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KOMSA Enhances Marine Weather Information System To Ensure the Safety of Domestic Passenger Ships
  • Writer교통정책실
  • Hits12
  • Date2025-03-07 10:27:17
  • Content KOMSA Enhances Marine Weather Information System To Ensure the Safety of Domestic Passenger Ships The Operation Control Center at KOMSA headquarters monitors marine weather information KOMSA announced on Thursday, March 6, that it has established and begun implementing the "2025 Comprehensive Plan for Marine Weather Operations," which focuses on upgrading the Marine Weather Information System. To ensure the safe operation of domestic passenger ships, KOMSA aims to enhance its marine weather operations system through key strategic initiatives, including ▲updating the marine weather information system, ▲improving the management of weather observation equipment, ▲researching and developing a passenger ship operation prediction model, and ▲strengthening collaboration with relevant institutions. As part of these initiatives, KOMSA plans to provide accurate marine weather information promptly by integrating Open-API* data from the Korea Meteorological Administration and the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency into its system. Previously, marine weather reports had to be hand-written and manually compiled, causing delays in reflecting real-time conditions. However, with this upgraded system, the organization will be able to deliver real-time precise weather information, significantly improving operational efficiency. *API (Application Programming Interface): A data service that can be accessed via web protocols (HTTP) Until 2024, KOMSA recruited 10 certified weather forecasters to provide regional weather forecasts and preemptive alerts on typhoons and other hazardous weather conditions, thereby supporting the safe navigation of domestic passenger ships. In 2025, to further strengthen its safety management capabilities, KOMSA will expand weather observation infrastructure along sea routes by installing anemometers, anemoscopes, and visibility meters. Furthermore, KOMSA will team up with professional training institutions to foster at least 10 more meteorological equipment experts. Building on this effort, KOMSA is developing a passenger ship operation prediction model that integrates past marine weather data with ship operation data. This model will support the Operation Forecasts for Tomorrow service*, which is set to predict weather conditions up to three days in advance. Additionally, ship operation forecasts will be introduced to enhance passenger convenience. *The Operation Forecasts for Tomorrow service analyzes regional marine weather, departure control, and ship maintenance schedules and determines the likelihood of passenger ship departures, informing passengers about the operational status of specific routes for the succeeding day. ** Real-time operation updates, ship inspection requests, and the Operation Forecasts for Tomorrow service are available via KOMSA’s official KakaoTalk channel, "Haesooho Chatbot". In collaboration with the Korea Meteorological Administration, KOMSA is strengthening cooperation on weather-related services. A working-level council has been established to share essential data for passenger ship safety, such as sea fog conditions and detailed regional weather forecasts. The two organizations have also identified six key areas of cooperation, which include developing measures to prevent collisions between weather buoys and ships and offering expert lecturers on meteorological services. KOMSA’s efforts in marine weather analysis have led to the nationwide expansion of the Operation Forecasts for Tomorrow service and the broadcasting of marine weather information via Maritime Transportation Safety Radio. In recognition of these achievements, KOMSA was selected as the "Outstanding Weather Management Organization" by the Korea Meteorological Administration for three consecutive years and was commended by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries for its proactive administrative efforts. KOMSA President Jun-Seok Kim stated, "In an era of rapidly changing climate conditions, ensuring safe navigation requires more than simply collecting weather data—it necessitates information that is specifically optimized and reproduced for maritime transport. KOMSA will continue to leverage weather data to enhance maritime transportation safety moving forward."
KOMSA Enhances the Fishers' Safety and Health Manual
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits14
  • Date2025-02-27 17:37:32
  • Content KOMSA Enhances the Fishers' Safety and Health Manual The revised Fishers' Safety and Health Manual, incorporating numerous updates to reflect the evolving conditions of the fishery sector, will be distributed nationwide To align with the implementation of the Act on Fishing Vessel Safety Operations and Fishers’ Safety and Health Promotion, KOMSA has announced plans to enhance the Fishers' Safety and Health Manual to improve its applicability and adoption at fishery sites. Using data from the Maritime Transportation Safety Information System (MTIS), KOMSA analyzed maritime accidents from the past five years and found that 261 out of 428 total fatalities and missing persons (61%) were linked to safety-related accidents*. *Safety-related accidents: all accidents involving fatalities, missing persons, and casualties, regardless of the cause Enhancing the manual is a key step in preventing maritime accidents. The revised edition will integrate updates reflecting relevant laws, including the Serious Disaster Penalty Act and the Act on Fishing Vessel Safety Operations and Fishers’ Safety and Health Promotion. Additionally, it will feature improved readability and design to better accommodate the aging workforce in the fishery sector. Considering the unique working environment of small-scale fisheries, the manual will include risk assessment measures that can be easily implemented at fishery sites. By March 2025, the revised manual will cover approximately 30 different fishing methods, including coastal net fishing, and will be distributed nationwide. Building on these efforts, KOMSA—as the implementing organization for fishers' safety and health policies—will expand its initiatives, including ▲technical support for serious disaster accident investigations, ▲establishing risk assessment and safety management standards for fisheries equipment, and ▲producing safety and health signage. KOMSA President Jun-Seok Kim emphasized the organization's commitment, stating "Since 2024, we have restructured our organization to address safety blind spots in fishing boats carrying five or more crew members and to secure the necessary workforce for the swift implementation of government policies." He added, "We will continue expanding communication channels with shipowners and crew, working closely with fishers and the government to create safer fishery sites.
KOMSA Develops Korea’s First HDPE Fishing Boat, Ushering in a New Era of Green Fishing Vessels
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits20
  • Date2025-02-27 17:30:27
  • Content KOMSA Develops Korea’s First HDPE Fishing Boat, Ushering in a New Era of Green Fishing Vessels KOMSA has successfully built and tested Korea’s first fishing boat made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), completing its performance evaluation. With the project "The AI-based Ship Design Data Platform for Fishing Vessel Safety" funded by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, KOMSA successfully has been playing a leading role in researching and building the HDPE test ship. HDPE, a 100% recyclable thermoplastic polymer, is gaining attention as a sustainable alternative to traditional shipbuilding materials. Compared to Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP), HDPE offers superior corrosion resistance, higher strength, and lower maintenance costs, making it an attractive option for the maritime industry. FRP has long been the standard material for fishing boats but presents challenges, including susceptibility to corrosion and rising maintenance costs over time. In contrast, HDPE is highly resistant to corrosion, boasts excellent durability, and is fully recyclable—significantly reducing environmental impact. In December 2024, KOMSA conducted a performance test in the coastal waters of Gangseo-gu, Busan. The 2.99 GT HDPE fishing boat achieved a maximum speed of 32 knots, outperforming both FRP fishing boats (25 knots) and aluminum fishing boats (30.7 knots), demonstrating its superior performance. Using this data, KOMSA plans to refine design standards for HDPE fishing boats and develop a comprehensive system to enhance their safety. The construction of this boat holds significance as it represents a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the fishing industry. The adoption of HDPE fishing boats is expected to bring numerous benefits, including improved safety and efficiency at fishery sites, as well as advancements in Korea’s fishing vessel industry. President Jun-Seok Kim of KOMSA stated, "HDPE fishing boats may require more time and investment in the initial stage of shipbuilding. However, with continued technological advancements and mass production, they will become a superior alternative to existing vessels, excelling in both economic and performance aspects." He added, "Moving forward, we will continue to dedicate our efforts to enhancing fishing boat safety and advancing the fishing boat construction industry."
KOMSA Launches EDAMS To Support Ship Designs for Small and Medium-Sized Ships
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits15
  • Date2025-01-10 10:18:07
  • Content KOMSA Launches EDAMS To Support Ship Designs for Small and Medium-Sized Ships EDAMS offers features essential for accurate calculations KOMSA has completed the development of the Small and Medium Ship Electronic Drawing and Approval Management Software (EDAMS) and started disseminating it to strengthen the ship design capabilities of small and medium-sized shipbuilders and enhance the quality of design drawings. As the sole authority responsible for ship inspection and survey, which are the tasks entrusted by the government, the organization has been gradually developing software specialized for small and medium-sized ships. In this context, the development of the EDAMS holds significance in standardizing and systemizing ship designs and stability calculations in line with national legislation and standards. The first version of the EDAMS, released in 2024, offers a wide array of services applied to the basics of ship design: the calculation of load lines; the calculation of inclining tests, including the checklist for stability; features for creating stability calculation sheets; the management system for approved drawings; and ship-related legislation information services. The CEO of the ship drawing office participating in beta testing of the EDAMS said with gratitude, "The software automates calculations previously done by designers, reducing human errors and increasing accuracy. It helps create stability calculation sheets within four hours, which used to take at least two days." Any ship design offices already signed up for the MTIS website (mtis.komsa.or.kr) can download the EDAMS for free. Gathering feedback from users, KOMSA will continue to advance features on the software. Jun-Seok Kim, President of KOMSA, stated, "Based on experiences and skills related to ship design approval, we are developing a comprehensive software for ship designs and approval specialized in small and medium-sized ships." "By 2026, we will complete the development of the comprehensive platform to enhance ship design quality, which ultimately contributes to strengthening the safety of these ships," he added.
KOMSA Offers Enhanced Services to Passengers with Traffic Information on Ferries
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits14
  • Date2025-01-06 16:19:51
  • Content KOMSA Offers Enhanced Services to Passengers with Traffic Information on Ferries The Directions service on Naver Map is now available, equipped with ferry operation information KOMSA has announced the launch of a new feature under the "Directions" menu on Naver Map to provide improved services for passengers traveling by ship. Ferries serve as public transportation, connecting mainland areas and islands, with over 13 million passengers using them annually. Since April 2023, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has entrusted KOMSA with developing and operating the maritime transportation safety information management system. This initiative has enabled KOMSA to provide maritime traffic information, including real-time ferry operations, locations, and estimated arrival times. Building on this progress, KOMSA has continued to collaborate with the ministry, the Korea Shipping Association (KSA), and Naver—a leading Korean online platform—to gradually expand the "Directions" service on Naver Map to include ferries. Through the "Directions" service, passengers can access sea route information and up-to-date details on ferries, such as real-time locations, schedules, and fees. The service's display of actual routes as linear lines and its real-time operational updates enhance the accuracy and timeliness of the information provided. For the convenience of international tourists, the Naver Map service is available in multiple languages, including Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese, ensuring smoother and more comfortable travel experiences. To increase the utilization of ferry traffic information, KOMSA is participating in a project—led by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the National Information Society Agency (NIA)—to publicly disclose government-centric data. KOMSA plans to release ferry-related traffic data to the public in the first half of 2025 by establishing an open database and developing an open API. This service is also expected to benefit the private sector by advancing the "Directions" service on Naver Map and fostering the development of operation data-based island tour programs. Jun-Seok Kim, President of KOMSA, stated, "Looking ahead, we will continue to develop services that enhance ferry operations for the public by disclosing the traffic information." He also emphasized KOMSA's commitment, as a public institution, to leading efforts in creating social value by providing the private sector with more business opportunities through the use of publicly disclosed data.
KOMSA Paves the Way for Global Expansion of SMEs
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits18
  • Date2024-12-12 13:23:41
  • Content KOMSA Paves the Way for Global Expansion of SMEs KOMSA provides technical support to a domestic life jacket manufacturer As a semi-governmental agency, KOMSA leverages its expertise in ship surveys, inspections, and research and development to fulfill its social responsibility and revitalize the industry. To support the global expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the organization has facilitated exports worth USD 1.01 million (KRW 1.42 billion) in 2023. In July, several governments requested Korean SMEs to build a 10-meter speed boat and manuxhlrms sjafacture a generator. KOMSA collaborated with these SMEs to verify shipbuilding performance, a crucial step in the contract signing process. Leveraging Korea's robust domestic safety regulations, which align with international standards, KOMSA assessed the performance and safety of the ships and generators intended for export and issued the necessary certifications. This support contributed to securing export contracts worth USD 840,000, including three small speed boats to Ecuador (USD 540,000) and seven ship generators (USD 300,000). A HDPE boat is being transported in Malaysia In 2022, KOMSA partnered with a Korean safety gear manufacturer to develop a more comfortable life jacket suitable for fishing. In January 2023, the two organizations established a cooperative scheme to enhance the competitiveness of domestically produced life jackets and expand their global market reach. KOMSA also provided technical support for type approval of ship equipment in target export markets. As a result of these efforts, a Korean life jacket manufacturer secured a USD 170,000 (KRW 240 million) export contract by gaining type approval from Japan in early November 2023. This achievement opens doors to a USD 100 million market driven by growing leisure activities. KOMSA plans to continue building partnerships with domestic companies and providing technical advice to help them enter the global life jacket market, currently dominated by Japan and the US. KOMSA exhibits at the Malaysia International Maritime Exhibition In July, KOMSA signed a trilateral business contract with V&W Defence and a Korean ship design office to commercialize HDPE test boat designs and facilitate the entry of Korean SMEs into foreign markets. From November 12 to 13, KOMSA participated in the Malaysia International Maritime Exhibition and held approximately 80 consulting sessions with 63 entities, including government agencies, universities, ship design offices, and shipbuilders. To promote the export of HDPE vessels to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, KOMSA has secured shipbuilding agreements with the Malaysian and Indonesian Navies, as well as the Indonesian Fire and Rescue Foundation (IFRF). KOMSA will collaborate with the Export-Import Bank of Korea and the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency to provide export support programs, helping domestic SMEs secure funding and conduct market research. KOMSA President Jun-Seok Kim stated, "Building on our success in helping a Korean life jacket manufacturer enter the Japanese market, KOMSA will continue to expand technical support and cooperation to facilitate the global market entry of Korean SMEs, leveraging our unique projects and capabilities."
KOMSA Reaches Out to Climate-Vulnerable Countries with Korea's Green Ship Policies
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits18
  • Date2024-11-21 15:48:22
  • Content KOMSA Reaches Out to Climate-Vulnerable Countries with Korea's Green Ship Policies - Supporting developing countries in meeting GHG reduction regulations to achieve net-zero goals - Sharing Korea's green shipping policies to contribute to the sustainable development of the global shipping industry Sessions are being held to build participants' capacity to respond to GHG reduction regulations On November 8, KOMSA successfully concluded the GHG-SMART (Greenhouse Gas – Sustainable Maritime Transport) Training Programme in Busan, targeting government officials from developing countries responsible for maritime policies. Hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) of the Republic of Korea in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the programme was organized by the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA) from November 4 to 8. It was attended by 18 government officials from 13 developing and small island states, including Gambia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji. The GHG-SMART Training Programme aligns with the IMO's goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions in international shipping by 2050. It provides capacity-building sessions to help developing countries respond to GHG reduction regulations while introducing Korea's green ship and port policies and technologies. Since its launch in 2022, KOMSA has offered the programme to 57 officials from 39 countries. Participants visit a site during the 2024 GHG-SMART programme This year's programme addressed critical issues, including ▲trends in IMO GHG reduction regulations, ▲the Republic of Korea's National Action Plan, and ▲decarbonization policies for international shipping. The Climate Financing Seminar was also conducted during the programme, featuring experts from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the World Bank. Participants had the opportunity to visit key sites, including Hanhwa Ocean, Busan New Port, STX Engine, and Panasia, where they observed Korea's green ship and port technologies in action. KOMSA has been spearheading various international cooperation projects aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of the maritime industry. To address the shortage of female professionals in the sector, KOMSA partnered with IMO to offer specialized programs. In September, the SMART-C Women In-Person Empowerment Training saw 18 high-ranking officials and women in managerial roles from five ASEAN countries complete the program, significantly enhancing the capacity of women in maritime. President Jun-Seok Kim of KOMSA remarked, "In line with the IMO's decarbonization goals, Korea is at the forefront of global efforts to combat climate change." He reaffirmed KOMSA's commitment to expanding practical training programs to assist developing countries in transitioning toward decarbonization, ensuring no one is left behind in the process.
KOMSA Accelerates Support for HDPE Shipbuilding Technology
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits42
  • Date2024-11-15 17:56:06
  • Content KOMSA Accelerates Support for HDPE Shipbuilding Technology Technicians are being trained in HDPE welding technologies The Korea Maritime Safety Authority (KOMSA) has intensified its efforts to promote HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) shipbuilding technology by offering training programs and technological support. From October 29 to 31, KOMSA conducted a training program to foster HDPE welding technicians at the Incheon Smart Ship Safety Support Center. The program was specifically designed for shipbuilders of small vessels, with 13 participants successfully completing the training. HDPE ships are gaining popularity as next-generation eco-friendly alternatives. Unlike FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Plastic), HDPE is 100% recyclable and offers a lighter weight, contributing to significant fuel savings. Leading this trend, KOMSA established Korea’s first HDPE welding technician training program. Over the course of four sessions this year, 50 HDPE welding technicians have been trained, setting the stage for broader adoption of eco-friendly HDPE ships. Post-training surveys revealed a satisfaction rate of 92%, highlighting the program’s effectiveness. KOMSA signed an MOU with Malaysian shipbuilders to promote technological cooperation in Malaysia KOMSA is also extending its support for HDPE ship technology to developing countries. In July, the organization signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with shipbuilders of small vessels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As part of this collaboration, KOMSA trained 12 technicians in HDPE welding and shipbuilding technologies between October 15 and 17. These initiatives not only pave the way for Korean shipbuilders to enter Southeast Asia’s market, in line with the growing demand for small vessels, but also showcase the excellence of Korean small vessel construction technologies. Jun-Seok Kim, President of KOMSA, stated, “Our organization is dedicated to creating new jobs and enhancing the capabilities of shipbuilders by advancing HDPE shipbuilding technology domestically.” He further emphasized KOMSA’s commitment to expanding its technological support to developing countries, fostering global partnerships, and leading innovations in the maritime sector.
KOMSA Developed Educational Videos on Domestic Ferry Safety Now Available on the IMO e-Learning Platform
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits22
  • Date2024-10-11 11:31:44
  • ContentKOMSA Developed Educational Videos on Domestic Ferry Safety Now Available on the IMO e-Learning Platform - Leveraging its expertise, KOMSA has developed educational videos on domestic ferry safety. - By showcasing its work in overseeing domestic ferry operations, KOMSA has demonstrated its capabilities in ferry management on a global stage. The Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA) has announced that educational videos to enhance domestic ferry safety are now available on the IMO e-Learning platform. Expressing concern that the vast majority of maritime casualties involve coastal ferries*, IMO has been making diverse efforts, including establishing Model Regulations on Domestic Ferry Safety (resolution MSC.518(105)) in April 2022 and encouraging Member States to contribute to these initiatives. *According to INTERFERRY, 93% of lives lost to ship incidents in the past 50 years are attributed to domestic ferry incidents. To share its best practices and encourage Member States that lack adequate safety management for domestic ferries to implement the Model Regulations, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, in consultation with IMO, has promoted the “Production of Educational Videos for Enhancing Domestic Ferry Safety Project” through the ROK-IMO Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme* (ITCP) fund. The courses were developed by KOMSA, as the implementing entity, with funding through the Republic of Korea-IMO Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP). *The Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) was established by IMO to assist developing countries in building their capacities for effective compliance with IMO's regulatory framework and enhancement of maritime safety. For the production of these educational videos, IMO engaged experts from the private sector and KOMSA as consultants. KOMSA then completed filming the videos in January 2024. Given the importance of domestic ferry safety and understanding of major accidents involving domestic ferries, the first course covers relevant domestic legislative frameworks and key policies designed to enhance domestic ferry safety. The second course highlights the role of operation managers at the Incheon Operation Management Center, who oversee ferry operations, including pre-departure ferry. It also demonstrates how the Operation Control Center has incorporated advanced technologies, such as intelligent surveillance cameras and drones, into its operations. At the 109th session of the Maritime Safety Committee, scheduled in December 2024, IMO will report to the Committee on these training courses, along with its plan to connect with similar cooperation projects and to translate them into other official languages of the UN, thereby broadening their accessibility. IMO has been operating the IMO e-Learning Platform (https://lms.imo.org/moodle310) since April 2022, providing remote and hybrid learning opportunities in this digitalization era. Currently, eight learning modules are available on a self-enrolment basis, including the Training Materials on Domestic Ferry Safety. President Jun-Seok Kim of KOMSA stated, “We will continue to contribute to the international community by leveraging our expertise in managing domestic ferry safety.” The educational videos are also available on KOMSA’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/c/한국해양교통안전공단) for those who do not have access to the IMO e-Learning Platform.
The Small and Medium Ship Safety Forum: A Strong Stride Toward Enhancing Non-SOLAS Ship Safety
  • WriterMaritime Transportation Policy Office
  • Hits43
  • 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.