unions provide trained crew members, 30 ensuring that fishers gain a preliminary understanding of the environment onboard, the nature of their work, and living conditions before they board the vessels. This preparation aims to prevent adjustment difficulties before they begin working onboard. (2) Training costs A TSSFA representative explained that training is divided into two parts: BST conducted in Indonesia is required to obtain a seafarer’s license and qualify for the job, and the fishers themselves bear this cost. However, training tailored to specific vessel types and operations is required once in Taiwan and onboard. This includes fire drills, emergency procedures, and lifeboat operations. The vessel owners cover these costs. Lin Ming-cheng, an executive board member of TSSFA, further elaborated, “We must hire professionals to train the crew onboard as each vessel operates differently. For example, lifeboat operation is something the fishers cannot learn locally. It’s our responsibility as vessel owners to pay for training specialists to teach them about lifeboat operations. It’s simply not feasible for them to learn this back home, so the cost falls on us.” Economic Daily News (Dec 16, 2022). “SPPI Signs Agreement in Taiwan to Protect Fisher Rights and Ensure Industry Sustainability,” by United Daily News report Lin Pinchun/Kaohsiung Breaking Report. “SSPI Signs Agreement in Taiwan,” (December 16, 2022) Source: http://www.squid.org.tw/index.php/ln/em/601-111-12-16。 30 39