Gov't to inspect 141 coastal ferries ahead of Chuseok holiday

Passenger traffic forecast to rise 2.8% above average, with about 77,000 daily riders expected; joint inspections run Monday through Sept. 11

Checks to cover hull, engine and life-saving equipment, as well as boarding zones and vehicle deck safety

Any deficiencies must be corrected before Sept. 23, when the special Chuseok traffic period begins

Photo not related to article [Getty Images Bank]

The government is launching a special safety inspection of 141 coastal passenger ferries nationwide, as daily ridership during this year's Chuseok holiday is forecast to reach about 77,000.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced Monday that it will conduct a 12-day joint inspection of all 141 coastal ferries from Monday through Sept. 11.

This year's Chuseok holiday runs four days, from Sept. 24 through Sept. 27. The Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority projected that ferry ridership during the period — including homebound travelers and tourists — will average about 77,000 per day, up roughly 2.8 percent from the typical holiday average.

In response, the ministry formed a joint inspection team with the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority, the Korea Coast Guard, local governments and public safety inspectors to assess ferry safety management before the holiday.

The inspection will cover the condition of core equipment — including the hull, engines and life-saving gear — the deployment of safety officers at boarding and disembarkation zones, the state of passenger amenities, workers' compliance with safety rules during onboard operations, and passenger safety management in vehicle decks.

Minor deficiencies found during the inspection will be corrected on the spot. Items requiring additional work must be resolved before Sept. 23, when the special Chuseok transportation management period begins, to ensure uninterrupted ferry service throughout the holiday.

"We will carry out thorough pre-holiday safety checks on passenger ferries so that people can visit their hometowns with peace of mind during Chuseok, a time for sharing warmth with family," Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jong-woo said.

adastra@heraldcorp.com