Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Implements Measures to Prevent Ferry Accidents

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to install constant monitoring devices in the wheelhouses of coastal ferries and develop an AI-based navigation support system to eliminate ferry accidents.
On June 11, the ministry announced its "Innovative Strategy for Preventing Ferry Accidents," aimed at establishing a safe ferry operation system that the public can trust. The strategy includes three main objectives: enhancing crew management and developing advanced navigation technology, recognizing hazardous areas on routes, and strengthening the vessel traffic service (VTS) management capabilities.
According to the Korea Maritime Safety Authority, there were a total of 324 ferry accidents from 2015 to 2024.
To prevent accidents, the ministry will utilize advanced navigation technology. It will prohibit the use of mobile phones during watch duty and gradually mandate the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) in coastal ferry wheelhouses to aid in accident prevention and cause identification.
Additionally, the ministry will increase the frequency of onboard training for navigation managers from once a year to four times and promote the development of an AI-based navigation support system that can predict accident risks and provide optimal routes in real-time.
AI will also be integrated into the VTS to enhance its management capabilities. This will improve the accuracy of risk alerts and allow external experts to participate in identifying improvements following maritime accidents.
To enhance awareness of hazardous areas and ensure safe navigation, the ministry plans to install a 10-meter high lighthouse at accident-prone locations by the end of this year. It will also increase the number of safety facilities, such as visibility meters and CCTV, from 100 to 171 to reduce accidents caused by fog and debris. Furthermore, by 2027, the ministry will assess the safety risks of 27 major legal shipping routes and improve or establish navigation standards, including maximum speed limits.
Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jong-woo stated, "Safe ferries are the starting point for guaranteeing the public's basic rights to maritime transportation," and emphasized the commitment to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure the effective implementation of this innovative strategy.

* This article has been translated by AI.