The number of vessels has increased in the world. And vessels have become bigger and speed up. Because of this, marine traffic volume is increasing especially in the vicinity of ports. Increasing amount of traffic causes marine accidents which could cause a large amount of damages to the marine environment, loss of lives and social losses.
VTS(Vessel Traffic Service) is used in most of the ports and coastal waters to prevent marine accident and increase efficiency of port operation.
VTS plays a positive role in preventing the marine accidents and assisting port operation.
This study focused on comparative of marine accident rate before and after establishment of the VTS. The statistics indicate that marine accidents in vicinity of ports are on the decrease after the establishment of VTS.
The volume of marine traffic density in the coast of Korea was researched to draw a conclusion of high risk areas. Eligibility and necessity analysis was carried out to establish the VTS in the high risk area.
Firstly, marine accident rate draw a comparison between before and after establishment of VTS. Following the establishment of VTS in the vicinity of ports, marine accidents have decreased by 39.9%. This comparison indicates that VTS contributes greatly to prevent marine accidents.
Secondly, in the last 5 years, marine accidents rate in the vicinity of Korea was analyzed. Marine accidents are occurring in all areas. Coastal waters of Korea shall be divided to Eastern, Southern, Western. Marine accidents occurred 900 cases in each Western and Southern, 310 cases in Eastern coastal water.
Thirdly, coastal waters of Korea shall be divided into ten(10) parts based on VTS control areas to research volume of marine traffic density. The volume of marine traffic was researched one week during 08:00~08:20 to find out for traffic volume distribution. This result was compared with marine accident rate to determine establishment of VTS. As a result of research, VTS to be operated preferentially in Gyeong-In area to reduce marine accidents rate.
Lastly, the result of the precedent study on accident prevention index of VTS was compared with actual data of Jin-Do VTS. The precedent result of accident prevention index was 45.7%, actual data of Jin-Do VTS was 62.7%. Marine accident rate was reduced from average 67 cases per year to average 25 cases after establishment of VTS at Jin-Do area. According to above result, VTS plays a positive role in preventing the marine accidents with similar results.