An aerial view of the Sinboryeong thermal power pier in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province [KOMSA]
An aerial view of the Sinboryeong thermal power pier in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province [KOMSA]

The Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA) has completed security inspections at 65 port facilities across nine regional zones nationwide, one year after signing an agreement with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to conduct security audits of privately operated port facilities on the ministry's behalf.

KOMSA announced Monday that it is upgrading its audit system in preparation for conducting independent security inspections of approximately 190 privately operated port facilities nationwide in May next year.

KOMSA was designated as the authorized agency for security audits of privately operated port facilities in July last year under the Act on the Security of Ships Engaged in International Voyages and Port Facilities. It initially began inspections at 14 facilities across four zones — Pyeongtaek, Daesan, Gunsan and Donghae — before expanding coverage this year to nine zones that also include Incheon, Mokpo, Pohang, Yeosu and Masan. Of the 120 facilities subject to inspection, 65 have now been reviewed.

Port facility security inspections are conducted under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and comprehensively assess whether a facility can counter threats such as terrorism, smuggling, unauthorized entry and the introduction of explosives. Inspectors examine the implementation of security plans, access control systems, the operational status of security equipment, and whether security education and training programs are being carried out. KOMSA uses the findings to identify areas requiring improvement and supports facility operators in taking corrective action, helping to eliminate potential security risks before they materialize.

KOMSA has secured a team of 27 specialists to carry out nationwide inspections. It is also upgrading its security audit system ahead of the planned independent inspections of roughly 190 privately operated facilities in May next year, aiming to improve operational efficiency and audit quality while building a stable foundation for nationwide coverage.

In addition, KOMSA plans to draw on its accumulated inspection experience and on-the-ground expertise to pursue designation as a port security education institution and push for improvements to related regulations.

"Over the past year, we have focused on building a nationwide port facility security inspection framework and strengthening our audit expertise," KOMSA President An Yeong-cheol said. "Going forward, we will conduct objective and effective security inspections grounded in public responsibility and professional competence, contributing to the establishment of a port security management system that the public can trust."


adastra@heraldcorp.com