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The Small and Medium Ship Safety Forum: A Strong Stride Toward Enhancing Non-SOLAS Ship Safety
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits3
  • Date2024-10-02 11:35:51
  • ContentThe Small and Medium Ship Safety Forum: A Strong Stride Toward Enhancing Non-SOLAS Ship Safety KOMSA provided a platform to share recent technology trends and raise global awareness of the safety of non-SOLAS ships, including fishing vessels, coastal ferries, and recreational crafts. The Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA) has announced the successful hosting of the "Small and Medium Ship Safety Forum" during 2024 Korea Maritime Week on September 11, 2024. Under the theme "Small Ship for Big Safety," this forum was organized to share technical measures and research activities aimed at preventing maritime accidents involving small and medium-sized ships, as well as to raise global safety awareness for these vessels. Experts from various organizations, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN), China Maritime Safety Administration (China MSA), Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO), and Research Institute of Medium & Small Shipbuilding (RIMS) gathered to present and discuss current issues. They focused on measures to enhance safety and technological advancements for non-SOLAS ships. During the first session, titled "Fishing Vessels Against the Tides of Digitalization," presenters shared insights on the latest technological trends, such as simulations for fishing vessel safety using digital twin technology, safety monitoring on crews on fishing vessels utilizing VR (Virtual Reality) and XR (Extended Reality), and fishing vessel design platforms employing AI. The following second and third sessions each centered around "Green Ferries: Opportunities and Risks," and "Promoting Safety Awareness of Recreational Crafts," respectively. These sessions featured presentations on topics like the "Development of an Electric Propulsion Car Ferry Powered by Swappable Battery Systems," and the "Research on Increasing Safety Awareness of Water-Based Leisure Crafts." One participant from the small and medium-sized ship sector commented, "It was truly a great opportunity to learn about the various technologies driving the digitalization and decarbonization of small and medium-sized ships." He also added that he looks forward to having such platforms more frequently to share knowledge about technologies in the small and medium-sized ship industry. "Small and medium-sized ships are slow in reviewing the technological aspects of adopting digital technologies, including digital twin, XR, and AI," said President Jun-Seok Kim of KOMSA in his opening remarks. He continued, "KOMSA will continue to provide a global platform like the Small and Medium Ship Safety Forum to share technologies related to small and medium-sized ships, contributing to transforming global awareness of their safety." In collaboration with IMO and other organizations, KOMSA plans to host the "Small and Medium Ship Safety Forum" again in 2025, aiming to further raise global awareness and promote the establishment of a technical consultative group for non-SOLAS ships with countries in East Asia.
KOMSA Offers Audio Content on Maritime Transportation Safety
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits25
  • Date2024-08-09 10:39:37
  • ContentKOMSA Offers Audio Content on Maritime Transportation Safety In cooperation with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, KOMSA will launch the "Maritime Transportation Safety Radio," broadcasting via "Bada Navi," the LTE_M network in coastal seas, to enhance public safety at sea. The Maritime Transportation Safety Radio service, promoted by the ministry, will develop and offer a wide range of content: ▲maritime safety campaigns, ▲maritime transportation information (such as breaking news on maritime accidents), ▲weather forecasts, and ▲information related to maritime safety culture. Starting on July 23 the Maritime Transportation Safety Radio will be piloted through the Bada Navi mobile app, featuring ocean weather forecasts and campaigns on maritime safety. In September, people will be able to access the shows up to 100 km from the coast using Bada Navi devices on ships utilizing the LTE-M network. The first show features maritime safety campaigns, joined by Minister Do-Hyung Kang, highlighting preventive measures against safety-related accidents caused by maritime activities in the summer. This includes the significance of wearing life jackets and following safety guidelines. During the 3-month pilot broadcast period ending in October, KOMSA will update and add more content to the Maritime Transportation Safety Radio. Previous episodes will be accessible on the Bada Navi app, available to everyone at any time.
KOMSA Unveils Its Ambition to Realize the Digital Platform Government
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits29
  • Date2024-07-24 17:08:39
  • ContentKOMSA Unveils Its Ambition to Realize the Digital Platform Government On July 4, KOMSA held a ceremony at its headquarters to announce its vision to realize the Digital Platform Government (DPG)*. *Digital Platform Government: A government addressing social issues and creating new values through a digital platform that integrates all data, allowing the government to collaborate with the public and businesses. The ceremony showcased KOMSA's detailed plans and commitment to the realization of DPG. During the event, the organization demonstrated its strong commitment to actively responding to economic and social issues related to digital technologies under the theme "Securing Maritime Transportation Safety through the Implementation of DPG." To achieve this vision, KOMSA analyzed the internal and external environment, derived strategic implications, and gathered opinions from experts and the public, both inside and outside the organization. As a result, four strategic directions were established: ▲customized services for the public ▲better growth and economic opportunities for businesses ▲scientific and efficient administration services ▲digital infrastructure and enhanced safety. These directions were further broken down into eight strategic tasks and 17 implementation tasks. Additionally, KOMSA established the "KOMSA DPG Working Group," which will focus on carrying out specific and practical activities to achieve DPG within the organization. President Jun-Seok Kim of KOMSA stated, "In alignment with the government's plans for DPG, our organization will offer digitalized administration and safety-related services to the public, as well as economic opportunities for businesses to grow." He added that the working group will lead efforts to successfully implement DPG plans by making internal decision-making processes more scientific, introducing workplace innovation, establishing digital infrastructure, and ensuring data security and privacy.
KOMSA Is Set To Standardize Eco-friendly Public Vessel Management
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits19
  • Date2024-06-28 17:49:02
  • ContentKOMSA Is Set To Standardize Eco-friendly Public Vessel Management On June 14, KOMSA announced the initiation of a project to devise measures for efficient "Eco-friendly Public Vessel Management." In 2021, KOMSA was consigned to execute the projects for an "eco-friendly ship certificate system" and "support to provide eco-friendly ships to the public." The number of certificates issued for eco-friendly vessels has increased by 166.7% compared to the previous year, from 12 cases in 2022 to 32 cases in 2023. Over the past three years, 14 ships have received subsidies regarding certificates for eco-friendly ships. To continue this effort, KOMSA plans to offer subsidies to seven ships worth 14 billion KRW this year. A wide range of efforts has been carried out by KOMSA, encouraging private shipping companies to transform their ships into eco-friendly ones. These include organizing regional seminars on an eco-friendly ship certificate system and supporting the provision of eco-friendly ships for domestic shipping companies. In particular, beginning in June, KOMSA has initiated a project to devise measures for efficient "Eco-friendly Public Vessel Management," which was consigned by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, focusing on responding to the increasing demand for eco-friendly ship construction and related measures to improve administrative and financial efficiency. Through this project, KOMSA will check the implementation status of the "guideline for operation and management of public ships," identify areas for improvement and devise measures to standardize eco-friendly public ship construction and management. Furthermore, the organization will offer maintenance services for eco-friendly ships and related educational and training courses in the future, enhancing capacities in eco-friendly ship management and operation as a designated project operator by the government. KOMSA's President Jun-Seok Kim emphasized, "As an organization in charge of supporting government policies related to eco-friendly ships, KOMSA will strive to focus our resources and capabilities both in the public and private sectors to realize related goals."
KOMSA Signs a MOU with Tongyeong To Establish the Smart Ship Safety Support Center in the Namhae Area
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits22
  • Date2024-05-28 15:10:13
  • ContentKOMSA Signs a MOU with Tongyeong To Establish the Smart Ship Safety Support Center in the Namhae Area Rendering of the Mokpo Smart Ship Safety Support Center On May 16, KOMSA signed an MOU with Tongyeong to lay a foundation for the establishment of the Smart Ship Safety Support Center in the Namhae Area. The Smart Ship Safety Support Center is a full-service maritime safety management facility for small and medium-sized vessels, offering education programs for the public as well as ship surveys and safety inspection services using advanced devices. Currently, these centers are operating in Incheon and Mokpo to enhance the safety management system for small and medium-sized ships. In addition, KOMSA plans to establish two additional centers, covering the four major sea areas nationwide. *The Smart Ship Safety Support Center construction plan: (2023) the construction of the Incheon and Mokpo Centers (completed) → (2024-2028) the Namhae Center (to be established) → (2029-) the Donghae Center (to be established) This MOU includes various areas of cooperation: ▲administrative tasks in gaining permission for construction, ▲preparing the construction, ▲establishing a full-service ship survey system for the convenience of fishermen, ▲advancing the marine leisure industry, ▲assisting technical training programs in the maritime sector, and ▲assisting and operating safety education programs related to maritime accident prevention. Besides the center's primary services, which are ship surveys, safety inspections, and safety education programs for the public, the Namhae Smart Ship Safety Support Center plans to provide additional services specialized in safety inspections for recreational craft and safety education programs in cooperation with the nearby Marina Biz Center. The joint efforts between KOMSA and Tongyeong will continue to strengthen maritime safety in the Namhae area. The two organizations will collaborate to develop maritime accident prevention programs, offer hands-on maritime safety programs, and contribute to revitalizing the local economy through expert training programs within the community. In an interview, President Jun-Seok Kim of KOMSA said that KOMSA has been enhancing maritime safety services based on experience and expertise in ship surveys over the past 40 years. He added, "In collaboration with Tongyeong, our organization looks forward to creating synergy in ensuring maritime safety, as well as revitalizing the local economy in Tongyeong."
KOMSA Signs a MOU with KHOA To Enhance Maritime Safety Cooperation
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits19
  • Date2024-05-27 16:02:50
  • ContentKOMSA Signs a MOU with KHOA To Enhance Maritime Safety Cooperation - KOMSA and KHOA will share maritime data and establish a cooperation scheme to enhance maritime safety. President Jun-Seok Kim of KOMSA, left, and Director General Jaecheol Kim of KHOA, right, pose for a photo after signing the MoU on May 20, 2024. On May 20, KOMSA signed a MOU with the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency (KHOA) to cooperate on maritime safety. The MOU, signed at the headquarters of KOMSA, includes various areas of cooperation: ▲mutual utilization of infrastructure to prevent maritime accidents and enhance maritime safety, ▲sharing maritime data services (monitoring oceans, weather forecasts, and surveillance camera footage) between the two organizations, and ▲technology development and related international cooperation using domestic and international networks. The two organizations will share data to strengthen on-site cooperation schemes in maritime safety. KOMSA will provide surveillance camera data to KHOA to help forecast sea fog and broadcast related weather events. KHOA's "Safe Sea Platform" mobile service and KOMSA's oceanographic observation data at domestic passenger ship ports will be integrated to enhance maritime safety for ship operators. Both organizations plan to regularly organize a steering committee at a working level to identify new cooperation projects. KOMSA will also receive oceanographic observation and monitoring data from KHOA to manage and operate maritime traffic networks. President Jun-Seok Kim of KOMSA said, "KOMSA looks forward to providing effective maritime safety information services by integrating KOMSA's on-site safety management networks with KHOA's maritime data. Both organizations will continuously strengthen our cooperation in maritime safety by sharing our infrastructure."
Launch of Remote Surveys for Small Fishing Boats; KOMSA Advances Digitalization Efforts in Ship Surveys
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits18
  • Date2024-04-25 10:55:51
  • ContentLaunch of Remote Surveys for Small Fishing Boats; KOMSA Advances Digitalization Efforts in Ship Surveys - The first remote survey for fishing boats under 2 GT (Gross Tonnage) was conducted in Wando-gun, Jeonnam, gaining traction among fishermen in remote or island areas. - Approximately 28,000 electronic certificates were issued within three months of the service’s initiation, highlighting the innovative use of mobile devices in ship surveys. KOMSA recently announced its ongoing efforts to digitalize ship surveys, marking a milestone with the successful completion of the first remote survey for small fishing boats under 2 GT equipped with outboard motors on April 12. *Remote surveys, conducted via video conference devices, are considered equivalent to on-site ship surveys. On March 27, the inaugural remote survey was successfully conducted on a small gill netter (1.02 GT, with a maximum capacity of three passengers) in Yeoseo-do, Wando-gun, Jeonnam. This followed a collaborative effort to implement the remote survey policy initiated on January 3 by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and KOMSA. For maritime safety, fishing vessels should undergo regular ship surveys by KOMSA. However, fishermen on islands face challenges; they cannot engage in fishing activities without timely surveys. Furthermore, when surveyors cannot reach islands due to severe weather, fishermen must bear all associated costs. After implementing remote surveys, KOMSA stated, "The first remote survey significantly enhanced the efficiency of the existing on-site surveys by streamlining the processes." Addressing challenges posed by an aging population in the fisheries sector, KOMSA appoints honorary ship surveyors in remote or island areas to ensure the smooth implementation of the remote survey service. The appointment of honorary ship surveyors greatly assists elderly fishermen in utilizing the necessary technology for remote surveys. KOMSA's efforts also extend to other areas. They include establishing procedures and detailed know-how for remote surveys, conducting remote survey demonstration seminars for ship surveyors nationwide, and disseminating educational and promotional materials about remote surveys to fishermen across the country. Thanks to the success of the first remote survey, KOMSA anticipates that more ship owners with small fishing boats under 2GT equipped with outboard motors will apply for remote surveys. Currently, small fishing boats under 2GT represent 40% of the 64,000 fishing vessels registered domestically in Korea. Since the remote survey service reduces time consumption compared to existing methods, it is expected to generate an approximate increase of 20.3 billion KRW in fishermen's income over the next five years. Continuing these efforts, KOMSA plans to establish two additional Smart Ship Safety Support Centers by 2029, in addition to the two existing centers in Incheon and Mokpo. These centers and other branch offices currently offer the remote survey service. The issuance of electronic certificates for ship surveys, a key part of KOMSA's digitalization efforts, is also gaining traction. Within three months of the service's launch, the number of certificates issued reached 28,000, averaging 70 per day. This service, currently available for conventional ships including passenger ships, is expected to bring further benefits to fishing vessel owners as it expands gradually to include fishing vessels. "The success of the first remote survey will lay a strong foundation for mitigating the inconvenience experienced by fishermen in surveying their ships," said President Jun-Seok Kim of KOMSA. He expressed confidence that KOMSA will continue to lead in the innovation of ship surveys using mobile devices while ensuring safety and improving the quality of the surveys in cooperation with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
KOMSA and IPA Are Enhancing Cooperation To Offer Services to the Public
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits37
  • Date2024-04-08 15:27:55
  • ContentKOMSA and IPA Are Enhancing Cooperation To Offer Services to the Public - Two organizations stand shoulder to shoulder to establish a cooperation system for passenger ship transportation data, improving the convenience of ferry passengers. President Kyung-gyu Lee of IPA, left, and President Jun-Seok Kim of KOMSA, right, pose for a photo after signing the MoU on April 2, 2024. On April 2, KOMSA signed an MoU with the Incheon Port Authority (IPA) to enhance cooperation in offering services to the public. The two organizations held the signing ceremony at the headquarters of the IPA, addressing various areas of cooperation, including ▲the establishment of governance for enhancing the convenience of passengers in the Incheon Port, ▲cooperation for improving public services, ▲exchange of coastal ferry operation information*, ▲cooperation in promoting the safety of ships and passengers and developing related services, and ▲cooperation in maritime accident prevention. *Departures and arrivals of passenger ships, operation routes, and schedules, real-time location, etc. This MoU will utilize the capabilities of both organizations, enabling KOMSA to establish a cooperation system for ferry passenger convenience and maritime accident prevention activities. Starting with these efforts, KOMSA will integrate ferry operation data into the IPA website, offering this data to the website and displaying it at the ferry terminal. Previously, KOMSA and the IPA used to input and display data manually. With this MoU, they will be able to minimize errors in the data and offer operation information in near real-time, thereby enhancing information accessibility and passenger convenience. Efforts to seek maritime safety cooperation will continue as well by sharing information related to maritime accident prevention measures, such as the Maritime Transportation Safety Information System (MTIS), maritime safety campaign, and maritime accident prevention content. President Jun-Seok Kim of KOMSA stated, "KOMSA has been expanding its role from managing safety in the field to researching and developing data-related services." He also anticipates providing high-quality services for the safety of ships and passengers through this MoU by sharing information and related assets between the two organizations.
The Maritime Transportation Safety Information System: Enhancing Ship Safety Management
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits21
  • Date2024-03-29 17:44:56
  • ContentThe Maritime Transportation Safety Information System: Enhancing Ship Safety Management - KOMSA is transforming the maritime industry with its comprehensive management solutions for fishermen and passenger ship operators, setting the stage for autonomous safety management at fishing sites. The Maritime Transportation Safety Information System (MTIS) is a game-changer for fishing sites and the local shipping industry, previously hindered by a lack of robust safety infrastructure. This initiative has earned high praise from fishermen and small-sized passenger ship operators. Many small-scale fishers and passenger ship operators face difficulties in establishing a safety management system, largely due to labor shortages, budget constraints, and a lack of automated safety management systems. In response, KOMSA launched the "Vessel Management System for Ship Owners" in November 2023. This web and mobile app-based system allows for efficient management of diverse data, including ship surveys, operations, and accident histories. By March 2024, it attracted 2,158 users and registered 3,453 vessels. Notably, the more vessels an owner registers, the more beneficial the service becomes. The record for the highest number of registered vessels by a single user stands at 89. Additionally, KOMSA recently piloted the "Management System for Shipping Companies," catering to legal entities with multiple passenger ships. This system offers mutlple features for tracking ship surveys, accident histories, and real-time operational status. It is ready for an official launch of the service after reflecting industry feedback. These services have been developed by KOMSA through the integration of existing ship survey data with information from various public entities, such as the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Korea Coast Guard, and the Korea Maritime Safety Tribunal. Fishermen utilize the "Vessel Management System for Ship Owners" for preparing upcoming ship surveys. During unfavorable weather conditions, they can access this system to review vital safety information, like ship safety ratings and ship operations histories. Nationwide, passenger ship operators are already leveraging the "Management System for Shipping Companies," which is set for full operation in April. This system significantly eases the processes of ship survey preparation and maintenance, thereby enhancing the reliability and transparency of ship safety management. Moreover, this system allows for the systematic management of information previously recorded in ship logs or engine log books, thus improving transparency in managing 16 passenger ships across 15 subsidized routes. President Jun-Seok Kim of KOMSA is committed to expanding these services. He remarks, "Our goal is to simplify the signup process and extend our service offerings." He highlights the importance of continued support and engagement from stakeholders in building a robust autonomous safety management system for the fishing and shipping sectors.
Regulations on Imported Ships Have Changed
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits15
  • Date2024-03-21 15:32:33
  • ContentRegulations on Imported Ships Have Changed - Beginning in 2025, Korea will strengthen regulations on NOx emissions, requiring all imported ships to be equipped with NOx control engines. - KOMSA is actively promoting the implementation of these regulations in the ocean-going fishing vessel industry and enhancing the ship survey procedures within the organization. In compliance with the Marine Environment Management Act, all imported ships are now subject to regulations on NOx emissions. Shipping companies, which typically take six months to prepare for ship imports, are now bound to consider these increasingly stringent regulations. On February 29, KOMSA, in cooperation with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, began disseminating information concerning the enhancement of the regulations on imported ships regarding NOx emissions to the relevant organizations and industries. Purchasing ships for imports takes at least six months from searching for the appropriate ship that suits the purpose of a company, to negotiating and signing the contract. To address this, KOMSA is actively notifying related industries and organizations to prevent potential importers from experiencing time and economic loss. Within the organization, KOMSA is improving the procedures regarding ship surveys in line with newly enhanced survey standards. Based on the Marine Environment Management Act, the organization surveys the air pollution control equipment of ship diesel engines, which is part of the survey on marine pollution control equipment. KOMSA emphasized that starting 2025, imported ships not equipped with diesel engines that prevent NOx emissions will be prohibited from operating in the territorial waters of the Republic of Korea. With the introduction of this system, all ships imported from January 1, 2025, must be equipped with diesel engines that meet the criteria of Tier 1 and Tier 2 specified in the table below. To advance these efforts, in 2030, all imported ships must have diesel engines meeting the criteria of Tier 2. [Table] Permitted NOx Emission Standards for Ships NOx, an air pollutants emitted from ships, has been designated as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer under the WHO. Regulations on NOx emissions tend to become stringent globally as they cause not only fine dust but also stratospheric ozone depletion, acid rain, and respiratory diseases. Domestic regulations on NOx are based on the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) stipulated by IMO in 1997. Korea incorporated this international convention into the Marine Environment Management Act in 2006. However, ships imported before 2006 were not subject to these regulations. "Tasks other than ship survey, which is the primary work of KOMSA, are equally important for minimizing potential damages and maximizing the convenience of the public by promoting changes in relevant regulations and policies," said President Jun-Seok KIM of KOMSA. He added that KOMSA will work closely with the government to proactively engage in a variety of activities, reflecting policies in the field.