This study aims to analyze the primary causes of capsizing accidents in Korean fishing vessels and propose specific improvement measures to prevent such incidents. The study focuses on nearshore longline and trap fishing vessels, identifying overloading and loss of stability as key contributing factors to accidents. Structural and regulatory improvements are recommended to address these issues. A structural modification to fishing vessel fish holds is suggested to minimize the free surface effect and prevent heeling due to unbalanced loads. By compartmentalizing fish holds into port and starboard sections, shifting loads are restricted, which helps control the rise of the vessel’s center of gravity, thereby reducing the risk of capsizing. This design improvement aims to enhance vessel stability and overall safety. The study also addresses the issue of windshields installed on nearshore longline vessels, which increase wind pressure area and heighten the risk of capsizing in adverse weather conditions. Recommendations include minimizing the size and coverage of windshields to reduce wind effects while maintaining operational efficiency. Furthermore, the study identifies that placing objects on top of windshields raises the center of gravity, compromising vessel safety. Operational guidelines to prevent such practices are proposed. To deter vessel operators from prioritizing economic gain through overloading, stricter penalties under the Fishing Vessel Act are recommended. Strengthening fines will fundamentally discourage overloading practices, ultimately enhancing crew safety. This study seeks to identify practical solutions to reduce fishing vessel capsizing accidents, focusing on structural safety considerations at the vessel design stage and advocating for regulatory changes to improve maritime safety. The study emphasizes the need for stricter safety regulations and management systems in fishing vessel operations to protect fishing industry workers.