1. General Port Rules and Regulations
Tobata Port operates under the jurisdiction of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and complies with the Port Regulations Act (港湾法) and related ordinances. Key regulations include:
– Mandatory prior notification for vessel entry/exit (24 hours minimum).
– Compliance with IMO SOLAS, MARPOL, and ISPS Code requirements.
– Designated anchorage areas (refer to MLIT Chart No. W127).
– Prohibited zones: 500m radius around port infrastructure unless authorized.
2. Navigation Safety
– Speed limit: 8 knots within port limits (MLIT Notice No. 2021-15).
– Vessels >10,000 GT must use two tugboats during berthing (Tobata Port Ordinance §12-3).
– Mandatory AIS transmission at all times (Japan Coast Guard Regulation 2018-4).
– Night navigation restrictions for vessels >200m LOA without special permission.
3. Environmental Compliance
– Strict enforcement of MARPOL Annex VI: 0.1% sulfur cap within port waters.
– Ballast water exchange prohibited within 12nm of port (Japan BWM Act 2014).
– Oil spill response equipment must be pre-deployed for bunkering operations.
– Waste disposal through licensed contractors only (Port Waste Management Bylaw §7).
4. Dangerous Cargo Handling
– Class 1 explosives require 72-hour pre-arrival notice (IMDG Code as implemented by Japan Customs).
– Gas carriers must submit safety checklists 48 hours before operations (MLIT Form G-112).
– No simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) within 200m of hazardous cargo areas.
5. Crew Safety Requirements
– Gangways must be illuminated and netted during night operations (ILO Convention C152).
– Mandatory enclosed space entry permits for all vessels (Japan ISM Code Implementation Guidelines).
– Emergency muster drills required within 2 hours of berthing (SOLAS Chapter III).
– Port-side hot work requires harbor master approval (Tobata Port Safety Directive 2019).
6. Enforcement Measures
– Fines up to ¥5 million for MARPOL violations (Japan Pollution Prevention Law Article 55).
– 30-day operational suspension for repeated ISPS Code breaches.
– Immediate expulsion for unauthorized photography of port security zones.
– Port state control inspections conducted under Tokyo MOU criteria.
7. Emergency Procedures
– Fire: Activate port alarm system (continuous 15-second siren blasts).
– Oil spill: Immediate notification to Japan Coast Guard (118) and port control (093-871-5001).
– Medical emergency: Designated first aid stations at each terminal (marked with red cross).
– Typhoon alert: Vessels must vacate berths when Signal No. 8 is hoisted.
8. Operational Restrictions
– Daylight-only operations for bulk carriers >50,000 DWT at coal terminals.
– Maximum draft: 15.5m at high tide (refer to daily tide tables from Japan Hydrographic Department).
– Crane operations suspended at wind speeds >15m/s (port anemometer reading).
– Mandatory fender inspection before mooring (Port Facility Maintenance Order §4).
9. Vessel Traffic Management
– Mandatory VHF Channel 16 monitoring while in port limits (Japan Radio Law Article 27).
– Vessels >300 GT must report to Tobata VTS upon entering port approaches (33°53’N, 130°49’E).
– Sequential berthing system for container terminals (first-come-first-served basis).
– Tidal current restrictions: No movements during spring tide currents exceeding 3 knots.
10. Cargo Operations
– Hazardous cargo manifests must be submitted 48 hours pre-arrival (Japan Customs Form Y-12).
– Grain loading requires dust suppression systems active (MLIT Air Pollution Control Ordinance).
– Container weight verification mandatory under SOLAS VI/2 (Japan METI Verification Guidelines).
– Breakbulk cargo must be secured following IMO CSS Code (Japan Coast Guard Enforcement Notice).
11. Port Security
– ISPS Level 1: 30m restricted zone around all vessels (Port Facility Security Plan Section 5.2).
– Armed guards prohibited unless authorized by Japan Coast Guard (Anti-Piracy Measures Law).
– Mandatory gangway watch during port stays (ISPS Code Part A/4.26).
– Drone operations banned within 1km of port facilities (Civil Aeronautics Act Article 132).
12. Bunkering Regulations
– Advance notice 24 hours before bunkering (Tobata Port Bunker Safety Directive).
– Double-hulled bunker barges only (Japan Ship Safety Law Article 42).
– Firefighting boat standby required for bunkering >500 tons (Port Fire Prevention Rules §8).
– Continuous VOC monitoring during fuel transfer (Air Pollution Control Law Article 18-2).
13. Crew Welfare Provisions
– Shore leave permitted except during ISPS Level 2/3 (Immigration Control Act Article 22).
– Minimum 2 crew members must remain aboard (Japan Ship Safety Law Article 54).
– Medical waste disposal through port health office only (Quarantine Act Implementation Rules).
– Fresh water supply available at all berths (Tobata Port Services Tariff Schedule 3-C).
14. Special Cargo Handling
– Oversized cargo requires 72-hour notice with stowage plan (Port Operations Manual Appendix D).
– Radioactive materials: Additional 500m exclusion zone during handling (Nuclear Regulation Authority Rules).
– Livestock carriers must undergo veterinary inspection before operations (Animal Quarantine Service Requirements).
– Heavy lift operations (>100 tons) require port engineer supervision (MLIT Equipment Safety Standards).
15. Port Service Requirements
– Mandatory use of port-accredited mooring gangs (Tobata Port Labor Agreement Clause 7).
– Pilotage compulsory for vessels >10,000 GT (Japan Pilotage Law Article 3).
– Garbage collection available 06:00-18:00 daily (Port Waste Management Plan Section 4.1).
– No discharge of gray water within port limits (Japan Water Pollution Control Law Article 3).
16. Port Entry and Clearance Procedures
– Advance arrival notice submission via Japan Maritime Single Window (JMSW) system.
– Health declaration required 24 hours before arrival (Quarantine Act Article 12).
– Customs clearance available 08:00-17:00 weekdays (Japan Customs Office Notice 2022-3).
– Vessels must display quarantine flag (Q flag) until pratique granted.
17. Anchorage Regulations
– Designated anchorage areas marked on MLIT Chart W127 (33°52.5’N 130°48.0’E).
– Maximum anchorage duration: 72 hours without port master approval.
– Vessels at anchor must maintain bridge watch and VHF monitoring.
– Prohibited to anchor within 0.5nm of submarine cables (marked on navigational charts).
18. Port Facility Specifications
– Maximum alongside depth: 16m at Berth No.5 (Coal Terminal).
– Bollard capacity: Minimum 50-ton SWL at all container berths.
– Truck turnaround time: 30-minute limit at container yards (Port Traffic Control Rule 15).
– Night illumination: Minimum 200 lux at operational areas (JIS Z 9110 standard).
19. Dangerous Weather Protocols
– Typhoon warning signal No. 8: All cargo operations must cease immediately.
– Wind speed >25m/s: Vessels must leave berths for designated safe areas.
– Tsunami warning: All port operations suspended, vessels must proceed to deep water.
– Heavy fog (visibility <500m): Pilotage services suspended.
20. Port Charges and Fees
– Port dues calculated per GT according to MLIT Tariff Schedule 2023.
– Waste disposal fee: ¥5,000 per cubic meter (Port Environmental Fund Regulation).
– Overtime charges apply for operations outside 07:00-19:00 (Labor Standards Act).
– Electronic payment mandatory for all port fees (Japan Port Payment System Ordinance).
21. Ship Repair Regulations
– Hot work permits require gas-free certification (Japan Industrial Safety Act).
– Underwater repairs must notify port authority 48 hours in advance.
– No repair works allowed on vessels carrying hazardous cargo.
– All contractors must hold port-issued safety certification.
22. Port Safety Inspections
– Random safety audits conducted by Japan Coast Guard port state control.
– Fire equipment inspection required every 6 months (Fire Service Act Article 17).
– Mooring line inspection mandatory after severe weather events.
– Gangway safety checks performed daily by ship’s officers (ISM Code 10.3).
23. Vessel Manning Requirements
– Minimum safe manning certificate must be displayed (Japan Ship Safety Law Article 38).
– Engine room watch must be maintained during cargo operations (STCW Code A-VIII/2).
– Deck officers required for all mooring operations (ISM Code 7.3).
– Language proficiency: At least one officer must speak Japanese or English (MLIT Notice 2019-12).
24. Port Communication Protocols
– Primary working channel: VHF 14 (Tobata Port Control).
– Emergency broadcasts preceded by three long siren blasts (Port Emergency Plan Section 4).
– Digital Notice to Mariners issued weekly via Japan Coast Guard website.
– Mandatory radio silence during pilot transfer operations.
25. Special Area Restrictions
– No-fishing zones within 1nm of port entrance (Japan Fisheries Law Article 65).
– Dredging operations prohibited April-September (marine life protection period).
– Vessel-to-vessel transfers require port master approval (Port Security Ordinance §15).
– Unauthorized photography of military facilities prohibited (Japan State Secrets Law).
26. Port Infrastructure Limitations
– Maximum air draft: 50m at high tide (bridge clearance charts available from JCG).
– Berth occupancy time limit: 72 hours for commercial vessels (Port Operations Rule 22).
– Power supply: 440V/60Hz shore power available at container terminals.
– Maximum crane outreach: 55m at main container berths (Port Equipment Specifications).
27. Pollution Prevention Measures
– Oily water separators must be tested weekly (MARPOL Annex I Regulation 14).
– Sewage discharge completely prohibited (Japan Sewage Law Article 3-2).
– Cargo hold washing water must be treated before discharge (Water Pollution Law).
– Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel during port stay (Air Pollution Control Law).
28. Port Labor Regulations
– Stevedores must wear RFID identification tags (Port Security System Rule 8).
– Work stoppage during heavy rain (>50mm/hour) for safety reasons.
– Mandatory 30-minute break after 4 continuous working hours (Labor Standards Act).
– All port workers must complete annual safety training (Japan Industrial Safety Law).
29. Navigation Equipment Requirements
– Vessels >500 GT must have operational radar and ECDIS (SOLAS Chapter V).
– Mandatory carriage of up-to-date Japanese charts (Japan Hydrographic Association).
– AIS transponder must remain active throughout port stay (Japan Coast Guard Order).
– VHF-DSC equipment testing required before departure (GMDSS Requirements).
30. Vessel Documentation Requirements
– Original certificates must be available for inspection (SOLAS Chapter I/19).
– P&I Club certificate of entry must be valid (Japan Ship Safety Law).
– Crew list with passport copies to be submitted to immigration.
– Cargo securing manual approved by Class Society required.
31. Port Emergency Equipment
– Mandatory oil spill response kits for tankers >150 GT (MARPOL Annex I).
– Emergency towing lines ready at bow and stern (Japan Coast Guard Guideline).
– Firefighting equipment inspected and certified annually (SOLAS Chapter II-2).
– Emergency breathing apparatus for enclosed space entry (ILO Convention).
32. Special Vessel Requirements
– LNG carriers: Additional security escort during transit (IGC Code).
– Ro-Ro vessels: Special stability calculations required (SOLAS Chapter II-1).
– Bulk carriers: Hold inspection certificate mandatory (IMSBC Code).
– Passenger ships: Emergency drill with port authorities required.
33. Port Access Control
– Biometric identification for all port visitors (ISPS Code Part B/4.38).
– Vehicle entry permits issued by port security office.
– No access to restricted areas without escort.
– All visitors must wear high-visibility vests.
34. Cargo Handling Equipment
– Annual load testing of cranes (Japan Industrial Safety Law).
– Container spreaders must have valid certification.
– Forklifts over 3 tons require special operator license.
– Conveyor systems inspected monthly (Port Equipment Maintenance Rules).
35. Vessel Maintenance in Port
– Underwater cleaning requires prior approval (Anti-Fouling Convention).
– No hull painting during cargo operations (Port Environmental Rules).
– Engine repairs with potential oil leakage prohibited.
– Tank cleaning only at designated berths (MARPOL Annex II).
36. Port Meteorological Services
– Real-time weather data available from port control.
– Typhoon warnings broadcast every 6 hours.
– Tide tables provided for all berths.
– Current measurements updated hourly.
37. Port Lighting and Visibility Standards
– Minimum 100 lux illumination at all working decks (JIS C 8105).
– Navigation lights must be visible from 3 nautical miles (COLREGs Rule 22).
– Floodlights prohibited from interfering with bridge visibility.
– Emergency lighting must function for 3 hours minimum (SOLAS II-1/42).
38. Hazardous Material Storage
– IMDG Class 1 explosives stored in designated magazine area.
– Flammable liquids in approved safety cabinets (Fire Service Law).
– Gas cylinders secured upright with protective caps.
– Radioactive materials in shielded containment (NRA Regulations).
39. Vessel Stability Requirements
– GM not less than 0.15m during cargo operations (SOLAS VI/7).
– Free surface effect calculations for liquid cargoes.
– Heeling tests required after significant loading changes.
– Stability computer must be operational (Class requirements).
40. Port Noise Regulations
– Maximum 75 dB(A) during night operations (Noise Regulation Law).
– Engine tests limited to 0800-1700 hours.
– Horn signals only for emergency situations.
– Vibration monitoring for heavy machinery.
41. Cold Ironing Procedures
– Shore power connection protocol (IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005).
– Mandatory for vessels staying >4 hours (Air Quality Ordinance).
– Certified electricians required for connections.
– Power quality monitoring during operation.
42. Port Sanitation Measures
– Rat guards mandatory on all mooring lines.
– Garbage containers with tight-fitting lids.
– Monthly pest control inspections (Quarantine Act).
– Medical waste in red biohazard containers.
43. Navigation in Restricted Visibility
– Radar-assisted movement only (COLREGs Rule 19).
– Speed reduced to 5 knots when visibility <1km.
– Additional lookouts posted on bridge wings.
– Continuous sound signals required.
44. Ballast Water Management
– Mandatory ballast water exchange 200nm from coast (BWM Convention).
– Treatment system must be Type Approved by Japan ClassNK.
– Ballast records kept for minimum 3 years (MEPC.290(71)).
– Sampling ports required for inspection purposes.
45. Port Ice Navigation
– Ice class certification required December-March.
– Tug escort mandatory when ice concentration >7/10.
– Special hull coatings recommended (MLIT Winter Navigation Guide).
– Engine pre-heating systems must be operational.
46. Dangerous Goods Documentation
– Multimodal Dangerous Goods Form required.
– Emergency response plans vessel-specific.
– Chemical datasheets in Japanese/English.
– Stowage plan approved by cargo surveyor.
47. Port Wildlife Protection
– No discharge of invasive species (Biodiversity Act).
– Bird deterrent systems at grain terminals.
– Underwater noise restrictions in marine parks.
– Turtle exclusion devices on dredging equipment.
48. Vessel Speed Limits
– 8 knots within harbor basin (Port Ordinance 12-3).
– 5 knots near passenger terminals.
– No-wake zones marked by yellow buoys.
– Radar speed monitoring enforced.
49. Port Cybersecurity
– ECDIS software updates verified monthly.
– Two-factor authentication for shore systems.
– Network segmentation between OT/IT systems.
– Mandatory reporting of cyber incidents.
50. Historical Preservation
– No anchoring in archaeological zones.
– Special permits for wreck removal.
– Cultural heritage sites marked on charts.
– Underwater surveys required for new works.
51. Port Fueling Operations
– Bunkering permit required 24 hours in advance (Port Safety Code 5.12).
– Double hose connections for fuel transfer (OCIMF Guidelines).
– Continuous VOC monitoring during operations.
– Emergency shutdown systems tested quarterly.
52. Night Navigation Requirements
– Additional searchlight on forecastle (SOLAS V/22).
– Bridge team augmented during darkness hours.
– Reduced speed zones in effect 2000-0600.
– Night vision equipment recommended for pilots.
53. Port Waste Reception
– Mandatory use of licensed waste contractors.
– Separate containers for food/organic waste.
– Electronic waste tracking system (Port Waste Directive).
– No overboard discharge within 12nm (MARPOL Annex V).
54. Heavy Lift Operations
– Engineering calculations for deck loading.
– Wind speed monitoring during lifts.
– Exclusion zones established during operations.
– Special insurance coverage required.
55. Port Security Drills
– Quarterly anti-terrorism exercises (ISPS Code A/13).
– Annual full-scale emergency simulation.
– Unannounced security spot checks.
– Drills include cyber attack scenarios.
56. Vessel Draft Monitoring
– Real-time ultrasonic draft gauges.
– Tide compensation calculations required.
– Under-keel clearance minimum 10% of draft.
– Squat effect calculations for high speeds.
57. Port Community System
– Single window for all agency submissions.
– Blockchain-based document verification.
– Automated berth allocation algorithm.
– API integration with vessel reporting systems.
