Oceans ministry eases ship inspection rules for small operators

The oceans ministry said it eased ship-inspection rules for about 1,450 vessels, seeking to reduce regulatory burdens on small operators.

The partial revision is intended to ease regulations for ship-inspection workers and shipowners and address shortcomings found in operating the current system, the ministry said.

The changes cover about 670 vessels below 10 gross tons and roughly 780 vessels fitted with outboard engines. Non-passenger vessels below 10 gross tons can forgo certain preparation requirements for regular and intermediate inspections if propeller-shaft clearances meet specified thresholds. The maximum gap is 6 millimeters for shafts up to 230 mm in diameter, 8 mm for shafts above 230 mm and up to 305 mm, and 9.5 mm for larger shafts. Outboard-engine vessels may receive exemptions from certain preparation requirements if their engines are well maintained and operating properly.

Propeller-shaft inspections for vessels of about 10 tons have typically taken three to five days and can cost as much as 3 million won ($2,168).

"The revision is expected to substantially ease the management burden for small businesses earning their livelihoods in shipping and port operations," Jeong Do-hyeon, director general of the Maritime Safety Bureau, said.

The amendment broadens eligibility for dangerous-goods inspectors to holders of industrial engineer certificates or higher qualifications in dangerous goods handling and management. Qualified ship inspectors seeking the role will need three months of practical training, down from six months.

Requirements for preparing certain opening inspections will use the timing recommended by engine manufacturers. Any exemption period for passenger vessels cannot exceed eight years.

The amendment also updates cargo-ship safety-equipment certificates and related forms to reflect changes to the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, to which Korea is a party. It took effect Aug. 25, the day it was promulgated.