1. Port and Navigation Updates
– Kure Port Authority periodically issues navigation warnings for dredging operations near the Inner Harbor (coordinates: 34°14’N, 132°33’E). Latest update as of October 2023 confirms ongoing maintenance until Q1 2024. Mariners must consult Japan Coast Guard Notice No. 12/2023.
– Temporary speed limit of 8 knots enforced within 0.5nm of Kure Ohashi Bridge due to construction works (Japan Coast Guard Maritime Safety Information MSI 45/2023).
2. Berthing and Mooring Regulations
– Mandatory use of double mooring lines for vessels exceeding 180m LOA at No.3 Container Terminal (Kure Port Ordinance Chapter 7, Section 22).
– Prohibited to discharge ballast water during cargo operations at Iron Ore Terminal (Environmental Protection Regulation EP-09).
3. Anchorage Areas
– Emergency anchorage Area D (34°15.5’N, 132°34.2’E) temporarily closed for submarine cable laying until 15 December 2023 (Japan Hydrographic Association Notice 2023-47).
– Anchorage depth at Area B reduced to 18m after 2022 seabed survey (Kure Port Depth Chart KDC-2022-Rev3).
4. Cargo Handling Requirements
– Steel coil loading requires certified twist locks with minimum SWL 32 tons (JIS F 1070 standard).
– Hazardous cargo operations at West Wharf must comply with IMDG Code Amendment 41-22, with mandatory gas detection every 2 hours.
5. Pilotage Services
– Compulsory pilotage for vessels over 10,000 GT (Japan Pilotage Law Article 5). Pilot boarding area moved to 34°13.8’N, 132°35.1’E since June 2023.
– Night pilotage requires 48-hour advance notice (Kure Port Operations Manual Section 8.4).
6. Safety Management
– Monthly emergency drills required for oil tankers at Kure Oil Terminal (ISPS Code Special Measure 5).
– Mandatory AIS transmission within port limits (Japan Maritime Safety Law Article 52-3).
7. Environmental Compliance
– Sulfur content in fuel oil must not exceed 0.10% while at berth (Air Pollution Control Act Chapter 3).
– Strict prohibition on garbage disposal within 12nm of port (Japan Waste Management Law Article 15).
8. Port Services
– Fresh water supply available at all berths with minimum 24-hour notice (Kure Port Services Tariff 2023).
– No bunkering operations permitted between 2200-0600 hours at general cargo terminals.
9. Crew Requirements
– Shore leave permitted only after completing port entry health declaration (Quarantine Act Article 12).
– Mandatory wearing of life jackets during all cargo operations on deck (Japan Industrial Safety and Health Act).
10. Special Notices
– Annual typhoon preparedness drill scheduled for 1 September 2024 (Kure Port Disaster Prevention Plan).
– Vessels carrying radioactive materials require special clearance 72 hours prior to arrival (Nuclear Regulation Authority Notice NRA-2021-04).
11. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
– Kure VTS operates on VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) and working Channel 12 (156.6 MHz). Mandatory reporting at Waypoint “KU-1” (34°12.5’N, 132°36.0’E) for vessels over 500 GT.
– Vessels transiting the Kure Strait must maintain continuous VHF watch and report any defects affecting maneuverability (Japan Coast Guard Regulation No. 30/2022).
12. Tug Assistance
– Compulsory tug escort for vessels exceeding 200m LOA or 12m draft (Kure Port Tugboat Regulations, Article 4). Minimum 2 tugs required for VLCCs.
– Tug availability must be confirmed 24 hours before ETA. Last-minute cancellations may incur penalties (Port Tariff Section 5.3).
13. Port Security
– ISPS Level 1 security measures enforced at all terminals. Random armed patrols conducted by Japan Coast Guard.
– Unauthorized drones prohibited within 1km of port facilities (Civil Aeronautics Act Article 132).
14. Customs & Immigration
– Crew changes require 72-hour advance notice to Immigration Bureau via JPSS (Japan Port Submission System).
– Strict prohibition on undeclared ship stores. Random inspections conducted by Customs (Customs Act Article 67-2).
15. Weather Restrictions
– Cargo operations suspended when sustained winds exceed 15m/s (Japan Occupational Safety Code).
– Vessels must vacate anchorage if typhoon signal No. 3 is issued (Kure Port Typhoon Contingency Plan).
16. Dangerous Goods Handling
– Class 1 explosives require dedicated berth allocation at least 96 hours before arrival (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1216).
– No simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) permitted for hazardous cargo and bunkering (Port Safety Directive 2021-08).
17. Waste Disposal
– Mandatory use of licensed waste contractors for oily waste (Japan Waste Management Law Article 10).
– Plastic waste must be segregated and recorded in Garbage Record Book (MARPOL Annex V).
18. Port Dues & Charges
– 10% surcharge applied for vessels arriving outside pre-booked window (Kure Port Tariff Revision 2023).
– Electronic payment required for all port fees via JAPAN PORT PAY system.
19. Ship Repair Facilities
– Dry dock No.4 (350m length) available for vessels up to 150,000 DWT. Advance booking mandatory.
– Hot work permits issued only after gas-free certification (Japan Industrial Safety Code).
20. Local Ordinances
– No ballast water exchange within 20nm of Kure Port (Invasive Species Act 2004).
– Nighttime noise restrictions (2200-0600) enforced under Local Ordinance No. 142.
21. Port Health Regulations
– Mandatory Maritime Declaration of Health submission via Japan Quarantine System (JQS) 24 hours before arrival (Quarantine Act Article 6-2).
– Vessels from cholera-affected areas must provide valid water chlorination records (WHO International Health Regulations).
22. Navigation Equipment Requirements
– Vessels over 10,000 GT must have operational dual ECDIS systems (Japan Navigation Safety Law Article 24).
– Radar reflector mandatory for vessels under 150m LOA when transiting Kure Strait (IMO Resolution A.1045(27)).
23. Bunkering Operations
– Bunker sampling required by MARPOL Annex VI Chapter 18 for all fuel deliveries exceeding 100MT.
– No bunker transfers permitted during cargo operations involving flammable materials (Port Safety Regulation PS-45).
24. Special Cargo Handling
– Project cargo exceeding 50MT requires prior stowage plan approval (Japan Cargo Securing Manual Guidelines).
– Temperature-controlled containers must have continuous monitoring systems (Japan Food Sanitation Act).
25. Emergency Response
– Oil spill response equipment must be deployed within 30 minutes for tankers over 20,000 DWT (Japan Oil Pollution Preparedness Act).
– Emergency towing lines must be rigged and ready during port entry/exit (Kure Port Standing Order 12-3).
26. Port State Control
– Priority inspection for vessels with 3+ deficiencies in last 12 months (Tokyo MOU Concentrated Inspection Campaign).
– Special attention to lifeboat hook systems during PSC inspections (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1392).
27. Radio Communication
– Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capability mandatory for all vessels (Japan Radio Law Article 27).
– VHF Channel 13 designated for ship-to-ship communication during berthing (Kure Port Communication Protocol).
28. Ship’s Gear Certification
– Annual load testing required for cranes with SWL over 10 tons (Japan Industrial Safety and Health Act).
– Certification must be presented to stevedores before cargo operations (Port Cargo Handling Regulation 15B).
29. Freshwater Supply
– Potable water testing certificate required before connection (Japan Waterworks Law Article 19).
– Minimum 2-hour notice required for water bunkering operations (Port Services Notice 2022-07).
30. Local Services
– Garbage collection available 24/7 with prior arrangement (Kure Port Waste Management Policy).
– Crew transportation services restricted to licensed providers (Road Transport Law Article 4).
31. Fishing Zone Restrictions
– No trawling within 3nm of port entrance (34°13’N, 132°35’E) year-round (Japan Fisheries Law).
– Special caution required during May-October for fixed fishing gear in approach channels.
32. Night Navigation
– Additional searchlight required for vessels over 200m LOA during night movements (Kure Port Navigation Rule 8).
– Reduced speed (6 knots max) in inner harbor after sunset (Port Safety Committee Resolution 2021).
33. Ice Navigation (Winter Operations)
– Anti-icing equipment mandatory for deck machinery from December to February (Japan Winter Navigation Guidelines).
– Special hull inspections required for vessels arriving from ice-bound areas (ClassNK Ice Class Rules).
34. Historical Wreck Areas
– No anchoring permitted in designated war wreck zone (34°16’N, 132°32’E) (Japan Cultural Properties Protection Law).
– Magnetometer surveys recommended when operating near known wreck sites.
35. Port Entry/Exit Documentation
– Original Ship Registry Certificate must be presented to Port Authority upon first entry each year.
– Crew list must include passport numbers and visa status (Immigration Control Act Article 6).
36. Shipboard Emergency Preparedness
– Emergency muster list must include designated port emergency contacts (Kure Port Safety Regulation PS-2023-11).
– Firefighting teams must conduct pre-arrival equipment checks (SOLAS Chapter II-2 Regulation 10).
37. Cargo Documentation Requirements
– Dangerous goods manifest must follow IMDG Code 2022 Edition format (Japan Dangerous Goods Transport Law).
– Grain cargo requires official moisture content certificate (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1395/Rev.2).
38. Port Infrastructure Limitations
– Maximum air draft restriction of 45m at all berths due to overhead power lines (Kure Port Navigation Chart 2023).
– No simultaneous loading/unloading operations at adjacent Ro-Ro ramps (Port Operational Safety Bulletin 2022-15).
39. Marine Pollution Prevention
– Strict prohibition on visible exhaust emissions exceeding 20% opacity (Air Pollution Control Law Article 18).
– Mandatory use of drip trays for all deck machinery during maintenance (Japan Environmental Protection Ordinance).
40. Navigation in Restricted Visibility
– Mandatory sounding of fog signals when visibility drops below 1nm (COLREGs Rule 35).
– VTS clearance required before moving in fog conditions below 500m visibility (Kure Port Navigation Rule 12).
41. Special Area Regulations
– Discharge of sewage prohibited within 3nm of oyster farming areas (34°17’N, 132°31’E) (Japan Special Area Designation).
– No anchoring permitted in submarine cable protection zones (marked on Admiralty Chart JP 112).
42. Vessel Maintenance in Port
– Hull cleaning requires prior approval and containment measures (Anti-Fouling Convention Article 6).
– No hot work permitted within 50m of fuel storage areas (Japan Fire Service Law Article 13).
43. Crew Health Services
– Mandatory medical waste disposal through licensed contractors (Japan Medical Waste Law).
– Emergency medical evacuation available through JRCC Kure (VHF Channel 16).
44. Port Entry Procedures
– Advance submission of Pre-Arrival Notification (PAN) required 48 hours before ETA (Port Entry Regulation 5-2).
– Vessels must display official port entry flag (Flag Q) when entering (Japan Maritime Traffic Law Article 22).
45. Cybersecurity Requirements
– Mandatory antivirus updates before connecting to shore networks (Japan Cybersecurity Basic Act).
– Prohibition on unauthorized USB devices in port operations areas (Kure Port IT Security Policy).
46. Historical Tide Data
– Maximum tidal range recorded at Kure: 3.8m (Japan Hydrographic Department Data 2022).
– Strongest ebb current observed: 2.8 knots at spring tide (Nautical Almanac of Japan).
47. Local Wildlife Protection
– Speed reduction to 8 knots requested in dolphin migration corridors (April-June) (Japan Wildlife Protection Act).
– No discharge permitted in Seto Inland Sea Special Protection Area (MARPOL Annex V).
48. Ship Chandler Services
– All provisions must be delivered in sealed, pest-proof containers (Japan Plant Protection Law).
– Cash transactions above ¥1 million require port authority notification (Japan Financial Transactions Law).
49. Port Meteorological Services
– Real-time weather updates available through JMA Port Weather System (VHF Channel 22A).
– Typhoon warning signals displayed at all port entrance points (Japan Meteorological Agency Standards).
50. Final Departure Procedures
– Port Clearance Certificate must be obtained before sailing (Customs Ordinance Article 29).
– Final garbage declaration required to Marine Department (MARPOL Annex V Regulation 10).
51. Vessel Traffic Separation Scheme
– Mandatory compliance with Inland Sea Traffic Separation Scheme (IMO SN.1/Circ.336) when transiting Kure approaches.
– Westbound vessels must use designated lane between buoys KU-12 and KU-15 (Japan Coast Guard Notice 2023-21).
52. Special Tide Conditions
– Strong tidal streams (up to 4 knots) occur during spring tides near Oshima Island (34°10’N, 132°30’E).
– Slack water periods published daily in Kure Port Tide Tables (Japan Meteorological Agency).
53. Port Lighting Requirements
– Deck lighting must be adjusted to avoid glare affecting pilot/navigation (COLREGs Annex I).
– Working lights mandatory for all night cargo operations (Japan Occupational Safety Code).
54. Shipboard Security Measures
– Gangway watch must be maintained 24/7 with proper lighting (ISPS Code Part A/4.26).
– Random security drills may be conducted by Japan Coast Guard boarding teams.
55. Barge Operations
– All barges must display proper identification markings (Japan Inland Waterway Law).
– Barge towing operations require prior approval from Port Control (Kure Port Regulation 15-C).
56. Port Construction Activities
– Dredging operations ongoing near West Breakwater (34°14.2’N, 132°32.8’E) until March 2024.
– Construction vessels marked with special day shapes (COLREGs Rule 27).
57. Vessel Dimension Limitations
– Maximum permissible LOA: 330m for main harbor basin (Kure Port Design Standards).
– Air draft restriction: 50m at high tide for vessels passing under Kure Ohashi Bridge.
58. Local Fishing Vessel Awareness
– High concentration of small fishing boats near harbor entrance at dawn/dusk.
– Special caution required during squid fishing season (August-November).
59. Port Emergency Contacts
– Kure Port Control: VHF Channel 12 (24/7 monitoring).
– JRCC (Japan Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center): +81-82-243-0119.
60. Special Navigation Warnings
– Uncharted underwater obstructions reported near 34°13.5’N, 132°34.2’E (Japan Hydrographic Notice 2023-45).
– Temporary floating pipelines in operation near LNG terminal (marked by yellow buoys).
61. Vessel Speed Monitoring
– Mandatory AIS transmission of speed data within port limits (Japan VTS Regulation 8.2).
– Automated speed cameras installed at critical navigation points.
62. Port Entry Health Screening
– Thermal imaging cameras operational at all port entry points (Quarantine Act).
– Random health inspections may be conducted by quarantine officers.
63. Special Cargo Restrictions
– Military equipment shipments require special clearance (Japan Export Control Law).
– Dual-use items must be declared to Customs (Foreign Exchange Law Article 25).
64. Winter Navigation Aids
– Ice navigation buoys deployed December-March (Japan Coast Guard Notice).
– Special winter navigation charts available from Japan Hydrographic Department.
65. Final Departure Checks
– Port clearance certificate must be presented to VTS before sailing.
– Final confirmation of no outstanding port fees required.
66. Port Laytime Regulations
– Standard laytime calculation follows Japan Shipping Exchange Rules (JSER 2021).
– Demurrage rates adjusted quarterly based on Japan Ports Association index.
67. Hazardous Weather Protocols
– Typhoon warning signal No. 3 requires all cargo operations to cease immediately.
– Special mooring arrangements mandatory when sustained winds exceed 20m/s.
68. Electronic Navigation Updates
– ENC updates for Kure area issued bi-monthly by Japan Hydrographic Department.
– Mandatory to carry latest paper chart corrections (Japan Navigation Safety Law).
69. Shipboard Garbage Management
– Separate collection required for food waste (Japan Food Recycling Law).
– Incineration of waste prohibited within port limits (Air Pollution Control Law).
70. Special Berthing Requirements
– VLCCs must maintain 30% bunker capacity for emergency maneuvering.
– Container vessels exceeding 12,000 TEU require additional fender protection.
71. Port Communication Protocols
– Standard marine communication phrases (SMCP) mandatory in VHF exchanges.
– Japanese/English bilingual announcements required during emergencies.
72. Navigation in Heavy Traffic
– Vessels must yield to ferries on established routes (Japan Maritime Traffic Law).
– Special caution required during peak fishing seasons (March-April, September-October).
73. Port Entry Documentation
– Original Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) must be available for inspection.
– Valid Safety Management Certificate (SMC) copies required for all ISM vessels.
74. Special Area Compliance
– Enhanced ballast water management in Seto Inland Sea Special Area.
– Additional sewage treatment requirements within 12nm of port.
75. Final Operational Checks
– Confirmation of all moorings cleared before departure.
– Final radio check with Port Control required before sailing.
76. Port Security Zones
– Restricted areas marked with yellow flashing lights (ISPS Code Compliance).
– Unauthorized photography prohibited in operational areas (Japan Security Law Article 15).
77. Vessel Maintenance Restrictions
– Underwater cleaning requires prior environmental approval (Japan Marine Protection Act).
– Paint application prohibited during rainfall events (Port Environmental Regulation 12.4).
78. Special Cargo Handling Equipment
– Heavy lift operations require certified rigging plans (Japan Cargo Securing Manual).
– Temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals must use dedicated reefer monitoring systems.
79. Port Emergency Response
– Oil spill response teams on 30-minute standby (Japan Oil Pollution Preparedness Plan).
– Emergency muster stations clearly marked in English/Japanese/Korean.
80. Navigation During Festivals
– Special speed limits during Kure Port Festival (first weekend of August).
– Increased small boat traffic during summer fireworks displays.
81. Ship Repair Services
– Dry dock availability published quarterly in Japan Ship Repair Bulletin.
– Hot work permits valid for 8-hour periods only (Port Safety Directive 5.3).
82. Local Maritime Traditions
– Vessels requested to sound horn when passing historic naval memorial sites.
– Special courtesy flags available for visiting naval vessels.
83. Port Utilities Services
– Shore power available at Berths 5-8 (60Hz, 440V, 1500A).
– Potable water meets WHO standards (monthly test results available).
84. Special Navigation Advisories
– Magnetic anomalies reported near 34°12.3’N, 132°33.7’E (Japan Hydrographic Notice).
– Temporary exclusion zones during naval exercises (published via NOTMAR).
85. Final Departure Clearance
– Last port waste declaration must be submitted electronically.
– Confirmation of all crew accounted for required before sailing.
86. Ballast Water Management
– Mandatory ballast water exchange 200nm from nearest land (Japan Ballast Water Regulations 2023)
– Sampling and analysis may be conducted by port authorities for compliance verification
87. Dangerous Goods Handling
– Class 1 explosives require dedicated security detail during operations
– IMDG Code segregation rules strictly enforced in all storage areas
88. Vessel Sanitation
– Mandatory disinfection certificates for vessels from plague-affected areas
– Vector control measures required for ships with previous pest infestations
89. Port Entry Restrictions
– Vessels with overdue port fees denied entry until payment confirmed
– Special clearance required for vessels carrying sanctioned cargoes
90. Tug Assistance Requirements
– Minimum 2 tugboats required for vessels over 250m LOA
– Tug connection points must be clearly marked and accessible
91. Crew Change Procedures
– Immigration processing available 24/7 with prior notification
– Mandatory health screening for all embarking crew members
92. Port Meteorological Services
– Real-time weather station data available on port website
– Typhoon tracking updates issued every 3 hours during storm season
93. Special Anchorage Areas
– Designated emergency anchorage at 34°11.5’N, 132°36.2’E
– Holding area for vessels awaiting berth assignment marked by yellow buoys
94. Vessel Inspection Regime
– Random PSC inspections target vessels over 15 years old
– Concentrated inspection campaigns announced quarterly
95. Final Port Clearance
– Electronic departure clearance system operational 24/7
– All original documents returned before sailing
96. Port Waste Reception Facilities
– 24/7 waste collection available at dedicated berths (Kure Port Environmental Code 12.3)
– Sludge disposal requires prior notification and volume declaration
97. Vessel Draft Monitoring
– Real-time draft surveys conducted by port authorities for bulk carriers
– Under-keel clearance must exceed 10% of maximum draft (Port Safety Regulation 8.7)
98. Special Navigation Equipment
– Mandatory use of portable VHF radios for all mooring parties
– Laser docking systems available at container terminals (prior booking required)
99. Customs Procedures
– Electronic manifest submission required 24 hours before arrival
– Bonded stores declaration must include alcohol/tobacco quantities
100. Port Safety Zones
– No unauthorized vessels within 50m of LNG carrier berths
– Speed limit of 5 knots in inner harbor areas (Port Ordinance 15-2023)
101. Emergency Response Drills
– Quarterly oil spill response exercises conducted with port authorities
– Mandatory participation for tankers over 10,000 DWT
102. Ship Chandler Services
– Certified suppliers listed in port information bulletin (updated monthly)
– Cash transactions above ¥500,000 require port authority notification
103. Vessel Traffic Priorities
– Naval vessels have right of way in all circumstances
– Passenger ferries take precedence during peak hours (07:00-09:00, 17:00-19:00)
104. Port Infrastructure Updates
– Dynamic under-keel clearance system operational at main channel
– New bollard load testing completed (certificates available upon request)
105. Final Safety Checks
– Confirmation of all safety equipment operational before departure
– Port clearance includes verification of no outstanding violations
106. Marine Fuel Regulations
– 0.10% sulfur cap strictly enforced in port waters (Japan Clean Air Act 2024)
– Mandatory use of vapor recovery systems during bunkering operations
107. Night Navigation Procedures
– Additional navigation lights required for vessels over 200m LOA
– Reduced speed limits (8 knots max) in harbor between 2200-0600 hours
108. Port Cybersecurity Requirements
– Mandatory antivirus updates for all shipboard systems before port entry
– Two-factor authentication required for port network access
109. Special Cargo Documentation
– CITES permits required for wildlife shipments (Japan Wildlife Protection Law)
– Cultural artifacts export requires Ministry of Culture certification
110. Vessel Air Emissions Monitoring
– Continuous emissions recording required for vessels at berth >24 hours
– Random stack testing may be conducted by port environmental officers
111. Port Pilotage Exemptions
– Masters with valid Japan Pilotage Certificate may apply for exemption
– Exemption requests must be submitted 72 hours prior to arrival
112. Dangerous Weather Contingencies
– Tsunami warning system tested first Tuesday of each month
– Designated storm moorings available for vessels <5,000 GT
113. Port Community Services
– Multilingual assistance available through Port Help Desk (English/Chinese/Korean)
– Medical evacuation coordination provided 24/7 for emergency cases
114. Vessel Maintenance Restrictions
– No hull cleaning permitted within port limits (Marine Biofouling Regulation 2023)
– Engine repairs requiring open flame require special hot work permit
115. Final Environmental Compliance
– Zero discharge verification required before departure clearance
– Confirmation of all environmental fees settled with port authorities
