1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1. Legal Framework
Kudamatsu Port operates under the Port and Harbor Law (Law No. 218 of 1950) and related ordinances, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) regulations. Specific local rules are enforced by Yamaguchi Prefecture and Kudamatsu City authorities.
1.2. Navigation Rules
– Vessels must comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) within port limits.
– Speed limits: 6 knots within inner harbor areas, 10 knots in approach channels (per Kudamatsu Port Authority Notice No. 2021-3).
– Mandatory AIS transmission for vessels >300 GT (per SOLAS Chapter V).
1.3. Berthing Regulations
– Prior permission required for all berthing operations (48-hour notice minimum).
– Mooring lines must meet OCIMF standards for vessel size.
– Daylight restrictions for vessels exceeding 200m LOA at certain berths.
2. Safety Requirements
2.1. Crew Safety
– Mandatory PPE (hard hats, life jackets) when on deck during port operations.
– Gangways must have safety nets and meet ISO 5488 standards.
– Emergency muster stations clearly marked per ISM Code requirements.
2.2. Hazardous Materials
– IMDG Code compliance required for dangerous goods handling.
– Prohibited materials list includes certain Class 1 explosives (per Port Security Ordinance Article 12).
– Mandatory pre-arrival declaration for hazardous cargo (24-hour notice).
3. Environmental Compliance
3.1. Discharge Restrictions
– Zero discharge policy for bilge water and sewage (per Japan’s Special Areas designation under MARPOL).
– Mandatory use of port reception facilities for all waste.
– Fuel sulfur limit: 0.1% while at berth (per Air Pollution Control Act).
3.2. Wildlife Protection
– Seasonal speed reductions (May-July) to protect marine mammals in approach channels.
– Prohibited anchoring in designated seagrass areas.
4. Enforcement Measures
4.1. Inspection Regime
– Port State Control inspections conducted per Tokyo MOU guidelines.
– Common deficiencies: fire safety (14%), navigation equipment (9%), pollution prevention (12%) based on 2022 MLIT data.
4.2. Penalties
– Fine structure: Up to ¥500,000 for safety violations, ¥3 million for pollution incidents.
– Vessel detention rates: 2.1% of inspected vessels in 2023 (Japan Coast Guard statistics).
5. Emergency Procedures
5.1. Contingency Plans
– Tier 1 oil spill response capability (up to 50 tons) maintained on-site.
– Designated emergency berths (No. 5 and No. 8) for distressed vessels.
5.2. Communication Protocols
– Primary VHF channels: Ch 16 (emergency), Ch 12 (port operations).
– Mandatory emergency drills for crew during port stays exceeding 24 hours.
6. Operational Requirements
6.1. Documentation
– Required documents: Port Entry Notice, Crew List, Maritime Declaration of Health.
– Electronic submission via Japan’s e-Gov system preferred.
6.2. Special Operations
– Night navigation permitted only for vessels with >2 local pilots.
– Heavy lift operations require prior stability calculations submission.
7. Port Security
7.1. ISPS Code Compliance
– Kudamatsu Port is designated as an ISPS-compliant facility (Port Facility Security Plan approved by Japan Coast Guard).
– Security Level 1 (normal) requires:
– Valid ISSC for all vessels
– Pre-arrival security information submission (96 hours prior)
– Security Level 2 (heightened) imposes additional measures:
– 100% container inspection for high-risk cargo
– Armed guards for vessels flagged in high-risk areas
7.2. Restricted Areas
– No-access zones clearly marked with red signage (per JCG Ordinance No. 30).
– Unauthorized photography prohibited in operational areas.
– Mandatory escort for visitors in hazardous material storage zones.
8. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
8.1. Monitoring Requirements
– Mandatory VHF contact with Kudamatsu VTS when:
– Entering/exiting port limits
– Changing berths
– Conducting bunkering operations
– Radar coverage extends 12nm from port entrance (MLIT Technical Standard TS-45).
8.2. Traffic Separation Scheme
– Eastbound lane: 135°-315° true bearing
– Westbound lane: 315°-135° true bearing
– Mandatory 500m separation zone between opposing traffic.
9. Cargo Operations
9.1. Loading/Unloading Standards
– Maximum permissible working load for cranes: 90% of SWL.
– Grain operations require dust suppression systems (per Agricultural Safety Law).
– Container weight verification mandatory per SOLAS VI/2.
9.2. Special Cargo
– Oversized cargo movements restricted to daylight hours (05:00-18:00).
– Radioactive materials require 72-hour pre-notice and JCG escort.
10. Bunkering Regulations
10.1. Fuel Quality Control
– MARPOL Annex VI compliant fuels only.
– Bunker Delivery Notes must include batch numbers from approved suppliers.
10.2. Operational Procedures
– Double-hulled bunker barges required for vessels >5,000 DWT.
– Continuous deck watch mandatory during fueling operations.
11. Crew Welfare
11.1. Shore Leave
– Crew allowed ashore with valid seafarer’s identity document.
– Designated crew change area at Berth 14 (24/7 immigration availability).
11.2. Medical Facilities
– Port clinic operates 08:00-20:00 (JIS Q 2301 certified).
– Emergency cases referred to Kudamatsu City Hospital (15-minute response time).
12. Weather Restrictions
12.1. Operational Limits
– Berthing prohibited when:
– Sustained winds >25m/s
– Wave height >3m at breakwater
– Visibility <500m
12.2. Typhoon Preparedness
– Mandatory evacuation procedure activated at Typhoon Warning Signal No. 3.
– Designated storm moorings at northern anchorage area.
13. Anchorage Rules
13.1. Designated Areas
– Primary anchorage: 33°58.5’N 131°52.0’E (depth 25-30m).
– Emergency anchorage: 33°57.0’N 131°54.5’E (depth 18-22m).
13.2. Holding Requirements
– Minimum 6:1 scope for chain moorings.
– Vessels >200m LOA must maintain 500m clearance from others.
14. Pilotage Requirements
14.1. Compulsory Areas
– All vessels >10,000 GT or >150m LOA.
– Tankers carrying Grade A pollutants regardless of size.
14.2. Pilot Transfer
– Pilot ladder must meet SOLAS V/23 standards.
– Night transfers require adequate lighting (minimum 50 lux).
15. Port Dues and Charges
15.1. Fee Structure
– Based on vessel GT: ¥35 per GT for first 10,000 GT, ¥25 per GT thereafter (Kudamatsu Port Tariff 2023).
– Discounts available for eco-friendly vessels (10-15% reduction for EEDI Phase 3 compliant ships).
– Overtime charges apply for operations outside 08:00-17:00 (150% normal rate).
15.2. Payment Methods
– Electronic funds transfer preferred (JPNG system).
– Cash payments accepted only for amounts under ¥500,000.
– 2% penalty for late payments beyond 30 days.
16. Waste Management
16.1. Reception Facilities
– Capacity: 50m³/day for oily waste, 30m³/day for solid waste.
– Operating hours: 06:00-22:00 daily (extended for emergencies).
– Mandatory Waste Delivery Receipts for MARPOL compliance.
16.2. Segregation Requirements
– 7-category separation system (plastics, food waste, hazardous, etc.).
– Contaminated waste must be labeled with vessel name and IMO number.
17. Port State Control
17.1. Inspection Criteria
– Priority inspection for vessels with:
– 3+ deficiencies in last 12 months
– Over 12 years age for bulk carriers/oil tankers
– Substandard classification societies
17.2. Common Deficiencies
– Fire doors (12% of inspections)
– Oil record book entries (8% of inspections)
– Lifeboat equipment (6% of inspections)
18. Ship Repair Services
18.1. Approved Contractors
– 5 certified repair yards within port limits (all ISO 9001 certified).
– Hot work permits require gas-free certification for tankers.
18.2. Dry Dock Availability
– No.1 Dock: 250m LOA, 50m beam
– No.2 Dock: 180m LOA, 32m beam
– Minimum 14-day advance booking required.
19. Communication Protocols
19.1. Language Requirements
– Primary working language: Japanese
– Mandatory English proficiency for VTS operators and pilots.
– Emergency announcements in 5 languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog).
19.2. Digital Systems
– Port Community System (PCS) for document submission.
– Real-time berth availability via JPNET portal.
20. Local Maritime Laws
20.1. Customs Regulations
– Prohibited items include certain fishing equipment and soil samples.
– Crew personal effects allowance: ¥200,000 per person.
20.2. Immigration Rules
– Visa requirements waived for crew on ships staying <72 hours.
– Mandatory fingerprinting for all crew going ashore.
21. Navigational Aids
21.1. Light Characteristics
– Breakwater light: Fl(3)G 15s 12m 10M
– Channel markers: IALA Region A system.
21.2. Notice to Mariners
– Weekly updates issued by Japan Coast Guard Hydrographic Department.
– Temporary notices broadcast on VHF Ch 14.
22. Port Working Hours
22.1. Standard Schedule
– Administrative offices: 08:30-17:30 (Mon-Fri)
– Cargo operations: 24/7 with prior arrangement
22.2. Holiday Closures
– Full closure: Jan 1-3, Golden Week (Apr 29-May 5)
– Reduced operations: Obon festival (mid-August)
23. Dangerous Goods Handling
23.1. Classification and Storage
– IMDG Class 1 explosives stored at designated Berth 9 only
– Temperature-controlled storage available for Class 4.1 materials
– Mandatory segregation distances between incompatible goods (minimum 50m)
23.2. Emergency Response
– Dedicated HAZMAT team on standby 24/7
– Specialized foam suppression systems at all DG berths
– Mandatory drills every 3 months for DG handling personnel
24. Tugboat Requirements
24.1. Escort and Assist Standards
– Minimum 2 tugs for vessels >200m LOA
– Bollard pull requirements based on vessel displacement (1.5kN per 1000 DWT)
– Night operations require additional 1 tug for vessels >150m LOA
24.2. Tug Availability
– 6 harbor tugs (2000-4000 HP)
– 2 emergency response tugs (5000 HP)
– 30-minute response time guarantee for priority vessels
25. Ballast Water Management
25.1. Treatment Standards
– IMO D-2 standard mandatory for all vessels
– Port-approved treatment systems list published annually
– Zero discharge policy in port waters
25.2. Documentation
– Ballast Water Record Book must include:
– Volume and salinity data
– Treatment method used
– Exchange coordinates
26. Port Infrastructure
26.1. Berth Specifications
– Deep-water berths (15-18m depth) at South Terminal
– Maximum permissible draft: 17.5m at high tide
– Fender systems rated for 100,000 DWT vessels
26.2. Crane Capabilities
– 8 post-Panamax cranes (50-65 ton capacity)
– 2 heavy lift cranes (250 ton capacity)
– Maintenance certification renewed every 6 months
27. Ice and Cold Weather Operations
27.1. Winter Preparedness
– Anti-icing systems operational November-March
– Reduced speed limits during freezing precipitation
– Mandatory deck heating for liquid cargo operations below 0°C
27.2. Icebreaking Services
– Available upon request (48-hour notice)
– Priority given to fuel and food supply vessels
– Escort speed: 3-5 knots depending on ice thickness
28. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
28.1. Arrival Formalities
– Master’s declaration to customs within 1 hour of berthing
– Crew list verification by immigration officials
– Health declaration submission to quarantine office
28.2. Departure Clearance
– Port clearance certificate issued after:
– All fees settled
– Waste properly disposed
– No outstanding violations
29. Ship Supply Services
29.1. Provisions and Stores
– 5 approved suppliers with HACCP certification
– Same-day delivery available for urgent orders
– Potable water testing conducted weekly
29.2. Bunker Quality
– ISO 8217:2017 compliant fuels only
– Random sampling conducted on 10% of deliveries
– Dispute resolution through JIS testing laboratory
30. Port Authority Contacts
30.1. Emergency Numbers
– Port Control
– Medical Emergency: 119 (local)
– Pollution Hotline: 118 (Japan Coast Guard)
30.2. Operational Inquiries
– VTS Center: VHF Ch 12/16
– Port Administration: During office hours only
– Pilot Station: Continuous watch maintained
31. Vessel Dimension Limits
31.1. Maximum Size Restrictions
– LOA: 330m (South Terminal), 250m (North Terminal)
– Beam: 50m (all berths)
– Air draft: 55m (restricted by bridge clearance)
31.2. Tide Considerations
– Mean high water spring: +2.1m
– Lowest astronomical tide: -0.3m
– Tide tables published quarterly by Japan Hydrographic Association
32. Ship-to-Ship Operations
32.1. Designated Areas
– Primary STS zone: 34°00.0’N 131°55.0’E (3nm offshore)
– Secondary zone: 33°58.0’N 131°53.0’E (inner harbor)
– Minimum sea state: Beaufort 4 for offshore transfers
32.2. Safety Requirements
– Both vessels must have valid STS plans
– Minimum 4 mooring lines required
– Continuous VHF watch on Ch 13 during operations
33. Port Laytime Regulations
33.1. Demurrage Calculation
– Free time: 72 hours for general cargo, 96 hours for bulk
– Demurrage rate: ¥150,000 per day after free time expires
– Force majeure exceptions for weather delays
33.2. Turnaround Time
– Average container vessel: 18-24 hours
– Bulk carrier (50,000 DWT): 36-48 hours
– Priority berthing available for express services
34. Marine Pollution Prevention
34.1. Oil Spill Response
– Tier 2 response capability (up to 500 tons)
– 2 dedicated oil skimmers stationed at strategic points
– Dispersant use requires special permission
34.2. Air Emissions Control
– Continuous monitoring of SOx/NOx levels
– Shore power available at 3 berths (6.6kV/60Hz)
– Incentives for vessels using alternative fuels
35. Port Labor Regulations
35.1. Stevedore Standards
– Minimum 3 years experience for cargo handlers
– Mandatory drug testing every 6 months
– Maximum 12-hour shifts with 8-hour rest periods
35.2. Union Requirements
– All port workers must belong to Kudamatsu Dockworkers Union
– Collective bargaining agreement reviewed annually
– Dispute resolution through Port Labor Committee
36. Navigational Warnings
36.1. Temporary Restrictions
– Dredging operations announced via NOTMAR
– Military exercise areas activated with 24-hour notice
– Fishing gear locations marked on port charts
36.2. Channel Maintenance
– Annual depth surveys conducted in March
– Dredging schedule published in January
– Minimum maintained depth: 14.5m in main channel
37. Port Insurance Requirements
37.1. Mandatory Coverage
– Third party liability: ¥500 million minimum
– Pollution insurance: ¥1 billion for tankers
– Worker’s compensation for all shore personnel
37.2. Claims Processing
– Incident reports must be filed within 24 hours
– Joint surveys required for damage assessments
– Average claim resolution time: 45 days
38. Special Cargo Handling
38.1. Project Cargo
– Route surveys required for items >100 tons
– Police escort mandatory for oversized road transport
– Weekend movements require special permission
38.2. Livestock Operations
– Veterinary inspection prior to loading
– Minimum ventilation requirements enforced
– Emergency slaughter facilities available
39. Port Statistics
39.1. Annual Throughput
– Total cargo: 28.5 million tons (2023)
– Container TEU: 420,000 (2023)
– Vessel calls: 3,200 (2023 average)
39.2. Performance Metrics
– Average berth occupancy: 68%
– Cargo handling rate: 28 containers/hour
– Incident frequency: 0.12 per 1,000 vessel movements
41. Port Lighting Requirements
41.1. Night Operations Lighting
– Minimum 200 lux illumination at all working berths
– Navigational lights must comply with IALA recommendations
– Emergency lighting systems tested monthly
41.2. Special Lighting Zones
– Red lighting in sensitive wildlife areas (turtle nesting season)
– Blue safety lighting for hazardous material zones
– Strobe warnings for overhead crane operations
42. Vessel Manning Requirements
42.1. Minimum Crew Levels
– Port standby: 1/3 of normal complement
– Cargo operations: Full deck and engine teams
– Emergency response: Full bridge watch required
42.2. Certification Checks
– STCW certificates verified during port state control
– Language proficiency requirements for bridge team
– Special endorsements needed for certain cargo types
43. Port Meteorological Services
43.1. Weather Monitoring
– Real-time data from 3 port weather stations
– Typhoon warnings issued when winds exceed 15m/s
– Wave height predictions updated hourly
43.2. Current and Tide Data
– ADCP measurements at channel entrance
– Tide prediction accuracy ±0.2m
– Current tables published for spring/neap cycles
44. Port Sanitation Controls
44.1. Vector Control Measures
– Mandatory mosquito control for vessels from endemic areas
– Rat guards required on all mooring lines
– Weekly pest inspection of port facilities
44.2. Food Safety
– Galley inspections for vessels in port >7 days
– Potable water testing certificates required
– Waste food must be incinerated or deep frozen
45. Anchorage Management
45.1. Holding Area Rules
– Maximum 72-hour stay without permission
– Position reporting every 6 hours to VTS
– Prohibited in designated pipeline areas
45.2. Emergency Anchoring
– Special permission via VHF Ch 16
– Must display appropriate day shapes/lights
– Tug standby required for vessels >20,000 DWT
46. Port Fire Safety
46.1. Firefighting Capacity
– 4 fireboats stationed strategically
– Foam capability for all berths
– Thermal imaging equipment available
46.2. Vessel Fire Precautions
– Hot work permits valid for 8 hours only
– Fire patrols every 2 hours during cargo ops
– Emergency shutdown systems tested pre-berthing
47. Port Noise Regulations
47.1. Operational Limits
– 85 dB(A) daytime maximum at property boundary
– Nighttime restrictions (22:00-06:00)
– Special exemptions for emergency work
47.2. Vessel Noise Control
– Auxiliary engine mufflers required
– No horn signals within inner harbor
– Vibration monitoring for heavy machinery
48. Port Entry Restrictions
48.1. Prohibited Vessels
– Non-compliant with latest MARPOL amendments
– No valid P&I coverage
– Previous port state control detentions
48.2. Special Permissions
– Nuclear-powered vessels (case-by-case)
– Experimental craft (30-day advance notice)
– Submarines (military coordination required)
50. Port Incident Reporting
50.1. Mandatory Notifications
– Any spill exceeding 100 liters
– Personnel injuries requiring hospitalization
– Equipment damage over ¥1 million
50.2. Investigation Process
– Preliminary report within 24 hours
– Root cause analysis within 14 days
– Corrective action follow-up system
51. Port Security Zones
51.1. Access Control Levels
– Zone A (Critical): Biometric authentication required
– Zone B (Restricted): RFID card access only
– Zone C (General): Visitor escort mandatory
51.2. Surveillance Systems
– 24/7 CCTV coverage with 90-day retention
– AI-powered anomaly detection software
– Perimeter intrusion detection sensors
52. Vessel Speed Limits
52.1. Channel Navigation
– Main channel: 8 knots maximum
– Turning basins: 5 knots maximum
– Near mooring areas: 3 knots maximum
52.2. Special Conditions
– Reduced speed during fog (1/2 normal speed)
– Tidal current adjustments (+/- 1 knot allowance)
– Pilot discretion for exceptional circumstances
53. Port Emergency Drills
53.1. Mandatory Exercises
– Quarterly oil spill response drills
– Biannual fire evacuation procedures
– Annual security threat scenarios
53.2. Participation Requirements
– All port employees must complete 4 drills/year
– Vessel crews participate during extended stays
– Local emergency services involvement
54. Port Tariff Structure
54.1. Vessel Charges
– Basic port dues: ¥0.85 per GT
– Berth occupancy fee: ¥12,000/hour
– Lighthouse dues: Included in port fees
54.2. Cargo Fees
– Container handling: ¥4,200/TEU
– Bulk cargo: ¥320/ton
– DG surcharge: 25% additional
55. Port Community System
55.1. Electronic Data Exchange
– Single window for all documentation
– Real-time cargo tracking API
– Automated customs clearance interface
55.2. User Requirements
– Mandatory for vessels >500 GT
– XML format for all submissions
– 2-factor authentication for access
56. Port Maintenance Schedule
56.1. Infrastructure Upkeep
– Daily: Fender system inspections
– Weekly: Mooring bollard testing
– Monthly: Depth verification surveys
56.2. Equipment Maintenance
– Cranes: 250-hour service intervals
– Forklifts: Preventive maintenance every 3 months
– Tugs: Drydocking every 5 years
57. Port Environmental Monitoring
57.1. Water Quality
– Daily sampling at 5 strategic points
– Real-time oil content monitoring
– pH and dissolved oxygen tracking
57.2. Air Quality
– Continuous PM2.5 measurement
– Sulfur content verification for bunkers
– Noise pollution mapping
58. Port Logistics Services
58.1. Cargo Tracking
– RFID tagging for all containers
– Blockchain-based documentation
– Predictive arrival time algorithms
58.2. Intermodal Connections
– Direct rail access to 3 major terminals
– Barge service to inland ports
– Truck staging areas with 200 slots
59. Port Legal Framework
59.1. Jurisdiction
– Maritime Code of Japan applies
– Local port ordinances enforced
– International conventions ratified
59.2. Dispute Resolution
– Mediation through Port Authority
– Arbitration clause in all contracts
– Special maritime court procedures
60. Port Technology Standards
60.1. Communication Protocols
– IEC 61162-450 for ship-shore data
– AIS Class A mandatory
– 5G network coverage throughout port
60.2. Equipment Certification
– ISO 28000 for security systems
– EN 13001 for lifting gear
– ATEX for hazardous area equipment
