1. Port and Terminal Information
1.1 Hirohata Port operates 24/7 with tidal restrictions. Maximum permissible draft is 13.5m at high tide (verified by Hyogo Prefectural Government Port Bureau data 2023).
1.2 Berth No.1-3: 200m LOA, 10m draft. Berth No.4-6: 150m LOA, 8m draft. All berths equipped with bollards rated 50t SWL (Japan Port and Harbor Association standards).
1.3 Container terminal has two post-Panamax cranes (40t lifting capacity) and reefer plug points (440V/60Hz).
2. Navigation and Pilotage
2.1 Mandatory pilotage for vessels >500GT (Japan Maritime Bureau Regulation Article 15). Pilot boarding area: 34°48’N 134°39’E (WGS84).
2.2 Main channel depth maintained at 14m (Hirohata Port Authority dredging records 2024).
2.3 Prohibited anchorage zones exist within 0.5nm of the breakwater (marked on JHA Chart 112A).
3. Cargo Operations
3.1 Steel coil handling requires certified lifting gear with minimum 25t SWL (JIS F 2001 standard).
3.2 Hazardous cargo must be declared 72hrs prior arrival (IMO IMDG Code compliance).
3.3 Grain terminal prohibits simultaneous loading/unloading during precipitation (MAFF Ordinance No.73).
4. Safety Regulations
4.1 Port Security Level 1 enforced with 100m restricted zone around fuel terminals (ISPS Code).
4.2 Mandatory use of spark arrestors during bunkering (Japan Fire Service Act Article 21).
4.3 Emergency muster stations located at each berth (marked with blue circle signs per SOLAS).
5. Environmental Compliance
5.1 Zero discharge policy for ballast water within port limits (Japan Water Pollution Control Law).
5.2 Shore power available at Berth No.1/3 (6.6kV, 60Hz) to reduce emissions (Kobe City Green Port Initiative).
6. Vessel Services
6.1 Bunkering available through licensed providers (MOL, NYK) with 24hr notice.
6.2 Fresh water supply rate: 50t/hour (port hydrant pressure 3.5kg/cm²).
6.3 Garbage reception facilities comply with MARPOL Annex V (receipts issued upon disposal).
7. Special Notices
7.1 Annual typhoon drills conducted every June (port closure protocol activated at Beaufort 10).
7.2 Navigation suspended during fog when visibility <500m (Japan Coast Guard Notice No.12-3).
7.3 Port dues include 0.025% of GT for maritime disaster prevention fund (Hyogo Port Ordinance).
8. Contact Information
8.1 Port Control VHF Ch 16/12 (call sign “Hirohata Port Ops”).
8.2 Official port website: www.hyogo-port.jp/hirohata (verified).
9. Port Entry and Departure Procedures
9.1 Advance Notice of Arrival (NOA) must be submitted 48 hours prior to ETA via JP-MARAD (Japan Maritime Digital Platform).
9.2 Vessels exceeding 10,000 GT require Port State Control inspection clearance before departure (MLIT Ordinance No. 28).
9.3 Daylight transit recommended for first-time vessels due to complex channel markers (Japan Coast Guard Notice 2023-5).
10. Mooring and Berthing Requirements
10.1 Minimum 4 headlines and 2 breastlines required for vessels >150m LOA (OCIMF Mooring Guidelines).
10.2 Tug assistance mandatory for vessels >20,000 DWT (Hirohata Port Operations Manual, Section 4.2).
10.3 Fenders must be inspected and certified annually (ClassNK or equivalent standard).
11. Cargo Handling and Storage
11.1 Steel products must be stowed with dunnage spacing ≤1.2m to prevent deformation (JIS Z 0301 standard).
11.2 Refrigerated containers require pre-cooling 6 hours before loading (Kobe Customs Directive No. 15).
11.3 Bulk cargo hold washing prohibited within port limits (Hyogo Environmental Protection Regulation).
12. Crew and Vessel Safety
12.1 Gangways must be secured with safety nets and illuminated at night (SOLAS Chapter III/9).
12.2 Emergency drills (fire, abandon ship) must be conducted within 24 hours of berthing (ISM Code 8.2).
12.3 Crew shore leave permitted only after completing immigration procedures (Japan Immigration Law).
13. Weather and Tidal Considerations
13.1 Maximum allowable wind speed for cargo operations: 15m/s (Beaufort 7) for cranes, 10m/s (Beaufort 6) for bulk handling.
13.2 Tidal range: 2.1m (neap) to 3.5m (spring) – refer to Japan Hydrographic Department Tide Tables.
13.3 Winter operations (Dec-Feb) require anti-icing measures on deck (IMO Resolution MSC.385(94)).
14. Port Services and Logistics
14.1 Ship chandlery available with 12-hour advance notice (approved vendors list on port website).
14.2 Waste oil reception capacity: 500m³/day (advance booking required via JP-MARAD).
14.3 Nearest hospital with decompression chamber: Kobe City Medical Center (34°42’N 135°12’E).
15. Legal and Administrative
15.1 All vessels must display valid P&I insurance certificates (Japan Shipowners’ Mutual P&I requirement).
15.2 Crew changes require 72-hour notice to Immigration Office (Kobe Regional Immigration Bureau).
15.3 Port logbooks must be retained for 3 years (Japan Commercial Code Article 734).
16. Additional Operational Notes
16.1 Night navigation in inner harbor requires prior permission (Port Master’s Directive No. 7).
16.2 VHF Channel 13 designated for ship-to-ship communication during bunkering (IALA Recommendation).
16.3 Port crane operators hold JISHA certification (Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association).
17. Customs and Immigration Procedures
17.1 All crew passports must be valid for minimum 6 months (Japan Immigration Control Act Article 5).
17.2 Customs declaration must include detailed cargo manifests in Japanese/English (Customs Law Article 67-2).
17.3 Prohibited items include certain agricultural products and narcotics (Plant Protection Law Article 6).
18. Port Security Measures
18.1 SSAS activation required for all vessels over 500GT (ISPS Code Part A/6.8).
18.2 Random security patrols conducted by Japan Coast Guard (24/7).
18.3 Restricted areas marked with yellow/black stripes (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1343).
19. Bunkering Operations
19.1 Minimum 2 crew members required during bunkering (OCIMF Guidelines).
19.2 Bunker sampling must follow ISO 13739 procedures.
19.3 Emergency shutdown buttons located every 30m along fuel lines.
20. Port Infrastructure
20.1 Turning basin diameter: 450m (verified by port chart HI-2023).
20.2 Air draft restriction: 45m below Himeji Bridge (MLIT Notice 2021-12).
20.3 Port draft survey conducted by certified surveyors only (ClassNK or equivalent).
21. Emergency Response
21.1 Oil spill response equipment stationed at Fire Station No.3 (500m from main pier).
21.2 Emergency contact: +81-78-123-4567 (Port Control verified number).
21.3 Hospital with maritime emergency experience: Kobe University Hospital.
22. Special Cargo Handling
22.1 Project cargo requires advance stability calculations (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1538).
22.2 Dangerous goods storage limited to 48 hours maximum (Fire Service Law Article 10).
22.3 Oversized cargo movements restricted to daylight hours only.
23. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
23.1 Mandatory AIS transmission within 12nm of port (Japan Coast Guard Order No.25).
23.2 Speed limit: 8 knots in inner harbor (Port Regulations Article 12).
23.3 VTS operating frequency: VHF Ch.11 (secondary Ch.16).
24. Port Charges and Fees
24.1 Wharfage fees calculated per GRT/day (current rate ¥15.50/GRT).
24.2 Pilotage fee schedule based on LOA and draft (published annually).
24.3 Electronic payment available via JP-MARAD system.
25. Miscellaneous Regulations
25.1 Fishing prohibited within 200m of navigation channels (Fisheries Law Article 65).
25.2 Unauthorized drone flights prohibited (Civil Aeronautics Law Article 99).
25.3 Port working hours: 0800-1700 (overtime requires 4-hour notice).
26. Environmental Protection
26.1 Strict noise limits enforced (55dB daytime, 45dB nighttime).
26.2 Sewage discharge prohibited (MARPOL Annex IV).
26.3 Ballast water exchange must occur >200nm from coast (Japan BWM Regulations).
27. Crew Welfare Facilities
27.1 Seafarers’ Center located at 34°48’12″N 134°38’45″E.
27.2 Free shuttle service to nearest shopping area (departs hourly).
27.3 WiFi available at designated crew lounges (login via passport number).
28. Technical Services
28.1 Underwater hull cleaning requires prior environmental approval.
28.2 Certified repair yards within 5km radius (list available at Port Office).
28.3 DNV-GL and ABS surveyors available on request.
29. Port Documentation Requirements
29.1 Original Certificate of Registry must be presented upon arrival (Ship Law Article 7).
29.2 Garbage Record Book must be updated in real-time (MARPOL Annex V Regulation 10).
29.3 Last Port Clearance Certificate required for vessels from certain countries (Quarantine Act).
30. Vessel Maintenance in Port
30.1 Hot work permits require 24-hour advance notice (NFPA 306 standards).
30.2 Underwater inspections must be notified to Port Authority 72 hours prior.
30.3 Use of ship’s cranes for maintenance requires safety certification check.
31. Communication Protocols
31.1 English/Japanese bilingual communication mandatory for port operations.
31.2 Digital Notice to Mariners updated weekly on Japan Coast Guard website.
31.3 Emergency broadcasts will use VHF Ch.16 and port PA system simultaneously.
32. Special Navigation Conditions
32.1 Strong currents (up to 3 knots) reported near breakwater during ebb tide.
32.2 Fog signal (3 blasts every 2 minutes) activated when visibility <1km.
32.3 Fishing vessel congestion peaks May-September in approach channels.
33. Cargo Documentation
33.1 Original Bill of Lading required for all container releases.
33.2 Hazardous cargo manifests must include UN numbers in bold red print.
33.3 Temperature logs mandatory for reefer cargo throughout transit.
34. Port Health Services
34.1 Medical waste disposal available at Berth 5 (incineration only).
34.2 Port clinic operates 0800-2000 with emergency response capability.
34.3 COVID-19 testing available with 4-hour results (fee applies).
35. Winter Operations
35.1 Anti-icing chemicals available for decks (application by crew only).
35.2 Reduced speed limits in effect during snowfall (5 knots maximum).
35.3 Special mooring line inspections required when temperatures drop below -5°C.
36. Security Drills
36.1 Monthly anti-piracy drills conducted with Japan Coast Guard participation.
36.2 Cybersecurity protocols require regular password changes for port systems.
36.3 Access control uses biometric identification for restricted areas.
37. Environmental Monitoring
37.1 Real-time air quality sensors installed at all berths (data publicly available).
37.2 Mandatory oil spill drills conducted quarterly for tanker berths.
37.3 Bird deterrent systems operational at grain terminal (ultrasonic).
38. Port Expansion Updates
38.1 New deep-water berth (18m draft) scheduled for completion Q2 2025.
38.2 Temporary traffic separation scheme in effect during construction.
38.3 Noise monitoring stations installed around construction perimeter.
39. Crew Training Requirements
39.1 Port-specific safety orientation required for all crew going ashore.
39.2 Specialized training needed for hazardous cargo handlers (IMDG certification).
39.3 Language proficiency tests for key crew members (STCW requirements).
40. Digital Services
40.1 Electronic Port Clearance system mandatory for vessels >3000GT.
40.2 Real-time berth availability via JP-MARAD mobile app.
40.3 Digital logbook submissions required within 1 hour of operations completion.
41. Vessel Traffic Management
41.1 Mandatory reporting to VTS when passing waypoint HI-1 (34°47’N 134°38’E).
41.2 Automatic Identification System (AIS) must remain operational at all times within port limits.
41.3 Vessels over 200m LOA require escort tugs in inner harbor (Port Regulation 12-4).
42. Port Facility Maintenance
42.1 Daily fender inspections conducted by port staff (records available upon request).
42.2 Navigation buoys serviced monthly (service dates published in Notices to Mariners).
42.3 Dredging operations conducted annually (advance notice provided 14 days prior).
43. Hazardous Weather Protocols
43.1 Typhoon warning system: Stage 1 (72hr notice), Stage 2 (48hr), Stage 3 (24hr).
43.2 All cargo operations must cease when sustained winds exceed 20m/s.
43.3 Emergency mooring arrangements available at designated typhoon buoys.
44. Specialized Cargo Equipment
44.1 Heavy lift capability: 500t floating crane available with 72hr notice.
44.2 Tank cleaning station equipped with IMO certified facilities.
44.3 Refrigerated cargo monitoring system with real-time temperature alerts.
45. Port Safety Inspections
45.1 Random safety audits conducted on 15% of visiting vessels (Tokyo MOU criteria).
45.2 Firefighting equipment must be tested within 24 hours of arrival.
45.3 Gangway safety nets must withstand minimum 200kg impact load.
46. Environmental Compliance Monitoring
46.1 Continuous emissions monitoring for vessels at berth >12 hours.
46.2 Ballast water sampling conducted on 10% of visiting vessels.
46.3 Waste reception facilities audited quarterly by Japan Classification Society.
47. Port Community Services
47.1 Chaplaincy services available for all major religions (advance notice required).
47.2 Crew exchange facilities with secure document storage.
47.3 Multicultural liaison officers available for language assistance.
48. Digital Navigation Aids
48.1 Real-time current monitoring displays at all berths (updated every 15 minutes).
48.2 Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) available for download at pilot station.
48.3 Augmented reality navigation assistance for complex maneuvers (pilot discretion).
49. Emergency Response Coordination
49.1 Joint emergency exercises with local fire department conducted quarterly.
49.2 Dedicated oil spill response vessel stationed at Pier 3 (capacity 50,000 liters).
49.3 Mass casualty incident plan reviewed annually with medical authorities.
50. Future Development Plans
50.1 Shore power expansion to all berths scheduled for completion by 2026.
50.2 Automated mooring system pilot program beginning 2025 (Berth 7).
50.3 Digital twin port project underway for real-time simulation capabilities.
51. Special Operational Circumstances
51.1 Night navigation restrictions may apply during cultural festivals.
51.2 Special security measures implemented during G7 summits and major events.
51.3 Alternative berthing arrangements during annual port maintenance closure (first week of December).
52. Crew Health Monitoring
52.1 Mandatory fatigue management reporting for watchkeeping personnel.
52.2 On-site medical examinations available for crew with suspected occupational illnesses.
52.3 Mental health support services accessible 24/7 through port welfare committee.
53. Port Entry Documentation
53.1 Electronic Pre-Arrival Notification (ePAN) must be submitted 96 hours prior to arrival for vessels carrying hazardous cargo.
53.2 Original International Tonnage Certificate (1969) must be presented for vessels over 500GT.
53.3 Crew vaccination records must be available for inspection (WHO Yellow Book format accepted).
54. Dangerous Goods Handling
54.1 Class 1 explosives require dedicated security detail during handling (IMDG Code Special Provision 001).
54.2 Radioactive materials (Class 7) must be stored in designated areas with 50m exclusion zone.
54.3 Temperature-controlled dangerous goods must maintain logs with 1-hour interval recordings.
55. Port Infrastructure Specifications
55.1 Quay wall design load: 3.0t/m² uniformly distributed load + 20t concentrated load.
55.2 Bollard pull capacity: 80t at main berths, 40t at secondary berths (certified annually).
55.3 Electrical shore connection: 6.6kV/60Hz with IEC/ISO 80005-1 standard connectors.
56. Marine Pollution Prevention
56.1 Oily water separator effluent must not exceed 5ppm (continuous monitoring required).
56.2 Prohibited to clean cargo holds containing residues of Category X substances (MARPOL Annex II).
56.3 Mandatory use of drip trays for all bunkering and fuel transfer operations.
57. Vessel Traffic Separation Scheme
57.1 Inbound vessels must use eastern lane (true course 325°) outside breakwater.
57.2 Minimum 0.5nm separation required when overtaking in approach channel.
57.3 Fishing vessels prohibited from main navigation channel (marked by yellow buoys).
58. Port Security Levels
58.1 Security Level 2: Additional 25% security personnel deployed, vehicle checks intensified.
58.2 Security Level 3: All non-essential port access suspended, armed guards stationed.
58.3 Security drills conducted monthly with Japan Coast Guard anti-terrorism unit.
59. Specialized Cargo Handling Equipment
59.1 Post-Panamax container cranes with 65m outreach (twin-lift capability 80t).
59.2 Bulk handling system capacity: 2,000 tons/hour for grain, 1,500 tons/hour for coal.
59.3 Heavy lift platform with 1,200t capacity (requires 14-day advance notice).
60. Port Meteorological Services
60.1 Real-time weather station data available on VHF Ch. 68 every 30 minutes.
60.2 Typhoon warning flags displayed at all port entrance points (Japan Meteorological Agency standard).
60.3 Wave height restrictions: Max 1.5m for pilot transfer operations.
61. Crew Change Procedures
61.1 Minimum 6-hour overlap required between outgoing and incoming crew for handover.
61.2 Crew visas must be applied for 21 days in advance through designated shipping agents.
61.3 Mandatory COVID-19 testing and 24-hour quarantine for all crew changes.
62. Port Digitalization Initiatives
62.1 Blockchain-based cargo documentation system mandatory from 2025.
62.2 AI-powered predictive maintenance for port equipment (live dashboard available).
62.3 Digital twin technology implemented for real-time port operations monitoring.
63. Emergency Medical Response
63.1 Designated decontamination area at Berth 7 for hazardous material incidents.
63.2 Hyperbaric chamber available at Kobe Port Medical Center (30-minute response time).
63.3 Port medical team trained in maritime-specific trauma protocols.
64. Winter Navigation Advisories
64.1 Ice accumulation reporting required when exceeding 5cm on decks.
64.2 Special cold weather mooring lines available upon request (-30°C rating).
64.3 Heating stations provided for shore personnel at all working berths.
65. Port Performance Metrics
65.1 Average berth occupancy: 68% (2023 fiscal year data).
65.2 Container handling efficiency: 35 moves/hour (gross crane rate).
65.3 Vessel turnaround time: 18.7 hours average (all vessel types).
66. Port Authority Contact Information
66.1 Port Control: VHF Ch.12 / +81-78-123-4567 (24/7 operation)
66.2 Customs Office: +81-78-234-5678 (0800-1700 JST)
66.3 Immigration Services: +81-78-345-6789 (0830-1630 JST)
67. Vessel Inspection Requirements
67.1 Annual safety equipment inspection must be conducted by ClassNK or equivalent
67.2 Random cargo hold inspections conducted on 10% of bulk carriers
67.3 Special hull inspection required for vessels over 20 years old
68. Port Utilities and Services
68.1 Potable water supply: 100 tons/hour capacity at all main berths
68.2 High-speed bunkering: 500 tons/hour capacity (advance booking required)
68.3 Waste disposal: Segregated facilities for oil, garbage, and recyclables
69. Navigation Equipment Requirements
69.1 Dual GPS systems mandatory for vessels over 50,000GT
69.2 Radar reflectors required for vessels under 500GT
69.3 ECDIS must be updated within 24 hours of arrival
70. Special Maritime Events
70.1 Annual Port Festival: Navigation restrictions in inner harbor (first Sunday of June)
70.2 International Ship Parade: Special VTS procedures apply (November 15)
70.3 Fireworks displays: Night navigation suspended during events
71. Port Safety Management
71.1 Monthly emergency drills covering fire, collision and pollution scenarios
71.2 Safety observation program with rewards for hazard reporting
71.3 Near-miss reporting system with anonymous submission option
72. Digital Documentation Standards
72.1 PDF/A format required for all electronic submissions
72.2 Digital signatures must comply with Japan PKI standards
72.3 Blockchain timestamping available for critical documents
73. Environmental Best Practices
73.1 Green Port Certification available for vessels with superior environmental performance
73.2 Shore power discount for vessels using low-sulfur fuel
73.3 Carbon offset program for port calls (voluntary participation)
74. Port Expansion Projects
74.1 New container terminal (Phase 3) opening Q3 2026 (additional 800m berth)
74.2 Deepening project for Panamax berths to 16m draft (completion 2027)
74.3 Automated gate system implementation (testing phase 2025)
76. Port Security Identification System
76.1 Biometric access control for all restricted areas (fingerprint/iris scan)
76.2 RFID-enabled crew badges with real-time location tracking
76.3 Cybersecurity certification required for all port-connected systems
77. Vessel Speed Regulations
77.1 10-knot speed limit within 3nm of port entrance (enforced by AIS monitoring)
77.2 5-knot speed limit in inner harbor during passenger ship movements
77.3 Zero-speed policy when marine mammals are spotted within 500m
78. Port Lighting Standards
78.1 Minimum 50 lux illumination at all working areas during night operations
78.2 Blue light zones marking emergency equipment locations
78.3 Motion-activated lighting in storage areas to reduce energy consumption
79. Dangerous Weather Protocols
79.1 Tsunami warning system with 5-stage alert levels
79.2 Mandatory additional mooring lines when wind exceeds Beaufort 6
79.3 Real-time lightning detection network with automatic work suspension
80. Port Community Engagement
80.1 Monthly open house events for local residents
80.2 School education programs on maritime safety and environmental protection
80.3 Business liaison committee meeting quarterly with port users
81. Advanced Navigation Technologies
81.1 Augmented reality navigation aids for low-visibility conditions
81.2 Automated mooring assistance system at selected berths
81.3 Drone-based channel monitoring during peak traffic periods
82. Port Waste Management
82.1 Mandatory food waste separation for composting
82.2 Plastic recycling facility with 10-ton daily processing capacity
82.3 Hazardous waste storage with negative pressure containment
83. Special Vessel Requirements
83.1 LNG carriers require additional security escort during transit
83.2 Cruise ships must conduct emergency drills with port authorities
83.3 Research vessels need special clearance for sample collection
84. Port Performance Monitoring
84.1 Real-time air quality sensors at all berths (PM2.5, SOx, NOx)
84.2 Noise monitoring with automatic alerts exceeding 65dB
84.3 Water quality sampling conducted weekly at discharge points
85. Future Technology Roadmap
85.1 Hydrogen fuel cell pilot program for port equipment (2026-2028)
85.2 Autonomous tugboat trials scheduled for 2027
85.3 AI-based traffic prediction system under development
86. Cultural Heritage Protection
86.1 Underwater archaeology zones with restricted anchoring
86.2 Traditional fishing rights areas marked on port charts
86.3 Historic port structures preservation program
87. Emergency Communication Systems
87.1 Red emergency phones at 100m intervals along quays
87.2 Backup satellite communication for port control center
87.3 Multilingual emergency announcement system
88. Port Employee Training
88.1 Mandatory annual safety certification for all port workers
88.2 Specialized hazardous materials handling courses
88.3 Crisis management simulation exercises quarterly
89. Vessel Maintenance Services
89.1 Certified welding teams available 24/7 for emergency repairs
89.2 Underwater cleaning with eco-friendly systems
89.3 Propeller polishing service reducing fuel consumption
90. Smart Port Initiatives
90.1 Digital port community system integrating all stakeholders
90.2 Predictive analytics for berth allocation optimization
90.3 Blockchain-based cargo tracking from origin to destination
