| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hirohata Outer Anchorage | 34°48’30″N 134°39’00″E | 1.2 | 15-20 | Mud/Sand with shell fragments | 50,000 | 3 vessels (min 500m separation) | Waiting/Storm shelter | Exposed to NW winds; avoid during typhoons; Minimum 3:1 scope required; Prohibited for LNG carriers | Free anchorage up to 72 hours; Extended stay requires port authority approval with fee ¥20,000/day beyond 72hrs |
| Hirohata Inner Anchorage | 34°47’45″N 134°38’15″E | 0.8 | 10-12 | Clay with firm holding | 30,000 | 2 vessels (min 300m separation) | Bunkering/Lighterage | Restricted maneuvering space; Prohibited for vessels carrying hazardous cargo Class 1; Mandatory fendering during operations | Requires port approval 24hrs in advance; Pilotage recommended; Bunkering operations require separate permit |
| Hirohata Emergency Anchorage | 34°49’10″N 134°40’05″E | 0.5 | 18-22 | Sand/Shell with good holding | 80,000 | 1 vessel | Emergency use only | Activation requires Japan Coast Guard authorization; Maximum stay 12 hours; Priority for vessels in distress | No commercial operations permitted; Exempt from port fees |
| Hirohata Quarantine Anchorage | 34°48’00″N 134°40’30″E | 0.3 | 12-15 | Mud | 20,000 | 1 vessel | Health inspections | Yellow flag must be displayed; No crew transfers permitted | Free for first 24 hours; ¥10,000/hour thereafter |
Additional Information:
1. Tidal Information:
– Mean tidal range: 1.8m (spring), 1.2m (neap)
– Highest astronomical tide: +2.1m
– Chart datum: -0.3m below MSL
– Tidal current direction: NW-SE with max 3.5 knots during spring tides
– Slack water duration: 20-30 minutes
2. Navigation Warnings:
– Strong currents (up to 3 knots) during spring tides
– Fishing nets reported within 2nm NE of outer anchorage (May-September)
– Submarine cable area 1.5nm NW of outer anchorage (marked by special buoys)
– Military exercise area occasionally activated within 5nm radius (NOTAM issued)
3. Port Authority Regulations:
– Hyogo Prefectural Government Port and Harbor Bureau
– VHF Channels: Ch 16 (Calling), Ch 12 (Working), Ch 14 (Pilot)
– Mandatory AIS transmission within port limits (including at anchor)
– Anchoring prohibited within 200m of fairway buoys
– Night anchoring requires deck lighting per COLREGs
4. Anchorage Procedures:
– Mandatory VHF contact with port control before anchoring
– Anchoring position must be reported to port control via VHF Ch 12
– Minimum holding power requirement: 3:1 scope in normal conditions, 5:1 during storms
– Daily position reporting at 0800 and 2000 local time
– Anchor watch mandatory at all times
5. Emergency Services:
– 24-hour tug availability (2x 3200HP, 1x 4800HP)
– Oil spill response capability: 50 tons
– Nearest salvage base: Kobe (25nm distance)
– Hospital with decompression chamber: Himeji (15km)
– Firefighting capability: 2 fireboats with 10,000m³/hr capacity
6. Meteorological Conditions:
– Prevailing winds: NW in winter (15-25kt), SE in summer (10-20kt)
– Typhoon season precautions: Vessels >10,000 DWT must vacate anchorages when Signal No.3 issued
– Visibility restrictions: Fog occurs 15-20 days/year (mainly February)
– Wave height: Normally <1m, but can reach 3m during winter storms
7. Legal Framework:
– Port Regulations under Hyogo Prefecture Ordinance No.178 (2021 revision)
– Anchorage fees: ¥15,000/day for vessels >5,000 DWT (invoiced monthly)
– Environmental compliance: IMO Special Area requirements strictly enforced
– Waste disposal: Mandatory use of port reception facilities
– Security: ISPS Code MARSEC Level 1 normally maintained
Operational Notes:
1. Anchorage positions should be verified against real-time AIS data and port control instructions
2. Daily anchorage availability updates broadcast at 0800JST on VHF Ch12
3. Vessels carrying dangerous goods must display proper day signals/night lights
4. Night operations require prior permission and additional lighting (minimum 3 lux)
5. Latest updates available at Japan Coast Guard’s online portal (https://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp)
6. Mandatory pre-arrival notification 48 hours before anchoring (96 hours for hazardous cargo)
7. Vessels over 20,000 DWT require tug standby during anchorage operations
