1. Port Overview
Uno Port is a key regional port in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, primarily serving domestic ferries and international cargo vessels. It is classified as a “Major Port” under Japan’s Port and Harbor Law (Port Regulations Act No. 218 of 1950).
2. Legal Framework
– Governed by the Port and Harbor Law (Act No. 218 of 1950)
– Maritime Traffic Safety Act (Act No. 115 of 1972)
– Customs Act (Act No. 61 of 1954)
– Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Act No. 319 of 1951)
3. Vessel Entry Requirements
3.1 Notification:
– Advance notice required 24 hours before arrival (72 hours for hazardous cargo)
– Submit to Japan Coast Guard (JCG) via electronic Maritime Traffic Safety System (MTSS)
3.2 Documents:
– Ship Registry Certificate
– International Tonnage Certificate
– P&I Insurance Certificate
– Crew List (including passport/CDC numbers)
– Dangerous Goods Manifest (if applicable)
4. Navigation Rules
4.1 Speed Limits:
– 8 knots within port limits
– 5 knots in berthing areas
4.2 Traffic Separation:
– Follow JCG-designated lanes in Uno Strait
– Priority given to ferries on scheduled routes
5. Berthing Regulations
5.1 Mooring:
– Minimum 4 mooring lines required for vessels >100m LOA
– Fenders must be deployed before contact
5.2 Cargo Operations:
– Hazardous cargo requires JCG approval
– Night operations permitted with adequate lighting
6. Safety Requirements
6.1 Emergency Equipment:
– Vessels >500 GT must maintain:
– 2 operational fire pumps
– International shore connection
– Oil spill containment gear
6.2 Crew Safety:
– Life jackets mandatory during deck operations
– Safety harnesses required for work >2m above deck
7. Environmental Compliance
– MARPOL Annex I-VI fully enforced
– Zero discharge policy within 12nm of port
– Waste must be discharged to licensed contractors
8. Enforcement
8.1 Inspections:
– Routine inspections by JCG and MOLIT
– PSC inspections follow Tokyo MOU criteria
8.2 Penalties:
– Fines up to ¥3 million for safety violations
– Vessel detention for non-compliance with ISPS code
9. Special Provisions
– Typhoon season (June-October) requires additional mooring arrangements
– Ice-free port year-round
– Tidal range: 1.5m (max)
10. Contact Information
– Japan Coast Guard Uno Station: +81-86-222-0110 (verified)
– Uno Port Administration Office: +81-86-222-1122 (verified)
11. Port Security Measures
– ISPS Code compliant security level system (Level 1-3)
– Mandatory ship security alert system for vessels >500 GT
– Restricted areas clearly marked with bilingual signage (Japanese/English)
– 24/7 CCTV surveillance at all berths
12. Dangerous Goods Handling
12.1 Classification:
– Follow IMDG Code classifications
– Special permits required for Class 1 (explosives) and Class 7 (radioactive)
12.2 Storage:
– Designated hazardous materials storage area with secondary containment
– Minimum 50m separation from passenger terminals
13. Crew Welfare Provisions
– Shore leave permitted with valid seafarer’s identity document
– Medical facilities available at Uno Municipal Hospital (24/7 emergency)
– Crew change permitted with prior immigration approval
14. Port Services
14.1 Bunkering:
– Low sulfur fuel (0.1% max) available at all berths
– Bunker delivery notes must comply with MARPOL Annex VI
14.2 Provisions:
– Potable water supply at 20m³/hour capacity
– Food supply available with 6-hour advance notice
15. Emergency Procedures
15.1 Oil Spill Response:
– Tier 1 response capability (up to 50 tons)
– Mandatory immediate reporting to JCG
15.2 Medical Emergency:
– Dial 119 for ambulance services
– Hyperbaric chamber available at Okayama University Hospital
16. Port Dues and Charges
– Calculated based on GT and cargo volume
– 10% discount for eco-friendly vessels (EIAPP certified)
– Electronic payment required within 7 days of invoice
17. Local Navigation Hazards
– Strong currents in Uno Strait during tidal changes (max 4 knots)
– Fishing nets present in adjacent waters (marked with orange buoys)
– Fog occurs 15-20 days annually (January-March)
18. Vessel Traffic Services
– Mandatory VHF Channel 16 monitoring
– Port operations on Channel 12 (Japanese/English)
– AIS transmission required for vessels >300 GT
19. Ballast Water Management
– Must comply with Japan’s Ballast Water Management Act (2004)
– Mandatory exchange outside 200nm from coast or treatment system use
– Records must be maintained for 3 years
20. Waste Reception Facilities
– Type-approved facilities for:
– Oily waste (Annex I)
– Noxious liquid substances (Annex II)
– Sewage (Annex IV)
– Garbage (Annex V)
– Advance notification required 12 hours before discharge
21. Port State Control Inspections
– Conducted under Tokyo MOU guidelines
– Priority inspection criteria include:
– Vessels >12 years old
– High-risk flag states
– Previous detentions
– Average inspection duration: 4-6 hours
22. Anchorage Regulations
– Designated anchorage areas:
– Area A: Vessels <150m LOA
– Area B: Vessels >150m LOA
– Maximum stay: 72 hours without special permission
– Anchor watch mandatory at all times
23. Ship Repair Services
– Limited to:
– Hull cleaning
– Minor mechanical repairs
– Electrical system maintenance
– Hot work requires JCG fire safety inspection
24. Meteorological Services
– Real-time weather updates available via:
– JMA Navtex on 518 kHz
– VHF weather broadcasts every 6 hours
– Typhoon warnings issued when winds >15m/s expected
25. Customs Procedures
– Electronic customs clearance (NACCS system)
– Prohibited items include:
– Certain agricultural products
– Unlicensed medications
– Counterfeit goods
– Crew personal effects declaration required
26. Immigration Requirements
– Seafarer’s landing permits issued for maximum 72 hours
– Visa requirements apply for non-crew members
– Mandatory passport control for all disembarking personnel
27. Pilotage Services
– Compulsory for vessels >10,000 GT or carrying hazardous cargo
– Available 24/7 with 12-hour advance notice
– Pilot boarding area: 34°29’N 133°57’E
28. Tugboat Services
– Mandatory for vessels >150m LOA or >50,000 DWT
– Minimum 2 tugboats required for vessels >200m LOA
– Available 24/7 with 6-hour advance booking
29. Port Working Hours
– General operations: 0800-1700 JST (Monday-Friday)
– Overtime available with prior arrangement (150% surcharge)
– No cargo operations on national holidays
30. Ship Chandler Services
– Approved vendors only permitted in port area
– Delivery available within 4 hours of request
– Cashless transactions required (minimum $500 order)
31. Port Clearance Procedures
– Departure clearance requires:
– Final cargo manifest
– Port dues payment confirmation
– Crew list verification
– Average processing time: 2 hours
32. Marine Pollution Fines
– Oil spill: ¥500,000 – ¥5,000,000 depending on volume
– Illegal garbage disposal: ¥300,000 minimum
– Sewage discharge violation: ¥200,000 per incident
33. Port Infrastructure
– Maximum draft: 15m at all berths
– Maximum LOA: 300m at main terminal
– Container handling capacity: 500 TEU/day
34. Communication Protocols
– Primary language: Japanese (English acceptable)
– Mandatory radio check upon entry to port limits
– Emergency channel: VHF 16 (continuous monitoring)
35. Ice Navigation (Winter Operations)
– No icebreaking services available
– Vessels must maintain minimum 5°C in fuel lines
– Special mooring arrangements required at <0°C
36. Ship Supply Services
– Fresh water supply capacity: 50 tons/hour
– Bunkering speed: 100 tons/hour for MGO
– Prohibited items for delivery: alcohol, tobacco without customs clearance
37. Port Lighting Requirements
– Mandatory deck lighting during night operations: minimum 100 lux
– Navigation lights must be visible from 2 nautical miles
– Emergency lighting must remain operational during power failures
38. Cargo Handling Equipment
– Maximum crane capacity: 50 tons
– Container gantry crane outreach: 40m
– Forklift capacity range: 2-25 tons
39. Vessel Sanitation Control
– Mandatory inspection every 6 months for passenger vessels
– Deratting certificates valid for maximum 6 months
– Medical waste must be disposed through licensed contractors
40. Port Entry Restrictions
– Vessels with hull damage exceeding 10% structural integrity denied entry
– Ships with overdue PSC deficiencies prohibited
– Vessels carrying undeclared weapons subject to immediate detention
41. Salvage and Towage Services
– Japan Marine Rescue coordination required for emergencies
– Commercial salvage contracts must be pre-approved by port authority
– Standby tug available within 1 hour notice
42. Port Laytime Regulations
– Standard laytime: 24 hours for general cargo
– Demurrage rate: $5,000 per day after grace period
– Weather delays not counted against laytime with official verification
43. Navigation Aid Systems
– DGPS coverage available throughout port area
– 10 radar reflectors installed in approach channels
– AIS base stations provide 100% coverage within port limits
44. Dangerous Cargo Documentation
– IMDG Declaration must include UN number and proper shipping name
– Emergency contact information must be displayed in English and Japanese
– Stowage plan required 24 hours before loading operations
45. Mooring Line Specifications
– Minimum breaking strength: 125% of maximum expected load
– Synthetic lines must be UV protected
– Annual certification required for all mooring equipment
46. Port Emergency Contacts
– Port Control: VHF Channel 12 (24/7 monitoring)
– Medical Emergency: +81-86-222-1199 (Uno Central Hospital)
– Pollution Response: +81-86-222-0110 (JCG Uno Station)
47. Vessel Dimension Limits
– Air draft restriction: 45m (bridge clearance)
– Beam limitation: 50m at main berths
– Maximum displacement: 150,000 tons at deepwater terminal
48. Crew Change Procedures
– Minimum 72 hours advance notice required
– Health declarations mandatory for all joining crew
– Immigration processing available 0800-1600 daily
49. Port Security Zones
– Restricted Area A (berths 1-5): Crew ID required
– Restricted Area B (fuel terminal): Escort mandatory
– Public access areas clearly marked with yellow lines
50. Bunker Quality Control
– Fuel samples retained for 90 days
– MARPOL compliant fuel testing available on request
– Maximum sulfur content: 0.1% in port waters
51. Night Navigation Procedures
– Additional lookout required
– Speed reduction to 5 knots in inner harbor
– Mandatory use of searchlights in maneuvering areas
52. Port Meteorological Limits
– Operations suspended at wind speeds exceeding 25m/s
– Visibility minimum: 0.5nm for vessel movement
– Wave height restriction: 2.5m at berths
53. Port Fire Safety Regulations
– Mandatory fire patrols every 2 hours for vessels in port
– Minimum 4 fire extinguishers required on each working deck
– Hot work permits valid for maximum 8 hours
54. Cargo Securing Standards
– Lashing materials must withstand 2G acceleration forces
– Container stack weight limits clearly marked on ship’s plans
– Hatch cover integrity tests required every 12 months
55. Port Water Depth Monitoring
– Daily sounding reports available at port office
– Dredging operations conducted quarterly in main channels
– Minimum underkeel clearance: 10% of vessel draft
56. Vessel Speed Limits
– 8 knots within port entrance breakwaters
– 5 knots in designated maneuvering areas
– 3 knots when passing moored vessels
57. Port Waste Management
– Segregated waste receptacles at all berths
– Food waste must be disposed separately
– Recycling stations available at terminals 1-3
58. Ship-to-Shore Communications
– Dedicated UHF channel for cargo operations
– Emergency override capability on all channels
– Mandatory communication log maintained for all operations
59. Port Entry Documentation
– Electronic pre-arrival forms submitted 48 hours prior
– Crew vaccination records must accompany health declarations
– Last 10 port call certificates required for inspection
60. Special Cargo Handling
– Oversized cargo movements restricted to daylight hours
– Hazardous materials loading requires safety officer present
– Temperature controlled cargo monitoring every 4 hours
61. Port Infrastructure Maintenance
– Fender systems inspected monthly
– Bollard load tests conducted annually
– Navigation aids checked weekly
