Revised rules expand protection for injured rescue participants

Revised rules ensure compensation and require treatment for civilians harmed in water-rescue activities, regardless of compensation payments.

The revision aligns the enforcement decree with the amended Act on Search and Rescue at Sea. The legal changes address the adequacy of compensation for civilians harmed while participating in rescue activities.

The amendment adds injuries to death and physical disability as grounds for compensation from the national government or local authorities for people performing water-rescue duties.

Previously, the decree's treatment procedure applied to injuries that did not meet compensation standards. The revised decree requires treatment for physical injuries arising from rescue duties whether or not compensation is paid.

Haeyang Gyeongchalcheong's head must publish information on water-rescue qualification examinations on the agency's website, a change intended to make it easier for applicants to take the tests. The amendment took effect immediately on publication.