectiveness of shipboard safety management while easing administrative burdens identified by the maritime industry.
Originally introduced in October 2024, the Onboard Safety and Health Standards were established to help prevent maritime accidents, improve onboard working conditions, and protect the health and welfare of seafarers. The regulations apply to vessels covered under the Seafarers Act, excluding fishing vessels, although ships engaged in fisheries testing, surveys, guidance, inspections, and training remain within the scope of the rules.
Industry Feedback Shapes Revised Maritime Safety Rules
According to the Ministry, the latest amendments were developed after gathering feedback from a wide range of maritime stakeholders, including seafarers’ associations, shipping companies, and classification societies.
The revisions focus on improving the practical implementation of onboard safety measures while aligning national regulations more closely with international maritime standards.
Simpler Procedures for Administering Over-the-Counter Medicines
One of the most significant changes concerns the administration of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines by onboard health officers.
Previously, health officers were required to obtain telemedicine support from a physician before administering any medication, including common treatments such as cold medicine or anti-inflammatory painkillers. Under the revised standards, medicines classified as over-the-counter under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act may now be administered without physician guidance.
The Ministry said the change is expected to reduce unnecessary administrative procedures while maintaining appropriate healthcare standards onboard.
Safety Representative Selection Expanded
The revised standards also introduce greater flexibility in selecting onboard safety representatives.
Previously, the regulations only recognized election as the method for selecting a safety representative. The amendment now also permits appointment, reflecting provisions under the 2006 Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
Officials believe this revision will improve consistency with international maritime labor standards while reducing confusion among vessel operators and crew.
Clearer Hearing Protection Requirements
Another amendment provides clearer guidance for implementing hearing preservation programs aboard ships.
The Ministry has incorporated relevant provisions from the Regulations on Occupational Safety and Health Standards to establish more precise operational criteria. The clarification is intended to eliminate differing interpretations and improve compliance with occupational health requirements.
Ministry Expects More Effective Shipboard Safety Management
Kim Hye-jung, Director of the Shipping and Logistics Bureau at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, said the revised standards are expected to reduce confusion surrounding onboard safety requirements while improving the overall effectiveness of maritime health and safety management.
She added that the Ministry will continue working closely with industry stakeholders and incorporating field feedback to create a safer and healthier working environment for seafarers across the country’s maritime sector.
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