The government on Monday eased regulations on the use of firearms by the Coast Guard against fishermen engaged in illegal fishing in Korean waters.

The measures were included in the 932.4 billion won ($803 million) plan for boosting the country’s ability to deal with Chinese vessels illegally fishing in Korean waters.

The new measures allow Coast Guard officers dispatched to crack down on illegal fishing vessels to use firearms in circumstances deemed to be life-threatening or when other means are insufficient for carrying out their duties.

In addition, all eight crew members on the high-speed boats used to board such vessels will be issued with firearms.

Until now firearms were carried by only two of the crew, and their use was only allowed after non-lethal weapons proved ineffective and subduing the offenders through other means was considered impossible.

Saying that the government regrets developments that led to the death of Coast Guard Sergeant Lee Cheong-ho on Dec. 12, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office Yim Jong-yong said that the plans were drawn up to enable the concerned authorities to better deal with illegal fishing, especially by Chinese fishermen.

“While illegal fishing is increasing and becoming more violent, our vessels, human resources and equipment have not been fortified sufficiently to deal with it,” Yim said.

“Measures such as reinforcing human resources and equipment, as well as drawing up guidelines for the use of firearms will be carried out this year, and the implementation of other measures will be completed before April or May.”

As part of the plan, the Korean Coast Guard fleet covering the country’s western and southern waters will also be reinforced with nine additional ships. Eighteen high-speed boats used in boarding other vessels will be upgraded as well.

The Coast Guard will eventually replace all SWAT members with those with experience in the special warfare forces. The Coast Guard currently has 342 SWAT personnel, of which 54 have backgrounds in special forces.

The plan will also call for the establishment of Coast Guard-only wharfs at five ports along the western coast by 2016.

Chinese fishermen arrested for fishing in Korean waters will also face harsher punishment.

Seoul plans to confiscate the detained vessels’ equipment and their catch, and to double the upper limit on fines and bail to 200 million won.

Along with introducing stronger means to deal with Chinese fishermen working in Korean waters, Seoul plans to work through diplomatic channels to encourage China to take strong action.

The plan said that the government will include related issues in the agenda for high-level talks with China scheduled for Tuesday, and establish a body for managing such issues.

By Choi He-suk  (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)