Fishing and towing vessel accidents most frequent... Changwon Coast Guard conducts special inspection to prevent marine pollution accidents

Gyeongnam Changwon Maritime Police Station. / Photo by Se-ryeong Lee ryeong@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] The Changwon Maritime Police Station in Gyeongnam is conducting a special inspection of fishing vessels until August 19.

According to Changwon Maritime Police, fishing vessel and tugboat accidents were the most frequent among marine pollution incidents that occurred over the past three years from 2019 to 2021.

Fishing vessel accidents accounted for 9 cases, representing 25% of the total, while tugboats and other vessels and cargo ship accidents each accounted for 7 cases, or 20%. Accidents on land accounted for 6 cases, or 17%.

Among the 35 pollution incidents, the most common cause was negligence, with 14 cases, followed by 11 cases of vessel damage.

The Maritime Police announced on the 22nd that since fishing vessels and tugboats are more likely to cause marine pollution accidents during bad weather such as typhoons and monsoons in summer, this inspection is being carried out.

During the special inspection period, they will focus on the lawful disposal of waste oil, bilge water, and garbage generated from fishing vessels and tugboats; illegal discharge of bilge water using submersible pumps; compliance with fuel oil sulfur content standards; and illegal incineration.

Minor violations by livelihood fishermen will be promptly addressed through on-site administrative guidance, and consulting on marine pollution accident prevention will be provided to shipowners and crew members.

For workers, inspections and on-site training will be conducted regarding overflow accidents that may occur when transferring fuel oil and lubricants to vessels, as well as illegal disposal of waste fishing gear.

A Changwon Maritime Police official said, “The possibility of marine pollution accidents is very high in summer due to typhoons and heat waves,” adding, “We will conduct detailed inspections of fishing vessels and tugboats that are highly active in the jurisdiction to prevent factors causing marine pollution accidents in advance.”

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