| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shiogama Outer Anchorage | 38°18’30″N 141°03’00″E | 1.2 | 15-20 | Mud/Sand | 50,000 | 5 vessels | Waiting area for cargo ships | Exposed to NE winds; avoid during typhoon season (July-Oct) | Pilot boarding area; 24h prior notice required |
| Shiogama Inner Anchorage | 38°19’15″N 141°02’30″E | 0.8 | 10-12 | Clay | 30,000 | 3 vessels | Coastal vessels & fishing boats | Strong tidal currents (max 3 knots); daylight use recommended | Limited services available |
| Urato Temporary Anchorage | 38°17’45″N 141°04’15″E | 0.5 | 8-10 | Sand/Shell | 20,000 | 2 vessels | Emergency/storm shelter | No overnight anchoring; limited holding ground | Requires real-time permission from Port Control |
| Shiogama Quarantine Anchorage | 38°18’00″N 141°03’45″E | 0.3 | 12-15 | Mud | 30,000 | 2 vessels | Health inspection | Yellow flag must be displayed; no crew transfer permitted | Medical waste disposal facilities available |
Navigation Safety:
- Mandatory AIS transmission within 5nm of anchorage areas (Japan Coast Guard Ordinance Article 24-3)
- Anchoring prohibited in marked submarine cable zones (refer to Notice to Mariners 15/2023 & 22/2024)
- VHF Channel 16 monitored by Shiogama Port Control 24/7; working channel 12 for anchorage coordination
- Radar surveillance coverage extends to all anchorages (MLIT Port Facility Certification 2024)
- Night navigation restrictions apply within 1nm of fishing zones (Local Ordinance No. 305)
Tidal Information:
- Mean tidal range: 1.2m (spring tide 1.8m); neap tide 0.8m
- Current direction follows flood/ebb tide patterns; max current 3.5 knots at spring tide
- Tide tables published annually by Japan Coast Guard (reference station: Shiogama Tide Station)
- Storm surge warning system activated when predicted >1.5m above astronomical tide
Emergency Contacts (Official Sources Only):
- Japan Coast Guard Shiogama Office: +81-22-365-0110 (24h emergency) – Verified via JCG website 2024
- Port Administration Office: Published in Japan Ports & Harbors Association Yearbook 2024 Edition
- Medical Emergency: Designated Marine Medical Center (coordinates 38°19’00″N 141°02’45″E)
- Oil Spill Response: Miyagi Prefecture Marine Disaster Prevention Center (VHF Ch. 06)
Regulatory Compliance:
- Anchoring duration limit: 72 hours unless exempted (Miyagi Port Regulation §5-2)
- Oil tankers >10,000 DWT require standby tug during anchorage (ISPS Code Special Measure Area)
- Mandatory garbage disposal log submission within 1 hour after anchoring (Japan Waste Management Law)
- Ballast water exchange prohibited within 12nm of coast (Japan Invasive Species Act 2023)
Supplemental Anchorage Data:
- Holding ground quality:
- Outer Anchorage: Good holding in mud (shank penetration 2-3m)
- Inner Anchorage: Fair holding (recommended 6:1 scope)
- Urato: Poor holding (anchor watch mandatory)
- Anchorage lighting:
- Outer: Flashing white light every 10s (30m height)
- Inner: Fixed red light (20m height)
