South Korea will set up new safety guidelines for all international passenger ships that provide services to China, Japan and Russia, the government said Monday.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said the updated rules will apply to 29 ships that sail between the four countries.

"The goal is to have zero ship-related fatalities by updating rules and standards governing the safe operation of passenger ships," it said.

At present, there are some 22 sea routes linking South Korea with its three neighboring countries. There are 16 routes operated by 16 ships between South Korean and Chinese ports, 11 ships and four routes linking South Korea with Japan, and two ships that sail between South Korea and Russia's far eastern region.

The latest move to beef up safety comes after the sinking of the Sewol ferry off South Korea southwestern coast left more than 300 people dead in April 2014. The tragedy that mostly resulted in the deaths of high school students on their way to Jeju Island is the worst maritime disaster in the country's history, and raised awareness for ship safety.

Under the changes inspectors and ship owners will be required to check if the boat's stability has been compromised by excessive cargo or passenger numbers. A ship's stability is crucial to preventing it from capsizing. The ministry said fire prevention will receive greater attention, as well as discouraging shipping companies from over-scheduling voyages that can lead to accidents.

It said port inspectors will pay particular attention to excessive loads, securing cargo safely, and the state of ballast tanks.

Regular meetings between shipping line executives will be arranged so they can share information on safety.

"For ships on the South Korea-China route, inspectors from both sides will check safety rule compliance, with bilateral inspections on ships over 25 years being carried out every six months," it said.

For routes to Japan, Seoul will take steps to prevent collisions between boats and marine life, by calling for ships to sail at slower speeds in certain areas. (Yonhap)