of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), 56 delivered a speech addressing the current state of social and health protection for fishers. He stated, “Fishing is known as one of the most dangerous occupations globally and has been designated as a hazardous industry by the ILO. Every year, 100,000 fishers lose their lives at sea or due to workrelated causes, creating severe economic hardship for their families.”57 Karavachev emphasized that ensuring the safety and health of fishing vessel crew members requires particular attention to their fitness for fishing work before they board the vessel. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandates that vessels must have appropriate medical equipment and supplies. Additionally, every fishing vessel must have at least one crew member trained in first aid. A medical professional is required for larger distant water fishing vessels over 24 meters 24 meters in length. Both Japan and South Korea have regulations stipulating that either medical personnel or first aid responders must be onboard fishing vessels to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew. Vessels must be equipped with radio or satellite communication, and fishers should have the right to access and use these facilities. Fishers must have the right to receive medical services onboard, and when additional medical care is needed, remote medical services should be provided via radio or satellite communication. Workers on both inshore and distant water fishing vessels have the right to seek medical treatment ashore if they experience serious illness or injury. The provisions for occupational safety, health, and accident prevention are outlined in Articles 31 to 33 of the C188 Convention. These articles require member States to implement laws, regulations, or other measures The ITF, established in 1986, comprises 740 different unions across 54 countries, representing land, sea, and air transport workers. Established in 2018, the fisheries division constitutes a tiny portion of the ITF, with only 144,000 fisher members, reflecting a very low organization rate. 57 Stella Maris, under the Diocese of Taichung, hosted the “Taiwan International Conference on Fisher’s Welfare” from May 14 to 16, 2024. Rossen Karavachev delivered remarks on May 14. 56 61