fields, and educational activities to spread safety awareness. JMSA actively supports this safety and rescue project, in particular, and is determined to ensure the safety of marine leisure activities.
The Boat Assistance Network (BAN) is a membership system for pleasure boats. It operates a 24-hour system, whereby its member craft tow or accompany other craft with engine trouble or other navigational problems and search and provide other rescue services for crew or passengers missing at sea. As a rule, members receive these service free of charge. Non-members must pay for them on their own. BAN has been operating since July 1992, in the sea area extending from Tokyo Bay and Sagami Bay to the vicinity of Kozu Island of the lzu Islands. Furthermore, in July 1996, it inaugurated operations in the sea areas of Osaka Bay and Harimanada, and the northern sea area of the Kii Channel.
As of August 31, 1996, there were 2,207 BAN member craft.
The Divers Alert Network of Japan (DAN Japan) is a membership system, and responds with a 24-hour emergency hotline system to have medical specialists provide emergency treatment for divers requiring treatment for the bends or other maladies. It provides advice pertaining to how to implement emergency measures at the site of an accident or while victims are being transported and information related to medical enactments that possess repressurization facilities and can accept patients requiring such treatment.
As of July 31, 1996, DAN Japan had 7,249 members.
IV. Enriching and Strengthening the Marine Leisure Rescue System
1. Rescue Related to Marine Leisure Accidents
(1) Rescuing Pleasure Boats, etc.
In 1995, of the 607 pleasure boats and other small boats and craft requiring rescue, excluding 67 that entered port under their own power, 469 were rescued. This is a rescue rate of 87% (the percentage rescued of the total number requiring rescue, excluding those that entered port under their own power) (rescue rate of 89% in 1994).
(2) Rescues for Seaside Accidents Related to Marine Leisure
In 1995, of the 634 victims of seaside accidents related to marine leisure activities, excluding 39 who were able to save themselves using their own power, 285 were rescued. This is a rescue rate of 48% (52% in 1994).
