1. Port and Terminal Operations
1.1 Hibikinada Port operates 24/7, but specific terminals may have restricted working hours. Confirm with the Port Control (+81-93-751-3021) before arrival.
1.2 Mandatory use of port-approved mooring ropes with minimum breaking load (MBL) of 1960 kN for vessels over 50,000 DWT (per Port Regulations Article 12).
1.3 Designated waiting areas for hazardous cargo vessels: 1.5 nm northeast of the breakwater (coordinates 33°56’N, 130°49’E).
2. Navigation and Pilotage
2.1 Compulsory pilotage for vessels ≥ 500 GT (Japan Coast Guard Notice No. 15/2021). Pilot boarding area: 2 nm west of the main channel buoy #3 (33°55’N, 130°47’E).
2.2 Maximum approach speed: 8 knots within 3 nm of the harbor entrance. Radar speed checks are enforced.
2.3 Prohibited to overtake in the main channel (width 250m) between buoys #5-#9.
3. Anchorage Regulations
3.1 Primary anchorage area (33°54’N, 130°50’E) with maximum holding capacity of 10 vessels. Anchoring prohibited outside marked zones due to submarine cables.
3.2 Anchoring depth restrictions: Minimum 15m, maximum 30m (Port Ordinance Chapter 5, Section 22).
3.3 Mandatory anchor watch with GPS position monitoring every 15 minutes.
4. Cargo Handling Requirements
4.1 Steel coil loading: Maximum tier height of 3 layers without special lashing arrangements (ClassNK Guidelines C-001).
4.2 Hazardous materials storage: IMDG Class 1 explosives must use isolated Warehouse #7 at least 500m from other facilities.
4.3 Grain cargo moisture content limit: 14.5% for wheat, verified by port-approved inspectors.
5. Safety and Emergency
5.1 Immediate reporting required for any oil spill >100 liters (Japan Maritime Bureau Regulation 30-3).
5.2 Firefighting water supply: 4,000 m³/hr capacity through 12 hydrant stations along quays.
5.3 Emergency muster station for crew: Designated area at Gate 3 of each terminal.
6. Environmental Compliance
6.1 Strict prohibition of garbage discharge within 12 nm (MARPOL Annex V Special Area).
6.2 Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel (≤0.1%) while berthed (Air Pollution Control Act Article 34-2).
6.3 Ballast water exchange must be completed ≥200 nm from nearest land (Japan BWM Regulations).
7. Administrative Requirements
7.1 Pre-arrival documents submission deadline: 72 hours prior to ETA (Customs Notice HYB-2020-4).
7.2 Crew shore leave restrictions: Maximum 30% of crew allowed ashore simultaneously during COVID-19 measures.
7.3 Port dues calculation: Based on GT × 0.0025 JPY for first 24 hours (Port Tariff Schedule Rev.2023).
8. Special Conditions
8.1 Typhoon preparedness: Mandatory double mooring lines when wind forecast exceeds 15 m/s.
8.2 Winter operations: Anti-icing fluid available for deck equipment at Berths 5-8 (November-March).
8.3 Night navigation restrictions: Vessels >250m LOA prohibited from entering between 2200-0500 local time.
9. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
9.1 Mandatory VHF Channel 16 monitoring within 12 nm of port limits, switch to working Channel 12 when directed.
9.2 AIS must remain operational at all times within port jurisdiction (Japan Coast Guard Ordinance No. 28-3).
9.3 VTS movement clearance required before shifting berths or anchorages (minimum 1-hour advance notice).
10. Bunkering Operations
10.1 Bunkering permitted only at designated areas: Berth 9 (fuel oil) and Berth 10 (MGO).
10.2 Pre-bunkering meeting required with port representative, ship staff, and bunker supplier.
10.3 Emergency shutdown buttons must be tested prior to commencement (ISM Code Ch.7).
11. Port Security
11.1 ISPS Level 1: Gangway watch and 30-minute perimeter checks mandatory for all vessels.
11.2 Restricted areas clearly marked with red zones – no unauthorized personnel beyond security gates.
11.3 Drone operations prohibited within 1 km of port facilities without prior approval.
12. Cargo Documentation
12.1 Original Bill of Lading must accompany all breakbulk cargo (Port Rule 5-2-11).
12.2 Hazardous cargo manifests require Japan MSA-approved format (JM Form 1032).
12.3 Weight certificates for containers must be verified by certified weighbridge (SOLAS VI/2).
13. Crew Welfare Facilities
13.1 Seafarers’ Center located at 33°55’12″N 130°48’45″E with free shuttle service from terminals.
13.2 Medical waste disposal available at designated collection points (incineration fee: ¥5,000/kg).
13.3 Fresh water supply pressure: 3.5 bar at all berths, potability certified monthly.
14. Special Cargo Handling
14.1 Project cargo exceeding 50t requires stability calculations approved by ClassNK 48h in advance.
14.2 Timber deck cargo must have spray protection if stored >72h (MLC 2006 Regulation 4.3).
14.3 Refrigerated containers: Terminal power plugs rated 440V/60Hz (no converters available).
15. Port Infrastructure
15.1 Maximum air draft: 52m at high tide (Chart Datum +4.1m).
15.2 Berth 1-4 fender system: 1.5m diameter pneumatic, rated for 50,000DWT vessels.
15.3 Rail loading capacity: 20 TEUs/hour at dedicated multimodal terminal.
16. Weather Limitations
16.1 Cargo operations suspended when wind exceeds 15m/s (Beaufort 7).
16.2 Tug assistance compulsory for all vessels during winter fog (visibility <500m).
16.3 Typhoon signal No. 8: All vessels must vacate berths within 4h of warning.
17. Legal Compliance
17.1 Strict enforcement of Japan’s Anti-Idling Law (max 3 minutes for auxiliary engines).
17.2 Waste delivery receipts must be retained onboard for 2 years (Waste Management Law Art.16).
17.3 Crew employment contracts must be available for inspection per MLC 2006.
18. Dangerous Goods Handling
18.1 IMDG Class 2.1 (flammable gases) must be stowed at least 30m from heat sources (NFPA 59A).
18.2 Explosives (Class 1) require 24-hour armed security when stored portside (Port Security Directive 12).
18.3 Radioactive materials (Class 7) limited to 10 packages per vessel with prior 14-day notice.
19. Port Services
19.1 Garbage collection available daily 0800-1600 (charges apply per cubic meter).
19.2 Slop reception facility capacity: 5,000m³ (advance booking required).
19.3 Provisions delivery must be completed 2 hours before departure (Port Health Regulations).
20. Customs Procedures
20.1 Ship’s stores declaration must list alcohol/tobacco quantities (Customs Form C-1040).
20.2 Temporary import of spare parts requires ¥5 million bond (Customs Notice 2021-45).
20.3 Crew personal effects subject to random inspection (x-ray scanning mandatory).
21. Mooring Arrangements
21.1 Tidal range up to 3.8m requires hourly mooring line adjustment during spring tides.
21.2 Synthetic mooring ropes prohibited at oil terminals (Port Safety Code Section 8.2).
21.3 Minimum 6 headlines/6 sternlines required for vessels >200m LOA.
22. Communication Protocols
22.1 Pilot complaints must be filed in writing within 1 hour of docking (Japan Pilotage Law).
22.2 Port Control must be notified immediately of any ETA changes >30 minutes.
22.3 Emergency broadcasts precede with 3 long blasts on ship’s whistle (SOLAS Ch.V).
23. Port Development Updates
23.1 New deep-water terminal (Berth 11) operational Q2 2025 (draft 18m).
23.2 Shore power capability (6.6kV) being installed at all berths (completion 2026).
23.3 Channel widening project may cause temporary restrictions (NOTAM updates).
24. Pollution Control
24.1 Deck wash water must be pH neutral (6.5-8.5) before discharge (Water Pollution Law).
24.2 Visible smoke emissions limited to 20% opacity (Air Quality Standard JIS K 0306).
24.3 Mandatory containment boom deployment during bunkering (>500 tons).
25. Special Notices
25.1 Annual port closure for disaster drill: First Wednesday of June (8 hours).
25.2 Fishing gear compensation fee: ¥200,000 per damaged net (Local Ordinance 15-3).
25.3 Historical wreck zone (33°54’30″N 130°49’15″E) – anchoring prohibited within 500m.
26. Vessel Inspection Requirements
26.1 Port State Control inspections conducted randomly on 15% of visiting vessels (Tokyo MOU).
26.2 Oil record book must show entries for last 3 port calls available for inspection.
26.3 Firefighting systems operational test required before hot work permits issued.
27. Tug Services
27.1 Minimum 2 tugboats required for vessels over 50,000 DWT (Port Regulation 12-4).
27.2 Tug connection points must be clearly marked and certified for 250-ton bollard pull.
27.3 Emergency towing arrangements per SOLAS II-1/3-4 must be verified before entry.
28. Cargo Securing
28.1 Container stack weight limits: 192 tons for 4-high stacking (CSC Plate requirements).
28.2 Timber cargo lashing must withstand 30° roll angle (IMO Code of Safe Practice).
28.3 Breakbulk cargo must be secured with minimum 4-point lashing per 5-ton unit.
29. Port Charges and Fees
29.1 Waste disposal fee: ¥15,000 per cubic meter for non-recyclable materials.
29.2 Fresh water surcharge of 20% applies during drought conditions (Port Notice 2023-7).
29.3 Overtime labor rates triple between 2200-0600 hours (Union Agreement Art. 8).
30. Navigation Aids
30.1 Leading lights aligned at 275°T mark the main channel centerline.
30.2 No. 7 buoy (33°55’42″N 130°48’15″E) is a cardinal mark indicating shallow area.
30.3 Differential GPS available with 10cm accuracy (broadcast on 298 kHz).
31. Crew Change Procedures
31.1 Immigration clearance requires 48-hour advance crew list submission.
31.2 COVID-19 testing facility available at Gate 2 (results in 4 hours, ¥25,000 per test).
31.3 Seafarer sign-on/-off limited to 0800-1700 weekdays (excluding holidays).
32. Ice and Cold Weather Operations
32.1 Deck anti-icing compound available at ¥50,000 per 20-liter container.
32.2 Hydraulic systems must use cold weather fluid below 5°C (Nov-Mar).
32.3 Emergency heating stations activated when temperature drops below -5°C.
33. Port Emergency Contacts
33.1 Port Control: VHF Ch 12/16, Phone +81-93-751-3021 (24/7).
33.2 Coast Guard Emergency: Dial 118 from port phones or ship’s radio.
33.3 Medical Emergency: Kitakyushu City Hospital +81-93-951-1111 (English-speaking staff).
34. Ship Repair Services
34.1 Approved repair yards must hold ClassNK or equivalent certification (Port Regulation 15-3).
34.2 Hot work permits require gas-free certification for adjacent tanks (ISM Code 7.3).
34.3 Maximum 72-hour stay for repair vessels without special permission (Port Ordinance 22).
35. Electronic Reporting
35.1 Electronic Pre-Arrival Notification (ePAN) mandatory via Japan MSA portal 48h prior.
35.2 Digital cargo manifests must use UN/EDIFACT format (Customs Notice 2022-11).
35.3 ECDIS updates must be verified against Japan Hydrographic Association weekly notices.
36. Port Labor Regulations
36.1 Stevedore shifts limited to 8 hours with mandatory 1-hour break after 4 hours.
36.2 Minimum gang size: 12 workers for Panamax vessels, 18 for Post-Panamax.
36.3 Hazardous cargo handlers require current IMDG certification (Port Safety Rule 8.7).
37. Special Area Restrictions
37.1 No-anchoring zone within 1nm of aquaculture leases (marked by yellow buoys).
37.2 Military restricted area 33°57’N 130°51’E – maintain 2nm clearance.
37.3 Whale migration corridor (Dec-Mar) – speed limit 10kn within designated area.
38. Vessel Size Limitations
38.1 Maximum LOA: 340m (New Panamax) at dedicated berths 5-6 only.
38.2 Air draft restriction: 52m at MHWS due to bridge clearance.
38.3 Beam limitation: 48m for inner basin turning area.
39. Fuel Quality Requirements
39.1 Bunker delivery notes must include ISO 8217:2017 parameters.
39.2 Random fuel sampling conducted on 5% of vessels (Japan MSA Directive).
39.3 High-viscosity fuel preheating required before switching (min 24h notice).
40. Port Meteorological Services
40.1 Real-time tide gauges broadcast on VHF Ch 78 every 30 minutes.
40.2 Storm warning signals displayed at control tower (Beaufort scale flags).
40.3 Wave height forecasts updated 6-hourly (Japan Meteorological Agency source).
41. Security Drills
41.1 Mandatory ISPS drill within 12h of berthing (security level 1).
41.2 Port facility security officer available for joint drills on request.
41.3 Unannounced security checks conducted monthly by Coast Guard teams.
42. Historical Data Requirements
42.1 Oil record books must be retained for 3 years after last entry.
42.2 Garbage record books subject to random inspection (MARPOL Annex V).
42.3 Engine log entries must correlate with AIS speed data for emissions compliance.
43. Dangerous Weather Contingencies
43.1 Typhoon evacuation procedures require vessels to depart when Signal No. 8 is hoisted (Port Emergency Regulation 15-2).
43.2 Winter storm protocols activate when sustained winds exceed 25m/s – all cargo ops cease immediately.
43.3 Tsunami warning system tested monthly on 1st Tuesday at 1000 local time.
44. Special Cargo Documentation
44.1 Vehicles/rolling stock require original title documents for customs clearance.
44.2 Perishable commodities must present phytosanitary certificates issued within 7 days of loading.
44.3 Artwork/valuables exceeding ¥10 million require special insurance certificates.
45. Port Infrastructure Specifications
45.1 Quay strength ratings: Berths 1-4 (10t/m²), Berths 5-8 (15t/m²), Berths 9-11 (20t/m²).
45.2 Shore power connections: 6.6kV/60Hz (IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005-1 compliant).
45.3 Fire main pressure: 7 bar minimum at all berths (tested quarterly).
46. Vessel Traffic Monitoring
46.1 Radar tracking mandatory within 5nm of port entrance (VTS Regulation 4.3).
46.2 Speed limit enforcement cameras installed at channel choke points.
46.3 Automatic identification of non-compliant vessels through AI monitoring system.
47. Crew Health Services
47.1 Port medical clinic open 24/7 for emergencies (IMO Medical Guide compliant).
47.2 Mandatory tuberculosis screening for crews from high-risk countries.
47.3 Psychological support available through Seafarer’s Mission (appointment required).
48. Port Construction Activities
48.1 Dredging operations ongoing in western channel (NOTAM updated weekly).
48.2 New breakwater construction may cause swell disturbances until 2026.
48.3 Temporary navigation restrictions published via NAVTEX and local Notice to Mariners.
49. Customs and Immigration
49.1 Prohibited items list includes certain medications – check Japan Customs website.
49.2 Immigration face recognition system in operation for crew biometric verification.
49.3 Temporary import bonds required for spare parts exceeding ¥1 million value.
50. Environmental Protection Measures
50.1 Mandatory hull cleaning before arrival if last port was in invasive species risk zone.
50.2 Noise restrictions: Maximum 75dB(A) during night operations (2200-0600).
50.3 Ballast water sampling conducted on 10% of arriving vessels.
51. Port Authority Contacts
51.1 Harbor Master’s Office: +81-93-751-3001 (24hr emergency line).
51.2 Customs Clearance: +81-93-751-3055 (0800-2000 daily).
51.3 Port Health: +81-93-751-3088 (quarantine inspections).
