01Why is the life‑jacket wear rate so low?
Statistics show that about 81% of recent marine accident deaths or disappearances occurred without a life jacket, indicating that the perception “wearing one isn’t necessary” remains strong among recreational anglers.
Accidents on rocky shores are especially dangerous because rapid currents and wave changes reduce the recovery time after falling into the water to less than 10–15 seconds. Without a life jacket, flotation time is dramatically shortened, raising the immediate risk of sinking.
Moreover, existing regulations only mandated life‑jacket use for crews of two or fewer and during weather warnings, so it was treated as optional in normal conditions. The 2026 amendment eliminates this exemption, requiring a shift in mindset.
02Legal obligations and fine structure
The amendment to the ‘Fisheries Vessel Safety Operations and Crew Health Promotion Act’ effective July 1, 2026 requires every person on board—including on recreational fishing vessels—to wear a life jacket at all times.
Fines are tiered: first offense about ₩900,000, second about ₩1,500,000, and up to ₩3,000,000 for a third offense. Exact amounts vary according to the enforcement decree and rule tables. Fines increase with the number of violations and on‑site investigations.
Because amounts differ by region and timing, always check the latest notices from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Coast Guard before heading out. This is the surest way to avoid economic loss from legal violations.
- Going out on a trip without a life jacket
- Wearing a life jacket that is the wrong size and does not keep you afloat
03How life‑jacket wear doubles survival rates
KOMSA statistics show that wearers have roughly twice the survival rate of non‑wearers, as the jacket increases buoyancy, prolonging body‑heat retention and breathing time.
A typical life jacket provides 150–200 g of buoyancy, extending the flotation time for an average adult male (70 kg) from 30–45 seconds to 60–90 seconds—crucial time before rescue arrives.
The jacket is also designed to allow free movement of arms and legs, enabling self‑propulsion in the water. This reduces energy expenditure while floating, further boosting survival odds.
04Proper life‑jacket wear in practice
First, choose a size that fits snugly. Selecting a size 5–10 cm larger than chest circumference provides sufficient buoyancy but may restrict movement.
Second, inspect the buoyancy pads before each wear to ensure they are intact. A ruptured pad loses buoyancy and nullifies the jacket’s effect; make this a habit.
Third, adjust the waist and shoulder straps after putting on the jacket so it fits tightly. Loose straps allow the jacket to slip off underwater, losing buoyancy.
- Wearing a life jacket is not optional—it is a legal requirement.
- Wearing it raises survival rates by about twofold.
- Fines can reach up to ₩3,000,000 depending on the number of violations.
"A life jacket is the simplest equipment that saves lives." – Korea Coast Guard