An Investigation of the Underwater Working Conditions of Some of the "Ama" on Cheju Island, Republic of Korea

Abstract

The authors investigated the physical constitutions and working and economic conditions of women divers-"Ama", who practice "Kachido", on the Korean island of Cheju. Ninety-three subjects were selected from seven different locations on the island, and their heights, weights and chest circumferences were measured. Information concerning age, diving careers, number of working days per year and working hours per day, duration of one dive, diving depth and income derived from fishery were obtained by interview and questionaire. The survey was conducted from July to September, 1983. To ascertain the actual diving conditions, the authors (using scuba equipment) accompanied the "Ama" on their dives. The results obtained are as follows: Age and physical constitution of the subjects were suitable as for "Ama". Diving depth, duration and frequency per day exceeded those for the Japanese "Ama" of Nishi-Izu. Although the Cheju "Ama" (proved) to be superior women divers, the following points deserve further consideration: more self-consciousness of and better administrative participation in the "Auras" health care; reduction of working hours; and, in particular, requirements so as to preserve ocean resources.