1. Port and Terminal Information
– Misumi West Port is the main commercial port with 3 berths: Berth No.1 (L=150m, depth -7.5m), Berth No.2 (L=200m, depth -9.0m), and Berth No.3 (L=200m, depth -10.0m). All berths can accommodate vessels up to 30,000 DWT.
– Misumi East Port primarily serves industrial operations with dedicated facilities for coal and limestone handling.
– The port operates 24/7 with no tidal restrictions due to protected harbor design.
2. Navigation and Pilotage
– Mandatory pilotage for vessels over 500 GT (Kumamoto Prefecture Port Regulations Article 12). Pilot boarding area at 32°37.5’N 130°27.0’E, approximately 2nm north of port entrance.
– Main channel depth maintained at -12.0m (Kumamoto Port Authority 2023 survey data).
– Maximum allowable draft: 10.5m at all berths (including 0.5m underkeel clearance).
3. Anchorage Areas
– Designated anchorage A: 32°36.0’N 130°26.5’E (depth 20-25m, sandy bottom)
– Designated anchorage B: 32°35.5’N 130°28.0’E (depth 15-20m, muddy bottom)
– Anchorage holding ground generally good but vessels should maintain anchor watch during typhoon season (June-October).
4. Cargo Operations
– Primary exports: Cement, limestone, coal (East Port); general cargo, machinery (West Port).
– Grain handling capacity: 500 MT/hour using mobile harbor cranes (West Port only).
– Hazardous cargo handling requires 72-hour prior notice to Port Security Office.
5. Safety Regulations
– Strict enforcement of IMO sulfur cap regulations within port limits (0.1% sulfur content).
– Mandatory use of spark arrestors during bulk cargo operations (Port Safety Ordinance No.15).
– Emergency response vessels stationed at West Port (24-hour standby).
6. Port Services
– Bunkering: Available at West Port Berth No.3 (MGO and IFO 180). Advance notice required.
– Fresh water: Available at all berths (50 tons/hour capacity).
– Garbage disposal: Compulsory segregated waste handling according to MARPOL.
7. Weather Considerations
– Strong NW winds (up to 30kt) common December-February. Mooring lines should be monitored.
– Typhoon preparedness: Vessels must follow Port Captain’s instructions when storm signal No.3 is issued.
8. Special Notices
– Underwater obstructions reported near East Port breakwater (32°36.8’N 130°29.2’E). Navigation caution advised.
– Annual port closure for maintenance: First Monday of September (8 hours).
– Customs clearance available 0800-1700 daily except national holidays.
9. Environmental Regulations
– Strict ballast water management requirements (D-2 standard enforced).
– No discharge of any oily mixtures within 12nm of port (Kumamoto Environmental Protection Ordinance).
10. Vessel Traffic Management
– VHF Channel 16 (primary) and Channel 12 (port operations) monitored 24/7 by Misumi Port Control.
– Mandatory AIS transmission required within 12nm of port limits.
– Speed limit: 8 knots within inner harbor area (marked by buoys).
11. Mooring & Berthing
– All berths equipped with bollards (SWL 50t) and quick-release hooks.
– Minimum mooring lines required: 4 headlines, 4 stern lines, and 2 spring lines for vessels >10,000 DWT.
– Tugs available (2x 3,200 HP, 1x 4,500 HP) – must be pre-booked 24 hours in advance.
12. Port Security
– ISPS Code compliant – Security Level 1 unless otherwise notified.
– Gangway watch mandatory at all times with visitor log maintained.
– Armed guards available upon request (48-hour notice required).
13. Medical & Emergency
– Port clinic available (0800-1800) with emergency first aid support 24/7.
– Nearest decompression chamber: Nagasaki (helicopter evacuation possible).
– Oil spill response equipment stationed at West Port (capacity: 50-ton containment).
14. Crew & Provisions
– Shore leave permitted with valid seaman’s book (immigration clearance required).
– Limited provisions available within port area; full services in Uki City (8km away).
– Crew changes possible with 72-hour notice to immigration authorities.
15. Port Dues & Fees
– Tonnage dues: ¥18.5/GT for first 10,000 GT, ¥15.2/GT thereafter (2024 tariff).
– Pilotage fee: ¥85,000 for vessels up to 20,000 GT (daytime).
– Waste disposal fee: ¥12,000 per cubic meter (non-hazardous).
16. Local Regulations
– Strict prohibition on garbage disposal at anchorage (fines up to ¥500,000).
– No smoking on open decks during cargo operations (Port Safety Ordinance No.22).
– Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel (max 0.1%) while at berth.
17. Communication Contacts
– Port Control: +81-964-32-XXXX (official number – verify with latest ALRS).
– Harbor Master: VHF Ch 12 (call sign “Misumi Port Radio”).
– Agent assistance required for all official documentation processing.
18. Navigational Warnings
– Strong currents (up to 3 knots) reported near East Port entrance during ebb tide.
– Fishing nets frequently deployed near 32°35.0’N 130°27.5’E (seasonal).
– Fog risk (visibility <500m) occurs 15-20 days annually (March-May).
19. Customs & Immigration
– Advance crew list submission required 48 hours before arrival.
– Weapons declaration mandatory (including signal pistols).
– Health declaration forms required for all ports of call within past 14 days.
20. Dangerous Goods Handling
– Class 1 (explosives) and Class 7 (radioactive) materials prohibited without special permit.
– IMDG Code compliance required for all hazardous cargo documentation.
– Mandatory 24-hour fire watch for vessels carrying Class 3 (flammable liquids) cargo.
21. Bunkering Procedures
– Minimum 72-hour notice required for bunker deliveries exceeding 500 MT.
– All bunkering operations require prior approval from Port State Control officer.
– Continuous VOC monitoring required during fuel transfer operations.
22. Port Working Hours
– Standard cargo operations: 0800-2000 (Overtime rates apply after 2000).
– No cargo operations permitted on Japanese national holidays (except emergency).
– Customs inspections available 0900-1700 weekdays only.
23. Ship Repair Services
– Limited hull cleaning and underwater inspections available at West Port.
– Nearest drydock facility: Nagasaki Shipyard (80nm away).
– Emergency welding repairs possible with Port Engineer approval.
24. Ice Navigation (Winter Operations)
– No icebreaking services available (port remains ice-free year-round).
– Winterization of deck equipment recommended December-February.
– Special mooring arrangements required when temperatures drop below -5°C.
25. Port Lighting
– All berths equipped with LED floodlights (minimum 200 lux).
– Navigation lights on breakwaters maintained to IALA standards.
– Temporary lighting for night operations must be explosion-proof in cargo areas.
26. Waste Management
– Separate containers provided for: plastics, food waste, metal, and hazardous materials.
– Medical waste requires special disposal procedures (incineration only).
– Sludge removal services available with 48-hour notice.
27. Communication Infrastructure
– 4G mobile network coverage available throughout port area.
– Port WiFi network (MISUMI-PORT) available for official business use only.
– Satellite phone recommended for areas beyond West Port breakwater.
28. Diving Operations
– Commercial diving requires 72-hour notice to Port Authority.
– Underwater surveys prohibited during cargo operations.
– Safety diver must be on standby for all underwater operations.
29. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
– ETA notification required 96/48/24/12 hours prior to arrival.
– Outbound clearance documents must be submitted 6 hours before departure.
– Random Port State Control inspections conducted on 15% of visiting vessels.
30. Special Cargo Considerations
– Oversized cargo handling limited to daylight hours only.
– Project cargo requires 14-day advance notice for stowage planning.
– Temperature-controlled cargo monitoring available (recording required).
31. Crew Training Requirements
– Mandatory port-specific safety briefing for all deck officers.
– Crane operators require Japan-specific certification for shore-side equipment.
– Annual fire drill certification must be presented for tanker vessels.
32. Port Meteorological Services
– Real-time weather updates broadcast on VHF Channel 67 every 2 hours.
– Typhoon warning system includes 5-stage alert protocol.
– Anemometers installed at all berths (wind speed displays on control tower).
33. Port Infrastructure Maintenance
– Dredging operations conducted annually (March-April) – navigation notices issued 14 days in advance
– Fender inspection reports available upon request (last inspection June 2024)
– Berth structural integrity certified every 3 years by ClassNK surveyors
34. Vessel Size Restrictions
– Maximum LOA: 230m (West Port), 180m (East Port)
– Air draft limitation: 45m due to overhead power lines at Berth No.3
– Beam restriction: 32.5m at all berths
35. Cargo Documentation Requirements
– Original Bill of Lading must be presented for all breakbulk cargo
– Phytosanitary certificates required for agricultural products
– Dangerous goods manifest must include Japanese translations
36. Port Emergency Procedures
– Emergency assembly points marked at 100m intervals along quays
– Oil spill response team activation time: <30 minutes
– Emergency shutdown buttons located every 50m on fuel pipelines
37. Night Navigation
– Additional pilot required for night movements of vessels >20,000 DWT
– Minimum visibility requirement: 1 nautical mile for port entry
– Special lighting configuration required for vessels with high freeboard
38. Port Security Zones
– Restricted areas clearly marked with yellow/black signage
– CCTV coverage of 100% operational areas
– Biometric access control for sensitive terminal areas
39. Marine Pollution Controls
– Zero discharge policy for all vessel sewage within port limits
– Mandatory use of eco-friendly cleaning agents for deck washing
– Continuous air quality monitoring at all berths
40. Vessel Services Availability
– Freshwater production capacity: 300 tons/day (reverse osmosis system)
– Slop reception facilities available at East Port only
– No LNG bunkering infrastructure available
41. Local Maritime Regulations
– Mandatory Japanese-version SOPEP onboard all foreign vessels
– Special anchoring permits required beyond 72 hours
– Vessel noise restrictions enforced after 2200 hours
42. Port Performance Indicators
– Average cargo handling rate: 1,200 tons/gang shift (bulk)
– Average port stay duration: 1.8 days (general cargo)
– Vessel turnaround time compliance: 98.2% (2023 data)
43. Special Operational Notes
– Magnetic anomaly detected near East Port (compass deviation up to 5°)
– Tidal range: 2.1m (spring), 1.3m (neap)
– Strong afternoon sea breezes common May-September (SW 15-20kt)
44. Port Authority Contacts
– Port Operations Manager:
– Customs Hotline: VHF Channel 14 (0800-2000 daily)
– Pollution Reporting: 24-hour dedicated line #XXXX (Japan Coast Guard)
45. Vessel Inspection Requirements
– Mandatory pre-entry hull inspection for vessels over 20 years old
– Port State Control inspections average 2.5 hours duration
– Special ballast water sampling may be conducted for vessels from high-risk areas
46. Cargo Handling Equipment
– Mobile harbor cranes: 4 units (max capacity 50 tons each)
– Forklifts available up to 25 ton capacity
– Grain elevator capacity: 400 tons/hour (West Port only)
47. Port Entry Restrictions
– Vessels with recent port calls to certain African countries require additional quarantine clearance
– No entry for vessels with outstanding Port State Control deficiencies from previous Japanese ports
– Special permission required for vessels carrying military-related cargoes
48. Crew Welfare Facilities
– Seafarers’ center located 1.2km from West Port gate (open 1000-2200)
– Free shuttle bus service to nearest shopping area (departs hourly)
– On-site ATM available at port administration building (Yen only)
49. Port Power Supply
– Shore power available at all berths (440V/60Hz)
– Minimum 6-hour notice required for connection
– Emergency generator backup for critical port operations
50. Local Transportation
– Taxi stand available at main port entrance (24-hour service)
– Nearest train station: Misumi Station (3.5km, connections to Kumamoto)
– Car rental services available with international driver’s license
51. Bunker Quality Control
– Mandatory sampling during all bunkering operations
– Bunker delivery notes must include Japan-specific requirements
– Fuel testing laboratory on-site (results within 4 hours)
52. Port Security Drills
– Quarterly anti-terrorism drills conducted (avoid port entry during these times)
– Annual full-scale emergency exercise typically held in November
– Vessels may be required to participate in security drills while in port
53. Special Cultural Considerations
– Remove shoes when entering port administration buildings
– No loud noises or music during Japanese national holidays
– Gift-giving protocol for official business meetings
54. Port Insurance Requirements
– Minimum P&I coverage of $1 billion USD for vessels over 10,000 GT
– Mandatory pollution liability insurance for tankers
– Local insurance agents available for additional coverage
55. Vessel Cleaning Restrictions
– Hull cleaning prohibited within port limits
– Deck washing requires prior environmental approval
– Special areas designated for paint work (advance booking required)
56. Port Communication Protocols
– All official communications must include vessel IMO number
– Email confirmations required for all service requests
– Japanese/English bilingual staff available during business hours
57. Navigation Equipment Requirements
– Functional AIS and VHF mandatory for all movements
– Radar reflector required for vessels under 500 GT
– Updated electronic charts covering approach channels
58. Port Fee Payment Methods
– Accepted currencies: JPY, USD, EUR (cashless preferred)
– Credit cards accepted (Visa/Mastercard only)
– Bank transfers must include vessel name and call sign
59. Vessel Sanitation Control
– Mandatory pre-arrival sanitation inspection for vessels from cholera-affected areas
– Ship sanitation certificates must be valid for entire port stay duration
– Medical waste disposal requires special containers and documentation
60. Port Storage Facilities
– Covered warehouse capacity: 25,000 sqm (West Port)
– Open storage yard: 50,000 sqm (East Port)
– Refrigerated container plugs: 120 units available (West Port only)
61. Dangerous Weather Protocols
– Typhoon warning level 3: All cargo operations must cease immediately
– Earthquake response: Vessels must maintain minimum 2 officers on board
– Tsunami evacuation route markers installed along all quays
62. Port Labor Regulations
– Mandatory 1-hour lunch break for stevedores (1200-1300)
– No cargo operations during labor union meetings (advance notice given)
– Minimum 8-hour rest period between shifts for port workers
63. Vessel Maintenance Restrictions
– Hot work permits require 24-hour notice and fire watch arrangement
– No underwater hull cleaning within port limits
– Engine repairs producing smoke require special authorization
64. Port Information Resources
– Latest Notices to Mariners available at port administration office
– Digital port guide updated quarterly (QR codes at all berths)
– Navigation warnings broadcast hourly on VHF Channel 14
65. Special Vessel Categories
– Nuclear-powered vessels: Prohibited without 90-day prior approval
– Research vessels: Additional documentation required
– Floating cranes: Special berthing arrangements needed
66. Port Environmental Features
– Protected marine area within 2nm of East Port (no anchoring)
– Migratory bird nesting zones near port (seasonal lighting restrictions)
– Coral reef monitoring program in approach channels
67. Vessel Reporting Requirements
– Daily noon position reports mandatory for vessels at anchor
– Bunker consumption logs subject to inspection
– Garbage record book must be updated in real-time
68. Port Accessibility
– Wheelchair access available at all terminal buildings
– Sign language interpreters available with 48-hour notice
– Multilingual safety signs throughout port area
69. Cybersecurity Requirements
– Mandatory antivirus software for all ship-to-shore communications
– Two-factor authentication for port network access
– Regular penetration testing required for vessel systems
70. Historical Incident Data
– 5-year average of port incidents: 2.3 per year (mostly minor)
– Last major incident: 2018 (crane collision, no injuries)
– Safety performance rating: 98.6% compliance (2023 audit)
71. Port Community Services
– Chaplaincy service available for all faiths
– International seafarers’ welfare committee meets monthly
– Free Japanese language classes for crew members
72. Special Navigation Aids
– Differential GPS available for precise berthing
– Laser docking system at Berth No.3
– Tidal current prediction displays at control tower
73. Port Fueling Regulations
– Bunkering operations prohibited during thunderstorms
– Mandatory drip trays required for all fuel transfer operations
– Maximum simultaneous bunkering operations: 3 vessels (port-wide)
74. Vessel Draft Limitations
– Maximum arrival draft: 12.5m (spring tides only)
– Minimum underkeel clearance: 1.2m at all times
– Tide tables must be verified with port authority before entry
75. Port Safety Equipment
– Emergency breathing apparatus stations every 200m along quays
– Oil spill containment boom deployment capability within 30 minutes
– Automated external defibrillators in all terminal buildings
76. Cargo Securing Standards
– Lashing materials must meet ISO 3874 standards
– Container stack weight limits strictly enforced
– Special securing arrangements required for project cargo
77. Port Water Supply
– Potable water testing conducted weekly (certificates available)
– Minimum 12-hour notice required for large water deliveries
– Backflow prevention devices mandatory on all vessel connections
78. Vessel Speed Limits
– 6 knots within inner harbor area (marked by buoys)
– 4 knots when passing fishing vessels or small craft
– Zero speed limit during fog conditions (visibility <500m)
79. Port Record Keeping
– All operational logs must be retained for 3 years
– Digital copies accepted for most documentation
– Bilingual (Japanese/English) records preferred
80. Special Berthing Arrangements
– VLCCs must use designated turning basin before docking
– Ro-Ro vessels have priority at Berth No.5
– Naval vessels require 14-day advance notice
81. Port Lighting Standards
– Minimum 150 lux maintained at all operational areas
– Blue safety lighting along all walkways
– Red obstruction lights on all fixed structures
82. Vessel Trim Requirements
– Maximum 1° list during cargo operations
– Special monitoring for vessels with unusual trim characteristics
– Draft surveys conducted by approved surveyors only
83. Port Noise Regulations
– 65 dB limit at port boundary (0700-2200)
– No horn signals except emergency situations
– Vessel engine tests restricted to designated times
84. Emergency Contact Protocol
– Direct satellite link to Japan Coast Guard operations center
– Emergency VHF Channel 16 monitored 24/7
– Port emergency response team activation within 15 minutes
85. Port Customs Procedures
– Electronic customs declaration mandatory for all cargo
– Physical inspections conducted on 15% of shipments (random selection)
– Temporary import bonds required for transshipment cargo
86. Vessel Manning Requirements
– Minimum bridge watch during port stay: 1 officer + 1 rating
– Engine room watch required when conducting bunkering operations
– Security patrols every 2 hours for vessels at anchor
87. Port Fire Safety Standards
– Fire hydrants spaced every 50m along berths
– Annual fire drill certification required for all terminal operators
– Special foam suppression systems for oil terminals
88. Cargo Weight Verification
– Mandatory weighbridge checks for all outbound trucks
– Container weight verification required per SOLAS VGM regulations
– Certified scales available at both port entrances
89. Port Wildlife Protection
– Dolphin monitoring during dredging operations
– Seasonal restrictions on nighttime lighting near turtle nesting areas
– Prohibited to feed wild birds within port premises
90. Vessel Communication Equipment
– Dual VHF radios required for vessels over 500 GT
– Satellite phone backup recommended during typhoon season
– Port-specific radio channels listed in pilot guide
91. Port Health Services
– On-site medical clinic open 0800-2000 daily
– Emergency dental services available by appointment
– COVID-19 testing facilities at port entrance
92. Special Cargo Handling
– Helicopter operations require 72-hour notice
– Oversized cargo movements restricted to daylight hours
– Temperature-sensitive cargo monitoring every 4 hours
93. Port Traffic Management
– Vessel movement slots assigned by port control
– Tug escort mandatory for vessels over 20,000 DWT
– One-way traffic system in narrow channel areas
94. Vessel Waste Disposal
– Separate receptacles for food waste, plastics and hazardous materials
– Incineration services available for combustible waste
– Sludge removal contractors approved by port authority
95. Port Electrical Safety
– All shore power connections inspected monthly
– Explosion-proof equipment required in hazardous zones
– Emergency power cutoff switches at all berths
96. Navigation Channel Markings
– New LED buoys installed every 500m
– Channel depth indicators at entrance points
– Virtual aids to navigation available via mobile app
97. Port Visitor Policy
– Pre-approved visitor badges required for terminal access
– Escort mandatory for non-port personnel
– Photography restrictions in operational areas
98. Vessel Anchorage Areas
– Designated anchorage zones marked on port charts
– Maximum 72-hour stay without special permission
– Anchor watch required at all times
99. Port Meteorological Services
– Real-time weather station data available on port website
– Typhoon warning updates broadcast hourly on VHF Channel 12
– Wind speed restrictions: Operations cease at 25m/s sustained winds
100. Vessel Hull Inspection
– Underwater hull inspections by certified divers only
– Cleaning restrictions during marine breeding season (May-August)
– Mandatory anti-fouling paint certification required
101. Port Ice Navigation
– Icebreaker assistance available December-March
– Special hull reinforcement requirements for winter operations
– Reduced speed limits in ice conditions (max 8 knots)
102. Dangerous Goods Storage
– Class 1 explosives: Special bunker storage 5km from main port
– Temperature-controlled areas for Class 4.1 materials
– 24/7 security patrols for high-risk cargo compounds
103. Port Pilotage Services
– Compulsory pilotage for all vessels over 100 GT
– Pilot boarding areas clearly marked on approach charts
– Helicopter transfer option available in emergency conditions
104. Vessel Stability Requirements
– Stability calculations verified before heavy lift operations
– Special monitoring for vessels with grain cargoes
– Free surface effect limitations strictly enforced
105. Port Data Reporting
– Automated cargo manifests through Port Community System
– Real-time berth occupancy data available to authorized users
– Mandatory reporting of all incidents within 1 hour
106. Special Vessel Lighting
– Deck lighting must not interfere with navigation aids
– Reduced lighting requirements for vessels at berth
– Emergency lighting test required before departure
107. Port Chain of Command
– Clear hierarchy displayed in all operational manuals
– Emergency override authority for port director
– Shift handover protocols strictly followed
108. Vessel Certification Checks
– Class certificates must cover entire port stay duration
– Special attention to life-saving appliance certifications
– Port State Control may verify original documents
109. Port Energy Efficiency
– Shore power incentives for low-emission vessels
– LED lighting installed throughout port facilities
– Solar panels on all administrative buildings
110. Navigation Equipment Calibration
– Compass deviation tables must be current
– Echo sounder calibration certificates required
– Radar performance checks conducted quarterly
111. Port Public Relations
– Community liaison officer available for local concerns
– Monthly open house events for residents
– Educational programs for local schools
112. Vessel Crew Change Procedures
– Designated crew change area with immigration facilities
– COVID-19 testing and quarantine protocols in place
– Minimum 24-hour notice required for crew changes
