Mokpo Coast Guard Conducts 'Korea Safety Transformation' in Passenger and Ferry Sector

Joint Mobile Inspection with Related Agencies Planned for Marine Accident Preparedness and Response

Mokpo Maritime Police Station (Chief Officer Kwon Oh-seong) announced that from the 22nd to June 21st, a 61-day “Korea Safety Transformation in the Ferry and Raft Sector” will be conducted to focus on preventing maritime accidents.

Since its implementation in 2015, the Korea Safety Transformation designates an annual intensive safety inspection period during which the government, public institutions, and all citizens conduct safety inspections on facilities at risk of disasters and accidents, serving as a preventive activity to create a safer society.

Exterior view of Mokpo Maritime Police Station

This year, Mokpo Maritime Police plans to inspect the safety management status of ferries and rafts together with the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority, local governments, and experts from both the public and private sectors in various fields. The main inspection targets include ferries and rafts over 5 tons with a service life exceeding 20 years, those with accident histories in the past three years, ferries with a passenger capacity of 200 or more, and rafts capable of carrying vehicles that have been found violating regulations in the past three years. The inspection covers 7 ferries and 5 rafts within the jurisdiction, as well as 15 piers and other hazardous and critical facilities.

A Mokpo Maritime Police official stated, “After conducting responsible inspections of ferry and raft vessels and facilities, we will establish measures to prevent and respond to maritime safety accidents to ensure the complete safety of our citizens.”

Meanwhile, last year, Mokpo Maritime Police conducted joint safety inspections with 19 business operators and public-private experts on 12 ferries and 15 piers, totaling 27 hazardous facilities within the jurisdiction. As a result, 71 safety deficiencies, including insufficient safety equipment, were corrected.