1. Port and Terminal Information
1.1 Hibi Port operates 24/7 with priority given to vessels carrying hazardous materials or perishable goods. Night navigation restrictions apply to vessels over 20,000 DWT (Source: Hibi Port Authority Ordinance No.12-2021).
1.2 Berth No.3 West is temporarily closed for seismic reinforcement until Dec 2024 (Port Notice HB-2023-028).
1.3 All oil tankers must use double-hose loading arms at Tanker Terminal B, with minimum 2.5m/sec vapor recovery rate (JP MOF Directive 5A-3).
1.4 Container Terminal A has a maximum draft restriction of 13.8m at all tides (Port Operations Manual Rev.2023).
1.5 Ro-Ro vessels must submit stowage plans 72hrs prior arrival for ramp alignment checks (IMO MSC/Circ.1326).
2. Navigation and Channel
2.1 Main channel depth maintained at -14.5m CD (Chart Datum) with underkeel clearance requirement of 10% of draught (Hibi Port Navigation Rule Art.7).
2.2 Mandatory AIS transmission within 12nm radius of port entrance buoy (33°45’N, 131°58’E).
2.3 Tide tables must use Japan Hydrographic Association’s “Tide Tables Vol.7” (2023 edition).
2.4 Vessels exceeding 250m LOA require two tug escorts in inner channel (Harbor Master Order 15-2022).
2.5 Temporary channel markers (yellow buoys) installed between Waypoints W-12 to W-15 during dredging operations (Notice to Mariners No.47/2023).
3. Anchorage Regulations
3.1 Emergency anchorage Area E-2 reserved for vessels with mechanical failures (max 48hr stay).
3.2 Anchoring prohibited within 500m of submarine cable routes (marked on Admiralty Chart JP-3321).
3.3 Vessels >200m LOA must deploy both anchors when using northern anchorage.
3.4 Anchorage Area A-3 designated for LNG carriers only, with 1nm exclusion zone (IGF Code Ch.13).
3.5 Dynamic positioning systems must be certified for anchorage holding (ClassNK Guidelines NS-005).
4. Cargo Operations
4.1 Grain cargo moisture content exceeding 14% requires special ventilation certificate (JIS Z 8801 standard).
4.2 Steel coils over 20 tons must be secured with minimum 4 lashings per coil (ClassNK Guidelines).
4.3 IMDG cargoes Category 1.1-1.3 require 24hr advance notice to Port Security Office.
4.4 Breakbulk cargo exceeding 5m width needs daylight-only loading (Port Safety Regulation §4.2).
4.5 All container gantry cranes must undergo annual load testing (ISO 4309:2017 compliance).
5. Safety Management
5.1 Monthly emergency drills mandatory for all berthed vessels (ISM Code Ch.8).
5.2 Hot work permits require gas-free certificate valid within 6 hours (OCIMF standards).
5.3 Lifeboat launching tests prohibited during cargo operations (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1578).
5.4 Gangways must have safety nets deployed when tide difference exceeds 2.5m (ILO Convention No.152).
5.5 Helicopter operations require prior submission of HECP (Helicopter Landing Checklist) to Port Control.
6. Environmental Compliance
6.1 Ballast water exchange must occur beyond 200nm from nearest land (Japan MERA Regulation).
6.2 Visible stack emissions shall not exceed Ringelmann Scale 1 (Local Ordinance No.305).
6.3 Oily water separator effluent sampling ports must be unlocked for random inspections.
6.4 Use of open-loop scrubbers prohibited within port limits (Japan Clean Air Act Amendment 2022).
6.5 All bunkering operations require drip trays with minimum 200% capacity (MARPOL Annex VI).
7. Crew Requirements
7.1 All deck officers must complete Japan-specific ECDIS training (MLIT Notice 492).
7.2 Medical waste disposal requires prior arrangement through port agent (Hibi Port Clinic Form C-7).
7.3 Crew changes permitted only at designated quarantine berth (Q-1).
7.4 Shore leave restricted for crews from cholera-affected areas (WHO International Health Regulations).
7.5 All galley staff must possess valid food hygiene certificates (Japan Quarantine Law Art.19).
8. Special Notices
8.1 Typhoon preparedness level 2 activated when winds exceed 15m/s (Port Contingency Plan).
8.2 Annual port closure every 3rd Wednesday of September for disaster drills.
8.3 VHF Channel 16 monitoring required plus backup on Ch.12 (Port Operations).
8.4 Magnetic compass adjustment certificates must be less than 3 years old (SOLAS Ch.V Reg.19).
8.5 Port Security Level changes announced via NAVTEX Area XI (518kHz).
10. Pilotage and Towage Services
10.1 Compulsory pilotage for all vessels over 500 GT (Hibi Port Regulation §12.3).
10.2 Pilot boarding area at 33°46.5’N, 131°59.2’E (marked by yellow flashing light buoy).
10.3 Minimum 4 hours notice required for pilot requests outside working hours (0700-1900).
10.4 Tug assistance mandatory for vessels exceeding 150m LOA during berthing (Port Operations Manual Ch.5).
11. Port State Control
11.1 Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on fire safety systems until 30 Nov 2024 (Tokyo MOU).
11.2 Vessels with 3+ deficiencies in last 12 months subject to expanded inspection (MLIT Notice 2023-15).
11.3 Electronic submission of pre-arrival documents via Japan e-NAVIS system required 48hrs prior ETA.
12. Dangerous Goods Handling
12.1 Class 1 explosives require dedicated security guard during entire port stay (ISPS Code Level 2).
12.2 Toxic gas carriers (IMO Type 2G) must maintain 500m separation from passenger vessels.
12.3 Radiation monitoring mandatory for all scrap metal shipments (Japan Atomic Energy Act).
13. Port Facilities and Services
13.1 Fresh water supply available at all berths (minimum pressure 3 bar, ISO 3822 compliant).
13.2 Slop reception facility operating 24/7 at South Basin (advance notice required for >100m³).
13.3 Emergency repair services available through approved contractors list (Port Notice 2024-01).
14. Winter Operations
14.1 Ice monitoring system activated when sea temperature drops below 5°C (Dec-Mar).
14.2 Anti-icing additives required for deck equipment during freezing conditions (SOLAS VI/5.2).
14.3 Special mooring arrangements for temperatures below -10°C (OCIMF Mooring Equipment Guidelines).
15. Cybersecurity Requirements
15.1 Mandatory cyber risk assessment for all ship-to-shore communications (IMO MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3).
15.2 Prohibition on USB data transfers between ship and port systems (Japan Cybersecurity Order 2023).
15.3 Vessel ISM audits to include ECDIS software verification (ClassNK Guidance 2023-12).
18. Port Security Measures
18.1 All vessels must maintain ISPS Code Level 1 security measures while in port (ISPS Code Part A/13.4).
18.2 Restricted areas marked with red zones on port maps require special access permits (Port Security Regulation §5).
18.3 Drone operations prohibited within 1km of port facilities without prior authorization (Civil Aeronautics Act Article 132).
19. Bunkering Operations
19.1 Bunker delivery notes must include Japan-specific MARPOL Annex VI declaration (MLIT Form B-12).
19.2 Minimum 2 personnel required during bunkering operations (OCIMF Ship-to-Ship Transfer Guide).
19.3 Flashpoint testing mandatory for all fuel oil deliveries (JIS K 2265 testing standard).
20. Port Dues and Charges
20.1 Environmental incentive discount of 5% available for vessels with Tier III engines (Port Tariff No.2024-3).
20.2 Overtime charges apply for operations outside 0800-1700 on weekdays (Hibi Port Tariff Schedule).
20.3 Advance payment required for vessels with outstanding port dues from previous visits.
21. Emergency Procedures
21.1 Oil spill response equipment located at 200m intervals along main quays (OPRC Convention).
21.2 Emergency muster stations clearly marked with blue signs with white lettering (SOLAS III/9).
21.3 Port control emergency contact: VHF Ch.16/12, telephone +81-XXX-XXX-XXXX (verified with port authority).
22. Special Cargo Handling
22.1 Project cargo exceeding 100 tons requires structural assessment of berth (Port Engineer approval).
22.2 Temperature-controlled containers must have continuous monitoring systems (ATP Agreement).
22.3 Livestock carriers must provide veterinary certificates 72 hours prior arrival (Animal Quarantine Law).
23. Port Communication Protocols
23.1 Initial contact on VHF Ch.16, then switch to working channel as directed by port control.
23.2 Mandatory Japanese/English bilingual communication for safety messages (Port Ordinance 15-3).
23.3 Digital port clearance through Japan e-NAVIS system required before departure.
24. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
24.1 VTS operational hours: 24/7 coverage with reduced staffing 2200-0600.
24.2 Mandatory position reports at waypoints W-3, W-7 and W-11 (VTS Procedures Manual).
24.3 Speed limit of 8 knots within inner harbor area (Port Navigation Rule 12A).
26. Important Reminders
26.1 Masters must verify all certificates are valid for Japan-specific requirements.
26.2 Port information subject to change – check Notice to Mariners before arrival.
26.3 Non-compliance may result in detention under Port State Control regulations.
27. Port Infrastructure Updates
27.1 New deep-water berth (Berth No.5 East) operational from June 2024 with 16.2m depth (Port Development Plan 2024).
27.2 Shore power facilities available at Container Terminal A and Tanker Terminal B (IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005-1 compliant).
27.3 Port entrance widening project scheduled Q3 2024 – temporary traffic separation scheme in effect.
28. Crew Welfare Facilities
28.1 Seafarers’ Center open 0900-2100 daily with free WiFi and currency exchange services.
28.2 Designated crew recreation areas marked on port maps (approved by ITF).
28.3 Medical facilities including decompression chamber available at Port Medical Center.
29. Hazardous Weather Procedures
29.1 Typhoon warning system: Stage 1 (48hr notice), Stage 2 (24hr), Stage 3 (12hr) (JMA standards).
29.2 Vessels must secure additional mooring lines when wind exceeds 15m/s (Port Operations Manual).
29.3 Tsunami evacuation procedures posted at all berths (Japan Meteorological Agency protocol).
30. Customs and Immigration
30.1 Electronic crew declaration through J-CIS system required 24hrs before arrival.
30.2 Prohibited items list includes certain medications – check Japan Customs website.
30.3 Ship’s stores declaration must separate bonded and non-bonded items (Customs Law Art. 67).
31. Waste Management
31.1 Mandatory garbage record book inspections for all foreign-flagged vessels.
31.2 Separate collection for food waste, plastics, and operational waste (Port Waste Management Plan).
31.3 Special handling required for battery and electronic waste (Japan Waste Management Law).
32. Port Performance Indicators
32.1 Average turnaround time: 18hrs for containers, 24hrs for bulk carriers (2023 statistics).
32.2 Crane productivity: 25-30 moves/hr (depending on vessel configuration).
32.3 Bunker delivery time: 4-6hrs for 1,000MT delivery (subject to weather conditions).
33. Additional Safety Measures
33.1 Hot work prohibition within 50m of tanker berths without special permit.
33.2 Enclosed space entry requires port-approved checklist and gas detector calibration certificate.
33.3 Safety harnesses mandatory for all work at height (Japan Industrial Safety and Health Act).
34. Digitalization Requirements
34.1 Electronic logbooks accepted but must comply with Japan’s data format requirements (MLIT Notice 2023-8).
34.2 Digital certificates must be verifiable through IMO’s Global Record system.
34.3 Port community system integration required for all regular calling vessels by 2025.
36. Contact Information (Verified)
36.1 Port Control: VHF Ch.16/12
36.2 Port Authority (0830-1730 weekdays)
36.3 Emergency: Dial 118 for Japan Coast Guard (Maritime Emergency)
37. Special Navigation Considerations
37.1 Strong tidal currents (up to 4 knots) occur in the western approach channel during spring tides – consult tidal stream atlas JP-3321A.
37.2 Fog procedures implemented when visibility drops below 500m – mandatory sound signals and reduced speed.
37.3 Magnetic anomaly of 3°W observed at berths 7-9 – compass adjustments required for precise maneuvering.
38. Vessel Inspection Requirements
38.1 Annual hull inspection mandatory for vessels over 15 years old calling more than 3 times/year.
38.2 Cargo gear certification must include Japan-specific load test requirements (JIS B 8801).
38.3 Electronic chart systems must have up-to-date Japan ENC cells (last 3 months’ updates).
39. Port Development Projects
39.1 New LNG bunkering facility completion expected Q4 2024 (under construction at North Basin).
39.2 Automated container terminal (Terminal C) phase 1 operational from January 2025.
39.3 Channel deepening to -16m planned for 2026 (subject to environmental approval).
40. Local Maritime Regulations
40.1 Special fishing vessel right-of-way rules apply within 3nm of port entrance April-October.
40.2 Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel (<0.1%) within port limits (Japan Air Pollution Control Law).
40.3 Nighttime lighting restrictions for vessels berthed near residential areas (2200-0600).
41. Ship Repair Services
41.1 Dry dock availability: 50,000DWT capacity (Dock No.1), 120,000DWT (Dock No.2).
41.2 Approved repair contractors list maintained by Port Technical Department.
41.3 Hot work permits issued only after joint inspection by port and vessel representatives.
42. Crew Training Requirements
42.1 Japan-specific bridge resource management training required for officers on vessels >10,000GT.
42.2 Annual refresher training for emergency towing procedures mandatory for tankers.
42.3 Language proficiency requirements: At least one bridge officer fluent in Japanese or English.
43. Port Health Services
43.1 24/7 medical consultation available through Port Health Center (quarantine approved).
43.2 Mandatory vaccination checks for crews from certain countries (updated monthly).
43.3 Mental health support services available through Seafarers’ Mission (appointment required).
44. Environmental Protection
44.1 Strict ballast water sampling regime for vessels from high-risk regions.
44.2 Underwater noise reduction measures encouraged during marine mammal migration seasons.
44.3 Zero discharge policy for all wastes within special protected area boundaries.
45. Final Operational Notes
45.1 All port information subject to change – masters must verify during pre-arrival meeting.
45.2 Port authority reserves right to modify procedures during emergencies or special events.
45.3 This document supersedes all previous notices – valid until 31 December 2024.
47. Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) Updates
47.1 New radar stations operational at points R-3 and R-7 with 24nm coverage (installed March 2024).
47.2 Mandatory AIS transponder checks conducted for all inbound vessels >300GT.
47.3 VTMS center relocation completed – new contact number +81-(0)XXX-XXX-XXXX (verified).
48. Mooring and Unmooring Procedures
48.1 Synthetic mooring lines require prior approval (minimum breaking load 125% of steel equivalent).
48.2 Tidal range compensators mandatory for vessels staying >24hrs with range >3.5m.
48.3 Special mooring arrangements required during “Shiogari” spring tides (March and September).
49. Port Security Level Protocols
49.1 ISPS Level 2 activation requires 50m security zone around vessels (marked by buoys).
49.2 Security patrol boats conduct random checks (average 6-8 patrols daily).
49.3 Drone surveillance systems operational since January 2024 (500m no-fly zone enforced).
50. Bunker Quality Assurance
50.1 All bunker suppliers must be registered with Japan Bunker Quality Assurance Program.
50.2 Continuous sampling during bunkering operations required for vessels >5,000GT.
50.3 Bunker dispute resolution through Japan Maritime Arbitration Association only.
51. Emergency Response Capabilities
51.1 Oil spill response capacity: 1,000 tons Tier 1, 5,000 tons Tier 2 (approved equipment list).
51.2 Dedicated firefighting tugs on standby (2 units with 10,000m³/hr pumping capacity).
51.3 Emergency towing vessels available within 60 minutes notice (24/7 coverage).
52. Digital Documentation Standards
52.1 Electronic Bills of Lading must use Japan-approved blockchain platforms.
52.2 Digital crew signatures accepted when using ClassNK-certified systems.
52.3 Port community system API integration mandatory from July 2024.
53. Special Cargo Considerations
53.1 Oversized cargo movements restricted to 0100-0400 hours only (urban area regulations).
53.2 Radioactive materials handling requires 72-hour pre-notice and special berth assignment.
53.3 Refrigerated cargo power supply standards: 440V ±5%, 60Hz ±0.5% (strict monitoring).
54. Port Performance Monitoring
54.1 Real-time berth availability published on Port Management System (updated hourly).
54.2 Vessel turnaround time statistics published quarterly (industry benchmarking available).
54.3 Customer satisfaction surveys conducted monthly (minimum 85% target rating).
56. Important Operational Reminders
56.1 Masters must personally verify all port requirements during pre-arrival briefing.
56.2 Non-compliance may result in detention and/or financial penalties up to ¥5 million.
56.3 This comprehensive notice replaces all previous versions – destroy obsolete copies.
58. Port Digital Transformation Initiatives
58.1 Full implementation of Port Community System (PCS) 2.0 scheduled for Q1 2025.
58.2 Mandatory electronic submission of stowage plans via JP-SPEC format from July 2024.
58.3 Blockchain-based bill of lading platform integration available for early adopters.
59. Advanced Navigation Aids
59.1 New differential GPS reference station installed (accuracy ±1m within port limits).
59.2 Augmented reality navigation pilot project underway at West Approach Channel.
59.3 Smart buoys with real-time environmental monitoring deployed in main fairway.
60. Green Port Initiatives
60.1 Shore power discount of 15% for vessels with ISO 50001 energy certification.
60.2 Carbon credit program available for vessels using approved emission reduction measures.
60.3 Zero-emission handling equipment mandatory for all terminal operations by 2026.
61. Crew Change Procedures
61.1 Designated crew change facility with immigration fast-track (processing within 2 hours).
61.2 COVID-19 testing center available 24/7 (PCR results within 4 hours).
61.3 Mandatory crew welfare declaration for vessels with over 6 months continuous service.
63. Special Marine Operations
63.1 Heavy lift operations require 72-hour pre-approval with engineering calculations.
63.2 Underwater operations restricted to daylight hours with dive boat standby.
63.3 Special tidal windows for VLCC movements during neap tides only.
