Gunsan Coast Guard Launches Nationwide Crackdown on 'Drunk Sailing' at Sea

"Drunk Sailing at Sea Could Lead to Major Accidents"

Gunsan Maritime Police Station (Chief Park Kyung-chae) announced on the 19th that it will conduct a comprehensive crackdown on drunk navigation to prevent maritime accidents and raise awareness during the thawing season.

According to Gunsan Maritime Police, after a four-day guidance period from the 19th to the 22nd to prevent safety accidents, a three-day comprehensive crackdown will be carried out from the 23rd to the 25th.

Gunsan Maritime Police Station exterior.
Photo by Gunsan Maritime Police

This comprehensive crackdown targets vessels entering and leaving major ports and harbors, as well as fishing and navigating vessels, through coordination between land and sea forces such as police substations, patrol vessels, and the control room.

The crackdown areas will focus on sea routes with dense traffic, routes mainly used by passenger ships and other multi-use vessels, and areas with a high risk of accidents.

Gunsan Regional Vessel Traffic Service Center (VTS) will share information and dispatch patrol vessels to inspect and search vessels suspected of drunk navigation, such as those zigzagging or not responding to communication calls.

The standard for drunk navigation enforcement at sea is a blood alcohol concentration of 0.03% or higher. Depending on the level, offenders may face imprisonment from a minimum of 2 years to a maximum of 5 years, or fines ranging from 20 million to 30 million KRW.

A representative of Gunsan Maritime Police stated, "Drunk navigation at sea is a dangerous crime that can easily lead to major accidents," and added, "We will do our best to establish maritime traffic order through continuous promotion and enforcement of the ban on drunk navigation."