1. Port and Terminal Operations
1.1 Funabashi Port operates 24/7 but requires prior notice for night operations (submission of “Night Work Application” to Funabashi City Port Authority at least 24 hours in advance).
1.2 Designated waiting areas for vessels: Western anchorage (35°41’30″N 139°59’00″E) with 15m depth, Eastern anchorage (35°41’00″N 140°00’30″E) with 12m depth. Anchorage holding ground is clay/mud (Japanese Hydrographic Department Chart W124).
1.3 Mandatory use of port VHF channels: Channel 16 for calling, Channel 12 for port operations (per Japan Coast Guard Notice No. 12/2021).
1.4 Berth limitations: Maximum LOA 200m at North Terminal (35°42’10″N 140°00’40″E), draft restricted to 12.5m due to siltation (2023 Port Survey Report).
1.5 Cargo handling equipment: 2x 40-ton gantry cranes (South Terminal), 1x 25-ton mobile crane (North Terminal). Private stevedores require pre-approval.
1.6 Bunkering operations: Advance notification required 48h prior. Only licensed bunker barges permitted (Port Security Ordinance Article 8).
1.7 Fresh water supply: Available at all berths (3-inch connections), minimum 4h notice required for quantities over 100 tons.
2. Navigation and Pilotage
2.1 Compulsory pilotage zone starts from 2nm outside the breakwater (Port Regulations Article 14). Pilot boarding position at 35°42’15″N 140°00’45″E (updated 2023).
2.2 Maximum approach speed: 8 knots within port limits. Currents can reach 2.5 knots during spring tides (Japan Coast Guard tidal data).
2.3 Prohibited areas: 500m radius around the LNG terminal (35°40’45″N 140°01’15″E) marked by yellow buoys with flashing lights.
2.4 Pilot transfer: Mandatory use of pilot ladder meeting ISO 799:2021 standards, with 1.5m clearance above water (SOLAS Regulation V/23).
2.5 Fog procedures: When visibility <1nm, vessels must anchor outside breakwater and await Port Control clearance (Funabashi Port Ordinance §5-3).
2.6 Tidal restrictions: North Terminal inaccessible 2 hours before/after low water (<0.5m chart datum).
2.7 AIS requirements: Continuous transmission mandatory within 12nm of port (Japan Maritime Safety Law Article 52-2).
3. Cargo Handling Regulations
3.1 Hazardous materials handling requires separate approval from Chiba Prefecture Fire Department (document submission 72h prior).
3.2 Grain operations: Mandatory fumigation certificate must be presented before discharge (Plant Protection Act Article 5).
3.3 Steel coil loading: Maximum tier limitation of 4 layers for coils over 10 tons (JIS Z 1402 standards).
3.4 Timber cargo: All lashings must be inspected by ClassNK or equivalent before departure (MLIT Notice 2022-15).
3.5 Container weight verification: VGM must be submitted electronically via JP-SWIFT system before loading (Amendment to Japan Shipping Act 2018).
3.6 Breakbulk cargo: Maximum outsize dimensions 12m(L) x 5m(W) x 5m(H) without special permit.
3.7 Temperature-controlled cargo: Reefer monitoring reports must be submitted hourly to port authorities.
4. Safety and Emergency
4.1 Mandatory emergency drills: MOB drill within 12h of port entry, oil spill response equipment verification (ISPS Code Part A/18.2).
4.2 Port emergency contact: Funabashi Coast Guard Office +81-47-436-0110 (24h). False distress calls are punishable under Maritime Safety Law Article 38.
4.3 Typhoon procedures: Vessels over 5,000GT must vacate berths when Signal No. 3 is issued (Port Ordinance Chapter 7).
4.4 Firefighting capability: All tankers must maintain 50% fire pump capacity during cargo operations (Fire Service Act Article 36-2).
4.5 Gangway safety: Minimum width 0.6m with anti-slip surfaces, night lighting required (ILO Convention 152).
4.6 Hot work permits: Issued only after gas-free certificate verification by port safety officer.
4.7 Emergency muster stations: Clearly marked areas at each berth (minimum 50m from cargo operations).
5. Environmental Compliance
5.1 Strict ballast water management: Sampling and analysis may be conducted by Chiba Prefecture officials (Invasive Species Act Article 12).
5.2 Prohibited discharges: Any garbage within 12nm (including food waste) per MARPOL Annex V Special Area requirements.
5.3 Air emission control: Sulfur content in fuel ≤0.10% while at berth (Air Pollution Control Act Amendment 2020).
5.4 Noise restrictions: Engine tests prohibited between 2200-0600 without prior approval (Noise Regulation Law Article 17).
5.5 Oily water separator: 15ppm alarm must be tested in presence of port inspector (Japan PSC Inspection Manual 2023).
5.6 Plastic waste: Mandatory retention onboard with signed disposal receipts required upon departure.
5.7 Exhaust gas cleaning systems: Wash water discharge prohibited within port limits (MLIT Notice 2021-8).
6. Administrative Requirements
6.1 Crew shore leave: Advance notification of crew list to Immigration Bureau via ship agent (minimum 6h before).
6.2 Port dues payment: Electronic transfer only (no cash accepted) to Funabashi City account at Mizuho Bank (Branch 123).
6.3 Mandatory documents: Original Tonnage Certificate must be presented (copy not accepted) per Port Rules Article 22.
6.4 Customs clearance: All vessels must submit “Maritime Declaration” through NACCS system 24h before arrival (Customs Law Article 67-2).
6.5 Health declarations: Temperature records for all crew for past 14 days required (Quarantine Act Amendment 2021).
6.6 Ship’s stores declaration: Separate form required for alcohol/tobacco quantities (Customs Notice 2020-3).
6.7 Crew changes: Minimum 72h notice with complete documentation package to Immigration Office.
7. Special Notices
7.1 Bridge clearance: Funabashi Ohashi Bridge (35°42’05″N 140°00’20″E) has 28m air draft at HWM (verified by port survey 2023).
7.2 Underwater obstructions: Reported uncharted debris field at 35°41’18″N 140°00’55″E (Japan Hydrographic Notice to Mariners No. 45/2023).
7.3 Fishing zones: Seasonal trawling areas extend to 0.5nm from breakwater (March-June), requiring reduced speed (10 knots max).
7.4 Dredging operations: Ongoing maintenance dredging in South Channel (35°40’50″N 140°00’30″E) until Dec 2024 – contact Port Control for updates.
7.5 Magnetic interference: Compass deviation may exceed 5° near Power Plant (35°41’40″N 140°01’10″E) – verify with local notices.
7.6 Port construction: New container terminal development in West Basin (2025-2027) may affect navigation.
7.7 Tide gauge locations: Primary gauge at North Pier (35°42’12″N 140°00’38″E), backup at South Terminal.
8. Additional Operational Notes
9.1 Tug assistance: Mandatory for vessels >10,000GT (2 tugs minimum) and all tankers regardless of size.
9.2 Mooring arrangements: Minimum 8 lines required for vessels >150m LOA (4 headlines, 4 stern lines).
9.3 Winter operations: Anti-icing measures required for deck equipment when temperature <0°C (November-March).
9.4 Communication protocols: English/Japanese bilingual announcements mandatory during critical operations.
9.5 Security levels: ISPS Level 1 standard with random armed patrols (24h coverage).
9.6 Waste reception facilities: Available at all berths (receipts required for MARPOL compliance).
9.7 Local agent requirement: All foreign vessels must employ licensed local shipping agent.
