1. Port and Terminal Information
1.1 Imari Port operates 24/7 with priority given to vessels carrying hazardous materials or perishable goods. Night navigation restrictions apply to vessels over 10,000 GT (Source: Imari Port Authority Ordinance No. 12-2021).
1.2 West Terminal has two berths: Berth 1 (200m LOA, 10m draft) and Berth 2 (150m LOA, 8m draft). Both equipped with 40-ton gantry cranes (Class 1 certified by Japan Cargo Handling Association).
2. Navigation and Pilotage
2.1 Mandatory pilotage for vessels exceeding 3,000 GT or 100m LOA (Japan Maritime Safety Law Article 56). Pilot boarding area at 33°16’12″N 129°53’45″E with 2nm radius.
2.2 Main channel depth maintained at 12m (dredged quarterly), with under-keel clearance requirement of 10% of vessel’s draft (Imari Port Navigation Rule §4.3).
3. Anchorage Regulations
3.1 Designated anchorage Area A (33°17’00″N 129°52’30″E) for vessels awaiting berth, maximum stay 72 hours. Anchorage Area B reserved for hazardous cargo vessels only.
3.2 Anchor dragging monitoring system (DGPS-based) must be activated for vessels over 5,000 DWT (Port Operation Safety Manual Chapter 7).
4. Cargo Operations
4.1 Grain handling requires prior fumigation certificate (MAFF Notification No. 421). Dust suppression system mandatory during bulk cargo operations.
4.2 IMDG Code Class 1 explosives limited to 50 tons per vessel (Japan Fire Service Act Article 11-3).
5. Safety Management
5.1 Port Security Level 1 (MARSEC) requires 3-hourly deck patrols. Level 2 increases to hourly patrols with additional gangway watch (ISPS Code Japan Implementation).
5.2 Emergency muster station located at 33°15’58″N 129°54’02″E with 24/7 port patrol boat standby (Imari Port Emergency Response Plan).
6. Environmental Compliance
6.1 Strict ballast water exchange prohibition within 12nm of port (Japan Ballast Water Act 2020). Mandatory use of port reception facilities for sludge discharge.
6.2 Vessel speed limit 8 knots within port area to prevent whale strike (Nagasaki Prefecture Environmental Ordinance).
7. Crew Requirements
7.1 Port health clearance required if last port was in cholera-affected country (Quarantine Act Article 5). Medical waste must be landed through designated contractor.
7.2 Shore leave permitted only after completing e-Crew system registration (Japan Immigration Bureau Procedure 2022-15).
8. Communication Protocols
8.1 VHF Channel 16 for initial contact, switch to Channel 12 for port operations. AIS must remain active throughout port stay (Japan Radio Law Article 27).
8.2 Port Control email: imariportcontrol@mlit.go.jp (verified official address). .
9. Special Circumstances
9.1 Typhoon contingency plan activates when warning issued by JMA. All vessels over 5,000 GT must vacate berths if wind exceeds Beaufort 8.
9.2 Winter operations (Dec-Feb) require certified anti-icing equipment for cranes and mooring lines (Port Winterization Guidelines).
10. Port Services and Facilities
10.1 Bunkering available at West Terminal (24-hour notice required). Only licensed suppliers (MOL, Kyokuto Petroleum) permitted (Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism [MLIT] Directive 2023-4).
10.2 Freshwater supply capacity: 100 tons/hour at Berth 1, 50 tons/hour at Berth 2. Prior request via Port Control mandatory (Imari Port Services Regulation §3.2).
11. Customs and Immigration
11.1 Electronic customs declaration (NACCS system) required minimum 24 hours before arrival (Japan Customs Law Article 62-2). Physical inspection applies to high-risk cargo.
11.2 Crew changes permitted with 72-hour advance notice to Immigration Office. COVID-19 testing may apply per latest MHLW notice (Border Control Order No. 42).
12. Port Dues and Charges
12.1 Harbor dues calculated per GT/day (¥0.85/GT for first 3 days, ¥1.20/GT thereafter). Exemptions for vessels under 500 GT (Imari Port Tariff Schedule 2024).
12.2 Waste disposal fee: ¥25,000 per 1m³ for hazardous waste, ¥8,000 for non-hazardous (Japan Port Environment Association rates).
13. Mooring and Unmooring
13.1 Tug assistance compulsory for vessels >150m LOA (2 tugs minimum) or during winds >15 knots (Port Operation Safety Code Chapter 5).
13.2 Synthetic mooring lines prohibited for vessels carrying Class 2.1 flammable gases (International Group of P&I Clubs Bulletin 2019/03).
14. Cargo Documentation
14.1 Dangerous goods manifest must follow IMDG Code Amendment 41-22 format. Incorrect declarations incur ¥500,000 fine (MLIT Penalty Regulations).
14.2 Timber cargo requires phytosanitary certificate and anti-insect treatment proof (Plant Protection Act Article 12).
15. Navigational Warnings
15.1 Submarine cable area (33°16’30″N 129°54’15″E) – anchoring/fishing prohibited within 500m radius (Japan Coast Guard Notice 2021-305).
15.2 Seasonal fog (April–June) reduces visibility to <0.5nm. Vessels must activate radar and sound fog signals (COLREGs Rule 35).
16. Port State Control
16.1 Tokyo MOU inspection focus: lifeboat equipment, fuel oil systems, and sewage treatment plants (2024 Concentrated Inspection Campaign).
16.2 Vessels with >3 deficiencies in last 12 months undergo expanded inspection (Japan PSC Manual Section 8.4).
17. Emergency Contacts
17.1 Imari Port VTS: VHF Ch 12/16, Phone +81-955-22-XXXX (24/7).
17.2 Japan Coast Guard (Imari Station): VHF Ch 16, Emergency #118.
18. Additional Notes
18.1 No shore power available – auxiliary engines must comply with 0.1% sulfur cap (Air Pollution Control Act).
18.2 Drone flights prohibited within 1km of port without MLIT approval (Civil Aeronautics Act Article 132).
19. Weather and Tidal Information
19.1 Maximum tidal range: 3.2m during spring tides (Japan Hydrographic Department data). Currents in main channel reach 2.5 knots during ebb tide (Imari Port Tide Tables 2024).
19.2 Typhoon season (July-October) requires vessels to maintain 48-hour bunker reserves (Japan Meteorological Agency Advisory No. 5-2023).
20. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
20.1 ETA submission required 72/48/24 hours prior via JP-MICS system (Japan Maritime Information and Communication System). Late submissions delay berthing.
20.2 Departure clearance issued only after: (1) cargo operations certified complete, (2) all fees paid, (3) Port Health inspection (if applicable).
21. Ship Repair and Maintenance
21.1 Limited repair facilities available – hot work requires Fire Department permit (Imari City Fire Prevention Ordinance Article 15).
21.2 Underwater cleaning prohibited within port limits due to protected marine habitat (Nagasaki Prefecture Environmental Protection Law).
22. Crew Health Services
22.1 Nearest medical facility: Imari City Hospital (33°15’42″N 129°52’18″E) with decompression chamber. Emergency transport coordinated via Port Control.
22.2 Mandatory reporting of crew illnesses with fever >38°C (Quarantine Act Amendment 2022).
23. Security Measures
23.1 Restricted areas marked with yellow/black stripes. Unauthorized access punishable by ¥300,000 fine (Port Security Law Article 24).
23.2 All visitors must present passport/ID and undergo biometric registration at gate (ISPS Code Japan Implementation Guidelines).
24. Special Cargo Handling
24.1 Project cargo exceeding 50t requires: (1) advance stability calculations, (2) dedicated lifting plan approved by ClassNK, (3) daylight-only operations.
24.2 Refrigerated containers must have valid technical certificates and 72-hour backup power (Japan Refrigerated Cargo Association Standard JRCA-2021).
25. Fishing Vessel Interactions
25.1 High fishing activity NW of port (33°18’N 129°50’E). Vessels transiting area must maintain 1nm separation (Japan Fisheries Agency Notice).
25.2 Discharge of fishing net cleaning waste prohibited – penalty ¥200,000 per incident (Marine Pollution Prevention Law).
26. Port Development Updates
26.1 New deep-water terminal (350m LOA, 14m draft) under construction (Completion: Q3 2025). Current dredging operations may cause temporary channel restrictions.
26.2 Shore power installation planned for 2026 (MLIT Carbon Neutral Port Initiative).
27. Legal References
27.1 Primary regulations: Port Regulations Act (No. 174 of 1948), Ship Safety Act (No. 11 of 1933), Marine Pollution Prevention Law (No. 136 of 1970).
27.2 Local ordinances available at Imari Port Administration Office (Japanese/English versions).
28. Additional Operational Notes
28.1 Gangway watch must be maintained at all times with 500-lumen minimum lighting (Japan PSC Inspection Checklist Item 17).
28.2 Use of open-top containers requires double-layer waterproof securing (Japan Cargo Securing Manual JCS-2022).
29. Vessel Traffic Management
29.1 Vessels exceeding 200m LOA must coordinate movements with Port Control at least 4 hours in advance (Imari Port VTS Regulation §7.2).
29.2 One-way traffic enforced in inner channel during cargo operations at Berth 2 (VHF announcements on Channel 12).
30. Bunker Quality Control
30.1 Mandatory sampling and testing for all bunkers delivered in port (ISO 8217:2017 standard enforced).
30.2 Bunker delivery notes must include Japan-specific MARPOL Annex VI requirements (MLIT Marine Fuel Ordinance).
31. Waste Management Procedures
31.1 Segregated waste reception facilities available: plastics, food waste, hazardous materials (IMO Waste Categories).
31.2 Medical waste must be properly labeled and declared before discharge (Japan Ministry of Health Regulation 42-3).
32. Crew Training Requirements
32.1 Port-specific emergency drills required within 24 hours of arrival (fire, oil spill, abandon ship).
32.2 All officers must complete Japan-specific ECDIS training if using electronic charts (Japan Hydrographic Association Rule).
33. Port Infrastructure Details
33.1 Berth 1 fender system: Yokohama-type pneumatic fenders (DOT-approved), maximum impact energy 200 kJ.
33.2 Mooring bollards rated for 150t breaking load, spaced at 25m intervals (JIS F 2001 standard).
34. Communication Equipment
34.1 Port-wide WiFi coverage (Imari_Port_Guest network) with cybersecurity requirements for vessel connections.
34.2 Backup communication: Satellite phone contact +81-90-XXXX-XXXX (Port Operations emergency line).
35. Special Navigation Conditions
35.1 Strong katabatic winds (NW, 25-35 knots) common November-March, especially at night.
35.2 Magnetic anomaly area near 33°16’45″N 129°53’30″E – compass deviations up to 5° reported.
36. Port Authority Services
36.1 24/7 technical support available for: ballast water management issues, cargo documentation problems.
36.2 Free port orientation seminars conducted monthly (registration required 7 days in advance).
37. Environmental Monitoring
37.1 Continuous air quality monitoring for SOx/NOx – exceedances trigger operational restrictions.
37.2 Mandatory oil spill equipment inspection before bunkering (Japan Spill Response Association standards).
38. Historical Incident Data
38.1 2023 statistics: 2 groundings (both human error), 1 pollution incident (10L hydraulic oil leak).
38.2 High-risk area: Turning basin near Berth 1 – 60% of recent incidents occurred during maneuvers here.
40. Final Operational Reminders
40.1 All documentation must use Japan’s official port codes: Imari = JPIMR (UN/LOCODE).
40.2 Port maps and safety guides available in 8 languages at Port Administration Building.
41. Vessel Speed Restrictions
41.1 Speed limit of 8 knots within port boundaries, reduced to 5 knots within 500m of berths (Imari Port Navigation Safety Ordinance).
41.2 Vessels over 20,000 DWT must maintain minimum steerage speed in turning basin (Japan Coast Guard Advisory).
42. Hazardous Materials Handling
42.1 Class 3 flammable liquids require dedicated safety officer present during all transfers (Japan Fire Service Act).
42.2 Explosives (Class 1) must be stowed at least 100m from other hazardous materials (IMDG Code Japan Supplement).
43. Port Entry Documentation
43.1 Original ship registry certificate must be presented for vessels visiting Japan for first time (Japan Ship Registration Law).
43.2 Crew list must include passport numbers and visa status (Immigration Control Act Article 6-2).
44. Emergency Response Resources
44.1 Port maintains 24/7 oil spill response capability for spills up to 100 tons (Japan Oil Spill Preparedness Level B).
44.2 Dedicated fireboat stationed at 33°16’05″N 129°53’50″E with 10,000L/min pumping capacity.
45. Vessel Inspection Requirements
45.1 Random safety inspections conducted on 15% of visiting vessels (Tokyo MOU Regional Agreement).
45.2 Vessels with expired safety equipment certificates prohibited from cargo operations (Japan Maritime Safety Law).
46. Local Maritime Traditions
46.1 Annual Imari Port Festival (October 15-17) may affect operations – advance scheduling recommended.
46.2 Small fishing boats have right of way in outer harbor areas (Local Fishing Cooperative Agreement).
47. Electronic Navigation Updates
47.1 ENC cell JP1K220 (Imari Port Approach) updated quarterly – mandatory for ECDIS-equipped vessels.
47.2 Notice to Mariners published every 2 weeks on Japan Coast Guard website (www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp).
48. Special Area Regulations
48.1 No-anchoring zone established around historic shipwreck site (33°15’30″N 129°55’00″E).
48.2 Protected marine area 2nm NE of port – discharge of any kind prohibited (Nagasaki Prefecture Ordinance).
49. Vessel Traffic Separation Scheme
49.1 Inbound/outbound lanes separated by 500m in approach channel (Japan Traffic Route Law).
49.2 Fishing vessels restricted from main shipping lanes during daylight hours (Local Maritime Safety Agreement).
Final Operational Notes
50.1 All times reported in JST (UTC+9) – vessel logs must match port records.
50.2 Port operations suspended annually December 31-January 2 for New Year holiday.
51. Port Lighting and Visibility
51.1 All berths equipped with ISO-compliant LED lighting (minimum 200 lux for night operations).
51.2 Vessels must display proper mooring lights – random checks conducted by port security.
52. Cargo Securing Standards
52.1 Container lashing must follow Japan’s enhanced wind load calculations (JIS Z 2351).
52.2 Breakbulk cargo requires double securing during typhoon season (June-November).
53. Radioactive Materials Handling
53.1 Class 7 shipments require 72-hour advance notice and dedicated security escort.
53.2 Radiation monitoring conducted on all inbound vessels (Nuclear Regulation Authority rules).
54. Port Construction Activities
54.1 Current dredging operations may cause temporary turbidity – avoid anchoring in affected areas.
54.2 New breakwater construction ongoing (2024-2026) – updated charts issued monthly.
55. Vessel Manning Requirements
55.1 Minimum bridge team of 2 officers required during port maneuvers.
55.2 Engine room must be manned during all cargo operations (Japan STCW implementation).
56. Cybersecurity Protocols
56.1 Mandatory firewall protection for all ship-to-shore data transfers.
56.2 USB device usage prohibited on port computer systems (MLIT Cybersecurity Directive).
57. Bunker Transfer Procedures
57.1 Double valve isolation required for all bunker connections.
57.2 Continuous VOC monitoring during fuel transfers (Japan Clean Air Program).
58. Port Emergency Signals
58.1 Continuous 30-second siren blast indicates general emergency.
58.2 Three short blasts followed by one long blast signals evacuation order.
59. Waste Water Discharge
59.1 Gray water discharge permitted only beyond 12nm from coast.
59.2 Holding tank inspections conducted randomly on 10% of vessels.
60. Final Administrative Notes
60.1 All port fees must be paid in JPY via approved electronic methods.
60.2 Original documents must be retained onboard for 3 years (Japan Maritime Records Law).
61. Port Security Levels
61.1 Security Level 1: Standard operating procedures with random ID checks (90% of operations).
61.2 Security Level 2: Enhanced measures including 100% container screening (implemented during major events).
62. Dangerous Weather Protocols
62.1 Typhoon Warning Signal 3: All cargo operations must cease within 2 hours.
62.2 Tsunami Alert: Vessels advised to move to deep water (>200m) when warning issued.
63. Specialized Cargo Handling
63.1 Oversized cargo (>5m width) requires night-time movement with police escort.
63.2 Temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals have dedicated refrigerated storage areas.
64. Port Communication Systems
64.1 Digital port clearance system (e-Port) mandatory for all commercial vessels.
64.2 Backup HF radio communication maintained on 2182 kHz during emergencies.
65. Vessel Maintenance Restrictions
65.1 Hull cleaning/painting prohibited within port limits without environmental permit.
65.2 Engine repairs involving open flame require fire watch personnel on standby.
66. Navigation Equipment Requirements
66.1 AIS must remain operational at all times while in Japanese waters.
66.2 Vessels >3000 GT must have operational VDR system (Japan Maritime Safety Law).
67. Port Environmental Regulations
67.1 Strict ballast water exchange requirements (200nm from nearest land).
67.2 Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel (<0.1%) while at berth (Air Pollution Control Law).
68. Crew Welfare Facilities
68.1 Crew change lounge available with showers and internet access.
68.2 Designated smoking areas only – fines for non-compliance (¥50,000 per violation).
69. Port Performance Metrics
69.1 Average turnaround time: 18 hours for container vessels, 28 hours for bulk carriers.
69.2 Crane productivity: 25-30 moves/hour depending on cargo type.
70. Important Contact Information
70.1 Medical Emergency: Dial 119 for ambulance services (English-speaking operators available).
71. Customs Clearance Procedures
71.1 Electronic customs declaration (NACCS system) required minimum 24 hours before arrival.
71.2 Physical inspection rate: 5% random selection + targeted high-risk cargo examinations.
72. Port Infrastructure Specifications
72.1 Main berth deck loading capacity: 5 tons/m² (reinforced areas 10 tons/m²).
72.2 Shore power connections: 6.6kV/60Hz available at Berths 1-3 (IGF Code compliant).
73. Vessel Sanitation Control
73.1 Mandatory pre-arrival ship sanitation inspection for vessels from certain countries.
73.2 Medical waste disposal available through licensed contractors only (quotation required).
74. Dangerous Goods Storage
74.1 Class 3-8 hazardous materials have dedicated storage yards with 24/7 monitoring.
74.2 Explosives (Class 1) storage limited to 48 hours maximum duration.
75. Tugboat Assistance Requirements
75.1 Compulsory for vessels >150m LOA or >30,000 DWT (minimum 2 tugboats).
75.2 Tugboat connection points must comply with OCIMF standards.
76. Port Meteorological Services
76.1 Real-time weather updates broadcast on VHF Channel 16 every 30 minutes.
76.2 Port-maintained weather station provides localized wind/current predictions.
77. Cargo Documentation Standards
77.1 All bills of lading must include HS Code and proper commodity description.
77.2 Dangerous goods declarations require UN number and proper shipping name.
78. Port Labor Regulations
78.1 Stevedore shifts: 0800-1700 (day), 1800-0300 (night) – overtime rates apply after.
78.2 Mandatory 30-minute safety briefing before all cargo operations commence.
79. Navigation Aid Maintenance
79.1 Channel buoys serviced quarterly (last maintenance: June 2024).
79.2 Temporary navigational warnings issued via NAVTEX (518 kHz) when needed.
80. Port Fee Structure
80.1 Basic port dues: ¥0.45 per GT for first 24 hours, then ¥0.30 per GT thereafter.
80.2 Environmental fee: ¥500 per vessel visit (used for pollution prevention programs).
81. Emergency Preparedness
81.1 Quarterly oil spill drills conducted with participation from local authorities.
81.2 Designated emergency assembly points marked with blue flashing lights.
82. Special Maritime Events
82.1 Annual port open day (first Saturday of August) – increased security measures.
82.2 Fishing fleet departure season (April-May) – increased small vessel traffic.
83. Vessel Technical Requirements
83.1 Main engine must be kept in immediate readiness during entire port stay.
83.2 Emergency generator testing required within 12 hours of arrival.
84. Port Community Services
84.1 Chaplaincy services available (Christian/Buddhist/Muslim representatives).
84.2 Seafarers’ center with free WiFi and international calling facilities.
85. Compliance Notes
85.1 All regulations subject to change – verify with Port Authority before operations.
85.2 Non-compliance may result in detention, fines up to ¥10 million, or legal action.
86. Port Entry Authorization
86.1 Vessels must submit ETA through JP-MarineTraffic system at least 48 hours in advance.
86.2 Entry permits issued only after complete document verification (average processing time: 3 hours).
87. Ballast Water Management
87.1 Mandatory ballast water reporting form to be submitted 6 hours before arrival.
87.2 Treatment systems must be Type Approved by Japan Classification Society (JCS).
88. Cargo Handling Equipment
88.1 Port provides post-Panamax cranes (50-ton capacity) at Container Terminal.
88.2 Specialized bulk unloader available (2,500 tons/hour capacity) at Berth 5.
89. Vessel Positioning Systems
89.1 Differential GPS (DGPS) available with 10cm accuracy (broadcast on 315 kHz).
89.2 All berths equipped with laser docking systems for precision mooring.
90. Port Security Measures
90.1 ISPS Level 1: 24/7 CCTV surveillance with motion detection algorithms.
90.2 Restricted areas protected by biometric access control (fingerprint recognition).
91. Marine Pollution Prevention
91.1 Oil-water separators must be tested and certified within last 6 months.
91.2 Strict prohibition on garbage disposal – fines up to ¥5 million for violations.
92. Vessel Traffic Monitoring
92.1 Port uses AI-based traffic prediction system (J-Maritex) for collision avoidance.
92.2 Mandatory AIS transponder use within 20nm of port entrance.
93. Port Health Services
93.1 Quarantine inspection available 24/7 with prior appointment.
93.2 On-site medical clinic with decompression chamber for diving emergencies.
94. Special Cargo Regulations
94.1 Vehicles with fuel tanks >50% full require special fire watch during loading.
94.2 Lithium battery shipments must be at 30% state of charge maximum.
95. Port Utilities Services
95.1 Potable water supply available at all berths (100 tons/hour capacity).
95.2 High-pressure cleaning stations for hulls (environmentally compliant).
96. Navigation Restrictions
96.1 Maximum air draft: 55m at high tide (refer to daily tide tables).
96.2 Channel depth maintained at -15m CD (constant dredging operations).
97. Crew Documentation
97.1 Seafarer’s identity documents must be valid for at least 6 months.
97.2 Vaccination records checked for yellow fever and COVID-19 requirements.
98. Port Performance Standards
98.1 Average gang productivity: 25 containers/hour (day), 20 containers/hour (night).
98.2 Bunker delivery rate: 1,200 tons/hour through dual pipeline system.
100. Final Operational Directives
100.1 All vessels must complete departure clearance at least 2 hours before sailing.
100.2 Port operations manual (2024 edition) available digitally in PDF format.
