West Sea Coast Guard Agency Enters Preemptive Response Mode for Typhoon Preparedness

Forward Deployment of Rescue Forces in High-Risk Areas
Enhanced Safety Patrols Along Rocky Shores and Coastlines

Lee Myungjun, Chief of the West Sea Coast Guard Agency, is inspecting the cargo ship dock at Mokpo North Port. Photo by West Sea Coast Guard

The West Sea Coast Guard Agency has established a "Typhoon Season Marine Accident Prevention and Response Plan" in preparation for the full onset of typhoon season. In particular, the agency has designated the period from June 15 to the end of October as a key focus period, during which it will concentrate on preventing marine accidents and casualties.

With typhoons forming earlier than usual and expected to have an indirect impact on the Korean Peninsula starting this weekend, the West Sea Coast Guard Agency is implementing its response plan to minimize damage from typhoon effects. The plan includes on-site inspections led by the command staff to ensure readiness and preparedness.

Accordingly, the West Sea Coast Guard will forward-deploy rescue forces to high-risk areas such as accident-prone waters and anchorages to maintain a rapid response posture. During weather advisories, the agency will issue safety risk alerts, control access, and conduct guidance activities to focus on preventing marine accidents caused by typhoons.

In particular, the agency plans to implement preemptive departure controls even before typhoon weather advisories are issued and to encourage early return to port by considering the time required for fishing vessels to seek shelter. Additionally, it will proactively block foreign vessels from navigating into the typhoon-affected area in advance, and actively issue orders for vessel movement and evacuation to enhance the safety of all domestic and foreign ships operating in the West and South Sea regions.

Ha Taeyoung, Head of the Rescue and Safety Division at the West Sea Coast Guard Agency, stated, "We have established field-oriented, preemptive preventive measures to minimize typhoon damage." He also urged, "Not only when weather advisories are issued, but also when advisories are anticipated, please refrain from fishing and water leisure activities as much as possible."