The training focused on response procedures for scenarios such as deterring illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. IUU fishing—activities that violate laws, evade reporting requirements or exploit unregulated areas—poses risks to maritime safety and undermines stability in neutral waters.

Participants rehearsed boarding drills, vessel inspections and coordinated maneuvers to remain proficient in the tactical tasks required to uphold order in the area.

“These drills give our personnel the familiarity and confidence needed to respond quickly and responsibly,” said Royal Australian Navy Lt. Cmdr. Brian Greaves, who participated in the training. “Practicing side by side with ROK Marines and the Coast Guard builds trust at the tactical level, which is critical in neutral waters.”

The training also underscores the command’s broader commitment to transparency and cooperation with the Republic of Korea government.

“Prior to executing activities in the Han River Estuary, UNC provides notification to the Korean People’s Army to mitigate the risk of incidents or accidents and to ensure compliance with the standing agreements between our two sides,” said Dr. Michael Bosack, Deputy Secretary of the UNC Military Armistice Commission. “Training with our ROK partners enables safe, swift, and Armistice-compliant responses to real-world problems.”

Bosack noted that this activity is also representative of the fact that the Armistice Agreement is a “living document.”

When the original negotiators designed the terms of Armistice, IUU fishing was not among the relevant issue areas being discussed. However, the Armistice provides for the parties to update the terms of implementation to the Korean Peninsula, “which is how UNC and the ROK are now able to address these illicit activities in the Han River Estuary.”

“More than just training, these activities are demonstrations of the utility of the Armistice Agreement here on the Korean Peninsula.”