1. General Overview of Atsumi Port
Atsumi Port is a key regional port in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, designated as a “Major Port” under the Port and Harbor Law (Law No. 218 of 1950). It primarily handles industrial cargo (automobiles, machinery, and petrochemicals) and serves as a hub for domestic and limited international shipping. The port is administered by the Aichi Prefectural Government’s Port and Harbor Bureau, with oversight from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). The port consists of three main terminals: Central Terminal (general cargo), South Terminal (liquid bulk), and West Terminal (container operations).
2. Port Rules and Regulations
2.1 Legal Framework
– Governed by the Port and Harbor Law (Law No. 218 of 1950) and related ministerial ordinances
– Compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is mandatory for all vessels over 500 GT
– Additional regulations under the Maritime Traffic Safety Law (Law No. 151 of 1972) and Ship Safety Law (Law No. 11 of 1933)
– Special provisions for dangerous goods under the High Pressure Gas Safety Law (Law No. 204 of 1951)
2.2 Navigation and Entry Requirements
– Prior notice of arrival must be submitted to the Atsumi Port Authority at least 24 hours in advance (Ship Safety Law Article 15-2)
– Vessels exceeding 200m LOA or 50,000 GT require special permission (Aichi Port Regulation Article 12)
– Mandatory use of VHF Channel 16 for communication with port control
– Pilotage compulsory for: vessels >10,000 GT, all tankers >3,000 GT, and vessels carrying Class 1 dangerous goods
– Tugboat requirements: 1 tug for 160-200m LOA, 2 tugs for >200m LOA
– Daylight restrictions for vessels with draft exceeding 12m
2.3 Cargo Operations
– Hazardous materials handling follows the Fire Service Act (Law No. 186 of 1948) and IMDG Code
– Electronic cargo manifests via Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System (NACCS)
– Special permits required for: oversized cargo (>100 tons), project cargo, and abnormal indivisible loads
– Container stacking limits: 4 high for standard containers, 2 high for reefer containers
– Grain operations must comply with Japan Agricultural Standards (JAS) for fumigation
2.4 Environmental Regulations
– Strict adherence to the Act on the Prevention of Marine Pollution and Maritime Disaster (Law No. 136 of 1970)
– Zero discharge policy for oil, chemicals, or garbage within port limits
– Fuel requirements: max 0.1% sulfur content while at berth (Air Pollution Control Law)
– Ballast water management per Act on the Prevention of Marine Pollution (2017 amendments)
– Mandatory use of vapor recovery systems for oil tankers during loading
3. Compliance and Enforcement
3.1 Inspection Regime
– Regular inspections by Aichi Prefectural Government Port Office and Japan Coast Guard
– Port State Control inspections under Tokyo MOU criteria (40+ check items)
– Annual ISPS Code compliance audits for port facilities
– Special safety inspections during typhoon season (June-October)
3.2 Penalties for Non-Compliance
– Tiered penalty system under Aichi Prefecture Ordinance No. 42:
• Minor violations: ¥100,000-500,000
• Major violations: ¥500,000-3,000,000
• Criminal charges for willful violations causing environmental damage
– Vessel detention for:
• Safety equipment deficiencies
• Unauthorized discharge violations
• Crew certification issues
4. Safety Measures for Crew and Vessels
4.1 Emergency Procedures
– Mandatory emergency drills covering:
• Fire fighting
• Oil spill response
• Man overboard
• Medical emergencies
– Designated muster stations with bilingual signage
– Port emergency response capabilities:
• 2 fireboats (3,000 GPM capacity)
• Oil spill response team (500 bbl/day capacity)
• Dedicated medical response unit
4.2 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
– Minimum PPE requirements:
• Hard hats (JIS T 8131 standard)
• Life jackets (ISO 12402-3 or equivalent)
• Anti-slip footwear (JIS S 5030)
• Gas detectors for hazardous areas
– Additional requirements for specific operations:
• Chemical protective suits for tank cleaning
• Fall arrest systems for work >2m height
• Hearing protection in areas >85 dB
5. Operational Guidelines for Ship Operators
– Mooring requirements:
• Minimum 6 mooring lines for vessels >150m LOA
• Synthetic lines prohibited for vessels >50,000 DWT
– Operational restrictions:
• Speed limit: 6 knots in port waters
• Night operations: additional lighting (minimum 50 lux)
• Prohibited areas: 500m from naval facilities
– Bunkering operations:
• Prior notification required
• Dedicated watch officer mandatory
• Oil spill containment boom required
