Remote Interim Navigation Inspections for Yacht Imports... Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Revises Vessel Inspection Guidelines

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The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on March 8, 2026, that it will implement the “Remote Vessel Inspection Guidelines,” which have been revised to allow remote interim navigation inspections under the “Ship Safety Act” when importing yachts.

Remote interim navigation inspections enable vessel inspectors to check the condition of a vessel without being physically present at the site, using photos, videos, written documents, and video calls.

Previously, when importing used yachts from overseas by sailing them directly to Korea, rather than shipping them as cargo, vessel owners were required to obtain confirmation of the vessel’s safe navigability through an interim navigation inspection. This process required inspectors to travel abroad, with all related travel expenses borne by the vessel owners.

To reduce this burden, the Ministry revised the relevant guidelines to allow interim navigation inspections to be conducted remotely. The introduction of remote inspections is expected to decrease the overseas travel costs for inspectors and shorten the inspection period, thereby significantly reducing both the costs and time burdens on vessel owners.

Vessel owners who wish to undergo a remote interim navigation inspection must complete a self-inspection checklist and submit it to a vessel inspection agency. The agency will then conduct a preliminary review based on the checklist and proceed with the remote interim navigation inspection. The inspections will be carried out by vessel inspection agencies such as the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority, Korean Register, and Bureau Veritas.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has reviewed various inspection methods together with the vessel inspection agencies to ensure that the safety level of remote inspections is equivalent to that of on-site inspections. Initially, the remote inspection method will be piloted for yachts imported from Japan, with plans to gradually expand the scope to additional vessels in the future.

The applicable targets are yachts imported from Japan that are less than 20 gross tons in total and less than 24 meters in length.

Lee Sooho, Director General of Maritime Safety at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, stated, “This revision is a regulatory improvement aimed at reducing the financial burden on the public and enhancing convenience while maintaining the safety standards of vessels. We will continue to balance safety and public convenience in the vessel inspection system.”

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