Maritime disasters include accidental disasters, such as fires, collisions, grounding on shore, capsizing, sinking, etc., as well as the oil spill and hazardous liquid substances in them, and natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, etc.
The JCG is fully prepared to tackle these maritime disasters through the maintenance of materials and equipment and training so that we can respond promptly and accurately in the event of such a disaster. We also prepare and provide information on our efforts to prevent accidental disasters and on natural disasters.
Measures against accidental disasters
Once an accident, such as a ship fire, collision or sinking occurs, not only human lives and properties are threatened, but also oil or hazardous liquid substances are spilled into the sea due to the accident that causes a tremendous adverse effect on the natural environment and the lives of local residents.
The JCG is working to prevent such accidental disasters, and in the event of a disaster, we work together with related organizations to take prompt actions and minimize damages.
Current state in 2019
Response to accidental disasters
Ship fireThe number of ship fires that occurred in 2019 was 59. Looking at the number of ship fires by ship type, the number of fishing boats continued to be the highest. In 2019, it also accounts for 33 cases or about 60% of the total.
The JCG extinguishes fire by discharging water to a burning ship from a patrol vessel or craft that has a fire fighting function.
The number of cases of marine pollution caused by oil that were confirmed by the JCG in 2019 was 275, a decrease of 8 from the previous year. In an oil spill accident at sea, the responsible operator must, in principle, control the oil spill, so the JCG provides guidance and advice so that the responsible operator can take appropriate control.
On the other hand, for a large oil spill or if the responsible operator fails to deal with it properly, the JCG itself controls it by the National Strike Team, a specialist group in maritime disaster prevention, in cooperation with related organizations.
In 2019, the JCG responded to 143 oil spill accidents.
Scene of water discharge to fire ship
Oil spill from ship grounding on shore
Measures against natural disasters
The Nankai Trough giant earthquake and the earthquake directly beneath the Tokyo metropolitan area are feared to occur in the near future, and natural disasters, such as storms and floods, are also feared more intensified. Measures against these natural disasters are gaining importance.
In the event of such a natural disaster, the JCG will carry out emergency activities that utilize mobility, regardless of land or sea, to protect human lives and properties. We take measures against natural disasters for aids to navigation, such as lighthouses, prepare and provide disaster prevention information, and strive to strengthen cooperation with medical personnel and related organizations.
Current state in 2019
Response to natural disasters
In 2019, many natural disasters occurred due to typhoons and heavy rains, causing enormous damage. The JCG conducts investigations the scale of damage by patrol vessels and/or aircraft, lifesaving by the Special Rescue Team and Mobile Rescue Technicians, recovery of oil spills by National Strike Team, provision of information and alerts for ship traffic, etc. In addition, we provided water supply, power and bathing support, and transported medical personnel and relief supplies based on the needs of the affected areas.
