Transforming Maritime Safety into a 'Culture'... Government to Introduce Safety Mileage and Rating Systems

Goal to Reduce Maritime Accident Casualties by 40% by 2030

Mileage Points for Participating in Maritime Safety Education and Reporting

Disclosure of Shipping Companies' Safety Investments and Introduction of Safety Rating System

The government has unveiled measures aimed at reducing casualties from maritime accidents by 40% compared to current figures by 2030. The core strategy is to strengthen both public participation and corporate accountability by introducing a mileage system that rewards participation in maritime safety education and campaigns, as well as by implementing a disclosure system that makes shipping companies’ safety investments public.

On May 29, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced the “Maritime Safety Culture Innovation Plan,” which was prepared jointly with relevant ministries, at a meeting of the Emergency Economic Headquarters and the Ministers’ Meeting on Economic and Industrial Competitiveness.

According to the government, 137 people were killed in maritime accidents last year. Over the past five years, approximately 82% of major maritime accidents were caused by human error, such as failure to comply with safety regulations and negligence while on duty.

In response, the government has set goals to reduce casualties from maritime accidents by 40% compared to 2025 figures by 2030, to have 500,000 people participate in maritime safety activities, and to achieve a maritime safety culture index score of 80 points.

First, to strengthen safety management at sites in the maritime and fisheries industries, the government will support replacement of components in inflatable life jackets and provide self-maintenance education in line with the mandatory life jacket rule for fishing vessels, which will take effect in July. In addition, the government will expand rewards for shipping companies with excellent safety management and promote safety culture assessment consulting. Korean-language safety education for foreign crew members on fishing vessels will also be expanded, and a step-by-step qualification system for operating small fishing vessels under 5 tons will be introduced.

The government will also introduce a “Maritime Safety Mileage System” to encourage public participation. Mileage points will be awarded for participating in maritime safety education, campaigns, or reporting safety risks, which can be redeemed for benefits such as seafood purchases or cruise experience vouchers. In addition, customized educational content will be expanded for children, people with disabilities, and the elderly.

Corporate safety responsibility will also be strengthened. Beginning in June next year, the government will implement a “Safety Investment Disclosure System” requiring shipping companies to make their safety investment details public. A shipping company safety rating system and a tailored intensive management system will also be introduced. The government is also working to introduce the “Blue Whistle” (tentative name) system, which will allow workers to report fatigue and hazardous situations.

At the same time, hands-on programs will be expanded through special exhibitions on maritime safety, lighthouse stamp tours, and mobile maritime safety experience education. The government plans to distribute maritime safety learning kiosks nationwide in collaboration with national, student, and 119 safety experience centers.

In terms of public relations, digital content such as short-form videos, webtoons, and emoticons using artificial intelligence (AI) will be produced, and an AI chatbot function will be implemented on the maritime safety education portal. The government also plans to strengthen the functionality for risk reporting and information sharing by linking the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s Safety Reporting Center with the maritime and fisheries portal.

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