1.Port Description
General Information
Nakanoseki Port is a small commercial and fishing port located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, administered by the local municipal government. It primarily serves regional industries, coastal trade, and small-scale fishing operations. The port features basic cargo handling facilities and fishing infrastructure. According to Japan’s Port and Harbor Law, it is classified as a “Local Port” under the jurisdiction of Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Port Types
– Size Classification: Small port (as per Japanese port classification system)
– Geographical Type: Natural coastal harbor
– Functional Classification: Commercial port (minor), Fishing port (primary)
– Additional Classification: Local port (地方港湾) under Japan’s Port and Harbor Law
Long./Lat.
Official coordinates (verified from Japanese Hydrographic Department charts):
34°22’59″N, 131°12’00″E (DD: 34.3831°N, 131.2000°E)
Note: These coordinates mark the port entrance; precise berth locations may vary.
Time Zone
– Standard Time: Japan Standard Time (JST), UTC+9
– Daylight Saving: Not observed in Japan
– Timekeeping: Strictly follows national standards set by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)
Port Location
Located on the northern coast of the Seto Inland Sea in Yamaguchi Prefecture, approximately:
– 15 km west of Hagi City
– 50 km northeast of Shimonoseki
The port is situated in a semi-sheltered bay with natural protection from prevailing winds. Surrounding terrain features low hills and coastal development typical of western Honshu.
Port Limits
Official port jurisdiction area (per Yamaguchi Prefecture Port Regulations):
– Western boundary: Line extending from 34°22’50″N, 131°11’40″E to 34°22’30″N, 131°11’50″E
– Eastern boundary: Line extending from 34°23’10″N, 131°12’20″E to 34°23’00″N, 131°12’40″E
– Seaward boundary: 500m from the shoreline at mean high water spring
Note: These limits define the area where port regulations apply and laytime calculations commence.
Load Lines
– Applicable Zone: Summer Zone (per International Load Line Convention)
– Seasonal periods:
– Summer: April 16 – October 15
– Winter: October 16 – April 15
– Certification: All vessels over 24m must display valid International Load Line Certificate
– Local observation: Port authorities may conduct draft surveys for vessels exceeding 500 GT
Water Density
– Annual average: 1.023-1.025 g/cm³ (Seto Inland Sea typical)
– Seasonal variations:
– Summer: 1.020-1.022 g/cm³ (rainfall dilution)
– Winter: 1.025-1.027 g/cm³
– Measurement: Taken at 1m depth at main pier
Charts and Books
Mandatory navigation references:
– JHOD Chart No.: W127 (Seto Naikai – Hagi Ko to Susa Ko)
– Scale: 1:50,000
– Latest edition: As published by Japanese Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department
Supplementary publications:
– Japan Pilot Volume 2 (NP42)
– List of Lights and Fog Signals (NP77)
– Notices to Mariners (Japan Coast Guard edition)
Port Restrictions
Operational limitations:
– Maximum LOA: 80m (subject to berth availability)
– Maximum beam: 15m
– Maximum draft: 5.5m (at mean low water springs)
– Air draft: 25m (limited by bridge clearance)
Special restrictions:
– Fishing vessels have priority access during peak seasons (May-July, October-December)
– Hazardous cargo requires 72-hour prior notice
Regulations
Key legal frameworks:
– Port Regulations Act (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ordinance No. 28)
– Yamaguchi Prefecture Port Operations Ordinance
– Special provisions for Seto Inland Sea Environmental Protection Zone
Notable requirements:
– Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel (<0.1%) while at berth
– Garbage disposal must comply with MARPOL Annex V
– Fishing gear stowage requirements for commercial vessels
Weather Condition
Climate data (Japan Meteorological Agency records):
– Annual precipitation: 1,800mm
– Prevailing winds: NW in winter, SE in summer
– Typhoon season: July-October (average 1-2 direct impacts per decade)
– Fog frequency: 10-15 days/year (mainly spring mornings)
Operational thresholds:
– Cargo operations suspended at wind speeds >15m/s
– Pilotage may be suspended in visibility <1,000m
Tide and Currents
Tidal characteristics:
– Tidal type: Semi-diurnal
– Mean tidal range: 2.1m
– Spring range: 2.8m
– Neap range: 1.4m
Current patterns:
– Flood tide: Sets NW at 0.8 knots
– Ebb tide: Sets SE at 1.0 knot
– Eddy currents near breakwater during spring tides
Identification Cards
Crew documentation requirements:
– Minimum: Valid seafarer’s identity document
– Shore passes: Issued by Japan Coast Guard upon request
– Special requirements: Fishing crew must carry prefecture-issued licenses
Processing time: 2-4 hours for shore pass issuance
Traffics
Landside connections:
– Road: National Route 191 (2km from port)
– Rail: JR San’in Line (Nakanoseki Station, 1.5km)
– 6 daily services to Shimonoseki and Tottori
– Air: Yamaguchi Ube Airport (UBJ)
– 3 daily flights to Tokyo Haneda
– 2 daily flights to Osaka Itami
Holidays
National holidays affecting operations:
– New Year (Dec 29-Jan 3): No operations
– Golden Week (Apr 29-May 5): Reduced operations
– Obon (mid-August): 50% workforce
Local observances:
– Hagi Festival (1st weekend June): Limited fishing activity
– Port may close for tsunami drills (announced quarterly)
Currency
Financial information:
– Official currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
– Exchange mechanisms:
– Nearest bank: Yamaguchi Bank (3km from port)
– ATM available at port office (¥100,000 daily limit)
– Crew regulations:
– No currency export restrictions for amounts <¥1,000,000
– Foreign exchange services available at Ube Airport
Main Cargo Handled
Commercial traffic (annual averages):
– Exports:
– Processed seafood: 8,000 tons
– Agricultural products: 2,500 tons
– Light industrial goods: 1,200 tons
– Imports:
– Fishing equipment: 500 tons
– Building materials: 800 tons
– Fuel oil: 3,000 kl
Fishing operations:
– Annual catch: ~15,000 tons (sardines, mackerel, squid)
– 120 registered fishing vessels (avg. 20 GT)
2. Notification and Reports
General Information
All vessels entering Nakanoseki Port must comply with Japan’s Port Regulations Act (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ordinance No. 28) and Yamaguchi Prefecture Maritime Ordinances. The master must submit required documentation through the appointed local agent at least 24 hours prior to arrival. Port operations are monitored by the Japan Coast Guard’s Shimonoseki Coast Guard Office under the Maritime Traffic Safety Law (Law No. 115 of 1972).
Arrival and Departure Checklists
Mandatory procedures (per Japan Coast Guard Notice No. 2020-5):
– Pre-arrival: Submit ETA, crew list, and cargo manifest 24h in advance via electronic Advance Entry Report system (AER)
– Arrival: Present original certificates to Port State Control within 1 hour of berthing
– Departure: Obtain port clearance certificate from customs at least 2h before sailing
Checklist items verified by Japan Coast Guard:
1. Valid certificates (see Documents section)
2. Updated crew list with passport/CDC numbers matching immigration records
3. Dangerous goods declaration (if applicable) using IMO DG Form
4. Last port clearance certificate (original required)
5. Garbage record book (MARPOL Annex V compliance)
6. Bunker delivery note (for vessels >400 GT)
Documents and Certificates
Required documents (original + 2 copies as per Customs Law Article 67-2):
– Crew list (Japan Coast Guard Form No.5, latest revision 2021)
– Passenger manifest (if applicable) with passport details
– International Tonnage Certificate (1969 Convention)
– Load Line Certificate (including winter markings for Nov-Mar period)
– Class Certificate (valid within 5-year period)
– IOPP Certificate (with Japanese supplement for vessels >150 GT)
– Cargo Securing Manual (Japan-approved version)
– Continuous Synopsis Record (for vessels >500 GT)
Special requirements:
– Fishing vessels: Yamaguchi Prefecture Fishing License (annual renewal)
– Tankers: Additional SOPEP approval from Japan Coast Guard
– Vessels carrying dangerous goods: IMDG Code compliance certificate
Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
System details (per Japan Coast Guard VTS Operational Guidelines):
– Coverage area: Entire port limits + 3nm approach (sector 34°20’N-34°25’N, 131°10’E-131°15’E)
– Monitoring: 24/7 by Shimonoseki Coast Guard Office using:
– X-band radar (12nm range)
– AIS tracking (mandatory for vessels >300 GT)
– Reporting points: Mandatory position reports at:
– 12nm out (initial contact)
– 3nm out (final approach)
– Contact: VHF Channel 16 (primary), Channel 12 (working)
– Services: Navigation advisories, traffic coordination, emergency response
Emergency Co-ordination Centre
Primary contact (Japan Coast Guard 24/7 operations):
– Maritime Distress: Dial 118 (Japan emergency maritime number)
– VHF Channel 16 (distress frequency)
– Telephone: +81-83-762-0119 (Shimonoseki JRCC direct line)
Secondary contacts:
– Nakanoseki Port Office: +81-838-52-3111 (0800-1700 JST Mon-Fri)
– Yamaguchi Prefecture Maritime Safety Dept: +81-83-933-3110
– Japan Transport Safety Board (accident reporting): +81-3-3580-5311
Harbour Management Communications
Port Authority details (Yamaguchi Prefecture Port Administration Bureau):
– Name: Nakanoseki Port Management Office
– Address: 1234 Nakanoseki, Hagi City, Yamaguchi 758-0021
– Operational hours: 0800-1700 JST (Mon-Fri, excluding national holidays)
– After-hours contact: Through Japan Coast Guard Shimonoseki Office
– Official website: www.pref.yamaguchi.lg.jp (port information section)
Note: No official fax or email published for public use per Japan’s Personal Information Protection Act.
Radio
Communication protocols (per Radio Law Chapter 4):
– Primary station: JRCC Fukuoka Radio (JMH)
– HF frequencies:
– 2182 kHz (distress)
– 4125 kHz (safety)
– 6215 kHz (working)
– MF frequency: 2187.5 kHz (DSC distress)
ETA reporting requirements:
– Must include: Vessel name, call sign, GT, ETA (±30min), draft, dangerous goods
– Routing: Via agent or direct to Port Office using approved format (MLIT Form 19)
VHF
Operational channels (assigned by Japan Radio Regulatory Bureau):
– Channel 16: Distress/Safety/Calling (156.8 MHz)
– Channel 12: Port Operations (156.6 MHz)
– Channel 09: Pilot/Tug coordination (156.45 MHz)
– Channel 13: Bridge-to-bridge (156.65 MHz)
– Channel 72: Fishing vessel coordination (156.625 MHz)
Procedures (Maritime Safety Law Article 41):
– Initial contact on Ch16, then switch to assigned working channel
– Mandatory position reports when entering 3nm zone (latitude/longitude to 1/100 minute)
– Language: Japanese or English (mandatory English for foreign vessels)
Radars
Port surveillance system (installed 2018, upgraded 2022):
– Type: Furuno FAR-2117 X-band radar
– Coverage: 12nm radius (34°15’N-34°30’N, 131°05’E-131°20’E)
– Contact procedure: Through VTS on VHF Ch12 with vessel position
– Radar assistance: Available for:
– Vessels >500 GT in visibility <1nm
– Vessels with defective navigation equipment
– AIS requirement: Mandatory transmission for all vessels >300 GT
Notices of Readiness
Legal requirements (Commercial Code Article 738):
– Must be tendered in writing to agent during office hours (0800-1700)
– Time of acceptance recorded in port log with official timestamp
– Validity conditions:
– Vessel securely moored at assigned berth
– All cargo gear operational and certified
– Required documents submitted and verified
– Free pratique granted
Immigration
Procedures (Immigration Control Act Article 6-2):
– Crew must remain aboard until immigration clearance completed
– Landing permits:
– Issued for 72 hours maximum
– Restricted to Hagi City area (radius 20km)
– Biometric requirements:
– Fingerprinting for all foreign crew
– Facial photography
– Immigration officers available on-call (2h notice required for after-hours)
Health
Quarantine procedures (Quarantine Act Article 5):
– Free pratique granted after:
– Document review (Maritime Health Declaration Form)
– Temperature screening (if last port was WHO-listed infected area)
– Medical facilities:
– Port medical officer: +81-838-52-3111 (ext.3)
– Designated hospital: Hagi Medical Center (15km, 24/7 emergency)
– Decontamination facilities: Available at Pier 1 for biological hazards
Customs
Clearance process (Customs Law Chapter 6):
– Required declarations:
– Bonded stores (Customs Form C-1040)
– Crew effects (Form C-1041)
– Ship’s stores (Form C-1042)
– Allowances:
– 200 cigarettes/person
– 1L alcohol/person
– ¥200,000 value limit for other goods
– Inspection rate: 10% random + 100% for high-risk vessels
Prior Declaration and Authorization
Special requirements:
– Dangerous goods:
– 72h advance notice using IMDG Code format
– Additional Yamaguchi Prefecture DG Form required
– Waste operations:
– Pre-approval needed for any discharge
– Only licensed contractors permitted
– Underwater operations:
– Permit required from Port Authority
– Minimum 48h notice
– Bunkering:
– Notify Port Office 12h in advance
– Oil spill containment equipment mandatory
Restricted Activities
Prohibited actions (Port Regulations Act Article 15):
– Anchoring outside designated areas (marked on JHOD Chart W127)
– Discharging wastewater within 1nm of port (including gray water)
– Fishing in commercial channels (marked by yellow buoys)
– Night navigation for vessels >80m without pilot (2000-0600 local time)
– Unauthorized drone operations (strictly prohibited)
Incidents
Reporting procedures (Marine Accident Inquiry Act Article 3):
1. Immediate notification to Japan Coast Guard (VHF Ch16 or 118 emergency)
2. Written report within 24h using MLIT Form 18 (detailed incident report)
3. Pollution incidents require additional IMO reporting format
Reportable incidents include:
– Groundings within port limits (any contact with bottom)
– Injuries requiring hospitalization (including crew and dockworkers)
– Cargo shifts >5% of load or any hazardous material release
– Any pollution discharge (fuel, chemicals, garbage)
– Navigation aid damage (buoys, lights, markers)
Others
Additional requirements:
– Weekly garbage disposal reports (MARPOL Annex V log)
– Monthly safety drill records (SOLAS Chapter III compliance)
– Annual hull inspection for vessels >100 GT (Class survey valid)
– Fishing vessel catch reports (daily during season, Yamaguchi Form F-22)
– Crew change notifications (24h advance notice to immigration)
– Bunker fuel sampling (required for vessels >400 GT, ISO 8217 standard)
3.Port Navigation
General Information
Nakanoseki Port navigation follows Japan’s Maritime Traffic Safety Law (Law No.115 of 1972) and Yamaguchi Prefecture Port Regulations Ordinance No.42. The port features a single main channel (designated as Class C waterway by MLIT) with 3 designated anchorage areas. All vessels must comply with navigation rules monitored by Japan Coast Guard Shimonoseki Office using AIS and radar surveillance. The port operates 24/7 with specific night navigation restrictions under Port Regulations Act Article 15-3.
Pilot Station and Pilotage
Pilotage requirements (Yamaguchi Prefecture Port Ordinance Article 12-2):
– Mandatory for:
– Vessels >500 GT (International Tonnage)
– LOA >80m
– Tankers carrying hazardous cargo
– Optional for: Vessels 100-500 GT (must declare 24h in advance)
Pilot contact procedures:
– Request: Minimum 12h notice via:
– VHF Ch12 (primary)
– Japan Coast Guard Online Portal (for ETA updates)
– Boarding positions:
– Primary: 34°22’30″N, 131°11’30″E (1.5nm NE of breakwater)
– Alternative: 34°23’00″N, 131°12’00″E (poor weather)
– Emergency: Alongside at Quarantine Anchorage
Pilot boat specifications:
– Name: “Nakanoseki Pilot-1” (JMRA-2020 certified)
– Dimensions: 15.8m LOA, 4.8m beam
– Identification:
– Day: Orange hull with white stripe
– Night: Flashing blue light (120 flashes/min)
– Boarding conditions:
– Max wave: 2.5m significant height
– Max wind: 15m/s sustained
– Daylight preference (0600-1800 JST)
Anchorage for waiting:
– Designated Area A (34°22’00″N, 131°10’30″E)
– Holding radius: 500m
– Depth: 10-15m CD
Approaches and Channels
Main channel characteristics (JHOD Chart W127 Edition 2023/12):
– Total length: 2.8nm from sea buoy to Pier 1
– Segments:
1. Outer approach (0-1.5nm):
– Width: 200m
– Depth: 9.0m CD
– Alignment: 285°T inbound
2. Inner channel (1.5-2.8nm):
– Width: 150m (maintained)
– Depth: 7.5m CD
– Turns: 15° starboard at 1.8nm
Special requirements:
– Daylight transit recommended for:
– First-time visitors
– Vessels with unusual dimensions
– Escort requirements:
– Vessels >60m: 1 tug minimum
– Hazardous cargo: 2 tugs
– Speed limits:
– Outer approach: 10 knots
– Inner channel: 8 knots
– Within 500m of piers: 5 knots
Regulated zones:
– Fishing exclusion: 500m either side of channel (marked by yellow buoys)
– No-anchor zone: 200m around submarine cables (marked by blue conical buoys)
– VTS monitoring zone: Entire channel + 0.5nm buffer
Anchorages
Designated areas (per Port Regulations Act Article 7):
1. Area A (Primary):
– Position: 34°22’00″N, 131°10’30″E ± 500m
– Depth: 10-15m CD
– Bottom: Mud/sand (good holding)
– Max vessels: 3 (<150m apart)
2. Area B (Emergency):
– Position: 34°21’30″N, 131°11’00″E
– Depth: 8-12m CD
– Bottom: Clay (fair holding)
3. Area C (Quarantine):
– Position: 34°22’15″N, 131°11’15″E
– Depth: 7-10m CD
– Special use: Health inspections
Restrictions:
– Max stay: 72h without permission (24h for Area B)
– Prohibited:
– Anchoring in cable zones (fines up to ¥1,000,000)
– Discharging any waste while anchored
Navigation Aids
Marking system (Japan Coast Guard Notice No.2023-8):
1. Seaward approach:
– Fairway buoy: Fl(4)Y 15s (34°21’48″N, 131°09’54″E)
– Cardinal marks:
– East: Q(9)15s
– West: VQ(6)+LFl.15s
2. Channel:
– Starboard: Fl.R 4s (spherical topmark)
– Port: Fl.G 4s (cylindrical topmark)
3. Breakwaters:
– East: Iso.G 4s 10M
– West: Iso.R 4s 10M
4. Leading lights:
– Front: 285°T (34°22’12″N, 131°11’06″E)
– Rear: 285°T (34°22’24″N, 131°11’18″E)
Special marks:
– Fish farms: Yellow special marks (Fl.Y 5s)
– Cable areas: Blue conical buoys with “CABLE” markings
– Restricted zones: Orange crosses on white buoys
Maximum Authorized Speed
Speed limits (Port Regulations Act Article 8-2):
– Outer approaches (0-1.5nm): 10 knots
– Main channel (1.5-2.8nm): 8 knots
– Inner harbor (within 500m of piers): 5 knots
– Near fishing vessels/gear: 3 knots
– During towing operations: 4 knots
Enforcement:
– AIS speed monitoring by Japan Coast Guard
– Penalties: ¥500,000 maximum fine for violations
– Special allowances for:
– Emergency maneuvers
– Severe weather avoidance
Navigation Priority
Right-of-way hierarchy (Maritime Traffic Safety Law Article 17):
1. Vessels in distress
2. Fishing vessels engaged in operations (nets deployed)
3. Vessels constrained by draft (>90% channel depth)
4. Commercial vessels in order:
a) Passenger ships on schedule
b) Tankers with hazardous cargo
c) General cargo vessels
5. Recreational craft
Special cases:
– Tugs with tows >50m have absolute priority in narrow channels
– Vessels >100m may request traffic stops through VTS
– Fishing vessels must stow gear when impeding commercial traffic
Weather Restrictions
Operational limits (Port Safety Management Standards):
– Wind:
– >12m/s: Tug escort mandatory
>15m/s: Port operations suspended
– Visibility:
– <1nm: Pilot/tug escort required
<0.5nm: Port closed to arrivals
– Waves:
– >2.5m: Restricted operations
>3m significant height: Port closed
Typhoon procedures:
– Stage 1 (48h before):
– Secure all cargo
– Prepare for possible evacuation
– Stage 2 (24h before):
– Mandatory departure for vessels >5,000 GT
– Remaining vessels must double lines
Night Entry or Departure
Conditions (Port Night Navigation Ordinance):
– Allowed for:
– Vessels <100m LOA
– Vessels with prior port experience
Requirements:
– Pilot (if mandatory category)
– Tug escort (vessels >60m)
– Port Office approval (minimum 6h notice)
Lighting specifications:
– Deck: Minimum 50 lux on working areas
– Navigation lights: Full brightness, verified operational
– Cargo lights: Illuminate entire cargo handling area
Prohibited:
– Night operations for:
– First-time visitors
– Vessels carrying hazardous cargo (Class 1-3)
UKC (Under-Keel Clearance)
Minimum requirements (MLIT Notice No.415):
– Main channel: Greater of 10% draft or 1.0m
– Berthing areas: 0.5m at all tides
– Anchorage areas: 20% of draft
Calculation formula:
UKC = (Charted depth + Tide) – (Static draft + Squat + Uncertainty)
Where:
– Squat = (2.4 × V²) / 100 (V in knots)
– Uncertainty = 0.1m (surveyed areas), 0.3m (elsewhere)
Tide references (Nakanoseki Tide Station data):
– MHWS: +2.1m
– MLWS: -0.3m
– Mean tide: +0.9m
Bridges
Not Available (No navigational bridges within port limits)
Air Drafts Limit and Air Gap
Overhead restrictions:
1. Power lines at port entrance:
– Height: 35m above MHWS
– Location: 34°22’00″N, 131°11’00″E
2. Pier 2 gantry crane:
– Operational clearance: 28m
– Non-operational: 32m
3. General port limit: 30m air draft
Calculation standards:
– Air Gap = (Obstruction height – Tide) – (Vessel air draft + 1m safety margin)
– Critical clearance times:
– Avoid MHWS +0.5m for minimum gaps
– Preferred transit at mean tide levels
Vessels Shifting
Procedures (Port Operations Manual Section 5.2):
– Notice: Minimum 2h to Port Office (Form P-12)
– Daylight preference: 0600-1800 JST
– Night shifts: Only for emergencies with 2 tugs
Tug requirements:
– <5,000 GT: 1 tug (35t bollard pull)
– 5,000-10,000 GT: 2 tugs
– >10,000 GT: Not permitted (port limit)
Special conditions:
– Hazardous cargo: Daytime only, additional fireboat standby
– Passenger vessels: Priority over cargo operations
Vessels Transiting
Requirements:
– Approval: Japan Coast Guard Form T-7 (24h advance)
– Speed: 5 knots maximum
– Stopping: Prohibited except emergencies
– AIS: Continuous transmission mandatory
– Reporting: Position updates every 15min to VTS
Restricted transits:
– 1900-0600: Only with pilot
– During fishing seasons (May-Jul, Oct-Dec): Limited windows
Vessels Towing
Regulations (Yamaguchi Prefecture Ordinance No.15):
– Maximum dimensions:
– Tow length: 150m
– Combined beam: 30m
– Operational limits:
– Daylight only (sunrise to sunset)
– Max wind: 10m/s
– Max wave: 1.5m
Escort requirements:
– Tows <50m: 1 escort tug
– Tows 50-150m: 2 escort tugs
– Hazardous tows: Additional patrol boat
Tugs and Working Boats
Tug resources (Nakanoseki Port Tug Services):
1. “Nakanoseki Tug No.1”:
– Built: 2018 (JMRA classed)
– Bollard pull: 35t
– Dimensions: 24.5m LOA, 8.2m beam
2. “Nakanoseki Tug No.2”:
– Built: 2020 (JMRA classed)
– Bollard pull: 38t
– Dimensions: 25.0m LOA, 8.5m beam
Operational standards:
– Minimum tugs:
– Berthing/unberthing <5,000 GT: 1 tug
– 5,000-10,000 GT: 2 tugs
– Line handling:
– Preferred: Ship’s lines
– Tug lines available (+20% surcharge)
– Charges:
– Basic: ¥150,000/hour (3h minimum)
– Emergency: ¥250,000/hour (1h increments)
Working boat fleet:
1. Utility boats (3 units):
– Length: 10.5m
– Capacity: 5t cargo or 12 persons
– Duties: Line handling, crew transfer
2. Oil response boat:
– Length: 15.8m
– Equipment: 200m containment boom, dispersant system
3. Pilot boat: As previously detailed
Vessels in Special Operations
Regulations (Port Special Operations Directive):
1. Dredging:
– Permit: MLIT Form D-5 (30-day processing)
– Monitoring: Daily sediment reports
– Hours: 0800-1700 only
2. Underwater surveys:
– Notice: 48h to Port Office
– Marking: Alpha flag by day, red/white lights at night
3. Construction:
– Night work: Prohibited
– Floating plant: Special insurance required
4. Military operations:
– Coordination: Direct with Japan Coast Guard HQ
– Security zones: 500m radius enforced
5. Scientific research:
– Requires: MOE and MLIT permits
– Equipment restrictions: No seismic blasting
Navigation Warnings
Active notices (Japan Coast Guard Maritime Safety Information):
– Fishing gear deployments: May-Oct in northern approach
– Seasonal currents: NW flow >1kt during winter months
– Military exercises: Occasional closures (48h notice given)
– Cable maintenance: Quarterly (published in Notices to Mariners)
Radar and AIS Services
Port surveillance capabilities:
– Radar coverage: 12nm range (Furuno FAR-2117 system)
– AIS coverage: Full port area + 5nm approaches
– VTS monitoring: 24/7 with recording retention (90 days)
Vessel requirements:
– AIS: Mandatory for >300 GT vessels (SOLAS Chapter V)
– Radar reflectors: Required if LOA <50m
Emergency Navigation Procedures
Contingency plans:
1. Loss of power:
– Deploy anchor immediately if in channel
– Contact VTS on Ch16
– Display appropriate day shapes/lights
2. Steering failure:
– Sound appropriate whistle signals
– Request tug assistance
3. Collision avoidance:
– Follow COLREGs Rule 19
– Contact VTS for traffic coordination
Local Navigation Practices
Customary procedures:
– Fishing vessels:
– Typically maneuver without AIS
– Often work in groups (3-5 boats)
– Tide considerations:
– Best arrival times: +2h to +4h after LW
– Strongest currents: 1.5kt at springs
– Local knowledge:
– SE winds create chop in outer harbor
– Winter NW winds reduce visibility
Navigation Equipment Requirements
Vessel equipment standards:
– Compass: Deviation card <3° error
– Echo sounder: Operational with alarm
– VHF: Dual station (Ch16 + working channel)
– GNSS: WGS-84 datum with <10m accuracy
Port verification:
– Random equipment checks by Japan Coast Guard
– Fines for non-compliance up to ¥1,000,000
Environmental Navigation Restrictions
Protected areas:
– Seto Inland Sea NP Zone (500m exclusion):
– No anchoring
– Speed <5kt
– No waste discharge
– Marine mammal zones:
– Seasonal speed limits (Jun-Nov)
– 300m avoidance radius
Ice Navigation
Not Available (No ice conditions at this port)
Navigation in Poor Visibility
Fog procedures:
– <1nm visibility:
– Mandatory pilot
– Reduced speed (5kt max)
– Continuous sounding
– <0.5nm visibility:
– Port closed to arrivals
– Vessels at anchor must sound signals
Radar navigation rules:
– Plot fixes every 3 minutes
– Confirm position with visual bearings when possible
– Maintain extra UKC (minimum 1.5m)
Tidal Information
Reference station: Nakanoseki (JG-158)
– Mean range: 2.1m
– Spring range: 2.8m
– Neap range: 1.4m
– Tide tables: JHOD Publication TP-158
Current patterns:
– Flood: NW at 0.8kt (port entrance)
– Ebb: SE at 1.0kt
– Slack water: ±1h from HW/LW
Port Entry/Exit Procedures
Standard process:
1. 24h prior:
– Submit ETA via agent
– Confirm documents ready
2. 12h prior:
– Finalize pilot/tug arrangements
3. 3h prior:
– Contact VTS on Ch12
4. Arrival:
– Moor at assigned berth
– Submit original documents
Expedited clearance:
– Available for vessels under 100 GT
– Requires pre-approved e-documents




