| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yatsushiro Outer Anchorage | 32°30’N, 130°35’E | 1.2 | 15-20 | Mud/Sand | 50,000 | 5 vessels | Waiting/Storm shelter | Exposed to NW winds; strong currents during tides; Minimum safe distance 0.5nm between vessels | No bunkering available; Fresh water supply requires 24hr notice |
| Yatsushiro Inner Anchorage | 32°29’N, 130°36’E | 0.8 | 10-12 | Clay | 30,000 | 3 vessels | Cargo operations | Limited swing room; pilot mandatory; No anchoring in marked pipeline area | Daylight operations only; Stevedores available 0600-1800 |
| Komenotsu Emergency Anchorage | 32°31’N, 130°34’E | 0.5 | 18-22 | Hard Sand | 20,000 | 2 vessels | Emergency use only | Require Port Master approval; Maximum stay 48hr | No commercial services available |
Enhanced Navigation Warnings:
- Submarine cables cross northern anchorage area (marked on charts with protected zone 200m each side)
- Fishing nets frequently deployed in western approaches (seasonal Nov-Mar)
- Typhoon season (July-Oct): Anchorage clearance may be restricted; Designated typhoon moorings available
- Strong tidal currents (max 3 knots) during spring tides in outer anchorage
- Underwater obstructions reported at 32°30.5’N, 130°35.2’E (uncharted wreck)
Commercial Services Update:
- Fresh water supply available by barge (200t/day capacity)
- Limited provisions delivery service (advance order required)
- No ship repair facilities; Nearest yard at Kumamoto Port
- Nearest bunkering at Kumamoto Port (IFO380 available)
- Garbage disposal available at inner anchorage (MARPOL compliant)
- Port dues: ¥0.25/GT/day for anchorage use (Kumamoto Prefecture Tariff No.5)
Meteorological Information:
- Prevailing winds: NE (Oct-Apr), SW (May-Sep)
- Wave height: Normally <1m, typhoon conditions may exceed 3m
- Visibility: <1km occurs 5-7 days/year (mainly Jan-Feb)
- Sea temperature: 12°C (winter) to 28°C (summer)
Important Notes:
- All vessels must display proper anchor lights (COLREGs compliant)
- Mandatory 15-minute anchor watch during first hour after anchoring
- Oil spill response equipment stationed at Yatsushiro Port Base
- Medical evacuation available via Kumamoto Coast Guard helicopter
- Port operations suspended during tsunami warnings (Category 3 or higher)
