Korea Coast Guard

The Korean Coast Guard (KCG; Korean: 해양경찰청; Hanja: 海洋警察廳, Revised Romanization: Haeyang-gyeongchal-cheong, literally Maritime Police Agency) is a South Korean law enforcement sub-agency responsible for maritime safety and control off the coast. The KCG is an independent and external branch of Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

Korean Coast Guard
해양경찰청
Haeyang-gyeongchal-cheong
KCG emblem
KCG emblem
Racing stripe
Racing stripe

Flag

Ensign
AbbreviationKCG
Agency overview
FormedJuly 2017 – present (as 해양경찰청), December 1953 – November 2014 (as 해양경찰청)
November 2014 – July 2017 (as 국민안전처 해양경비안전본부)
Employees10,095 personnel[1]
Jurisdictional structure
National agencySouth Korea
Operations jurisdictionSouth Korea
Constituting instrument
  • Coast Guard Act, 2019[2]
Operational structure
HeadquartersIncheon, South Korea
Elected officer responsible
  • Cho Hyun-bai[3]
Parent agencyMinistry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (2017~)
Ministry of Public Safety and Security (2014~2017)
Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (1996~2014)
Korean National Police Agency (1953~1996)[4]
KCG vessel No. 3006 sailing alongside U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719) in August 2007

The KCG has its headquarters in Incheon, has hundreds of smaller operating stations along the coastline of the Korean Peninsula. It operates 4 classes of heavy vessels (over 1000 tons), 3 classes of medium vessels (over 250 tons), and 3 classes of light vessels (speedboats over 30 tons). The KCG also uses several types of 'special purpose watercraft', such as firefighting vessels, barges, high-speed scout boats, light patrols, and amphibious hovercraft. The KCG aviation unit fields 6 fixed-wing aircraft and 16 rotary-wing aircraft. The Coast Guard also had its own asymmetric warfare unit named the 'Korean Coast Guard Special Operation Unit'.

History
A Kamov Ka-32 of the Republic of Korea Coast Guard
ROK Coast Guard, 122 Rescue Unit, Yeosu

The Coast Guard Authority was formed on 23 December 1953 in Pusan(Busan), at the same time a Maritime Police Unit was also established as part of the National Police Agency. In October 1962, new bases were established in Incheon, Yeosu, Pohang, and Kunsan(Gunsan). In February 1963, the aviation unit of the KCG closed, though it reopened in the 1980s. From 1980 onwards, the KCG greatly expanded its fleet, and in August 1991, the Police Unit was renamed the Korea National Maritime Police Agency. In 2007 the Korea National Maritime Police Agency was integrated into the Coast Guard. In the early 21st century, the fleet expanded to include various vessels of over 3,000 tons, and as of January 2002, the 'Korean Coast Guard Special Operation Unit' was officially formed. In the May 2008, the "Search & Rescue Maintenance Unit" was newly constructed, and as of late 2008, various sub-agencies changed infrastructural composition. Before its disestablishment the Korean Coast Guard had planned to field more vessels over 5000 tons by 2015, and to significantly expand its asymmetric warfare force through encouraging participation from other police branches.

Disestablishment

On May 18, 2014, President Park Geun-hye announced South Korea's "plans to break up its coastguard" after failing to respond well during the MV Sewol ferry disaster.[5] According to Park, "investigation and information roles would be transferred to the South Korea National Police while the rescue and salvage operation and ocean security roles would be transferred to the Department for National Safety, not to be confused with the Korean Ministry of Security and Public Administration, which will be newly established".[6]

On November 7, 2014, the National Assembly declared that the South Korean Coast Guard be disbanded as a result of South Korean lawmakers voting 146 to 71 in favor of transferring the Coast Guard's investigative responsibilities to the South Korea National Police Agency and establishing a broader safety agency.[4][7][8][9] As a result, the South Korean Coast Guard is again under the Ministry of Public Safety and Security.

Resurrection

Newly elected President Moon Jae-in announced his plan to re-organise the ministries and government agencies. Following the approval of the National Assembly, the Korean Coast Guard was revived on July 26, 2017 as an independent, external agency under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

Goals

(From the English home page of the Korean Coast Guard)

  • Develop and maintain operational capability to ensure national maritime sovereignty.
  • Be recognized by the nation as the guardian of maritime security.
  • Become the foremost maritime security agency in Northeast Asia.
  • Develop and improve the ability to respond to maritime search and rescue requirements throughout the area of responsibility.
  • Develop and improve the ability to preserve and protect the maritime environment.
  • Be fully responsive to public requests for administrative services.
  • Continually improve the organization and operation of the agency.

Main Duties

(From the English home page of the Korean Coast Guard)

  • 1. Search and Rescue

Korean Coast Guard performs to respond speedy and effective rescue activities in order to save a precious life and to protect property when it occurred maritime accidents.

  • 2. Maritime Security

Korean Coast Guard ensures to protect sea from maritime crime and keep maritime security and peace.

  • 3. Marine Environmental Protection

Korean Coast Guard has always been in the forefront for surveillance of marine pollution and prevention of hazardous spills in order to keep waters clean and to preserve abundant marine resources.

  • 4. International Affairs

We, Korea Coast Guard, always do our best to respond quickly against international maritime crimes including enforcement of Alien Migrant Interdiction by seizing current tendency of international crime.

  • 5. Maritime Traffic Safety Management

Korean Coast Guard provides an unlimited protection to secure maritime tourism, safe marine recreational activities, and to keep people from any kind of potential dangers and barriers.

  • 6. Maritime Pollution Response

Korean Coast Guard performs to build a clean maritime environment through prevention activities thoroughly against hazardous spills or discharge and perfect pollution control.

Equipment

Aircraft

These are quoted from "Korean Coast Guard 2012 White Paper"[1]

Aircraft Type In service Cruise speed Capacity Endurance Ferry range Notes
Fixed-wing
CL-604(Bombardier Challenger 600)Search and rescue airplane1833 km/h11 passengers8 hours6,667 km
C-212(CASA C-212 Aviocar)Search and rescue airplane1370 km/h7 passengers5 hours1,482 km
CN-235(CASA/IPTN CN-235)Search and rescue airplane4394 km/h12 passengers7 hours2,037 km
Rotary-wing
Bell 412SPSAR purpose helicopter1218 km/h9 passengers3.5 hours722 km
KA-32C(Kamov Ka-27)SAR purpose helicopter8211 km/h12 passengers4 hours852 km
AgustaWestland AW139SAR purpose helicopter2305 km/h10 passengers3.9 hours819 km
Eurocopter AS565 PantherMBVessel-carried helicopter5296 km/h8 passengers3.3 hours796 km
Sikorsky S-92SAR purpose helicopter2, with an option for up to 2 additional[10]280 km/h19 passengers6 hours1,000 km

List of ships of the Republic of Korean Coast Guard

These are quoted from "Naver 블로그 지식의 수집광"[11]

Class Displacement (empty) Displacement (full load) In service Hull number/In commission Builder Armament
Large Patrol Vessel
Sam Bong 5,000 tonnes 6,350 tonnes 2 KCG Sam Bong (ARS 5001)/2002 Hyundai Heavy Industries Doosan DST 'No Bong' dual 40mm gun, Sea Vulcan 20 mm
6,500 tonnes KCG Lee Cheong Ho (ARS 5002)/2015 Doosan DST 'No Bong' dual 40mm gun, Sea Vulcan 20 mm; OTO Melara 76 mm canon
Tae Pyung Yang (Pacific) 3,000 tonnes  ? tonnes 13 3001/1994 Unknown 2 x 20 mm Sea Vulcan
 ? tonnes 3002/1998 Unknown 1 x 20 mm Sea Vulcan
4,450 tonnes 3003/2003 Hanjin Heavy Industries 1 x 20 mm Sea Vulcan
3,860 tonnes 3005/2004 Hanjin Heavy Industries 1 x 20 mm Sea Vulcan
3,900 tonnes 3006/2005 Hanjin Heavy Industries 1 x 20 mm Sea Vulcan
3007/2006 Hanjin Heavy Industries 1 x 20 mm Sea Vulcan
3008/2008 Hanjin Heavy Industries 1 x OTO Melara 40 mm, 1 x 20 mm Sea Vulcan
3009/2010 Hyundai Heavy Industries Doosan DST 'No Bong' dual 40mm gun, Sea Vulcan 20 mm
3010/2010 Hyundai Heavy Industries Doosan DST 'No Bong' dual 40mm gun, Sea Vulcan 20 mm
 ? tonnes 3011/2012(Training Role) STX Offshore & Shipbuilding 1 x 20 mm Sea Vulcan
4,200 tonnes 3012/2012 Hyundai Heavy Industries Doosan DST 'No Bong' dual 40mm gun, Sea Vulcan 20 mm
4,200 tonnes 3013/2015 STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Doosan DST 'No Bong' dual 40mm gun, Sea Vulcan 20 mm
4,200 tonnes 3015/2015 STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Doosan DST 'No Bong' dual 40mm gun, Sea Vulcan 20 mm
Je Min 1,500 tonnes 2,200 tonnes 12 1501/1988 Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Sea Vulcan 20 mm
2,246 tonnes 1502/1996
2,700 tonnes 1503/2000 Hanjin Heavy Industries Sea Vulcan 20 mm
2,700 tonnes 1505/2001
2,700 tonnes 1506/2004 Hyundai Heavy Industries Sea Vulcan 20 mm
2,700 tonnes 1507/2004 Hyundai Heavy Industries Sea Vulcan 20 mm
2,700 tonnes 1508/2005 Hyundai Heavy Industries 3 x Sea Vulcan 20 mm
2,700 tonnes 1509/2007 Hanjin Heavy Industries
2,700 tonnes 1510/2007 Hanjin Heavy Industries 1 x OTO Melara 40 mm, 1 x 20 mm Sea Vulcan
2,700 tonnes 1511/2008 Hyundai Heavy Industries Doosan DST 'No Bong' dual 40mm gun, Sea Vulcan 20 mm
2,265 tonnes 1512/2011 STX Offshore & Shipbuilding
2,265 tonnes 1513/2012 STX Offshore & Shipbuilding
HAN-RIVER 1,000 tonnes 1,530tonnes 9 1001/2012 Hyundai Heavy Industries Doosan DST 'No Bong' dual 40mm gun, Sea Vulcan 20 mm
1,530tonnes 1002/2012
1,600 tonnes 1003/2013 STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Doosan DST 'No Bong' dual 40mm gun, Sea Vulcan 20 mm
1005/2015
1,630 tonnes 1006/1997 Sea Vulcan 20 mm
1,860 tonnes 1007/2002 Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Sea Vulcan 20 mm
1,860 tonnes 1008/2004 Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Doosan DST 'No Bong' dual 40mm gun, Sea Vulcan 20 mm
1,860 tonnes 1009/2009 Hyundai Heavy Industries Breda 40mm, Sea Vulcan 20 mm
1,530 tonnes 1010/2012 Hanjin Heavy Industries Doosan DST 'No Bong' dual 40mm gun, Sea Vulcan 20 mm
Class Displacement (empty) In service Country of origin Hull number Notes
Medium Sized Patrol Vessel
Taegeuk500 tonnes16 South Korea501~518
Haeuri(type A)300 tonnes22 South Korea300~303, 305~307, 308~323
Haeuri(type B)250 tonnes2 South Korea278,279
Haeuri(type C)200 tonnes2 South Korea201,202
Small sized patrol vessel
Haenuri100 tonnes26 South Korea103~131
P class(type A)30~50 tonnes82 South KoreaP01~P102, P105~P112, P127
P class(type B)30,50,100 tonnes20 South Korea
Special Vessel
S class(coastal patrol boat)4.5t53 South KoreaS01~S70
Fireboat200t1 South Korea
Response Vessel12t, 50t, 85t, 140t, 150t, 450t33 South Korea
All-Weather Amphibious Hovercraft8 South Korea

Charter of the Republic of Korean Coast Guard

(From the English home page of the Korean Coast Guard)

  • "We are the proud Korean Coast Guard to secure our own sea by inheriting a spirit and a tradition of the marine nation. We are charged with the historical mission to protect freedom and interest of the public, and pursue peace and prosperity of Nation, furthermore, makes contribution to the peace of the world. Therefore, we pledge to accomplish our assigned duties and clarify the KCG's direction."
  • We are a devoted Coast Guard undaunted by any affliction as a leading protagonist of the maritime security
  • We are a righteous Coast Guard who properly administers the law according to the own conscience as the symbol of the law and justice.
  • We are a global Coast Guard who maintains international maritime order and conserves a sea which is mutual asset among all nations.
  • We are a growing Coast Guard who aims for the future by developing the knowledge and ability with the creative attitude.

Command

Formerly called Korea Maritime Police, is led by a Commissioner of the KCG and a deputy Commissioner.

The KCG is divided into six Bureaus and 23 Divisions. There are 16 KCG stations with 74 branch offices and 245 subagencies.

Other related agencies include:

  • KCG Academy
  • KCG R&D Center
  • KCG Maintenance Agency

Fleet
  • Patrol Boats
  • Law Enforcement Craft
  • Pollution Response Boats
  • Aircraft
  • Search and Rescue Craft

References
  1. "Korean Coast Guard 2012 White Paper". Archived from the original on 2013-11-05. Retrieved 2013-03-19.
  2. "Coast Guard Act". Act No. 16515 of 2019.
  3. Kang, Seung-woo (20 June 2018). "New badges in town". koreatimes.co.kr.
  4. "South Korean lawmakers approve plans to disband coast guard in wake of April's ferry disaster". FOX News. Associated Press (AP). 2015-03-24.
  5. "BBC News — South Korea to break up coastguard after ferry disaster". BBC. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2014-05-21.
  6. K.J. Kwon; Paula Hancocks; Jethro Mullen (19 May 2014). "South Korean president dismantles coast guard after ferry disaster". CNN.
  7. "South Korea disbands coast guard in wake of April's ferry disaster". Global News. Associated Press (AP).
  8. "South Korea approves plans to disband coast guard in wake of ferry disaster". The Globe and Mail. Associated Press.
  9. "South Korea Parliament Approves Plans To Disband Coast Guard After Ferry Disaster". Huffington Post.
  10. "SINGAPORE: Sikorsky to supply Korean Coast Guard S-92 helicopter". 21 February 2012.
  11. "해양경찰, '조직도 및 함정배치현황". Retrieved 2013-03-20.
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