「こちら、関門マーチスです」船の衝突を未然に防ぐ”海の管制官”に密着　「そんなん知らんわ、おれは行くんだ」という船も・・・

Japan is surrounded by sea. To ensure the safe navigation of ships, the Japan Coast Guard has stationed "sea traffic controllers" in seven locations across the country. One of these, the Kanmon MARTIS, is located in the Kanmon Strait, between Fukuoka and Yamaguchi prefectures. Known as a hazardous maritime traffic zone, this is a major artery for maritime logistics, with approximately 1,000 ships passing through it daily. We followed the "sea traffic controllers" who prevent collisions before they occur. Radio communications available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Kanmon Strait Vessel Traffic Center, located in Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City, is where radio communications are conducted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. "This is Kanmon MARTIS." "The current is currently westward at 6 knots." "We have information on a loitering vessel. May I ask?" Kanmon MARTIS, an acronym for "Marine Traffic Information Service," is one of seven centers established by the Japan Coast Guard nationwide. A Day in the Life of a Maritime Traffic Controller: Working in Four Shifts The Maritime Traffic Controllers who work here assess the ever-changing conditions of the sea and ships, providing accurate information to crew members to ensure their safety. At Kanmon MARTIS, four teams work in a rotation of day shift, night shift, day off, and day off. Daigo Beppu (40) has been a Coast Guard officer for 20 years. On this day, he was on the day shift, and the meeting began at 8:45 AM. "1:00 PM, entering Tobata Port from the north of Mutsure Island. A 50,000-ton vessel." Following the handover from the night shift, they shared information about large vessels requiring particular attention, and began their traffic control duties. Daigo Beppu, Operations Controller, Kanmon Strait Vessel Traffic Center "Please specify your ship's maximum speed and maximum draft." "12 knots, 3.2 meters, right?" Draft refers to the depth of a ship's hull when it's floating in the ocean. My main job is to communicate with ships from around the world to confirm their speed and draft. My main job is to ensure safe navigation by providing information on tides and other vessels and requesting adjustments to route and speed. Daigo Beppu, Operations Controller, Kanmon Strait Vessel Traffic Center "When I tell them that overtaking is a bit difficult, and then they say they'll stop, and they line up in a perfect line, it gives me goosebumps and feels really good." "Your English is imperfect." Shocked, I study hard. When Beppu first became a controller, he was shocked when a ship's crew told him, "Your English is broken." He then studied English, and when he was able to communicate for the first time, he felt a sense of accomplishment as a controller. Now, I can communicate smoothly with foreign crew members without even thinking. The Kanmon Strait is one of Japan's most dangerous sea passages. The Kanmon Strait is known as one of Japan's most dangerous sea passages. This is because the currents are so fast, reaching speeds of 20 kilometers per hour, and its S-shaped shape makes it difficult to see ahead. In the past, there was a collision between a destroyer and a container ship, and the controller who gave incorrect instructions was referred to prosecutors. The number of large ships that are "unmaneuverable" is on the rise. In recent years, the proportion of large ships over 10,000 tons has been increasing in order to transport cargo efficiently. The larger the ship, the less maneuverable it is, so controllers must approach their work with an ever-increasing sense of tension. The pencil case I received as a gift from my child helps me ease my tension. Daigo Beppu, Operations Controller, Kanmon Strait Vessel Traffic Center "I'm currently working away from home, and when the number of ships increases and I start to panic, I look at this and it calms me down." "This looks suspicious." He gave two warnings to ships that didn't follow instructions. He also had lunch while watching the monitor... Daigo Beppu, Operations Controller, Kanmon Strait Vessel Traffic Center "The ships entering Tobata after this one are annoying. Sometimes ships communicate with the controller and say, 'I don't care, I'm going.'" A large ship over 50,000 tons carrying ore is about to arrive at Tobata. This is the most tense moment of the day. Two ships heading northwest are approaching a large ship coming from the north. To avoid a collision, Beppu urges the two ships to slow down and pass behind the large ship. However... "Kanmon Strait Vessel Traffic Center" Beppu Daigo, Traffic Controller "Are you slowing down? Please." Crew Member "No, we're continuing on our way." "Kanmon Strait Vessel Traffic Center" Beppu Daigo, Traffic Controller "That seems suspicious." The ship behind was trying to pass the ship in front without slowing down. "Kanmon Strait Vessel Traffic Center" Beppu Daigo, Traffic Controller "Advisory: Slow down and follow the ship in front." Crew Member "J...