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The Korea Coast Guard (KCG) said it officially adopted the vessel traffic services (VTS)* for the Yeongheung Waterway, Incheon, starting from March 3. * Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) : A service that provides active monitoring and navigational advice for vessels in particularly confined and busy waterways in order to enhance the safety of ship traffic and protect the marine environment and marine facilities
Various ships, including fishing boats, leisure boats, and medium-sized ships, are passing through the Yeongheung Waterway, which is a narrow sea area with a width of 370 to 500 meters and requires passing vessels to take extra precaution. In December 2017, a fishing boat collided with a tanker, causing 15 deaths.
The KCG had been preparing for implementing the VTS in the water area by establishing the vessel traffic order, building necessary facilities and hiring more controllers to prevent safety accidents. After a pilot operation from October 13 last year, the Incheon Port Vessel Traffic Control Center officially began operating the VTS on March 3.
It also plans to publish and distribute booklets on the expanded Yeongheung Water Control Zone and the VTS among related institutions and ship operators.
"The expansion of the VTS is expected to further strengthen maritime traffic safety in the Yeongheung waterways," an official from the KCG said. He went on to say, "We will do our best to protect the safety of ships and the lives of the people by providing professional vessel traffic control information."
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