Increased ship traffic in fall, be careful to prevent marine accidents

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (Minister Kang Do-hyung) is implementing the ‘Autumn Marine Accident Prevention Measures’ amid concerns over increased vessel traffic and worsening weather conditions during the fall peak fishing season and Chuseok holidays.

※ Number of fishing boat departures in 2023: Fall (28.8%) > Spring (26.3%) > Summer (25.6%) > Winter (19.2%) Trend of typhoon occurrence in 2023: 3 in July → 6 in August → 2 in September → 2 in October → 1 in December

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will focus on managing collisions, capsizing, and safety accidents that frequently result in casualties. To this end, it will conduct customized safety inspections for each vessel type and provide safety information through sea navigation radio broadcasts. In addition, it plans to support consulting on major accidents to prevent safety accidents that may occur during work.

In preparation for the increase in electric vehicle transportation, safety management for electric vehicle fires will be strengthened. Public-private joint training will be conducted, and the ‘Electric Vehicle Fire Prevention and Response Guidelines* (June 2023)’ on electric vehicle fire prevention and response will be additionally distributed.

In order to prevent and respond to electric vehicle fires centered on cafe ferries, we will provide guidance on shipping companies’ measures such as electric vehicle loading methods, fire monitoring and prevention, fire spread prevention measures, education and training, etc. In preparation
for worsening weather conditions such as typhoons, we will inspect and operate disaster response systems in advance and conduct safety inspections of marine and port facilities (4,693 locations). We plan to establish a rapid response system in the event of a typhoon so that ships can take refuge in advance and minimize damage to life and property.

We will also promote a culture of maritime safety by promoting national participation programs such as maritime safety campaigns and maritime safety content contests.

Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kang Do-hyung said, “We will strengthen safety management and establish a response system against electric vehicle fires in preparation for the fall season and the Chuseok holiday to provide safer sea routes for the public.”

Editor. Hong Se-yeong