Maritime Safety and Navigation Law
What the exam tests
선박안전법 (ship safety, inspections, equipment) and 해사안전법 (navigation safety, traffic rules, master's authority, reporting).
Core rules
- 선박안전법: ships must pass statutory inspections-정기검사, 중간검사, 임시검사-and carry required safety equipment. Inspection intervals and certificates depend on ship type and tonnage.
- 해사안전법: keep a proper lookout, proceed at safe speed, and use collision-avoidance rules. In a crossing situation between power-driven vessels, the vessel that has the other on its starboard side is the give-way vessel; the stand-on vessel must keep course and speed but may act when collision is imminent.
- The master has authority to take necessary measures for safety and must report marine casualties without delay.
- 음주운항 is prohibited; blood alcohol limits and testing procedures are statutory.
Worked example
Vessel A is power-driven and sees Vessel B on its starboard side, crossing. A is the give-way vessel. A must alter course to pass astern of B and avoid crossing ahead. B, as stand-on vessel, keeps course and speed. If A fails to act and collision becomes imminent, B must take avoiding action. A's failure to give way is a navigation-law violation.
Traps
Do not say the stand-on vessel has no duty at all. Do not apply the crossing rule to all vessels-it applies to power-driven vessels. Do not confuse inspection types or assume a certificate excuses compliance with navigation rules.