On March 26, Commissioner Baek Hakseon of the West Sea Regional Coast Guard conducted inspections in the Gunsan area, focusing on maritime accident prevention and response readiness amid increasing concerns as the foggy season approaches. This initiative was part of a broader effort to enhance maritime safety during a designated special management period from February 1 to March 31.
The first stop in Baek’s inspection was the Gunsan Regional Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) center. Here, he assessed the current vessel traffic conditions around Gunsan Port, scrutinizing the traffic control systems in place to identify risk factors and mitigate potential vessel accidents. By examining these systems closely, Baek aimed to ensure that protocols are well established to manage any unforeseen incidents effectively.
Following this, Baek visited the Gunsan Air Unit, where he attended the inauguration of a new medium-sized helicopter. He reviewed the unit’s emergency dispatch capabilities and the maintenance status of aviation equipment. His directives emphasized the importance of maintaining readiness for rescue operations, highlighting the critical nature of aerial support in maritime accidents.
The final stop was at the Gunsan Coast Guard Station. There, Baek received updates on the station’s safety preparedness and response strategies. He stressed the need for proactive measures focused on accident prevention throughout the special inspection period. In an effort to foster a supportive environment, Baek engaged with frontline personnel to discuss the challenges they face, advocating for a flexible organizational culture that encourages open communication.
During these discussions, Baek underscored the importance of readiness and swift response in emergency situations, stating, “thorough preparedness and response at the scene are the final bastion for protecting the lives and safety of the people.” He called for collaborative efforts among departments to ensure efficient and precise responses if an accident occurs.
The inspections and directives from Commissioner Baek highlight the West Sea Regional Coast Guard’s commitment to improving maritime safety measures amid rising concerns during the peak travel period, ensuring that both personnel and resources are effectively positioned for rapid engagement in emergencies.
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