Busan Coast We Protect! ... BPA Conducts Joint Drill for Initial Response to Illegal Entry of Foreign Seafarers

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Du-yeol] Busan Port Authority (BPA) conducted realistic joint drills with related agencies to maintain security along the Busan coastline.

On the 31st, BPA held a joint simulation drill at the east pier of Gamcheon Port to respond to attempts of illegal entry by foreign crew members.

The drill aimed to enhance on-site initial response capabilities in preparation for possible illegal entry, escape, and unauthorized departure attempts by foreign crew members during November and December, when the arrival of distant-water mackerel fishing vessels at Gamcheon Port is concentrated.

At sea, professional divers were deployed to simulate a situation where a foreign crew member jumps into the sea from a moored vessel and escapes. In the comprehensive control room, security equipment detected the foreign crew member (diver), and the situation was communicated to related agencies and the individual was apprehended.

The land drill assumed a scenario where a crew member who had left the vessel without permission escapes beyond the security fence outside the pier, and involved rapid deployment and apprehension by the post guards and mobile strike team.

Security managers of private shipyards within Gamcheon Port, where foreign fishing vessels visit for repairs, also observed the drill to enhance their own security capabilities.

On the 25th, BPA, together with the Busan Regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office, Busan Immigration Office, police, coast guard, Busan Port Security Corporation, and Korea Maritime Rescue Association, established measures to strengthen security at Gamcheon Port.

The security enhancement measures at Gamcheon Port are planned to be implemented until the end of December, when most mackerel fishing vessels complete unloading and depart.

A BPA official stated, “Security agencies are strengthening information gathering on illegal entry attempts at the port and closely monitoring suspicious vessels. We will thoroughly inspect security facilities and further strengthen security to prevent security incidents.”

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