Development of the Accessibility Guidelines for Mobility Handicapped Persons in Passenger Ship

Kim, Hongtae; Lee, Jong-Gap

Journal of Navigation and Port Research 2012;36(9):763-767.
Published online December 31, 2012.

Development of the Accessibility Guidelines for Mobility Handicapped Persons in Passenger Ship

Abstract

The ratio of the mobility handicapped person is about 25.8% of the total population in Korea(MCT, 2006). In order to prepare for the enforcement of the “Transportation Services Improvement Act for the Mobility Handicapped People”(MCT, 2006), various equipments and installations should be developed to ensure appropriate safety level for the mobility handicapped persons in maritime transportation. While approximately 10 million people are using domestic passenger vessels annually, preferences for maritime transport is very low, especially for the mobility handicapped. This study reviewed a current status of the mobility handicapped person in domestic passenger ship and analysed the improvement plan for them. To investigate the current status of domestic passenger vessel usage by the mobility handicapped, to analysis the requirements for amenities necessary for the mobility handicapped and select the ones to be developed based on the investigated results and to do feasibility study of barrier-free ship.

Key Words: accessibility;mobility handicapped persons;passenger ship;maritime safety;barrier-free ship