Gov't to inspect 1,500 fishing boats, 150 passenger vessels ahead of autumn peak season

The government will conduct intensive inspections of fishing vessels and passenger ships as autumn brings a surge in maritime traffic driven by the peak fishing season and the chuseok holiday. Over the past five years, autumn maritime accidents have claimed 179 lives, and authorities will focus particularly on safety incidents, capsizings and sinkings, which account for the bulk of those fatalities.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced Thursday that it has drawn up an "autumn maritime accident prevention plan" to be carried out from September through November.

Autumn sees a rise in fishing vessel activity during the peak catch season, while the chuseok holiday draws more passengers onto coastal ferries and leisure craft. Worsening weather — including rough waves and strong winds — further heightens the risk of casualties during this period.

Seasonal data from the past five years show winter recorded the highest number of maritime accident fatalities at 182, or 30 percent of the annual total, with autumn close behind at 179, or 29 percent. Spring accounted for 139 deaths, or 23 percent, and summer for 114, or 19 percent.

The ministry will focus on the accident types responsible for the most autumn fatalities: safety incidents and capsizing or sinking events. Together, these categories accounted for 88 percent of all autumn maritime deaths over the past five years.

In response, authorities will inspect more than 1,500 high-risk vessels — including fishing boats and tugboats — checking compliance with on-site safety rules and examining the condition of mooring lines and nets. Patrol and guard vessels will be concentrated in accident-prone waters to strengthen on-site safety management.

Inspections of high-capacity vessels will also be conducted ahead of the chuseok holiday and the peak fishing season. Joint inspections by relevant agencies will cover 150 coastal passenger ferries and 380 fishing charter boats nationwide.

For recreational watercraft, authorities will step up enforcement against unlicensed and drunk operation as well as passenger overcrowding. Free safety inspections of engine and electrical systems will also be offered.

Maritime safety education and hands-on training opportunities will be expanded. At the "Marine Mobility and Safety Expo" running Oct. 26 to 28, visitors will be able to practice putting on life jackets and take part in virtual reality emergency drills. Fishing crew members and other maritime workers will also receive training on major autumn accident cases and prevention guidelines.

"Autumn is a period when vessel traffic increases due to the peak fishing season and the chuseok holiday, and the frequency of deteriorating weather also rises," Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Minister Hwang Jong-woo said. "We urge everyone to follow basic safety rules, including wearing life jackets, and to refrain from pushing ahead with voyages when weather conditions worsen."