The performance of safety activities such as crime regulation and rescue services at sea by the Maritime Safety Agency (MSA) of Japan is quantitatively evaluated and found to be little improved or to be saturated on several criteria for several decades. The political background and legal constraints of MSA are discussed as constraining its activities. In coping with the expansion of maritime activities into the distant ocean, policies for improving its performance are explored and the effects of high technological enhancement on performance and its expected side effects on technological innovation and international affairs are conceptually discussed. The constraints for technological and organisational innovations are also discussed.
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