South Korean tragedy shows dangers of unregulated sea lanes

By Hu Bo Source:Global Times Published: 2014-4-22 21:58:01

Illustration: Liu Rui/GT



The South Korean ferry Sewol capsized and sank en route from Incheon to Jeju on April 16. This is the second shipwreck in offshore waters within six months in South Korea, stirring worries about maritime safety.

Maritime safety faces several kinds of threats: natural disasters or accidents like striking an iceberg, a reef or hurricane, human attacks including terrorist activities, assaults by pirates, warships or law-enforcement ships from other countries and secondary disasters, and operational failure by captains or sailors. The Sewol ferry sank within just two hours, probably because of the insufficient experience of the steersman.

Along with China's fast economic growth and accelerated pace of "going global," it has increasingly been relying on international seaways and has gradually become the biggest stakeholder in seaway safety.

China has become the largest trader in goods in 2013, and more than 80 percent of goods are transported by sea. China is also one of the largest fishery producers. The Chinese people now enjoy a better and wealthier life, which has brought about rapid development in the yacht and pleasure boat industries.

However, China's ability to ensure the safety of its seaways has not kept up with the development of its overseas trade and marine economy.

China should reinforce the strength and optimize the deployment of coastal surveillance and security forces. In offshore areas, China should continue to promote the ability to perceive different situations by sending ocean station vessels to conduct comprehensive field surveys on hydrology, submerged rocks and tide in peripheral waters, updating relevant data in real time and providing the latest navigation charts for all ships and ferries.

In addition, China needs to improve the number and quality of coast guards, and give full play to the coordinating role of maritime rescue centers. Effective military forces are critical around key seaways in high seas.

China must also vigorously promote international cooperation in this regard. Maritime safety and freedom of navigation have turned into a conundrum of global governance. China lacks the ability and resources to guarantee its sea lines and overseas interests with military means, so collaboration is important.

China needs a 21st century-oriented maritime cooperation strategy, through which it can engage in full collaboration with other major coastal states like the US and share related information and intelligence.

Last but not least, China should beef up maritime management and education. Government departments should work jointly to introduce laws and regulations, streamline mechanisms and reinforce supervision in guaranteeing the safety of sea lines, in an aim to ensure carriers observe safety regulations in dealing with emergencies and improving crew members' professional ethics.

The authorities in charge of foreign affairs, commerce and transportation should also enhance the training and education of both freight agents and shippers to minimize risks.

The author is an assistant research fellow with the China Center for Strategic Studies, Peking University. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn



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