Hong, D.-B. and Yang, C.-S., 2017. Designing an algorithm to generate dynamic intentional grounding zones (DIGOs) for distressed passenger ships in coastal regions. In: Lee, J.L.; Griffiths, T.; Lotan, A.; Suh, K.-S., and Lee, J. (eds.), The 2nd International Water Safety Symposium. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 79, pp. 134–138. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

In an emergency case, a passenger ship can be grounded on coastal zone in order to prevent sinking of the vessel and to minimize the injuries and casualties. For the safe and efficient mustering and evacuation of cruise ships, the innovative and reliable systems are needed and discussed in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for several decadal years. In this paper a novel method is suggested for designating a safe grounding zone, here Dynamic Intentional Grounding Zones (DIGOs), in real-time situation. Thus, DIGO will be a place around passenger ship for effective emergency evacuation in case of uncontrolled marine accident. The research area is the southwest coastal region of Korea including Jindo Island. In this region, there are many passenger ships regularly travelling between islands, large intertidal areas, and eddies caused by rapid changes in currents. DIGOs are automatically calculated in three-dimensional space by combining shipping information (position, draft, etc.) and marine environments (water depth, sea-bottom sediments, and tide level) in real-time. The results of this study can be used to support captains' decision-making during maritime accidents.