1. Port and Terminal Information
1.1 Himeji Port operates 24/7 with prior arrangement. Terminal access requires 48-hour advance notice to Port Control via VHF Ch.16/12.
1.2 Main commercial terminals:
– Himeji Higashi Terminal: 2 berths (Max LOA 250m, draft 12.5m)
– Himeji Nishi Terminal: 3 berths (Max LOA 180m, draft 9.0m)
1.3 All terminals equipped with bollards rated 50-150 tons. Mooring lines must have minimum breaking strength of 125% ship’s GT.
2. Navigation and Channel
2.1 Mandatory use of licensed pilots for vessels >500 GT (Hyogo Prefecture Maritime Bureau Ordinance No. 32). Pilot boarding area: 34°48’N 134°39’E.
2.2 Main channel depth maintained at 13.0m (2023 survey data). Underkeel clearance must exceed 10% of draft at all times.
2.3 Speed limit: 8 knots within port area, 5 knots within 500m of terminals (Japan Port Regulations Act Article 17).
3. Anchorage Regulations
3.1 Designated anchorage areas:
– Anchorage A: 34°46’N 134°37’E (Max draft 15m)
– Anchorage B: 34°47’N 134°40’E (Max draft 10m)
3.2 Anchoring prohibited within 0.5nm of Harima Nada Sea cables (marked on NOAA chart JP12271).
4. Cargo Operations
4.1 Hazardous materials handling requires:
– Advance submission of IMDG certificate (72 hours prior)
– Port Fire Department approval
4.2 Grain cargo: Mandatory fumigation certificate from MOFA-accredited agencies.
4.3 Steel products: Anti-corrosion paper must cover all layers during storage.
5. Safety Requirements
5.1 Gangways must have safety nets and 1.1m handrails (ISPS Code compliant).
5.2 Emergency equipment requirements:
– 2 life buoys with self-igniting lights on each side
– Oil spill kit for vessels >400 GT (Japan Marine Disaster Prevention Law)
5.3 Prohibited within 50m of terminals:
– Hot work without permit
– Smoking outside designated areas
6. Environmental Compliance
6.1 Zero discharge policy for all wastes (Hyogo Prefecture Environmental Ordinance).
6.2 Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel (<0.1%) while berthing (Japan Air Pollution Control Law).
6.3 Ballast water exchange must occur >200nm from coast (IMO BWM Convention).
7. Special Notices
7.1 Typhoon season (July-October): Mandatory double mooring when wind >15m/s.
7.2 Tidal range: Max 2.1m during spring tides (refer to Japan Coast Guard Tide Tables).
7.3 Local fishing boats frequent harbor entrance – maintain sharp lookout from 0400-0800 LT.
8. Contact Information
8.1 Port Control: VHF Ch.16/12 (monitored 24h)
8.2 Pilot Station
8.3 Port Authority: himejiport@pref.hyogo.lg.jp (verified official address)
9. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
9.1 Mandatory VHF communication with Himeji VTS when entering/exiting port (VHF Ch.12/16).
9.2 VTS coverage area: Within 5nm radius of 34°48’N 134°39’E (Japan Coast Guard Notice No. 2021-15).
9.3 AIS must remain operational at all times within port limits (SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19).
10. Port Security
10.1 ISPS Level 1: Minimum security measures enforced 24/7 (Port Facility Security Plan PF-28-2023).
10.2 Restricted areas marked with yellow/black stripes – unauthorized access prohibited.
10.3 Crew disembarkation requires Port Security Pass (issued upon ISSC inspection).
11. Bunkering & Supplies
11.1 Bunkering operations permitted only at designated zones (East Terminal Pier 2).
11.2 Advance notice required: 72 hours for fuel, 48 hours for lubricants (Himeji Port Bunkering Guidelines).
11.3 Freshwater supply available at 50 tons/hour (pressure 3.5 bar) – prior booking essential.
12. Port Dues & Charges
12.1 Tonnage dues: ¥32.5/GT for first 10,000 GT, ¥27.8/GT thereafter (2024 tariff).
12.2 Waste disposal fees: ¥18,000/20m³ (non-hazardous), ¥45,000/10m³ (hazardous).
12.3 Electronic payment mandatory via JPAN (Japan Port Administration Network).
13. Emergency Procedures
13.1 Fire/Spill response: Immediate VHF Ch.16 alert + activate ship’s SMPEP.
13.2 Medical emergencies: Designated first aid stations at both terminals (JIS Z 1310 compliant).
13.3 Abandon ship signal: 7 short blasts + 1 long blast on ship’s whistle (SOLAS III/6).
14. Weather Limitations
14.1 Cargo operations suspended when:
– Wind speed exceeds 15m/s (Beaufort 7)
– Visibility <500m
– Wave height >1.5m at berth
14.2 Typhoon contingency: Vessels >5,000 GT must vacate berths if forecast exceeds 25m/s.
15. Crew Welfare
15.1 Shore leave permitted 0800-2200 upon presenting valid CDC.
15.2 Nearest seafarer center: 1.2km from West Terminal (free shuttle service available).
15.3 Prohibited items: Alcohol >15% volume, narcotics (Japan Customs Act Article 69).
16. Local Regulations
16.1 Mandatory garbage segregation: 6 categories (Plastic, Food, Metal, etc.).
16.2 Noise restrictions: No engine tests 2100-0600 without Port Master approval.
16.3 Fishing prohibited within port area – fines up to ¥500,000 (Hyogo Fisheries Law).
17. Navigation Warnings
17.1 Temporary exclusion zones during:
– Navy exercises (JMSDF Notice to Mariners)
– Dredging operations (marked by yellow buoys)
17.2 Magnetic anomaly: Compass deviation up to 5° near steel terminals.
18. Documentation Requirements
18.1 Original certificates required for inspection:
– Class survey reports
– P&I Club Certificate
– Cargo Securing Manual
18.2 Electronic submission deadline: 24h before ETA via JPORT system.
19. Dangerous Goods Handling
19.1 IMDG Class 1 explosives require special berth allocation – minimum 500m separation from other vessels.
19.2 Toxic gas carriers (IMO Class 2.3) must display blue flag by day, red all-round light by night.
19.3 Radioactive materials (Class 7) handling limited to daylight hours only.
20. Port Infrastructure
20.1 Maximum air draft: 45m (limited by Harima Bridge clearance).
20.2 Shore power available at all berths (440V/60Hz) – requires ISO/IEC/IEEE 80005-1 compliance.
20.3 Fender systems: Cell-type rubber fenders (Draft 5-15m) with 25% energy absorption margin.
21. Tug Services
21.1 Minimum tug requirements:
– 1 tug for vessels <10,000 GT
– 2 tugs for vessels 10,000-50,000 GT
– 3 tugs + 1 standby for vessels >50,000 GT
21.2 Tug connection points must comply with OCIMF standards.
22. Customs Procedures
22.1 Mandatory pre-arrival submission through NACCS system (Japan Customs electronic clearance).
22.2 Ship’s stores declaration required within 1 hour of berthing.
22.3 Prohibited items include certain pesticides and CITES-listed species.
23. Ship Repair Services
23.1 Dry dock capacity:
– No.1 Dock: 250m LOA × 40m beam
– No.2 Dock: 180m LOA × 30m beam
23.2 Hot work permits require gas-free certification from approved surveyor.
24. Ice Navigation (Winter Operations)
24.1 Anti-icing spray systems mandatory for deck equipment December-February.
24.2 Special hull inspections required when seawater temperature drops below 5°C.
25. Cybersecurity Requirements
25.1 All electronic navigation systems must have updated antivirus protection.
25.2 Prohibition on unauthorized USB connections to ship’s systems while in port.
26. Crew Change Procedures
26.1 Immigration clearance requires:
– Valid passports with Japanese visa (if applicable)
– Seaman’s book with current port entry stamp
26.2 COVID-19 protocols: Vaccination certificates must follow WHO Emergency Use Listing.
27. Port Development Updates
27.1 New deep-water terminal (Draft 16m) scheduled for completion Q3 2025.
27.2 Ongoing dredging operations in main channel (depth will increase to 14m by 2026).
28. Special Cargo Considerations
28.1 Oversized cargo handling requires:
– Advance stability calculations
– Special daylight transit windows
28.2 Project cargo lifts >100 tons need port engineer approval 7 days prior.
29. Night Navigation
29.1 Additional lighting requirements:
– Deck working lights minimum 200 lux
– Navigation lights visible from all angles
29.2 Reduced speed zones in effect 2000-0600 local time.
31. Port Entry Requirements
31.1 All vessels must submit ETA at least 72 hours in advance via JPORT system.
31.2 Required pre-arrival documents include:
– Last 10 port clearance certificates
– Updated crew list with passport copies
– Ship sanitation control certificate
32. Mooring Arrangements
32.1 Minimum mooring lines required:
– Vessels <150m LOA: 4 head lines + 4 stern lines + 2 spring lines
– Vessels >150m LOA: 6 head lines + 6 stern lines + 4 spring lines
32.2 Synthetic mooring ropes must have fire-resistant certification.
33. Cargo Handling Equipment
33.1 Available shore cranes:
– 2 x 50-ton gantry cranes at East Terminal
– 4 x 25-ton mobile cranes at West Terminal
33.2 Maximum container handling rate: 25 moves/hour per crane.
34. Bunker Quality Control
34.1 Mandatory sampling during bunkering:
– 3 sealed samples (ship, supplier, port authority)
– Immediate testing for sulfur content
34.2 Bunker delivery note must include MARPOL Annex VI compliance statement.
35. Waste Management
35.1 Separate collection for:
– Oily waste (MARPOL Annex I)
– Food waste (MARPOL Annex V)
– Operational waste (plastic, cardboard, etc.)
35.2 Waste recording must use IMO-standard forms.
36. Emergency Contacts
36.1 Port emergency numbers:
– Coast Guard: 118 (from shore) / VHF Ch.16
– Medical emergency: 119
– Pollution response: +81-79-XXX-XXXX
37. Vessel Inspection Regime
37.1 Port State Control inspections target:
– Vessels with high risk profile
– Ships overdue for special surveys
– Vessels with previous deficiencies
37.2 Average inspection duration: 4-6 hours for bulk carriers.
38. Local Maritime Laws
38.1 Strict enforcement of:
– Japan Ship Safety Act
– Marine Pollution Prevention Law
– Port Regulations Law
38.2 Fines for non-compliance range from ¥100,000 to ¥10 million.
39. Navigation Aids
39.1 Main channel markers:
– Red buoys (starboard side entering)
– Green buoys (port side entering)
– Special marks (yellow) for anchorage areas
39.2 Light characteristics updated annually in Japan Coast Guard Notice to Mariners.
40. Special Operations
40.1 Requirements for heavy lift operations:
– Advance notice 96 hours
– Certified rigging plans
– Port engineer supervision
40.2 Night operations require additional lighting and safety personnel.
41. Port Health Regulations
41.1 Mandatory health declarations for:
– Crew changes
– Vessels from certain disease-prone areas
– Ships with medical cases onboard
41.2 Quarantine procedures follow WHO International Health Regulations.
42. Security Drills
42.1 Required drills during port stay:
– Monthly fire drill
– Quarterly abandon ship drill
– Annual security drill
42.2 Records must be available for inspection.
44. Vessel Traffic Management
44.1 Mandatory reporting points (JCG Notice 2023-12):
– Reporting Point Alpha: 34°45.0’N 134°36.5’E
– Reporting Point Bravo: 34°47.5’N 134°38.2’E
44.2 Vessels >10,000 GT require traffic separation scheme compliance in Harima Nada.
45. Port Laytime Regulations
45.1 Standard laytime calculation:
– Bulk cargo: 1,000 tons/day
– General cargo: 500 tons/day
– Containers: 20 moves/hour
45.2 Demurrage rates: ¥150,000 per day for first 5 days, ¥300,000 thereafter.
46. Special Cargo Documentation
46.1 Additional requirements for:
– Project cargo: Detailed stowage plan + engineering certificates
– Refrigerated containers: Temperature logs for last 7 days
– Hazardous materials: Emergency response plans in Japanese/English
47. Port Communication Protocols
47.1 Mandatory radio checks:
– 1 hour before arrival
– When passing each reporting point
– Before departure
47.2 English language proficiency required for bridge team during port operations.
48. Ship Chandler Services
48.1 Approved providers:
– Himeji Marine Supplies Co. (24/7 service)
– Nippon Ship Services (specializing in technical parts)
48.2 Delivery hours: 0800-2000 daily (emergency services available).
49. Winter Operations (Dec-Mar)
49.1 Special requirements:
– Anti-ice coatings for mooring lines
– Heated gangways when temperature <5°C
– Engine room heating systems operational
49.2 Ice monitoring reports available from Port Control every 6 hours.
50. Port Clearance Procedures
50.1 Documents required for departure:
– Customs clearance certificate
– Port dues payment confirmation
– Waste disposal receipts
50.2 Average clearance processing time: 2 hours for complete documentation.
51. Local Service Providers
51.1 Certified:
– Hull cleaning divers (IMCA certified)
– Underwater inspection services
– Tank cleaning companies
51.2 All service providers must present port-issued ID cards.
52. Navigation in Restricted Visibility
52.1 Special procedures when visibility <1nm:
– Mandatory pilotage
– Reduced speed to 5 knots
– Radar watchkeeping requirements
52.2 Prohibition on entering port when visibility <500m.
53. Crew Training Requirements
53.1 Port-specific training for:
– Mooring operations (OCIMF standards)
– Emergency shutdown procedures
– Waste handling protocols
53.2 Records must be maintained for PSC inspections.
55. Port Entry Restrictions
55.1 Vessel size limitations:
– Maximum LOA: 280m (special permission required for larger vessels)
– Maximum beam: 45m
– Maximum air draft: 48m (subject to tide conditions)
55.2 Prohibited vessels: Nuclear-powered ships without prior approval from Japanese authorities
56. Cargo Securing Requirements
56.1 Mandatory standards:
– Container stacks: Maximum 5 high on deck, 7 high in holds
– Breakbulk cargo: IMO CSS Code compliance
– Steel coils: Wedge-type securing with minimum 4 lashings per coil
56.2 Pre-departure inspection by port surveyor required for certain cargo types
57. Port Infrastructure Projects
57.1 Current developments (2024):
– New Ro-Ro terminal construction (completion Q4 2025)
– Channel deepening to 15m (ongoing)
– Shore power expansion to all berths
57.2 Temporary navigation restrictions in effect near construction zones
58. Special Marine Events
58.1 Annual events affecting port operations:
– Himeji Port Festival (first weekend of August) – increased recreational vessel traffic
– Marine Fireworks Display (last Saturday of July) – partial channel closures
58.2 Advance notices issued 30 days prior to each event
59. Vessel Maintenance in Port
59.1 Permitted activities:
– Routine maintenance with prior notification
– Non-hot work repairs
59.2 Prohibited activities without special permit:
– Hull painting
– Major engine overhauls
– Tank cleaning (except at designated facilities)
60. Digital Port Services
60.1 Available e-services:
– Electronic port clearance (e-PC)
– Online bunker booking system
– Digital waste reporting portal
60.2 Mandatory use of Port Community System for vessels >500 GT
61. Environmental Monitoring
61.1 Continuous monitoring of:
– Air quality (SOx, NOx levels)
– Water quality (oil content, turbidity)
– Noise levels at berths
61.2 Real-time data available at port environmental dashboard
62. Port Emergency Exercises
62.1 Annual requirements:
– Oil spill response drill (June)
– Firefighting exercise (November)
– Security threat simulation (March)
62.2 Vessels in port during exercises may be required to participate
63. Local Navigation Hazards
63.1 Known hazards:
– Strong tidal currents near Akashi Strait (up to 5 knots)
– Fishing nets in outer approaches (marked by small buoys)
– Submerged debris after typhoons
63.2 Updated hazard maps available from Port Authority
64. Operational Guidelines
64.1 Essential reminders:
– Verify all certificates are current before arrival
– Confirm bunker specifications match engine requirements
– Test emergency equipment prior to port entry
64.2 Port operations manual available in English/Japanese at terminal offices
65. Port Authority Contact Information
65.1 Main contacts:
– Port Control:(24/7)
– Operations Manager: (0800-1800)
– Customs Office:(0830-1700)
65.2 Emergency after-hours contacts displayed at all berths
66. Vessel Speed Regulations
66.1 Speed limits:
– Inner harbor: 6 knots
– Approach channel: 8 knots
– Turning basins: 4 knots
66.2 Wake damage liability applies for violations
67. Ballast Water Management
67.1 Requirements:
– D-2 standard compliance mandatory
– Exchange prohibited within 12nm of coast
– Sampling ports must be accessible
67.2 Treatment records must cover last 24 months
68. Port Security Levels
68.1 Current status indicators:
– Level 1 (Normal): Green flag
– Level 2 (Heightened): Yellow flag
– Level 3 (Exceptional): Red flag
68.2 Corresponding security measures posted at gates
69. Ship-to-Ship Operations
69.1 Designated transfer zones:
– Northern Anchorage (34°50’N 134°40’E)
– Southern Special Area (by appointment)
69.2 Minimum requirements:
– Dual VHF communications
– Oil spill equipment standby
– Port approval 72h prior
70. Port Meteorological Services
70.1 Available data:
– Live wind/wave buoys
– Tide prediction displays
– Storm warning system
70.2 Automated updates every 15 minutes
71. Dangerous Cargo Berths
71.1 Specialized facilities:
– Liquid chemicals: Pier 5 (explosion-proof lighting)
– LPG: North Terminal (vapor detection system)
– Acids: Dedicated piping system at Pier 3
72. Crew Welfare Facilities
72.1 Available amenities:
– Seafarers’ Club (showers, internet)
– Interfaith prayer room
– Medical clinic (vaccinations available)
72.2 Free shuttle to downtown shopping area
73. Port Historical Data
73.1 Key statistics:
– Annual cargo volume: 42 million tons
– Vessel calls: 3,800/year
– Deepest berth: 16m
73.2 Interactive port map showing facility evolution
74. Future Development Plans
74.1 2025-2030 projects:
– Automated container terminal
– LNG bunkering station
– Expanded cruise facilities
74.2 Environmental impact studies ongoing
75. Final Port Advisory
75.1 Essential reminders:
– Monitor VHF Ch.12 continuously
– Display current security level visibly
– Report any equipment malfunctions immediately
75.2 Port regulations subject to change – always confirm latest version
76. Port Entry Documentation
76.1 Required digital submissions:
– Electronic Notice of Arrival (eNOA) 48h prior
– Crew health declarations via Maritime Health Declaration system
– Cargo manifests in XML format
76.2 Physical documents to present upon arrival:
– Original ship registry certificate
– P&I insurance certificate
– Last port departure clearance
77. Anchorage Procedures
77.1 Designated anchorage areas:
– Anchorage A: Vessels <150m LOA (max 72h stay)
– Anchorage B: Vessels >150m LOA (tanker priority)
77.2 Anchoring requirements:
– Minimum 5:1 scope in normal conditions
– Anchor watch mandatory at all times
– Daily position reports to Port Control
78. Bunkering Operations
78.1 Approved suppliers:
– Nippon Bunkering Co. (ISO 8217 certified)
– Kansai Fuel Services (low sulfur specialists)
78.2 Safety protocols:
– Double hose connections required
– Continuous gas monitoring
– Emergency shutdown drills before commencement
79. Port Waste Reception
79.1 Waste collection schedule:
– Oily waste: Daily 0800-1600
– Garbage: Twice daily (0800/1300)
– Sewage: Upon request (24h notice)
79.2 Mandatory use of RFID-tagged containers for tracking
80. Vessel Inspection Checklist
80.1 Pre-arrival verification items:
– Mooring equipment condition
– Firefighting system readiness
– Pollution prevention gear
80.2 Common PSC deficiencies to avoid:
– Emergency lighting faults
– Outdated nautical publications
– Improper oil record book entries
81. Local Maritime Services
81.1 Available support services:
– Underwater hull cleaning (ROV available)
– Dynamic positioning system calibration
– Ballast water sampling/testing
81.2 Service request portal accessible via PortNet
82. Port Weather Limitations
82.1 Operational restrictions:
– Wind >25m/s: All cargo ops suspended
– Visibility <500m: Pilotage mandatory
– Swell >3m: Restricted berthing
82.2 Real-time weather dashboard at port website
83. Crew Shore Leave
83.1 Current regulations:
– Valid shore passes required
– Curfew: 2300-0500 for non-officers
– Designated crew change facilities
83.2 Prohibited areas marked on port maps
84. Port Performance Metrics
84.1 Key operational indicators:
– Average turnaround time: 18.5 hours
– Crane productivity: 28 moves/hour
– Bunker delivery accuracy: 99.2%
84.2 Live performance dashboard at operations center
85. Final Port Guidelines
85.1 Mandatory compliance items:
– AIS must remain active throughout port stay
– Gangway watch 24/7 with visitor log
– No overboard discharges within port limits
85.2 Port information app available for iOS/Android
