Coast Guard Strengthens Penalties for Operating Water Leisure Craft Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

Water Leisure Safety Act Amendment Passes National Assembly Plenary Session

The Korea Coast Guard announced on October 6 that, following the passage of the Water Leisure Safety Act revision bill by the National Assembly's plenary session on October 1, the standards for punishment regarding operating vessels under the influence would be further detailed, and the penalties for repeat offenses and refusals to undergo a sobriety test would be strengthened.

Currently, those with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.03% or higher face "up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won," regardless of BAC level. However, under the revised law, a BAC of 0.2% or higher will result in "two to five years in prison or a fine ranging from 20 million to 30 million won." Furthermore, if a person is caught more than twice within ten years and has a BAC of 0.2% or higher, the penalty increases to "two to six years in prison or a fine ranging from 20 million to 40 million won."

Water Leisure

Additionally, just as with refusal to submit to alcohol testing for drunk driving, those who refuse to undergo testing for drugs or hallucinogenic substances will now face immediate license cancellation, criminal penalties, and administrative fines, with a clear legal basis established for such sanctions.

A new physical examination procedure will also be implemented at the time of obtaining or renewing a powered water leisure craft operator's license to verify basic physical abilities such as eyesight and hearing. The legal basis has also been clarified so that when a person acquires both a general operator’s license and a yacht operator’s license, a single integrated license can be issued.

In addition, grounds for disqualification have been newly established to prevent individuals with serious criminal records, such as sexual offenses, from working at operator license test or training institutions.

Coast Guard Commissioner Hamansik stated, "This revision will significantly strengthen safety management for water leisure activities," adding, "We will continue to put the lives and safety of the public first and do our utmost to create a safe water leisure environment where citizens can have peace of mind."

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