steroids—we are prepared for anything a doctor recommends.” An
intermediary also noted that when vessels dock at a port, key crew
members such as the captain, first mate, and chief engineer often leave and
return home. Vessel owners are advised to ensure that crew members know
who is responsible for holding the key to the medical cabinet to prevent
situations where medicines cannot be accessed.34
Captain Chen Wen-sheng shared his perspective, emphasizing that
important medications, such as those for stomach issues, liver conditions,
and inflammation, should not be taken indiscriminately. Therefore, he
manages the main medical cabinet personally. However, he also prepares a
small medical kit in the crew quarters with basic supplies like iodine,
Mentholatum, and essential oils for treating minor external injuries, which
crew members can access freely. 35
(3) Challenges with fishing vessel modifications
The Executive Yuan has been promoting the domestic implementation
of ILO-C188 and has revised the Regulations for Vessel Equipment
accordingly. Consequently, vessel owners must bear additional costs due
to these regulatory changes to build compliant fishing vessels. TTLA
Secretary General Ho Shih-chieh pointed out in his interview that the ILOC188 convention sets standards for living facilities on fishing vessels, such
as sleeping quarters, bathrooms, laundry equipment, and medical isolation
rooms. Based on his observations, these requirements seem modeled after
commercial vessel standards. If crew living spaces are increased, then
workspace must decrease. There is a limit to usable space even when
vessels are expanded from 100 tons to 200 tons, which reduces operational
flexibility. Ho remarked, “You can make the sleeping quarters larger, but
in turn, the working deck becomes smaller, which can lead to unnecessary
NHRC (January 6, 2023). “Actions and Dialogues on Human Rights Issues of Migrant
Fishers: Stakeholder Forum,” Record of Kaohsiung Session.
35
NHRC (March 17, 2023). “Interview Record with Man Fu Tsai Fishing Vessel Owner Chen
Wen-sheng.”
34
44