Key Features and Future Considerations
Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)
Major Functions:
- Displaying location signals received from ships via an AIS and satellite on an electronic navigation chart;
- Storing tracking information from a ship in the database and inquiring about past routes for tracking activities;
- (Satellite VMS) Sending alerts manually or automatically in response to missing regular location reports or signal loss from ships in specifically designated regions and asking for ships’ location details;
- (Link to relevant agencies) Operating a VMS network between related agencies like the Coast Guard, Navy, and Shipping Association (Navigation Management Office) and providing vessel positional information;
- Providing a ship’s location information for owners online (VMS information) for free.
Future Considerations:
- Dealing with VTS, maritime traffic, security and counterterrorism, port operation, coastal safety, and resource management through real-time vessel operating information;
- Increasing efficiency;
- Improving distress systems for vessels and supporting search and rescue activities by tracking;
- Increasing the efficiency of immersive safety management for incident-vulnerable vessels like coastal passenger ships and oil tankers;
- Implementing strategies for investigating marine incidents and formulating safety policies by utilizing gathered maritime information.
Maritime Security/Counterterrorism
Major Functions:
- Receiving signals from the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) in the event of piracy or terrorism across the world and delivering updates automatically;
- Transmitting emergency alert messages (including civil defense alerts) to vessels through the VMS;
- Monitoring foreign vessels operating off the coast of Korea.
Future Considerations:
- Minimizing damage by securing the safe navigation of national ships in crime zones afflicted by piracy and terror, such as around Somalia, and responding promptly;
- Preventing damage by transmitting alerts to national ships near piracy prone regions.
Updates and Public Use of Information
- Comprehensive marine safety information service available online;
- Acquiring and disseminating materials for the management of accidents;
- Rapid notification of situations in the event of an accident by maintaining information links between major organizations;
- Enhancing public services and promoting the safety and comfort of crews by offering ship positional information online.