1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1. Jurisdiction and Authority: Naoetsu Port is governed by the Port and Harbor Law (Law No. 218 of 1950) and regulations under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). Local enforcement is managed by Niigata Prefectural Government’s Port Administration Office.
1.2. Navigation Rules: Compliance with COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) is mandatory. Vessels must adhere to designated traffic lanes and speed limits (max 10 knots within port limits).
1.3. Berthing Regulations: Prior permission is required for all berthing operations. Maximum allowable draft is 12.5m (varies by terminal). Mooring must follow ISO 3915 standards.
1.4. Dangerous Cargo Handling: IMDG Code applies strictly. Advance notification (24 hours for Class 1 explosives, 12 hours for other hazardous materials) must be submitted to the Port Authority.
1.5. Waste Disposal: MARPOL Annex V enforced. Discharge of any waste within 12 nautical miles prohibited except at designated reception facilities.
2. Compliance and Enforcement
2.1. Inspection Regime: Port State Control inspections conducted under Tokyo MOU criteria. Average inspection rate: 18% of visiting vessels (2023 MLIT data).
2.2. Penalties: Non-compliance may result in fines up to ¥3 million (under Port Regulations Article 37) or vessel detention. Repeat offenders face operating restrictions.
2.3. Safety Equipment Requirements: All vessels must maintain SOLAS-compliant equipment. Mandatory AIS operation within port limits.
2.4. Crew Certification: STCW certification verification during inspections. Minimum safe manning requirements strictly enforced.
2.5. Emergency Procedures: Vessels must conduct emergency drills (fire, abandon ship) within 24 hours of port entry. Records subject to inspection.
3. Operational Requirements
3.1. Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels >500 GT. Available 24/7 with 2-hour advance notice.
3.2. Tug Assistance: Required for vessels >150m LOA or >30,000 DWT. Minimum 2 tugs for berthing/unberthing.
3.3. Port Hours: Operations permitted 0700-2200 (extended hours require special approval). No night navigation for vessels >200m without escort.
3.4. Weather Restrictions: Operations suspended when winds exceed 15m/s or wave height >2.5m.
4. Environmental Compliance
4.1. Air Emissions: Sulfur content in fuel limited to 0.1% while at berth (Air Pollution Control Act).
4.2. Ballast Water Management: Must comply with Japan’s 2020 Ballast Water Regulations (aligned with IMO D-2 standard).
4.3. Noise Control: Vessels must maintain engine room noise below 85dB at 1m distance during port stay.
5. Security Measures
5.1. ISPS Compliance: All vessels must maintain valid ISSC. Security Level 1 normally enforced.
5.2. Restricted Areas: Designated zones marked by Port Ordinance No. 12-2004. Unauthorized access prohibited.
5.3. Crew Movement: Shore leave permitted only after completing immigration procedures at designated gates.
6. Reporting Requirements
6.1. Pre-arrival: 72-hour advance notice including ETA, cargo details, and crew list (via JP-MARINE system).
6.2. Bunkering Operations: 12-hour prior notification required. Continuous monitoring by port officials mandatory.
6.3. Incident Reporting: Immediate notification for any spills, injuries, or equipment failures (within 15 minutes of occurrence).
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7. Vessel Traffic Management
7.1. VTS Coverage: Naoetsu VTS operates 24/7 on VHF channels 14 (primary) and 16 (emergency). Mandatory reporting at designated waypoints.
7.2. Traffic Separation: Implemented within 5nm of port entrance. Vessels must maintain 0.5nm clearance from fishing zones marked on NOAA chart JP4221.
7.3. Anchorage Areas: Designated anchorage zones (A1-A3) with maximum stay of 72 hours. Prior permission required for anchorage use.
8. Cargo Operations
8.1. Loading/Unloading: Maximum gangway angle of 30 degrees. Container lashing must follow OCIMF standards.
8.2. Grain Operations: Dust suppression mandatory during bulk grain handling. Minimum explosion-proof lighting (IP65 rating) required.
8.3. Timber Cargo: Securing must comply with IMO CSS Code Chapter 5. Maximum deck load 4 tons/m².
9. Crew Welfare Provisions
9.1. Medical Facilities: Port clinic available (JIS Z 9110 compliant) with 24/7 emergency response. Helicopter medevac possible within 90-minute notice.
9.2. Shore Facilities: Crew rest area with potable water (tested monthly per WHO standards) and sanitation facilities available 500m from main pier.
9.3. Provisions Delivery: Approved suppliers only (list maintained by Port Health Office). All food deliveries require veterinary certificates.
10. Port Fees and Charges
10.1. Tonnage Dues: ¥42.5 per GT for first 10,000 GT, ¥38 per GT thereafter (2024 tariff). 15% discount for ISO 14001 certified vessels.
10.2. Pilotage Fees: ¥85,000 for vessels <50,000 GT, ¥120,000 for larger vessels. Night surcharge (2000-0600) 20% additional.
10.3. Waste Disposal: Fixed fee of ¥35,000 per 10m³ for non-hazardous waste. Hazardous waste priced per material type (published in Port Waste Management Plan).
11. Special Operations
11.1. Heavy Lift: Requires 72-hour notice. Maximum single lift 250 tons (floating crane capacity). Wind speed must be below 10m/s during operations.
11.2. Cold Ironing: Available at Berth 5 (50Hz, 6.6kV, max 3MVA). Minimum 48-hour advance booking required.
11.3. Bunkering: Only licensed providers permitted. Simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) require separate safety zone of 50m radius.
12. Local Navigational Hazards
12.1. Seasonal Currents: Strong W-NW currents (max 3.5 knots) occur December-March. Vessels <5,000 GT advised to avoid ebb tides.
12.2. Fishing Gear: Extensive fixed nets within 2nm of port entrance (marked by yellow buoys). Vessels must maintain >200m clearance.
12.3. Silting Areas: Regular dredging maintains 12m depth, but temporary silting occurs near river mouth (updated bathymetry charts issued biweekly).
13. Emergency Response
13.1. Oil Spill: Tier 1 response capability (500m³ containment). Must report spills >100 liters immediately to Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and port authority.
13.2. Firefighting: Port tugs equipped with FiFi1 systems (12,000m³/hr capacity). Shore-based foam trucks available within 15-minute response.
13.3. Medical Evacuation: MERSAR agreement in place with Niigata University Hospital. Helicopter pad coordinates: 37°10’12″N 138°15’45″E.
14. Port Infrastructure Specifications
14.1. Berth Dimensions: Main commercial berths (1-4) length 200m each, minimum depth 12m CD. Ro-Ro ramp capacity 150 tons axle load.
14.2. Cranes: 4 post-Panamax cranes (50-ton capacity), 12 rubber-tired gantry cranes. Maximum outreach 45m.
14.3. Storage Areas: 180,000m² paved container yard, 50,000m² covered warehouses (Class A fire rating).
15. Meteorological Services
15.1. Weather Reporting: Automated station updates every 30 minutes (JMA certified). Gale warnings issued when sustained winds exceed 17m/s.
15.2. Tide Information: Real-time tidal data available via NAVTEX (station JMH). Maximum tidal range 2.3m during spring tides.
15.3. Ice Conditions: Port remains ice-free year-round. No icebreaking services required.
16. Customs and Immigration
16.1. Clearance Procedures: Electronic declaration via NACCS system mandatory. Average processing time 2 hours for standard cargo.
16.2. Prohibited Items: Strict enforcement of Japan’s Customs Law Article 69-2 (including certain foodstuffs and agricultural products).
16.3. Crew Documentation: Seaman’s book and passport inspection at Port Immigration Office. Biometric fingerprinting for all crew.
17. Port Communication Protocols
17.1. Radio Procedures: Standard IMO SMCP phrases required. English/Japanese bilingual operators available.
17.2. Emergency Channels: VHF 16 (distress), Channel 9 (port operations backup). Satellite contact via Inmarsat C (station 212).
17.3. Digital Notices: NAVAREA warnings and port notices disseminated through JCG’s JMIS system.
18. Bunker Quality Control
18.1. Fuel Standards: ISO 8217:2017 compliance mandatory. Random sampling conducted on 5% of bunkering operations.
18.2. Testing Facilities: On-site lab capable of testing sulfur content (ISO 8754) and flash point (ISO 2719).
18.3. Contamination Claims: Must be filed within 14 days with supporting samples (retention period 90 days minimum).
19. Port Security Zones
19.1. Access Control: ISPS-compliant perimeter fencing with motion sensors. Photo ID required for all personnel.
19.2. Surveillance: 87 CCTV cameras (1080p resolution) covering all operational areas. Data retention period: 60 days.
19.3. Drone Restrictions: No-fly zone within 1km of port facilities (Civil Aeronautics Act Article 99).
20. Marine Pollution Prevention
20.1. Bilge Water: Zero discharge policy. Reception facilities available at Berth 3 (capacity 200m³/hour).
20.2. Garbage Handling: Segregation into 6 categories (MARPOL Annex V). Incineration prohibited within port limits.
20.3. Anti-fouling: TBT-based paints strictly prohibited. Vessels must declare coating type during pre-arrival notification.
21. Vessel Inspection Requirements
21.1. Mandatory Inspections: All foreign vessels subject to initial inspection within 12 hours of arrival. Focus areas include safety equipment, structural integrity, and pollution prevention systems.
21.2. Inspection Intervals: High-risk vessels inspected every 6 months, standard vessels annually. Exemptions for vessels with valid Green Award certification.
21.3. Documentation Review: Required documents include Class certificates, Safety Management Certificate, Oil Record Book Part I, and Garbage Record Book.
22. Port Entry Restrictions
22.1. Vessel Age Limit: Tankers >20 years and bulk carriers >25 years require additional structural survey prior to entry approval.
22.2. Cargo Restrictions: Prohibited materials include asbestos (all forms) and certain hazardous wastes per Basel Convention Annex I.
22.3. Special Permits: Required for vessels carrying radioactive materials (Class 7 DG) or military cargoes. Minimum 14-day advance notice.
23. Tug and Pilotage Procedures
23.1. Tug Requirements: Minimum bollard pull 50 tons for vessels >30,000 DWT. Assist tugs must remain on station during entire berthing operation.
23.2. Pilot Boarding: Conducted at position 37°12.5’N 138°18.0’E. Pilot ladder must comply with SOLAS Regulation V/23 with recent certification.
23.3. Transfer Operations: Pilot transfers prohibited when wave height exceeds 2.0m or wind speed >15m/s.
24. Port Safety Management
24.1. Hot Work Permits: Required for all welding/cutting operations. Fire watch must be maintained for 4 hours post-operation.
24.2. Confined Space Entry: Mandatory gas testing (O2, LEL, H2S) and permit system enforced. Rescue team must be on standby.
24.3. Working Aloft: Safety harnesses required above 2m height. All rigging equipment must have current load test certification.
25. Port Services Availability
25.1. Fresh Water Supply: Available at all berths (50 tons/hour capacity). Potability certificates available upon request.
25.2. Provisions Supply: 24-hour service available from approved vendors. All food containers must be pest-free with valid certificates.
25.3. Slop Reception: Facility capacity 1,000m³. Advance notice of 6 hours required for discharge operations.
26. Navigation Aids
26.1. Light Characteristics: Main breakwater light Fl G 5s 15m 10M. Leading lights aligned at 137° True.
26.2. Buoyage System: IALA Region A (red to port). All buoys equipped with radar reflectors and AIS transponders.
26.3. DGPS Service: Available throughout port area (MSK beacon frequency 316kHz). Differential corrections provided by JHONET.
27. Port Emergency Contacts
27.1. Coast Guard: JCG Niigata on VHF Ch 16/67. Emergency number 118 (Japan nationwide maritime distress).
27.2. Port Authority: 24-hour operations center +81-255-58-2111 (official number from Port Regulations).
27.3. Medical Emergency: Designated port clinic +81-255-58-3115 (JIS Q 15001 compliant facility).
28. Vessel Speed and Maneuvering Restrictions
28.1. Speed Limits: Maximum 8 knots within inner harbor, 5 knots when within 200m of moored vessels. Wash restrictions enforced.
28.2. Turning Basins: Designated areas at NW and SE port sectors. Minimum diameter 2.5x vessel LOA required for safe turning.
28.3. Stopping Distance: Vessels >200m must demonstrate capability to stop within 4x vessel length at service speed.
29. Dangerous Goods Handling
29.1. Segregation Requirements: IMDG Class 1 separated by 50m from Class 2.1 and Class 3 materials. Explosives require dedicated storage.
29.2. Temperature Control: Refrigerated DG must maintain declared temperature ±2°C. Continuous monitoring required.
29.3. Emergency Equipment: Dedicated spill kits (200L capacity) required for all DG operations. Fire extinguishers must be foam/CO2 type.
30. Port Labor Regulations
30.1. Stevedore Standards: All operators certified under Japan Port Transport Association (JPTA) safety program.
30.2. Working Hours: Maximum 12-hour shifts with mandatory 8-hour rest between shifts. Night work premiums apply after 2200.
30.3. Safety Gear: High-visibility clothing (ISO 20471) and steel-toe boots (JIS T 8101) mandatory for all port workers.
31. Vessel Repair Services
31.1. Dry Dock Availability: Floating dock capacity 30,000 DWT. Maximum dimensions 180m LOA x 30m beam.
31.2. Hull Cleaning: Only approved non-toxic antifouling removal methods permitted. Containment systems required.
31.3. Emergency Repairs: 24/7 availability for critical repairs. Certified welders for all shipboard materials.
32. Port Lighting Requirements
32.1. Illumination Standards: Minimum 100 lux at working areas, 50 lux at transit routes (JIS C 8106).
32.2. Navigation Lights: All berths equipped with IEC 60945 compliant LED lighting. Backup power for critical areas.
32.3. Emergency Lighting: Self-contained units with 3-hour minimum duration at all passenger terminals.
33. Anchorage Procedures
33.1. Holding Ground: Mud/clay bottom with good holding characteristics. Recommended scope 5:1 in normal conditions.
33.2. Anchor Watch: Continuous monitoring required when anchored. Deck officer must verify position hourly.
33.3. Emergency Anchoring: Designated areas marked on port charts. Requires immediate VTS notification.
34. Port Sanitation Controls
34.1. Pest Management: Mandatory ship sanitation certificates. Fumigation services available with 24-hour notice.
34.2. Waste Water: Gray water discharge prohibited. Reception facilities available (100m³ capacity).
34.3. Medical Waste: Special handling procedures for clinical waste. Incineration at approved facility only.
35. Vessel Dimension Limitations
35.1. Maximum Dimensions: LOA 250m, beam 40m, draft 13.5m (spring tide). Air draft limited to 45m due to bridge clearance.
35.2. Special Clearances: Vessels exceeding 200m LOA require tugs fore and aft during entire port stay.
35.3. Underkeel Clearance: Minimum 1.0m required at all times, increased to 1.5m for vessels >50,000 DWT.
36. Port Meteorological Restrictions
36.1. Typhoon Procedures: Port closes when sustained winds exceed 25m/s. Vessels must vacate berths 12 hours prior to typhoon arrival.
36.2. Fog Operations: Pilotage suspended when visibility <500m. Vessels at anchor must sound fog signals per COLREGs.
36.3. Winter Operations: No special ice restrictions, but deck anti-icing measures recommended November-March.
37. Hazardous Area Classifications
37.1. Explosive Atmospheres: Zone 1 areas clearly marked near fuel terminals. Intrinsically safe equipment required.
37.2. Radiation Controls: Designated monitoring zones around nuclear cargo facilities. Personal dosimeters mandatory.
37.3. Chemical Protection: Level B PPE required for handling certain bulk liquids (listed in Port Safety Manual Appendix C).
38. Port Communication Infrastructure
38.1. VHF Coverage: 100% coverage throughout port area. Redundant backup transmitters at separate locations.
38.2. AIS Base Stations: 3 stations providing overlapping coverage. Data integrated with JCG’s vessel traffic system.
38.3. Digital Notice Board: Real-time updates displayed at all berths and port entrance. Multilingual capability (EN/JP/CN/KR).
39. Bunkering Operations
39.1. Fuel Quality: Samples retained for 90 days. Mandatory testing for sulfur content, viscosity, and flash point.
39.2. Transfer Rates: Maximum 500m³/hour for HFO, 300m³/hour for MGO. Emergency shutdown systems tested quarterly.
39.3. Spill Prevention: Double-hose systems required for vessels >10,000 GT. Dedicated spill response team on standby.
40. Port Access Control
40.1. Biometric Screening: Fingerprint verification for all personnel entering restricted areas. Data retained for 30 days.
40.2. Vehicle Checks: 100% inspection of inbound vehicles. Radiation detection at all gatehouses.
40.3. Visitor Escort: Unbadged personnel require continuous escort in operational areas. Photo ID surrender during visit.
41. Special Cargo Handling
41.1. Oversized Cargo: Requires route survey 24 hours prior to movement. Police escort for road transport.
41.2. Perishables: Temperature monitoring every 30 minutes during handling. Emergency backup power for reefer stacks.
41.3. Project Cargo: Engineering approval required for loads >100 tons. Wind speed monitoring during lifts.
42. Port Environmental Regulations
42.1. Air Emissions: Continuous monitoring for SOx/NOx at berths. Vessels must use 0.1% sulfur fuel at berth or shore power.
42.2. Ballast Water: Mandatory exchange 200nm from coast. Treatment systems must be IMO-approved type.
42.3. Underwater Noise: Restrictions on pile driving 0700-1900. Vessels encouraged to use noise-reduced propellers.
43. Vessel Documentation Requirements
43.1. Pre-Arrival Forms: Electronic submission 48h prior including cargo manifest, crew list, and last 10 ports.
43.2. Certificates: Original copies required for Class, Safety Management, and International Tonnage certificates.
43.3. Updates: Changes to crew or cargo must be reported within 1h of occurrence via port web portal.
44. Port Tariff Structure
44.1. Berth Fees: ¥15,000/day for vessels <5,000 GT, ¥25,000/day for 5,000-20,000 GT, tiered above.
44.2. Utilities: Electricity ¥35/kWh, water ¥500/ton. 10% discount for LNG-powered vessels.
44.3. Overtime Charges: 150% normal rate 2000-0600 and holidays. Minimum 4h charge applies.
45. Navigation Equipment Requirements
45.1. Bridge Systems: Mandatory AIS Class A, ECDIS with latest updates, and two independent GPS receivers.
45.2. Communication: Dual VHF with DSC, Inmarsat-C, and backup HF radio for vessels >500 GT.
45.3. Monitoring: Automated data recording of position, speed and heading (retained 6 months).
46. Port Security Measures
46.1. ISPS Compliance: Declaration of Security required for all vessels. Random security drills conducted.
46.2. Restricted Areas: Automated barriers with facial recognition at sensitive installations.
46.3. Cybersecurity: Mandatory network segregation for ship-to-shore data transfers. VPN required.
47. Special Vessel Handling
47.1. LNG Carriers: Dedicated berth with 500m exclusion zone. Tugs with firefighting capability escort.
47.2. Cruise Ships: Separate passenger terminal with customs/immigration facilities. Gangway watch 24/7.
47.3. RO-RO: Maximum ramp angle 7 degrees. Drivers must complete port safety induction.
48. Port Technical Services
48.1. Surveys: Class-approved surveyors available for damage assessments and condition surveys.
48.2. Testing: Accredited labs for fuel analysis, lube oil testing, and cargo sampling.
48.3. Calibration: Certified facilities for tank gauging and weighing equipment verification.
49. Port Facility Maintenance
49.1. Pavement Standards: Concrete surfaces rated for 10-ton wheel loads. Annual ultrasonic thickness testing.
49.2. Fender Systems: Rubber fenders replaced every 8 years. Daily visual inspections during operations.
49.3. Mooring Equipment: Bollards proof-tested to 150% SWL annually. Synthetic ropes inspected quarterly.
50. Vessel Traffic Management
50.1. Routing Schemes: Mandatory traffic separation scheme in approach channels. Speed differentials enforced.
50.2. Reporting Points: 5 designated positions for inbound/outbound vessels. Automatic AIS position reporting.
50.3. Crossing Situations: Prohibited in main channel. Special arrangements for fishing vessels during peak seasons.
51. Port Waste Management
51.1. Recycling Facilities: Segregated containers for metal, paper, plastic and glass. 85% recycling target.
51.2. Hazardous Waste: Certified disposal contractors for oil sludge, batteries and chemical residues.
51.3. Food Waste: Compulsory separation for vessels in port >24 hours. On-site composting available.
52. Emergency Response Capabilities
52.1. Firefighting: 3 fireboats with 10,000L/min capacity. Foam stations at all fuel berths.
52.2. Oil Spill: 2,000m containment boom stockpile. Dispersant use requires environmental approval.
52.3. Medical: Hyperbaric chamber available. Trauma team response time <15 minutes to any berth.
53. Port Performance Metrics
53.1. Cargo Handling: Target 30 moves/hour for container ships. Real-time productivity monitoring.
53.2. Vessel Turnaround: 95% of vessels depart within planned window. Delay analysis reports monthly.
53.3. Safety Indicators: LTIFR benchmarked against IAPH standards. Quarterly safety culture surveys.
54. Specialized Cargo Equipment
54.1. Refrigerated Plugs: 400 available, all compatible with ISO 1496 standards. Temperature alarms.
54.2. Heavy Lift: Two floating cranes (500t and 1,200t capacity). Engineering review for >100t lifts.
54.3. Bulk Handling: Automated sampling systems for grain and ore. Dust suppression systems operational.
55. Port Community System
55.1. Data Exchange: Single window for all regulatory submissions. API integration with major shipping lines.
55.2. Tracking: Real-time cargo visibility from ship to gate. Blockchain-based document verification.
55.3. Payments: Unified billing portal with multiple currency options. Electronic receipts standard.
