No Illegal Immigration at Gamcheon Port! ... BPA Conducts Joint Drill to Block Illegal Immigration at Gamcheon Port

A joint drill to block illegal immigration is underway at Gamcheon Port.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Du-yeol] Busan Port Authority (BPA) conducted a joint simulation drill on the night of the 18th at Gamcheon Port to enhance on-site response capabilities against attempts of illegal entry, unauthorized departure, and unauthorized landing by foreign seafarers.

The simulation drill involved related agencies responsible for border security and safety at Gamcheon Port, including Busan Port Authority, Busan Regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office, Busan Immigration Office, Busan Coast Guard, Busan Port Security Corporation, and Korea Maritime Rescue Association.

The drill focused on strengthening each agency’s on-site response capabilities in response to the increasing attempts of illegal entry by foreign seafarers during ship docking.

The training scenario assumed a situation where a foreign seafarer escaped into the sea from a ship docked at Gamcheon Port. The comprehensive situation room at Gamcheon Port detected the fugitive, tracked them, and a rapid response team was dispatched to the scene to apprehend the individual.

To enhance the effectiveness of the simulation, a professional diver disguised as a foreign seafarer was deployed to simulate the escape into the sea. The drill also included apprehending individuals attempting to climb over security fences on land.

The simulation was conducted within the pier where high-risk ships dock to instill a strong awareness among seafarers that any attempt at illegal entry during docking will result in immediate arrest on site.

A security official at Gamcheon Port stated, “Concerns are growing over illegal entry and escape by foreign seafarers boarding high-risk ships for the purpose of domestic employment. We will strengthen on-site response capabilities and solidify close cooperation among related agencies to create a Gamcheon Port free of illegal entry.”

BPA also conducted a joint simulation drill on November 16, 2021, timed with a surge in high-risk ship arrivals at Gamcheon Port to block illegal entry and escape by foreign seafarers.