Coast Guard Intensifies Crackdown on Tugboats Operating Under the Influence Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The Coast Guard is cracking down on vessels operating under the influence of alcohol.
[Photo by Mokpo Coast Guard]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] The Korea Coast Guard announced that it will intensively crack down on vessels operating under the influence of alcohol, such as tugboats, next month, as ship accidents caused by drunk navigation have been continuously occurring amid the relaxed enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the 26th, the Coast Guard stated that the crackdown will be conducted jointly not only by patrol vessels and police stations but also by the Maritime Traffic Control Center.

In addition to suspicious behaviors such as zigzag navigation and non-response to calls, they plan to utilize enforcement by verifying whether accurate responses about surrounding maritime conditions are given during communications.

In particular, enforcement methods will be diversified, including undercover operations during entry and exit and frequent patrols, and enforcement will be strengthened at docks and material transport sections where tugboats are densely concentrated and the possibility of drinking is high.

Tugboats tow large barges, and if an accident occurs, there is a high risk of a major disaster. Due to low-speed, long-duration navigation and the fact that most operators are elderly, aged 60 or older, concerns about drunk navigation are very high.

Last year, 10 cases of drunk navigation involving tugboats were detected. This year, drunk navigation has been repeatedly detected, taking advantage of reduced close contact at patrol vessels and police stations to prevent COVID-19 infection.

Earlier this month, near Pyeongtaek Port, 3.6 km offshore, a 56-year-old tugboat captain was caught operating a vessel while intoxicated, communicating with the Maritime Traffic Control Center in a slurred manner, with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.102%.

Also, last month, a 4,900-ton tanker and a 20-ton barge collided 1.3 km south of Incheon Bridge. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the accident could have led to an oil spill. The barge captain (73 years old) was confirmed to have been operating in a state of intoxication with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.126% after a breathalyzer test.

A Korea Coast Guard official stated, "Even a single case of drunk navigation can lead to a massive maritime disaster," and added, "We plan to continuously carry out enforcement activities to protect the lives and property of the public."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.