적극적 고용개선 조치를 통한 여성 해기사 확대 방안 연구

The shipping industry plays a crucial role in sustaining the global economy, and the stable supply of highly skilled seafarers is vital. However, the industry's sustainability is increasingly threatened by a severe shortage of seafarers. A key contributing factor to this shortage is the persistent gender imbalance, as women continue to face barriers in entering the traditionally male-dominated field of maritime occupations. This study examines legislation and case law on Affirmative Action in Korea and other jurisdictions to explore strategies for expanding female participation in the maritime workforce. The analysis highlights the legal functions and effectiveness of such measures in promoting substantive equality, mitigating structural gender inequality, and enhancing labor market sustainability. To maximize policy effectiveness while minimizing potential issues such as reverse discrimination, tailored implementation and ongoing evaluation are necessary, considering the unique characteristics of each occupational sector. This study asserts that gender imbalance exacerbates the maritime workforce shortage and emphasizes the need for Affirmative Action to address this issue. Accordingly, it proposes policy initiatives such as amendments to the Seafarers Act, mandatory corporate reporting on gender employment data, and incentive programs to encourage greater female seafarers. Expanding the presence of female seafarers can enhance the shipping industry’s competitiveness and long-term sustainability. Thus, robust institutional support from both the government and industry stakeholders is imperative.