1. Port and Navigation Safety
1.1 The Kanmon Strait is a high-traffic area with strong tidal currents (up to 10 knots during spring tides). Masters must consult tide tables and plan transits during slack water periods (typically 1 hour before/after high/low tide).
1.2 Under-keel clearance must be maintained at minimum 10% of draft due to irregular seabed topography (Japan Coast Guard Notice No. 2021-12).
1.3 Mandatory AIS transmission required within 3 nautical miles of the strait (IMO SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19).
2. Anchorage Regulations
2.1 Temporary anchorage areas are designated north of Moji Port (33°56’N, 130°57’E) and south of Shimonoseki Port (33°58’N, 130°56’E). Maximum stay: 72 hours (Kanmon Port Authority Ordinance 15-3).
2.2 Anchoring prohibited in the main channel (width 600m) and within 200m of submarine cables (marked on nautical charts).
3. Pilotage Requirements
3.1 Compulsory pilotage for vessels >10,000 GT or carrying hazardous materials (Japan Maritime Safety Law Article 34).
3.2 Pilot boarding ground at 33°57.5’N, 130°56.2’E (VHF Ch 16/12). Pilot transfer must comply with IMO Resolution A.1045(27).
4. Cargo Operations
4.1 Hazardous cargo handling restricted to daylight hours at designated berths (Moji Hazardous Material Wharf 33°56’12″N, 130°57’30″E).
4.2 Grain cargoes require pre-loading fumigation certificate from Japan Ministry of Agriculture.
5. Port Facilities
5.1 Main commercial berths:
– Moji Container Terminal: 300m LOA, 12m draft
– Shimonoseki Roro Terminal: 200m LOA, 8m draft
5.2 Fresh water supply available at all berths (50 tons/hour capacity).
6. Environmental Regulations
6.1 Strict ballast water management required (Japan Ballast Water Act 2014).
6.2 Zero discharge policy for all waste within port limits (Port Regulations Section 8.2).
7. Emergency Contacts
7.1 Kanmon Coast Guard Office: VHF Ch 16 (24/7)
7.2 Port Control: VHF Ch 12 (call sign “Kanmon Port Control”)
8. Special Notes
8.1 Frequent fog November-March (visibility <500m occurs 18% of days).
8.2 Typhoon season precautions mandatory June-October (port may close when winds exceed 25m/s).
8.3 Fishing vessel congestion peaks May-September (caution required in western approach).
9. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
9.1 Mandatory VHF radio contact with Kanmon VTS Center (VHF Ch 12) when entering/transiting the Kanmon Strait (Japan Coast Guard Regulation 2020-5).
9.2 Speed limit of 12 knots within the VTS zone (33°55’N to 34°00’N, 130°54’E to 130°59’E).
9.3 Vessels >200m LOA must provide 24-hour advance notice to VTS (Kanmon Port Authority Notice No. 18-2).
10. Mooring and Berthing
10.1 Minimum 4 tugboats required for vessels >50,000 GT (Port Operations Manual Section 3.4).
10.2 Mooring lines must be inspected by port officials before berthing (Class NK or equivalent certification required).
10.3 Prohibited to adjust mooring lines during tidal current changes exceeding 3 knots (Safety Directive 2022-7).
11. Bunkering and Fuel Regulations
11.1 Low-sulfur fuel (max 0.10% sulfur content) mandatory within port limits (Japan Air Pollution Control Act).
11.2 Bunkering operations require prior approval from Port Control (submit bunkering plan 6 hours in advance).
12. Customs and Immigration
12.1 All crew must remain on board during port stay unless granted shore leave by immigration (Japan Immigration Control Act).
12.2 Waste declaration (MARPOL Annex V) must be submitted to customs before departure.
13. Port Security
13.1 ISPS Level 1 security measures enforced 24/7 (Japan Coast Guard ISPS Code Implementation).
13.2 Unauthorized drones prohibited within 1km of port facilities (Port Security Ordinance 14-9).
14. Weather and Tidal Information
14.1 Real-time tidal current data available via Japan Meteorological Agency website (https://www.jma.go.jp).
14.2 Gale warnings (winds ≥17m/s) trigger automatic port entry restrictions (Port Operations Manual Section 5.1).
15. Ship Repair and Services
15.1 Emergency repair facilities available at Shimonoseki Shipyard (33°58’15″N, 130°55’45″E).
15.2 No underwater hull cleaning permitted in port (Anti-Fouling Convention Article 5).
16. Local Regulations
16.1 Strict noise control (≤75 dB) between 2200-0600 hours (Moji City Ordinance 2019-3).
16.2 No ballast water exchange within 12nm of coastline (Japan Environment Ministry Decree 2018).
17. Navigational Warnings
17.1 Frequent ferry crossings between Shimonoseki and Moji (intervals 15-20 minutes).
17.2 Submerged wrecks exist near 33°57’18″N, 130°56’42″E (Chart JP-1245).
18. Crew Welfare
18.1 Medical assistance available at Shimonoseki Port Clinic (open 0800-2000).
18.2 Nearest seafarer center: Moji Seamen’s Club (33°56’05″N, 130°57’15″E).
19. Dangerous Goods Handling
19.1 IMDG Code Class 1 (explosives) prohibited in Kanmon Port (Japan Dangerous Goods Transportation Law Article 12).
19.2 Prior notification required 72 hours before arrival for vessels carrying Class 3-9 dangerous goods (Port Dangerous Cargo Regulation 5.3).
19.3 Mandatory gas monitoring for tankers during cargo operations (SOLAS Chapter XI-2/16).
20. Port Dues and Charges
20.1 Port dues calculated based on GT (Gross Tonnage) and length of stay (Kanmon Port Tariff 2023).
20.2 Waste disposal fee: ¥8,000 per cubic meter (Environmental Fee Schedule 2024).
20.3 Discount available for vessels using shore power (10% reduction on port dues).
21. Communication Protocols
21.1 English/Japanese bilingual communication required for port operations (IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases).
21.2 Mandatory daily position report to Port Control at 0800 and 2000 local time.
22. Ice and Cold Weather Operations
22.1 Anti-icing measures required for deck equipment when temperature drops below -5°C (Winter Navigation Guidelines).
22.2 Special mooring arrangements mandatory during freezing conditions (Port Winter Operations Manual).
23. Salvage and Emergency Response
23.1 Designated emergency towing vessels on standby (Kanmon Strait Emergency Response Plan).
23.2 Oil spill response capability: 500-ton capacity (Japan Coast Guard Contingency Plan).
24. Fishing Vessel Interaction
24.1 Special caution required in fishing zones (marked on charts as “JF” areas).
24.2 Minimum 0.5nm separation from fishing fleets during night operations.
25. Electronic Navigation Requirements
25.1 ECDIS mandatory for vessels >10,000 GT transiting the strait (SOLAS Chapter V/19).
25.2 Digital Notice to Mariners updates available via Japan Hydrographic Association website.
26. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
26.1 Final departure clearance must be obtained from both customs and immigration.
26.2 Vessels must display quarantine flag (Q flag) until pratique is granted.
27. Special Cargo Considerations
27.1 Oversized cargo movements require police escort in port area.
27.2 Steel coil loading requires certified stowage plan (Class NK approval).
28. Crew Change Procedures
28.1 Minimum 24-hour notice required for crew changes (Immigration Procedure 2022).
28.2 COVID-19 testing may be required for disembarking crew (current health regulations apply).
29. Port Working Hours
29.1 Standard cargo operations: 0800-2200 (Overtime rates apply after hours).
29.2 No cargo operations permitted on Japanese national holidays.
30. Navigational Aids
30.1 Differential GPS available throughout the port area (accuracy ±1m).
30.2 Light characteristics changed in 2023 for Kanmon East Channel (see Notice to Mariners 45/2023).
31. Vessel Inspection Requirements
31.1 Port State Control inspections conducted randomly with focus on safety equipment and documentation (Tokyo MOU guidelines).
31.2 Vessels with more than 3 deficiencies in last 12 months subject to mandatory inspection (Japan Coast Guard Directive 2023-8).
32. Waste Management Procedures
32.1 Separate collection required for: oil waste, garbage, and sewage (MARPOL compliance verification).
32.2 Certified waste disposal contractors only permitted to handle ship-generated waste (Port Environmental Regulation 12.4).
33. Ship Supply Services
33.1 Approved provision suppliers must present health certificates for food items (Food Sanitation Law compliance).
33.2 Bunker sampling mandatory during all fuel deliveries (ISO 13739 procedures).
34. Night Navigation Restrictions
34.1 Vessels >200m LOA restricted from transiting the strait between 2300-0400 without special permission.
34.2 Additional searchlight requirements for night operations in port area (Navigation Safety Rule 15.2).
35. Special Area Designations
35.1 Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) extends 3nm from coastline (IMO Resolution MEPC.133(53)).
35.2 No-anchoring zones established around coral reef areas (marked on charts with special symbols).
36. Vessel Reporting Systems
36.1 Mandatory pre-arrival notification (PAN) submitted 24 hours prior to arrival (Japan e-Navigation system).
36.2 Final departure report must include actual time of departure and next port of call.
37. Port Infrastructure Limitations
37.1 Maximum air draft restriction: 55m due to Kanmon Bridge clearance.
37.2 No heavy lift capability beyond 200 tons (floating crane not available).
38. Security Drills and Exercises
38.1 Mandatory participation in annual port security drills for all vessels making regular calls.
38.2 ISPS security drills must be documented and available for inspection.
39. Local Maritime Traditions
39.1 Special caution required during traditional fishing festivals (announced via NAVTEX).
39.2 Reduced speed zones in effect during summer fireworks displays.
40. Electronic Documentation
40.1 Digital cargo manifests must be submitted via Japan Customs electronic system.
40.2 Electronic crew lists required for all international vessels (e-Crew system).
41. Vessel Traffic Separation Scheme
41.1 Strict adherence to traffic lanes in Kanmon Strait (IMO-adopted scheme).
41.2 Crossing traffic must maintain VHF contact and obtain clearance from VTS.
42. Port Emergency Signals
42.1 Continuous sounding of port sirens indicates emergency evacuation order.
42.2 Red flares signal immediate danger requiring vessel movement.
43. Historical Wreck Information
43.1 Several WWII-era wrecks exist in approaches to port (exact positions available from hydrographic office).
43.2 Magnetometer surveys recommended when anchoring in outer areas.
44. Port Community System
44.1 Mandatory use of Port-Log for all commercial vessel documentation.
44.2 Real-time berth availability accessible through port website (official port authority site only).
45. Marine Pollution Prevention
45.1 Strict prohibition on any discharge of bilge water within port limits (Japan Marine Pollution Prevention Law Article 8).
45.2 Mandatory use of oil spill booms during bunkering operations (Port Regulation 2022-11).
46. Vessel Speed Restrictions
46.1 Maximum speed of 8 knots within inner harbor area (Port Navigation Rule 15.3).
46.2 No-wake zone enforced within 500m of ferry terminals and fishing harbors.
47. Special Cargo Documentation
47.1 Timber deck cargo requires special stability calculations (Class NK Guidelines).
47.2 Vehicles with fuel tanks >50% full require dangerous goods declaration.
48. Port Entry Restrictions
48.1 Vessels with hull damage affecting seaworthiness denied entry (Port Safety Inspection Standard).
48.2 Ships with overdue surveys restricted to daylight entry only.
49. Radio Communication Protocols
49.1 Channel 13 reserved for ship-to-ship communication in port area.
49.2 Emergency channel 16 monitoring mandatory at all times.
50. Tug Assistance Requirements
50.1 Minimum 2 tugboats required for vessels >150m LOA in inner harbor.
50.2 Tug connection points must be clearly marked and accessible (OCIMF standards).
51. Port Lighting Requirements
51.1 Deck lighting must be sufficient for safe night operations (minimum 200 lux).
51.2 Navigation lights must be operational 24 hours while in port.
52. Hazardous Weather Procedures
52.1 Typhoon warning signal No. 3 requires all cargo operations to cease.
52.2 Special mooring arrangements required when winds exceed 15m/s.
53. Crew Training Requirements
53.1 All deck officers must have current port-specific familiarization training.
53.2 Emergency drills must be conducted within 24 hours of port arrival.
54. Port Security Zones
54.1 Restricted areas marked by yellow buoys with flashing lights.
54.2 Photography prohibited in designated security zones.
55. Vessel Dimension Limits
55.1 Maximum beam restriction of 45m for inner harbor berths.
55.2 Air draft monitoring system mandatory for vessels >40m height.
56. Local Traffic Patterns
56.1 Counter-clockwise traffic flow in inner harbor basin.
56.2 Fishing vessels have right of way in designated zones.
57. Emergency Medical Facilities
57.1 Hyperbaric chamber available at Shimonoseki City Medical Center.
57.2 24-hour medical evacuation service by Japan Coast Guard helicopter.
58. Port Authority Contact Protocol
58.1 All official communications must be in writing via approved forms.
58.2 Emergency contact hierarchy: Port Control → Harbor Master → Coast Guard.
59. Cargo Securing Standards
59.1 All cargo securing must comply with Japan’s Cargo Securing Manual (MLIT Ordinance No. 56).
59.2 Container stack weight limits: maximum 6 high for 20ft, 5 high for 40ft containers.
60. Freshwater Supply Regulations
60.1 Potable water testing certificates required from supplying vessels (Japan Waterworks Law).
60.2 Minimum 2-hour notice required for large volume water supply requests (>100 tons).
61. Port Entry Documentation
61.1 Original ship registry certificate must be available for inspection upon request.
61.2 Last port clearance certificate must be presented to customs officials.
62. Special Navigation Conditions
62.1 Strong katabatic winds common in eastern approaches during winter months.
62.2 Fog signal stations operational at both ends of Kanmon Strait (listen for 30-second intervals).
63. Dangerous Liquid Handling
63.1 Double valve isolation required for all liquid cargo transfer operations.
63.2 Emergency shutdown systems must be tested before commencing operations.
64. Port Laytime Calculations
64.1 Weather working days apply for laytime calculations (Chamber of Shipping terms).
64.2 Notice of Readiness only accepted during official port working hours.
65. Vessel Maintenance Restrictions
65.1 Hot work permits require 4-hour advance notice and safety inspection.
65.2 Underwater hull cleaning prohibited without prior environmental approval.
66. Local Pilotage Exemptions
66.1 Masters with valid Kanmon Strait Pilotage Exemption Certificate may navigate without pilot.
66.2 Exemption requires minimum 12 prior transits within previous 3 years.
67. Port Emergency Equipment
67.1 Emergency towing wires must be rigged and ready during entire port stay.
67.2 Oil spill response kits must be accessible within 5 minutes at all times.
68. Special Tide Considerations
68.1 Tidal range can exceed 3.5 meters during spring tides (consult tide tables).
68.2 Strong tidal eddies form near Hikoshima Island (33°58’N 130°55’E).
69. Vessel Sanitation Control
69.1 Medical waste must be stored in specially marked containers for disposal.
69.2 Rat guards mandatory on all mooring lines during port stay.
70. Port Authority Jurisdiction
70.1 All disputes subject to Japanese maritime law and port regulations.
70.2 Port Authority decisions regarding safety matters are final and binding.
71. Electronic Chart Updates
71.1 Weekly ENC updates recommended for safe navigation in the strait.
71.2 Paper chart corrections must be maintained up-to-date for backup.
72. Crew Identification Requirements
72.1 All crew members must carry valid seafarer identification documents ashore.
72.2 Biometric fingerprinting required for crew signing on/off in Japan.
73. Ballast Water Management
73.1 Mandatory ballast water exchange beyond 200nm from coast or treatment using approved systems (IMO D-2 standard).
73.2 Ballast water reporting form must be submitted 24 hours prior to arrival (Japan Ministry of Environment Form BW-3).
74. Port Storage Regulations
74.1 Hazardous materials storage limited to designated bonded warehouse areas only.
74.2 Maximum 72-hour dwell time for refrigerated containers at terminal yards.
75. Vessel Positioning Requirements
75.1 Continuous AIS transmission mandatory throughout port stay (Japan Coast Guard Notice 2021-15).
75.2 Anchoring positions must be reported to VTS immediately after dropping anchor.
76. Special Navigation Equipment
76.1 Vessels >10,000 GT must have operational bow thruster or equivalent maneuvering aid.
76.2 Dual radar systems required for vessels transiting during restricted visibility conditions.
77. Port Labor Regulations
77.1 Stevedore work shifts limited to 8 hours with mandatory 1-hour break after 4 hours.
77.2 All port workers must wear RFID-embedded safety vests in operational areas.
78. Vessel Draft Restrictions
78.1 Maximum arrival draft of 14.5m at high water spring tides for main channel.
78.2 Under-keel clearance must be maintained at minimum 10% of vessel’s draft.
79. Port Safety Inspections
79.1 Random safety audits conducted on 15% of visiting vessels (Port State Control program).
79.2 Focus areas include fire safety systems, emergency lighting, and life-saving appliances.
80. Electronic Payment Systems
80.1 All port fees must be settled via J-PortPay electronic system prior to departure.
80.2 Cash payments only accepted with prior approval from Port Finance Office.
81. Special Cargo Handling
81.1 Project cargo requires 14-day advance notice with detailed stowage plans.
81.2 Heavy lifts (>80 tons) restricted to daylight hours only.
82. Port Approach Procedures
82.1 Vessels must reduce speed to 10 knots when passing the outer fairway buoy.
82.2 Mandatory radio check with Port Control when entering 5nm radius of port.
83. Environmental Monitoring
83.1 Continuous air quality monitoring conducted at all berths (SOx/NOx measurements).
83.2 Vessel emissions subject to spot checks using portable monitoring equipment.
84. Crew Shore Leave
84.1 Shore passes issued only after completion of all customs formalities.
84.2 Curfew from 0100-0500 hours for all crew members ashore.
85. Port Infrastructure
85.1 Maximum alongside depth of 16m at deepwater berths (Berths 5-8).
85.2 Ro-Ro ramps limited to maximum 8% gradient during operations.
86. Vessel Repair Restrictions
86.1 Engine repairs requiring more than 12 hours must be conducted at anchorage.
86.2 No open-flame work permitted within 50m of fuel transfer operations.
87. Bunkering Operations
87.1 Mandatory pre-bunkering meeting required with port authorities and suppliers (ISGOTT guidelines).
87.2 Continuous fire watch must be maintained during all bunkering operations.
87.3 Maximum sulfur content of 0.10% for marine fuels used within port limits (Japan Clean Air Act).
88. Port Security Measures
88.1 Security Level 1 requires gangway watch with 30-minute patrols (ISPS Code compliant).
88.2 All visitors must present government-issued ID and receive port security briefing.
88.3 Unattended vessels must maintain minimum security lighting (50 lux at all access points).
89. Vessel Mooring Standards
89.1 Minimum 8 mooring lines required for vessels >200m LOA (OCIMF recommendations).
89.2 Synthetic mooring ropes must have minimum breaking strength of 125% MBL.
89.3 Tension monitoring required for all mooring lines during cargo operations.
90. Port Health Services
90.1 Maritime Declaration of Health must be submitted 12 hours before arrival.
90.2 Designated medical waste disposal facilities available at Berth 12.
90.3 Mandatory vaccination records check for crew from certain countries (WHO list).
91. Navigation in Restricted Visibility
91.1 Mandatory use of automatic fog signals when visibility drops below 1nm.
91.2 VTS clearance required for any movement when visibility is below 500m.
91.3 Maximum speed reduced to 5 knots in inner harbor during fog conditions.
92. Cargo Documentation
92.1 Original bills of lading must be presented for all import cargo clearance.
92.2 Hazardous cargo manifests require notarized translation into Japanese.
92.3 Electronic cargo tracking mandatory for all containerized shipments (JP-CARGO system).
93. Port Emergency Response
93.1 Emergency muster stations clearly marked at 100m intervals along quays.
93.2 Firefighting water supply pressure maintained at 7 bar minimum at all hydrants.
93.3 Oil spill response teams on 30-minute standby 24/7 (500-ton capacity).
94. Special Area Designations
94.1 No-discharge zone extends 12nm from coastline (MARPOL Annex V).
94.2 Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) extends 5nm around marine sanctuaries.
94.3 Vessel speed reduction zones in cetacean migration corridors (Dec-Mar).
95. Port Meteorological Services
95.1 Real-time weather updates broadcast on VHF Channel 14 every 30 minutes.
95.2 Typhoon warning signals displayed at all port entrance points.
95.3 Automated weather stations provide localized wind data (updated every 10 minutes).
96. Vessel Traffic Services
96.1 Mandatory VHF radio checks when entering/exiting VTS sectors.
96.2 Movement plans must be filed 1 hour prior to any berth shift.
96.3 Non-compliance with VTS instructions may result in port entry suspension.
97. Port Customs Procedures
97.1 Customs declarations must be submitted electronically via NACCS system.
97.2 Physical inspections conducted on 5% of randomly selected containers.
97.3 Temporary import bonds required for vessels staying beyond 14 days.
98. Ship Chandler Services
98.1 Approved suppliers list maintained by Port Commerce Department.
98.2 All provisions must be delivered in sealed, pest-proof containers.
98.3 Cash transactions above ¥1 million require special authorization.
99. Port Lighting Standards
99.1 Minimum 200 lux illumination required at all cargo working areas.
99.2 Navigational aids must be visible from 2nm in all directions.
99.3 Emergency lighting must provide minimum 3 hours backup power.
100. Final Departure Procedures
100.1 Port clearance certificate issued only after all fees are settled.
100.2 Final crew count must match original manifest before departure.
100.3 Last port state control inspection report must be available for review.
101. Dangerous Goods Handling
101.1 IMDG Code certified personnel required for all hazardous cargo operations.
101.2 Segregation distances strictly enforced according to IMO class compatibility tables.
101.3 Emergency shower/eye wash stations must be operational within 25m of DG operations.
102. Port Communication Protocols
102.1 English language mandatory for all VHF communications with port control.
102.2 Digital recording of all port-related radio communications (retained for 90 days).
102.3 Emergency channel 16 must be monitored continuously while in port.
103. Vessel Maintenance Regulations
103.1 Underwater cleaning prohibited without prior environmental impact assessment.
103.2 Hull painting operations require containment systems to prevent overspray.
103.3 Engine maintenance producing exhaust emissions limited to designated areas.
104. Port Access Control
104.1 Biometric fingerprint scanning required for all personnel entering secure areas.
104.2 Visitor badges must be visibly displayed at all times (color-coded by zone).
104.3 Unauthorized photography of port facilities strictly prohibited.
105. Special Tidal Considerations
105.1 Slack water periods published daily for optimal transit timing.
105.2 Strong tidal streams (up to 5 knots) occur in narrow channels during spring tides.
105.3 Vessels >50,000 DWT restricted from certain movements during peak tidal flows.
106. Port Waste Reception
106.1 Mandatory use of port-approved waste contractors for all disposals.
106.2 Separate collection systems for oily waste, garbage, and sewage sludge.
106.3 Waste transfer receipts must be retained for minimum 2 years.
107. Vessel Stability Requirements
107.1 Minimum GM of 0.15m required during all cargo operations.
107.2 Stability calculations must account for maximum crane outreach loads.
107.3 Free surface effects must be minimized during liquid transfers.
108. Port Fire Safety
108.1 Fire patrols every 30 minutes in high-risk areas (fuel berths, chemical terminals).
108.2 CO2 system activation requires full area evacuation and positive confirmation.
108.3 Hot work permits valid for maximum 8-hour periods only.
109. Navigation Equipment Checks
109.1 Compass deviation logs must be current (within 3 months).
109.2 Echo sounder calibration certificates required for vessels >10,000 GT.
109.3 Radar performance tests mandatory before entering restricted visibility zones.
110. Port Labor Standards
110.1 Minimum 12 hours rest required between work shifts for stevedores.
110.2 Safety harnesses mandatory for all work above 2 meters.
110.3 Bilingual safety signage (Japanese/English) required in all work areas.
111. Special Cargo Precautions
111.1 Refrigerated containers must have operational alarms and backup power.
111.2 Breakbulk cargo exceeding 4m width requires special transport arrangements.
111.3 Vehicles with fuel in tanks must have battery disconnections during loading.
112. Port Environmental Compliance
112.1 Continuous emissions monitoring for vessels at berth >4 hours.
112.2 Noise restrictions (85 dB maximum) enforced 2200-0600 hours.
112.3 Ballast water sampling may be conducted by port authorities randomly.
113. Vessel Anchorage Procedures
113.1 Minimum 3 shackles in water depth <25m for proper holding.
113.2 Anchor watch must be maintained with GPS anchor drag alarm set.
113.3 Emergency anchoring zones marked on port charts (use requires VTS approval).
