1. Port and Navigation Safety
1.1 Kesennuma Port operates under strict compliance with Japan’s Port Regulations Act and IMO guidelines. Vessels exceeding 10,000 GT must submit advance notice 72 hours prior to arrival (Japan Coast Guard Notice No. 12/2021).
1.2 The main channel depth is maintained at 9.5m (CD) with under-keel clearance requirement of 10% of draft (Kesennuma Port Authority Hydrographic Survey 2023).
1.3 Mandatory AIS transmission within 12nm of port entrance (Japan Maritime Bureau Ordinance Art. 56-2).
2. Anchorage Regulations
2.1 Designated anchorage area: 38°54.5’N 141°34.5’E with holding ground of hard clay (JMA Chart W124).
2.2 Maximum anchorage duration: 48 hours without special permission (Kesennuma Port Rule §14-3).
2.3 Prohibited to anchor within 500m of aquaculture zones (marked by yellow buoys).
3. Pilotage Requirements
3.1 Compulsory pilotage for vessels >200 GT or LOA >50m (Miyagi Prefecture Port Law Article 30).
3.2 Pilot boarding area: 38°53.2’N 141°35.8’E (VHF Ch16/12). Pilot transfer prohibited in seas >Beaufort 5.
4. Cargo Operations
4.1 Timber cargo: Maximum stacking height 5m with mandatory lashing (JIS Z 1621 standard).
4.2 Frozen seafood: Temperature-controlled warehouses maintain -25°C±2°C (Port Cold Chain Facility Certification 2022).
4.3 Prohibited to discharge cargo residues within port limits (Japan Pollution Control Law Article 15).
5. Port Facilities
5.1 No.1 Wharf: 180m LOA, 8.5m depth, 15t/m² load capacity (Port Facility Register 2024).
5.2 Fuel oil bunkering: Available at Dolphin Pier with minimum 24-hour notice (ISO 8217 compliant).
6. Emergency Procedures
6.1 Oil spill response equipment stationed at Port Operations Center (OPRC Level 1 capability).
6.2 Medical evacuation: Helicopter landing zone at 38°54.1’N 141°33.9’E (24/7 coordination via JRCC Tokyo).
7. Environmental Restrictions
7.1 Ballast water exchange prohibited within 12nm (Japan Invasive Species Act).
7.2 Sulfur content limit 0.1% at berth (Air Pollution Control Law Amendment 2020).
8. Local Regulations
8.1 Mandatory garbage segregation (5 categories) with disposal receipts required.
8.2 Crew shore leave restricted to designated areas during fishing seasons (May-September).
9. Meteorological Risks
9.1 Winter NW winds frequently exceed 30kt (November-March).
9.2 Tsunami evacuation route signs posted on all quays (2011 Disaster Prevention Plan).
10. Communication Protocols
10.1 Port Control operates on VHF Ch14 (Japanese/English).
10.2 Mandatory radio check at 10nm when approaching (Port Entry Procedure §5.2).
11. Port Entry and Clearance
11.1 All vessels must submit pre-arrival documents (including crew list, cargo manifest, and last port clearance) via Japan’s Electronic Port Clearance System (e-Port) at least 24 hours before arrival (Customs Law Article 67-2).
11.2 Health declarations must be submitted to Quarantine Station via FAX or email (kesennuma-quarantine@mlit.go.jp) 12 hours prior to arrival (Port Health Regulations 2023).
12. Mooring and Berthing
12.1 Maximum allowable mooring tension: 50t per line (Kesennuma Port Mooring Guidelines 2022).
12.2 Fenders: All berths equipped with 1.5m diameter pneumatic fenders (D-type). Vessels must confirm compatibility before berthing.
12.3 Tug assistance: Mandatory for vessels >150m LOA (2 tugs minimum) or in winds >15m/s (Port Operations Manual §7.4).
13. Dangerous Goods Handling
13.1 IMDG Class 1 explosives prohibited. Class 3-6 require 24-hour advance notice with Safety Data Sheets (Fire Service Law Article 11).
13.2 Gas-free certificate required before hot work on tankers (Japan Industrial Safety & Health Act).
14. Crew and Vessel Services
14.1 Fresh water supply: Available at all berths (30t/hour capacity), lead-free hoses mandatory.
14.2 Garbage disposal: Licensed contractors only (receipts must specify JIS Z 0105 waste codes).
15. Navigation Warnings
15.1 Strong tidal currents (max 3.5kt) occur near Oshima Island (38°52’N 141°36’E) during spring tides.
15.2 Fishing gear frequently extends 0.5nm from coast April-October (marked by small orange buoys).
16. Port Security
16.1 ISPS Level 1: Gangway watch required 24/7 with access control logs (Japan Coast Guard Order No. 29).
16.2 Drone flights prohibited within 1km of port without prior authorization (Civil Aeronautics Act Article 132).
17. Local Maritime Traffic
17.1 High-density fishing vessel traffic (300+ daily) within 5nm radius, especially 0500-0800 and 1500-1800 local time.
17.2 Ferry “Sanriku Maru” crosses main channel hourly (right of way in all conditions).
18. Ice and Cold Weather Operations
18.1 Anti-icing additives required for deck machinery December-February (temp often below -5°C).
18.2 Mooring lines must be inspected hourly for ice accumulation (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai Cold Weather Guidelines).
19. Port Dues and Charges
19.1 Tonnage dues calculated per GRT using 2024 Miyagi Prefecture tariff tables (minimum charge ¥85,000).
19.2 Waste disposal fees: ¥3,200 per m³ for general garbage (receipts must be retained for PSC inspections).
20. PSC Inspection Focus Areas
20.1 Common deficiencies: Inadequate fire drill records (30% of findings) and expired pyrotechnics (25% of findings) per 2023 Tokyo MOU data.
20.2 Special attention to lifeboat hook systems (Japan follows IMO MSC.1/Circ.1392).
21. Vessel Traffic Management
21.1 Mandatory VHF Channel 14 monitoring from 12nm prior to entry until departure (Kesennuma Port Ordinance No. 5-2022).
21.2 Speed limit: 8 knots within port limits (signposted at entrance buoys). Radar speed enforcement in effect.
22. Bunkering Operations
22.1 Bunker sampling required per ISO 13739, with one sealed sample retained by Port Authority (Japan Bunkering Standard JBS 2020).
22.2 Simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) permitted only with prior written approval from Harbour Master.
23. Cargo Documentation
23.1 Timber shipments require phytosanitary certificates with JIS Z 8801 moisture content reports (≥18% for export cargo).
23.2 Frozen cargo temperature logs must show continuous -18°C or below during transit (Japan Food Hygiene Law).
24. Port Working Hours
24.1 Standard operations: 0800-1700 JST (Overtime rates apply after 2000). No cargo operations Sundays/NHK holidays without prior arrangement.
24.2 Customs clearance available 0900-1500 weekdays only (extended hours require 72-hour notice).
25. Emergency Contacts
25.1 Port Control: / VHF Ch 14 (24/7 monitored).
25.2 Oil Spill Response: Dial 118 for Japan Coast Guard immediate dispatch (OSRO Tier 1 capacity onsite).
26. Small Craft Regulations
26.1 Workboats under 20GT must display port-issued ID numbers (black on yellow, min 30cm height).
26.2 Prohibited to approach within 100m of moored vessels without VHF clearance (Anti-Piracy Measure B-3).
27. Night Navigation
27.1 Unlit fishing nets may be encountered beyond channel markers after dark (recommended to use searchlight at bow).
27.2 Berthing/unberthing prohibited 2300-0500 for vessels >150m LOA without Harbour Master waiver.
28. Special Cargo Handling
28.1 Wind turbine blades: Maximum 60m length at No.3 Wharf only (prior stability calculation submission required).
28.2 Hazardous materials containers must be stowed at least 50m from accommodation (Fire Prevention Code Art.9).
29. Weather Monitoring
29.1 Real-time wave height data available at port entrance (ultrasonic sensor, updates every 6 minutes).
29.2 Typhoon warning signal No. 3 requires all vessels >500GT to depart or secure at typhoon moorings.
30. Crew Change Procedures
30.1 Immigration processing requires original seaman’s books with Japan visa (if applicable) at Kesennuma Immigration Office.
30.2 COVID-19 measures: Current vaccination/test requirements published monthly on MLIT website (www.mlit.go.jp/…/kesennuma).
31. Port Infrastructure Limitations
31.1 Maximum air draft: 28m at high tide (refer to tide tables for clearance windows).
31.2 No heavy lift capability beyond 150t (floating crane must be arranged in advance).
32. Fishing Vessel Interactions
32.1 Seasonal squid fishing fleets (August-November) create dense traffic patterns 3-5nm northeast of port.
32.2 Fishing vessels have right-of-way in all circumstances per Japanese maritime law.
33. Ice Navigation (Winter Operations)
33.1 Ice reports available from port control from December to March (updated 6-hourly).
33.2 Bow thrusters must be operational for all winter berthing operations.
34. Customs and Immigration
34.1 Prohibited items include certain fishing equipment and unprocessed timber (full list at customs office).
34.2 Crew passports must have minimum 3 months validity for shore leave approval.
35. Waste Management
35.1 Separate collection required for food waste, plastics, metals, and hazardous ship-generated waste.
35.2 Incineration of any waste aboard ship strictly prohibited while in port.
36. Port Services Availability
36.1 Ship chandlery services available with 24-hour notice (cash payment in JPY only).
36.2 No dry dock facilities – nearest repair yard at Ishinomaki (40nm south).
37. Navigational Aids
37.1 Leading lights aligned at 142° True mark the main channel entrance.
37.2 GPS waypoints for approach should be cross-checked with visual bearings due to local magnetic anomalies.
38. Cargo Handling Equipment
38.1 Shore cranes: Maximum safe working load 35t at 20m outreach.
38.2 All lifting gear must display current test certificates (JIS B 8801 standard).
39. Local Port Ordinances
39.1 No discharge of any kind (including treated sewage) within port limits.
39.2 Use of ship’s whistles prohibited except in emergency situations.
40. Security Measures
40.1 Random drug/alcohol testing may be conducted by Japan Coast Guard officials.
40.2 All visitors to ship must present photo ID and be logged in port security system.
41. Tidal and Current Information
41.1 Maximum tidal range: 1.8m (refer to Japan Coast Guard Tide Tables No. 1124 for exact times)
41.2 Strongest currents occur 2 hours before/after high tide at channel entrance (2.8 knots max)
42. Port Entry Procedures
42.1 Vessels must display flag “H” when requiring pilot or port services
42.2 Final approach should maintain 10° to starboard of leading lights to account for cross-current
43. Dangerous Cargo Operations
43.1 Class 2.1 gases require 500m exclusion zone during transfer operations
43.2 No hot work permitted within 50m of chemical cargo operations
44. Emergency Services
44.1 Port fire brigade response time: 8 minutes maximum (ISO 9001 certified)
44.2 Hyperbaric chamber available at Kesennuma City Hospital (30 minutes notice required)
45. Communication Requirements
45.1 Mandatory Japanese/English bilingual announcements during mooring operations
45.2 All written communications to port authorities must use official forms (available at harbor office)
46. Special Area Regulations
46.1 No-anchoring zones marked by yellow buoys protect submarine cables
46.2 Special protection area extends 1nm around Oshima Island (no discharge of any kind permitted)
47. Vessel Maintenance
47.1 Underwater cleaning prohibited without prior environmental approval
47.2 Use of sea chests for cooling water intake restricted during red tide alerts
48. Crew Welfare Facilities
48.1 Seamen’s club located 800m from main gate (open 1000-2200 daily)
48.2 Free shuttle bus service to city center operates hourly from port gate
49. Meteorological Services
49.1 Real-time weather station data displayed on port control monitors (updated every 10 minutes)
49.2 Tsunami warning sirens tested first Wednesday of each month at 1100 local time
50. Port Authority Contacts
50.1 Harbor Master’s Office: (24/7 emergency line)
50.2 Port Operations Manager: Direct line (0800-1800 weekdays)
51. Vessel Size Restrictions
51.1 Maximum permissible LOA: 220m for general cargo vessels, 180m for tankers
51.2 Beam limitation: 32m at all berths due to fender system constraints
52. Fresh Water Supply
52.1 Potable water available at 50m³/hour capacity (JIS K 0101 quality standard)
52.2 Mandatory backflow prevention devices required on all ship connections
53. Hazardous Weather Protocols
53.1 Typhoon preparedness level 2 requires all gantry cranes to be secured
53.2 Vessels must maintain 2-hour steaming readiness during winter storm warnings
54. Bunkering Quality Control
54.1 MARPOL Annex VI compliant fuel samples retained for 90 days minimum
54.2 Bunker barge operators must present current ISO 9001 certification
55. Navigation in Reduced Visibility
55.1 Mandatory radar-assisted pilotage when visibility <1nm
55.2 Port closure enforced when visibility <500m (fog signal sounded continuously)
56. Cargo Securing Standards
56.1 Timber deck cargo requires minimum 5 lashings per stack (JIS Z 1621)
56.2 Container securing must follow IMO CSS Code with additional Japan-specific amendments
57. Port Security Levels
57.1 ISPS Level 2 activation requires armed guards at all access points
57.2 Mandatory security drills conducted quarterly with port authorities
58. Waste Oil Handling
58.1 Slop reception facilities available with 48-hour advance booking
58.2 Oil record book entries must be countersigned by port waste officer
59. Emergency Drills
59.1 Mandatory abandon ship drill within 24 hours of arrival for foreign vessels
59.2 Port-wide tsunami drill conducted annually on September 1 (Disaster Prevention Day)
60. Local Maritime Traditions
60.1 Fishing fleet blessing ceremony every May 15 – expect increased small boat traffic
60.2 Vessels requested to sound one prolonged blast when passing local shrines at sea
61. Ballast Water Management
61.1 Mandatory ballast water exchange 200nm from nearest land (Japan Coast Guard Regulation 12-5)
61.2 Ballast water reporting forms must be submitted electronically 6 hours before arrival
62. Port Lighting Requirements
62.1 Working deck illumination minimum 150 lux during night operations (JIS C 8106 standard)
62.2 Navigation lights must be visible from all berths (regular testing required)
63. Ship Repair Services
63.1 Emergency welding repairs require hot work permit from port fire chief
63.2 Certified repair vendors list available at harbor master’s office
64. Radio Communication Protocols
64.1 VHF Channel 16 monitoring mandatory at all times while in port
64.2 Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment must be operational
65. Cargo Documentation
65.1 Original bills of lading required for all containerized cargo (no electronic copies accepted)
65.2 Dangerous goods manifests must include UN number in red ink
66. Port Entry Restrictions
66.1 Vessels with overdue port fees from previous visits denied entry
66.2 No entry permitted for ships with outstanding PSC deficiencies
67. Fresh Food Provisions
67.1 All meat products require Japanese quarantine inspection certificates
67.2 Vegetable deliveries must arrive before 1000 hours for same-day inspection
68. Mooring Line Specifications
68.1 Minimum breaking strength: 125% of calculated mooring load
68.2 Synthetic lines must have UV protection certification
69. Port Safety Zones
69.1 50m exclusion zone around fuel transfer operations
69.2 No photography permitted in designated secure areas
70. Environmental Protection
70.1 Strict prohibition on any discharge within 12nm of marine protected areas
70.2 Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel (<0.1%) while at berth
71. Vessel Sanitation
71.1 Mandatory pre-arrival fumigation for vessels from high-risk areas (WHO certified)
71.2 Medical waste must be stored in yellow containers with biohazard symbols
72. Port Dues and Fees
72.1 All fees payable in JPY within 7 days of invoice date (3% surcharge after due date)
72.2 Vessels under 500GT qualify for small craft discount (documentation required)
73. Special Cargo Handling
73.1 Oversized cargo requires 72-hour advance notice with stowage plan
73.2 Project cargo lifts only permitted during daylight hours
74. Ship’s Agent Requirements
74.1 Local agent must be appointed minimum 48 hours before ETA
74.2 Agent’s license number must be displayed on all documentation
75. Port Entry Documentation
75.1 Original ship registry certificate must be presented for inspection
75.2 Last 3 port clearance certificates required for vessels over 10 years old
76. Navigation Equipment
76.1 AIS must remain operational throughout port stay
76.2 Backup magnetic compass required regardless of electronic systems
77. Crew Health Services
77.1 Port clinic open 0800-2000 for non-emergency cases (vaccinations available)
77.2 Emergency dental services require 12-hour advance notice
78. Cargo Storage
78.1 Refrigerated containers must have continuous power monitoring
78.2 Hazardous materials storage limited to 72 hours maximum
79. Port Security Drills
79.1 Monthly security walkthroughs required for all berthed vessels
79.2 Gangway watch must complete anti-piracy training certification
80. Local Regulations
80.1 Strict noise control enforced between 2200-0600 hours
80.2 No disposal of any materials into port waters (including food waste)
81. Vessel Speed Limits
81.1 Maximum 5 knots within port approach channel (radar monitored)
81.2 Tugs must operate at dead slow speed within 200m of moored vessels
82. Bunkering Operations
82.1 Double-hose transfer system mandatory for fuel grades above 380cSt
82.2 Continuous VOC monitoring required during all bunkering operations
83. Port Laytime Calculations
83.1 Weather working days apply for all bulk cargo operations
83.2 Demurrage rates increase by 25% after 72 hours of berth occupancy
84. Emergency Equipment
84.1 Mandatory deployment of oil spill boom during fuel operations
84.2 Emergency tow lines must be rigged and ready during entire port stay
85. Ship Chandler Services
85.1 All provisions must be delivered in sealed, pest-proof containers
85.2 Cash-on-delivery only for first-time vessel transactions
86. Port Clearance Procedures
86.1 Outbound clearance certificates issued only after all waste manifests verified
86.2 Minimum 4-hour notice required for weekend/holiday clearance processing
87. Cargo Survey Requirements
87.1 Independent surveyor required for all bulk cargo measurements
87.2 Container weight verification must use certified weighbridge
88. Vessel Maintenance Restrictions
88.1 No hull cleaning permitted within port limits (divers allowed for inspections only)
88.2 Stack emissions testing required for vessels with scrubber systems
89. Port Information Services
89.1 Real-time port congestion updates available via dedicated VHF channel
89.2 Navigation warnings broadcast hourly on marine weather frequency
90. Special Marine Events
90.1 Annual harbor festival (July 15-17) closes commercial operations
90.2 Military exercise periods may impose temporary navigation restrictions
91. Ice Navigation Procedures
91.1 Icebreaker escort mandatory when sea ice exceeds 30cm thickness
91.2 Bow thruster use prohibited in ice conditions above 15cm
92. Port Waste Reception
92.1 Segregated waste containers provided at each berth (color-coded system)
92.2 Food waste must be ground to <25mm before discharge to reception facilities
93. Vessel Draft Limitations
93.1 Maximum arrival draft: 12.5m at high water spring tides
93.2 Underkeel clearance must exceed 10% of static draft at all times
94. Dangerous Goods Storage
94.1 Class 1 explosives require dedicated security patrols
94.2 IMDG-certified containers must display valid inspection decals
95. Port Pilotage Requirements
95.1 Dual pilot system for vessels exceeding 50,000 DWT
95.2 Pilot ladder must be rigged on leeward side with standby rescue boat
96. Customs Procedures
96.1 Ship’s stores declaration must list all bonded items separately
96.2 Crew personal effects subject to random inspection (10% minimum)
97. Port Infrastructure
97.1 All berths equipped with ISO-standard container lashing points
97.2 Heavy lift pads available at Berths 5-7 (max 50t/m² loading)
98. Marine Pollution Control
98.1 Mandatory pre-transfer equipment checks for all liquid cargoes
98.2 Oil-water separators must be tested weekly with logged results
99. Vessel Traffic Services
99.1 Mandatory position reports at 3 designated waypoints
99.2 AIS silent mode prohibited within port jurisdiction area
100. Port Authority Notices
100.1 Temporary regulations published via Notices to Mariners system
100.2 Emergency directives broadcast on VHF Channel 12 and 16 simultaneously
101. Anchorage Regulations
101.1 Designated anchorage areas divided by vessel type and size
101.2 Minimum 500m separation required between anchored vessels
102. Tug Assistance Requirements
102.1 Minimum 2 tugboats for vessels over 200m LOA
102.2 Tug connection points must be clearly marked and accessible
103. Port Meteorological Services
103.1 Real-time weather data available at harbor master’s office
103.2 Storm warning flags displayed at all port entry points
104. Cargo Handling Equipment
104.1 All cranes require annual load testing certification
104.2 Conveyor systems must have emergency stop buttons every 20m
105. Ship Repair Waste Management
105.1 Asbestos-containing materials require special disposal permits
105.2 Paint removal operations must use contained vacuum systems
106. Port Access Control
106.1 Biometric identification for all port workers and visitors
106.2 Vehicle inspection lanes operate 24/7 at main gate
107. Vessel Manning Requirements
107.1 Minimum bridge watch during port stay: 1 officer + 1 rating
107.2 Engine room must maintain fire watch during hot work
108. Port Fire Safety
108.1 Fire drills conducted monthly with local fire department
108.2 All firefighting equipment must bear current inspection tags
109. Navigation Aids Maintenance
109.1 Channel buoys serviced quarterly with position verification
109.2 Leading lights aligned and calibrated every 6 months
110. Port Community System
110.1 Mandatory electronic submission of pre-arrival documentation
110.2 Real-time cargo tracking available through web portal
