Tainan is urging fishermen to insure their boats, a small but real safety net for people whose livelihood can be wiped out by one storm.

• Only about 61% of Tainan's fishing boats and rafts have applied for the insurance subsidy — roughly 977 vessels.
• Typhoon Danas last year sank or destroyed several boats in the city; just four of them were insured and got paid out.
• The government covers part of the yearly premium, from NT$4,000 to NT$8,000 depending on boat size.
• Policies pay for total loss, towing and rescue costs, and fire repairs.
• Officials put insurance in the same category as life jackets and tracking systems — basic protection, not a luxury.

Outlook: Expect more push to sign up boat owners before the next typhoon season hits.