The West Sea 5 Islands Special Guard Unit (WSIGU) under the Central Regional Coast Guard has launched efforts to strengthen its enforcement capabilities against illegal foreign fishing vessels ahead of the spring blue crab peak season.
The WSIGU announced on March 3 that it conducted a six-day "intensive training program for illegal foreign fishing vessel enforcement" from February 23 to 28. The training was designed to minimize operational gaps caused by the 2026 regular personnel transfers and to establish an immediate response system at an early stage.
The training was conducted in an "all-in-one" format with collaboration across all departments, including security, foreign affairs, equipment, communications, and education. This approach reflects the fact that cracking down on illegal foreign fishing vessels is a complex operation requiring all vessel functions to work in coordination.
Each patrol vessel tested equipment performance through actual maneuvers, including high-speed boat operations. The Maritime Special Mobile Unit enhanced enforcement effectiveness through inspections of suppression equipment and training on evidence collection procedures. Newly appointed captains and chief engineers received training on geographical and tidal characteristics by sea area, along with maneuvering drills for water-jet vessel port entry and departure.
"This has been an opportunity to build teamwork for each vessel early on and strengthen solidarity among crew members," said Moon Ji-hyun, head of the WSIGU. "We will firmly confront illegal foreign fishing vessels to protect the fishery resources of our fishermen."