IV. Labor Inspections The enforcement of labor laws often requires the intervention of public authorities, with labor inspections being considered the most direct means to ensure compliance by employers. Fishing, a high-risk “4D” industry 61, faces unique challenges due to the nature of vessels being mobile workplaces operating across national borders. These factors make labor inspections in the fishing industry particularly challenging—both onshore and offshore. Compounding the issue is the division of inspection responsibilities across multiple governing bodies, leading to fragmented authority. The dual-track regulatory framework differentiates between domestic and overseas employment, while jurisdictional challenges regarding flags of convenience further complicate the enforcement of labor laws. These factors collectively add significant complexity to labor inspections in the fisheries sector. i. Labor Inspection Mechanisms Labor inspection is a critical measure for the government to enforce labor laws, representing the State's use of public authority to intervene in the private domain of labor relations. Its purpose is to ensure compliance with labor laws, protect worker safety and health, prevent occupational accidents, and safeguard workers' rights. 62 The Labor Inspection Act is the primary legal basis for labor inspections, which involve the exercise of significant public authority. The scope of inspections is broadly categorized into two areas: matters regulated under labor standard laws and matters regulated under occupational safety and health laws. Fishing operations at sea are characterized by difficulty, long distances from home, high danger, and dirty working conditions. 62 Chiu Chi-Hsien, “The Professional Division of Occupational Safety and Health and Labor Inspections,” Taiwan Labor Quarterly, Issue 41, March 2015, Leshuo Headlines, p. 5. 61 67