Namhae Regional Coast Guard Commissioner Jang Insik inspected the waters of Changwon, Gyeongnam on the 16th in commemoration of 'National Safety Day'.
Commissioner Jang, together with Ok Changmuk, Chief of Changwon Coast Guard, visited the Jinhae Coast Guard Substation in Changwon to check the current status of safety management for vessels used by multiple passengers.
He reviewed the substation's emergency response to the increased number of passengers on fishing boats, ferries, and excursion boats during the peak leisure season, and encouraged the on-site staff.
Jang Insik, Chief of Namhae Coast Guard (center), is discussing the emergency response status of Jinhae Police Substation in Changwon, Gyeongnam, with Ok Changmook, Chief of Changwon Coast Guard Station (right). Provided by Changwon Coast Guard Station
He then boarded the Paradise 1 cruise ship, which operates between Jamdo and Geogadaegyo, and emphasized the importance of complying with safety operation obligations for business operators.
He also examined the reporting and response procedures in case of an accident, as well as the management status of life-saving equipment.
In addition, he urged the substation and workers on ferries, excursion boats, and fishing boats to maintain close communication and cooperation.
Commissioner Jang stated, "We will do our best to manage on-site safety so that the public can use cruise ships and other multi-passenger vessels with confidence during the spring season," and added, "Along with the Coast Guard's efforts, business operators and workers should make safety checks before departure a routine and immediately press the SOS rescue button on the location transmitter in case of an emergency."
According to the Coast Guard, the average daily number of passengers using multi-passenger vessels in the Namhae Coast Guard jurisdiction reached 7,923 from January 1 to March 20.
From March 21, when the full spring weather began, to April 14, the average daily number surged by 54% to 12,235.
In response, the Namhae Coast Guard has designated the period from March 21 to May 31 as a time to strengthen safety management for multi-passenger vessels during the spring leisure season, and is conducting intensified patrols in areas where vessels are concentrated, joint inspections with the private sector, and special crackdowns on activities that hinder safety.
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