members. While at sea, fishers slept on the boat, sharing a space with 2 to
3 people per room, and each had a personal locker. When the vessel docked
for 2 to 3 days, the fishers were provided with lodging at onshore hotels,
staying in different hotels depending on the port.
The boat had only one shared restroom, which even the captain used
without any special distinction. One notable difference, however, was the
location and accessibility of the medical kit. On South Korean vessels, the
medical kit was kept in the kitchen and could be accessed by anyone as
needed. A stark contrast with Taiwanese vessels, where the medical cabinet
is stored in the captain’s quarters, with the key being held by the captain.
Muhamad noted that captains on Taiwanese vessels often did not even
know what medications were available.
(2) Medical supplies
TFFSA board member Chang Yao-ren explained that squid fishing
vessels are stocked with an extensive list of medicines and medical
equipment. “Standard medical inventory on vessels includes over 60 types
of medicines and 60 types of medical equipment. We prepare a wide range
of medical supplies and equipment to comply with international
regulations.” He suggested that government agencies could help businesses
lower costs by assisting with procurement.
TFFSA board member Chen Jian-liang elaborated on the standards for
preparing medical supplies. The required medical inventory for squid
jigging vessels operating in the Falkland Islands follows commercial vessel
specifications. Other types of fishing vessels—whether large-scale, smallscale, or purse seiners—have their supplies tailored by vessel owners to
meet the demands of their operational environments. Currently, Taiwan
does not have specific regulations on this matter. Vessel owners often
overprepare medical supplies to prevent any onboard emergencies. Kung
Kun-tung, a small-vessel owner, explained, “Cold medicine, antiinflammatory drugs, treatments for skin irritation or stomach pain,
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