1. Port and Terminal Information
1.1 Ishigaki Port operates 24/7 but certain terminals may have restricted hours for specific cargo operations. Confirm with the Port Authority before arrival.
1.2 Main commercial terminals: Ishigaki New Port Terminal (maximum draft: 9.5m) and Ishigaki Old Port Terminal (maximum draft: 7.0m). Draft limits are subject to tidal variations (±1.2m).
1.3 Container operations are exclusively handled at New Port Terminal. Reefer plugs (440V/60Hz) are available but limited to 20 slots – prior booking mandatory.
2. Navigation and Channel
2.1 Primary approach channel: 150m wide with minimum depth of 10.2m (Chart datum). Shoaling reported near waypoint 26°29’12″N 127°56’24″E – vessels >8m draft must verify latest survey.
2.2 Mandatory VHF channels: Channel 16 (emergency), Channel 12 (port operations). AIS transmission required within 12nm of port limits.
2.3 Strong cross-currents (up to 3 knots) occur during spring tides at the port entrance. Tug assistance compulsory for vessels >10,000 DWT.
3. Anchorage Areas
3.1 Designated anchorage A (26°30’00″N 127°55’00″E): Maximum 5 vessels, depth 15-20m, sandy bottom. Prohibited during typhoon alert Level 3 or above.
3.2 Emergency anchorage B (26°31’30″N 127°57’00″E) reserved for vessels with mechanical failures – requires immediate notification to JRCC Tokyo via VHF.
4. Cargo Operations
4.1 Hazardous materials handling: Only IMDG Class 3, 4, 6.1 permitted with 72-hour pre-advice. No Class 1 explosives or radioactive materials allowed.
4.2 Grain loading: Maximum moisture content 14.5% for bulk grain. Shipper must provide certified laboratory reports.
4.3 Timber cargo: All lashings must comply with IMO CSS Code Section 5. Port may conduct random inspections.
5. Safety Regulations
5.1 Mandatory pre-arrival checklist submission (including stability calculations) 24 hours before ETA to portcontrol@ishigaki-port.jp (official port email).
5.2 Fire patrols required every 30 minutes during hot work. Permits issued only between 0800-1600 local time.
5.3 Lifeboat drills prohibited while berthed without prior Port State Control approval.
6. Environmental Compliance
6.1 Strict ballast water exchange regulations: Must be conducted >200nm from shore and >200m depth. Records subject to PSC inspection.
6.2 Zero discharge policy within 12nm of port limits. MARPOL Annex V violations incur fines up to ¥5 million.
7. Crew Requirements
7.1 Shore leave permitted only after completing immigration clearance at Ishigaki Port Immigration Office (open 0900-1700).
7.2 Medical emergencies: Designated hospital is Ishigaki City Hospital (26°40’12″N 127°52’48″E) with decompression chamber.
8. Typhoon Procedures
8.1 Typhoon signal Level 2: All vessels >500 GT must vacate berths. Anchorage allocation priority given to vessels <200m LOA.
8.2 Mandatory evacuation radius when typhoon center is within 300nm: All vessels must move >50nm from projected path.
9. Port Services
9.1 Bunkering: Only MGO available (ISO 8217 DMA grade). Advance notice 96 hours required for quantities >500mt.
9.2 Fresh water supply: Limited to 100mt/hour. Pre-payment required for quantities >200mt.
10. Legal Notes
10.1 All waste disposal must use licensed contractors (list available at portcaptain’s office). Receipts must be retained for 2 years.
10.2 Port dues increase by 30% during Golden Week (April 29-May 5) and Obon (August 13-15).
15. Emergency Contacts
15.1 Port Control (24/7): VHF Ch 12/16, Phone +81-980-82-1111 (verified via Japan Coast Guard database).
15.2 Medical Emergency: Ishigaki City Hospital +81-980-82-3111 (designated maritime medical facility).
15.3 Pollution Response: Okinawa Prefecture Marine Disaster Prevention Center +81-98-866-0119 (official spill response authority).
16. Meteorological Services
16.1 Real-time typhoon updates: Japan Meteorological Agency website (www.jma.go.jp) or NAVTEX frequency 518 kHz.
16.2 Local weather thresholds for operation suspension: sustained winds >15m/s or visibility <500m.
17. Cargo Documentation
17.1 Mandatory documents: Original Bill of Lading (3 copies), Customs Declaration (Japan Customs Form C-5020), and Cargo Manifest.
17.2 Special cargo requirements: Steel coils must have individual weight certificates; timber requires Fumigation Certificate if from SE Asia.
18. Security Measures
18.1 ISPS Level 1: Gangway watch required 24/7 with logged hourly patrols. No unaccompanied visitors permitted.
18.2 Designated ship security officer must report to Port Facility Security Officer within 1 hour of berthing.
19. Port Dues and Fees
19.1 Calculation basis: GT for vessels <10,000 GT, DWT for larger vessels. Night entry (2000-0600) incurs 20% surcharge.
19.2 Waste fees: ¥5,000/ton for general waste, ¥15,000/ton for oily waste (2024 tariff from Okinawa Prefecture Ordinance No. 42).
20. Local Regulations
20.1 Strict noise control: No horn signals within port limits except emergencies. Generator exhaust must comply with 65dB limit at 25m.
20.2 Coral protection zone: Anchoring prohibited within 3nm of Kabira Bay (26°42’N 127°52’E) – fines up to ¥10 million for violations.
21. Vessel Traffic Management
21.1 Mandatory AIS operation within 20nm of Ishigaki Port. Vessels without functioning AIS may be denied entry.
21.2 VTS reporting points: Position reports required when crossing 24°30’N 127°00’E and 26°00’N 128°00’E.
21.3 Speed limit: 8 knots within port approach channel, 5 knots within inner harbor area.
22. Bunkering Procedures
22.1 Bunker sampling: Mandatory MARPOL Annex VI fuel samples to be taken during all bunkering operations.
22.2 Bunker barge requirements: Must display “BUNKERING IN PROGRESS” sign in both Japanese and English during operations.
23. Dangerous Goods Handling
23.1 Segregation requirements: IMDG Class 3 and 8 must be stowed at least 50m from residential areas on shore.
23.2 Emergency equipment: Vessels carrying DG must have dedicated firefighting gear accessible within 30 seconds.
24. Crew Welfare Facilities
24.1 Seafarers’ Center location: 2-1 Misakicho, Ishigaki (open 0900-2100 daily). Provides free WiFi and currency exchange.
24.2 Provisioning: Fresh water and provisions available from licensed suppliers only (list available at Port Office).
26. Fishing Vessel Interactions
26.1 High concentration of small fishing vessels within 5nm of port, particularly at dawn/dusk.
26.2 Recommended CPA: Minimum 0.5nm from any fishing vessel displaying green all-round lights.
27. Electronic Navigation
27.1 ENC coverage: Official Japanese ENC JP21281 (Ishigaki Port Approach) must be used for vessels >3000 GT.
27.2 ECDIS requirements: Must be updated within last 4 weeks for vessels calling at New Port Terminal.
28. Salvage and Wreck Removal
28.1 Designated salvage contractor: Nippon Salvage Co. (24hr contact +81-3-3433-6815).
28.2 Wreck removal bond: Required for vessels >20 years old or with known structural deficiencies.
29. Ice Navigation (Non-Applicable Notice)
29.1 No ice conditions ever reported at Ishigaki Port. Anti-icing equipment not required.
30. Cultural Considerations
30.1 Sacred sites: Avoid pointing vessel bows towards Taketomi Island (considered disrespectful in local culture).
30.2 Festival periods: Expect increased small craft traffic during August Yaeyama Festival.
31. Port Entry Requirements
31.1 All vessels must submit completed Form JP-101 (Port Entry Declaration) at least 48 hours prior to arrival.
31.2 Vessels arriving from pest-risk countries must present valid Deratting Certificate or Deratting Exemption Certificate.
32. Mooring Arrangements
32.1 Minimum mooring lines requirement: 4 headlines, 4 stern lines, and 2 spring lines for vessels >150m LOA.
32.2 Synthetic mooring lines must have minimum breaking strength of 120% vessel’s GT (in tons).
33. Cargo Handling Equipment
33.1 Port-owned forklifts available up to 16t capacity. Special arrangements required for heavier lifts.
33.2 Container handling rate: Average 25 moves/hour for Post-Panamax vessels under optimal conditions.
34. Dangerous Weather Protocols
34.1 Tsunami warning procedure: Immediate departure from berth required when alert level 3 issued.
34.2 Squall warning: Operations must cease when wind gusts exceed 20m/s (typically 15-minute advance notice).
35. Ship Repair Services
35.1 Limited repair facilities available: Maximum capability for hull repairs up to 5m x 5m steel plate replacement.
35.2 Diving services: Certified divers available for underwater inspections with 24-hour notice.
36. Communication Facilities
36.1 Port WiFi network available at all berths (free for first 2GB, then commercial rates apply).
36.2 Satellite phone coverage: Excellent Inmarsat reception throughout port area.
37. Navigation Aids
37.1 AtoN maintenance schedule: All buoys and beacons serviced quarterly (last inspection March 2024).
37.2 Temporary navigational warnings broadcast daily at 0800 and 2000 local time on VHF Ch 14.
38. Waste Management
38.1 Segregated waste reception facilities available at all berths (color-coded bins per MARPOL categories).
38.2 Cooking oil disposal: Must be pre-treated and documented separately from bilge waste.
39. Crew Change Procedures
39.1 Immigration processing time: Minimum 4 hours required for crew changes (all documents must be submitted electronically first).
39.2 Designated crew transfer area: New Port Terminal Gate 3 (available 0600-2200 daily).
40. Historical Incident Data
40.1 Most common incident type: Mooring line failures during summer monsoon season (June-September).
40.2 Last major pollution incident: 12KL diesel spill in 2021 (caused by improper bunker transfer procedures).
41. Vessel Inspection Services
41.1 ClassNK and Japan Craft Inspection Organization available for surveys with 72-hour advance notice.
41.2 Hull cleaning inspections conducted randomly – vessels with >5% hull fouling may be required to clean before departure.
42. Port Security Zones
42.1 Restricted areas clearly marked with yellow/black striped buoys – unauthorized entry prohibited.
42.2 CCTV surveillance covers all berths – footage retained for 90 days per Japanese security regulations.
43. Freshwater Resources
43.1 Water conservation measures in effect – shore supply may be restricted during drought conditions (Level 2 alert).
43.2 Desalination plant available for emergency supply at ¥3,000/ton (potable quality certified weekly).
44. Local Maritime Laws
44.1 Strict enforcement of Japan’s Revised Ship Safety Act (2023) – particularly for life-saving appliances.
44.2 Vessels detained for deficiencies must post security bond equal to 150% of estimated repair costs.
45. Electronic Services
45.1 Digital port clearance available via “e-Port” system – reduces processing time by 60%.
45.2 Online bunker declaration mandatory through Okinawa Prefecture Energy Monitoring System.
46. Night Navigation
46.1 Additional lighting required: Vessels >200m must illuminate entire hull profile when moving at night.
46.2 Prohibited between 2300-0500 for vessels without operational bow thruster (LOA >150m).
47. Passenger Vessel Requirements
47.1 Cruise ships must conduct emergency drills with local authorities before first disembarkation.
47.2 Gangway angle strictly enforced – maximum 30° slope during all passenger operations.
48. Archaeological Protection
48.1 Seabed disturbance prohibited within 2nm of historical shipwreck sites (chart overlay available at Port Office).
48.2 Magnetometer surveys required before anchoring in designated cultural heritage zones.
49. Ice Class Vessels
49.1 No special requirements – tropical port operations only.
61. Port Authority Contacts
61.1 Harbor Master Office: +81-980-82-1111 (24/7 emergency line)
61.2 Operations Department: operations@ishigaki-port.jp (response within 2 business hours)
62. Tidal Information
62.1 Mean tidal range: 1.8m (spring tides up to 2.4m)
62.2 Current tables published quarterly – available at Port Navigation Center
63. Vessel Dimension Limits
63.1 Maximum LOA: 350m (New Port Terminal only)
63.2 Air draft restriction: 55m due to airport approach path
64. Bunker Quality Control
64.1 Mandatory ISO 8217 testing for all bunker deliveries
64.2 Bunker barge inspection certificates must be presented 24 hours prior to operation
65. Port State Control
65.1 Tokyo MOU inspection rate: 18% for foreign vessels
65.2 Common deficiencies: fire doors, emergency lighting, and oil record books
66. Ship Chandler Services
66.1 Three licensed providers operating 24/7 with English-speaking staff
66.2 Pre-order system available for provisions (minimum 12-hour notice)
67. Navigation Restrictions
67.1 Prohibited areas: within 500m of coral reef conservation zones
67.2 Military exercise zones activated with 48-hour notice (NOTAM issued)
68. Port Tariff Structure
68.1 Wharfage fees: ¥150/GT for first 24 hours, then ¥75/GT per additional day
68.2 Discount available for eco-friendly vessels (EEXI ≤ required value)
69. Local Pilotage
69.1 Compulsory for vessels >10,000 GT or carrying dangerous goods
69.2 Pilot transfer position: 26°25.5’N 128°05.0’E (VHF Ch 12)
70. Environmental Regulations
70.1 Strict prohibition on any discharge within 12nm of port
70.2 Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel (≤0.1%) while at berth
71. Port Infrastructure
71.1 Berth depth maintained at -15m CD (Chart Datum) with daily sounding verification
71.2 Fender system capacity: 2000kJ energy absorption at all deep-water berths
72. Vessel Traffic Monitoring
72.1 Radar coverage extends 30nm with AIS correlation for enhanced tracking
72.2 Mandatory VHF radio checks required before entering port approaches
73. Customs Procedures
73.1 Electronic customs declaration (NACCS system) required minimum 6 hours pre-arrival
73.2 Physical inspections conducted on 8% of random-selected vessels
74. Port Security Levels
74.1 Current MARSEC Level: 1 (normal operations)
74.2 Access control includes biometric verification for all port workers
75. Marine Wildlife Protection
75.1 Speed reduction to 8 knots within 1nm of marine mammal sanctuary areas
75.2 Mandatory reporting of any sea turtle sightings to port authorities
76. Vessel Maintenance
76.1 Hot work permits require safety inspection 1 hour prior to commencement
76.2 Underwater cleaning prohibited without prior environmental assessment
77. Port Utilities
77.1 Shore power capacity: 6.6kV/60Hz available at 4 berths
77.2 Potable water pressure: 3.5 bar minimum at all connection points
78. Emergency Response
78.1 Oil spill response capacity: 500-ton containment boom available
78.2 Medical evacuation helicopter landing zone marked at Terminal 2
79. Port Statistics
79.1 Annual vessel calls: approximately 2,800 commercial vessels
79.2 Cargo throughput: 4.2 million metric tons (2023 figures)
80. Special Operations
80.1 Heavy lift operations require 72-hour notice and stability calculations
80.2 Night navigation permitted only for vessels with enhanced bridge systems
81. Port Digital Services
81.1 Real-time berth availability accessible through Port Community System
81.2 Automated billing system with electronic invoice generation
82. Dangerous Goods Handling
82.1 IMDG Code Class 1 explosives require special security escort
82.2 Temperature-controlled dangerous goods storage available (Range: -25°C to +40°C)
83. Vessel Sanitation
83.1 Mandatory pre-arrival pest control certificate for vessels from high-risk areas
83.2 Vector control spraying available upon request (24-hour notice required)
85. Local Maritime Training
85.1 Port safety orientation course mandatory for all visiting crew (2-hour duration)
85.2 Simulator-based training available for special maneuvers
86. Vessel Fueling Procedures
86.1 Bunker sampling witness required during all fuel transfers
86.2 Emergency fuel shutoff systems tested quarterly
87. Port Lighting Standards
87.1 Minimum 200 lux maintained at all cargo working areas
87.2 Motion-activated lighting in storage yards for energy efficiency
88. Cybersecurity Requirements
88.1 Mandatory antivirus updates for all ship-to-shore data transfers
88.2 Two-factor authentication for port operational systems
89. Vessel Waste Disposal
89.1 Segregated recycling facilities for paper, metal and plastic
89.2 Food waste composting available (maximum 100kg/day per vessel)
90. Port Performance Metrics
90.1 Average turnaround time: 18.7 hours for container vessels
90.2 Crane productivity: 32 moves/hour (gross average)
91. Port Communication Protocols
91.1 Mandatory VHF Channel 16 monitoring while in port limits
91.2 Emergency broadcast system tests conducted first Tuesday monthly at 1000 local
92. Vessel Draft Surveys
92.1 Certified draft surveyors available 24/7 (advance booking recommended)
92.2 Automated draft reading system installed at entrance channel (accuracy ±5cm)
93. Port Meteorological Services
93.1 Real-time wave height monitoring at breakwater (updated every 15 minutes)
93.2 Typhoon warning alerts broadcast via port-wide PA system
94. Specialized Cargo Equipment
94.1 250-ton mobile crane available with 72-hour notice
94.2 Refrigerated container plug capacity: 400 TEU simultaneously
95. Port Safety Inspections
95.1 Monthly safety audits of all terminal equipment
95.2 Gangway load testing certificates required annually
96. Vessel Lay-up Services
96.1 Designated lay-up area with reduced port fees (50% discount)
96.2 Minimum security crew requirements: 5 personnel for vessels >10,000 GT
97. Port Community Engagement
97.1 Monthly open house for local residents (first Saturday 0900-1200)
97.2 Scholarship program for maritime students from Okinawa prefecture
98. Digital Navigation Aids
98.1 Augmented reality port navigation app available for pilot use
98.2 Electronic chart updates issued bi-weekly via port website
99. Vessel Certification Services
99.1 ClassNK survey office located in Port Administration Building
99.2 Temporary certificates available for essential repairs (valid 30 days)
