SEOUL, August 31 (AJP) - South Korea will conduct special safety inspections of 141 coastal passenger ferries nationwide ahead of the Chuseok holiday, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Monday.
The joint inspections will run for 12 days from Aug. 31 through Sept. 11, involving the ministry, the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority, the Korea Coast Guard, local governments and civilian safety inspectors.
This year’s four-day Chuseok holiday runs from Sept. 24 to 27. The Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority expects an average of about 77,000 people per day to travel by passenger ferry during the holiday period, up about 2.8 percent from normal levels.
The inspections are aimed at preventing maritime accidents and ensuring safe and comfortable travel during one of the country’s busiest holiday periods.
Officials will examine the condition and maintenance of key equipment, including hulls, engines and lifesaving equipment, as well as the deployment of safety personnel at passenger boarding and disembarkation areas.
Inspectors will also check passenger facilities, compliance with workplace safety rules for crew members to prevent onboard accidents and safety management for passengers in vehicle decks.
Minor defects identified during the inspections will be corrected immediately on site, while issues requiring additional work must be addressed before the government’s special Chuseok transportation period begins on Sept. 23.
“We will thoroughly carry out advance inspections of passenger ferry safety management so that people can travel home with peace of mind and spend a warm Chuseok holiday with their families,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister Hwang Jong-woo said.
AJP Takeaways
· South Korea will inspect 141 coastal passenger ferries nationwide from Aug. 31 to Sept. 11 ahead of the Chuseok holiday.
· Around 77,000 passengers per day are expected to use ferries during Chuseok, up about 2.8 percent from normal levels.
· Safety checks will cover hulls, engines, lifesaving equipment, boarding areas, passenger facilities and vehicle decks to prevent maritime accidents.
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