The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister Kang Do-hyung) announced that it would be hosting a customized briefing session on Port State Control (PSC) inspections at foreign ports for Korean shipping companies on Friday, March 14 at 2:00 PM at the Busan Port International Convention Center.

 This briefing was organized to prevent Korean national ships from having their port departure suspended, as the nine PSC Councils* worldwide have strengthened inspections following COVID-19. Approximately 150 people including safety managers and ship crew members from Korean shipping companies are expected to attend.

 * An intergovernmental consultative body that discusses PSC, a safety inspection of foreign vessels entering domestic ports. Nine consultative bodies are currently formed and operated worldwide, including Europe and Asia-Pacific region.

 The briefing session will include ▲sharing key points of PSC inspections and major cases of noncompliance with the International Safety Management System (ISM) and ▲answering pre-submitted questions. The pre-submitted Q&A session will specifically address industry issues such as interpretations of international maritime conventions and other questions related to PSC inspections.

 After the event, the briefing materials will be shared through the PSC communication channel* to ensure that those who are unable to attend can access the information.

 * A real-time communication channel has been established to communicate with around 300 domestic shipping company representatives for information sharing.

 “I expect this briefing session to provide practical help in preventing situations where ships' departure from foreign ports is suspended by strengthening communication with shipping companies and improving the safety management capabilities of domestic shipping companies. We will continue to prioritize communication and support for domestic shipping companies to strengthen vessel safety management,” Minister Kang Do-hyung said.