approval. The application must be submitted before departure if the crew member enters Taiwan and departs on the vessel from a Taiwanese port. Some civil society groups have criticized the hiring registration system, as fisheries associations or trade groups assist shipowners in inputting data, which raises concerns about a “player-referee” conflict of interest. In response, the Fisheries Agency clarified that these associations support shipowners by entering information, but the review process is delegated to local governments through administrative authority. Each year, the Fisheries Agency provides local governments with a list of offshore vessels eligible for employment, and local governments then process vessel owners' employment filings. Lin Ding-rong stated, “The entire review process is ultimately the responsibility of government agencies, so conflict of interest is not an issue.” (4) Vacancy rate Agency representative Ms. Li noted that procedures for hiring upon entry differ by county, and she hopes for more streamlined administrative processes, as the lengthy documentation, medical checks, and crew roster submission processes delay ship departures. Ms. Li also highlighted that extended waiting times increase the risk of fishers disappearing, as illegal brokers or traffickers may persuade them to leave. Ms. Li shared instances where some crew members hid in the mountains to grow mushrooms, tomatoes, and cabbage. She also mentioned a runaway crew member who once called a company interpreter, the embarkation port within the recent three months. Items required for examination are the same as those set forth in paragraph 3 of the Requirements for Medical Examination in the Certificate of Medical Examination on the Crew Member of Fishing Vessel (as shown in Appendix 7). (7) A color photograph of the foreign crew member or the electronic file. (8) The foreign crew member’s onboard care service plan. The onboard care service plan as referred to in subparagraph (8) of the preceding paragraph shall specify at least the following items: (1) The hygiene and safety of potable water, food, and accommodation. (2) Health protection. (3) Emergent pandemic prevention measure.” 35