Jeju Coast Guard, to Conduct 'Special Crackdown on Drunk Sailing' Starting Next Month

Jeju Regional Coast Guard Headquarters

[Jeju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Hwang Jeongpil] The Jeju Regional Maritime Police Agency (Chief Oh Sang-kwon) announced on the 30th that it will conduct a "Special Crackdown on Drunk Navigation at Sea" from the 1st to the 26th of next month.

This crackdown was prepared to prevent maritime accidents in anticipation of an increase in drunk navigation due to the phased return to normal life with With-Corona and the unsettled atmosphere during the year-end and New Year holidays.

In the past four years (2018 to November 2021), there have been a total of 32 cases of drunk navigation enforcement (4 cases of drunk accidents), averaging 8 cases per year, with 5 cases enforced so far this year.

Following the significant strengthening of drunk navigation punishment standards due to the amendment of the Ship Crew Act (enforced on July 14, 2021), Jeju Maritime Police plans to carry out various promotional and guidance activities to raise safety awareness among ship operators during the winter season.

They will conduct focused crackdowns during vulnerable times on all vessels including fishing boats, multi-use vessels (pilot boats, fishing boats, passenger ships), and leisure equipment, as well as joint crackdowns linking maritime and land units such as patrol vessels and police substations.

A Jeju Maritime Police Agency official said, "Drunk navigation is an act that can cause major accidents and can harm not only the perpetrator but also the lives and property of others. We hope that drunk navigation will be absolutely prohibited to establish a maritime safety culture."

Jeju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Hwang Jeongpil panax33@asiae.co.kr