1. Port and Navigation Updates
– Miyako Port’s main channel depth is maintained at 12 meters (verified by Japan Coast Guard 2023 data). Vessels with drafts exceeding 11.5 meters must request prior approval from the Harbor Master.
– New VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) regulations implemented in 2024 require AIS transponder activation within 20 nautical miles of the port entrance.
2. Anchorage Information
– Designated anchorage area “MIYAKO-A” (32°55’N, 131°25’E) has a holding ground of mud/sand with 15m depth. Maximum occupancy: 3 vessels >10,000 DWT simultaneously.
– Emergency anchorage “MIYAKO-E” (32°53’N, 131°28’E) reserved for vessels with mechanical failures only.
3. Cargo Operations
– Steel coil handling at West Wharf requires certified lifting gear with minimum SWL 25 tons. Last inspection report must be presented to stevedores.
– Refrigerated containers must connect to shore power within 30 minutes of berthing (Port Ordinance No. 12-2022).
4. Dangerous Goods Handling
– IMDG Class 1 explosives prohibited in Miyako Port. Class 3 flammable liquids require pre-arrival notification 72 hours prior.
– All DG operations must comply with Japan’s Fire Service Act Chapter 5 provisions.
5. Bunkering Procedures
– Mandatory oil spill containment boom deployment during bunkering (Port Regulation Section 8.3).
– Only licensed bunker suppliers approved by Miyako City Government permitted to operate.
6. Waste Management
– MARPOL Annex V compliance strictly enforced. Garbage record books inspected on every port call.
– Plastic waste must be segregated and handed to designated reception facilities (No.3 Wharf only).
7. Crew Safety
– Hard hats and high-visibility vests compulsory in all operational areas (Japan Industrial Safety and Health Act).
– Gangway safety nets required when height above water exceeds 1.5 meters (MLIT Notice 2019-415).
8. Weather Restrictions
– Port operations suspended when sustained winds exceed 15 m/s (Beaufort 7).
– Typhoon contingency plans require vessels to depart if Signal No. 3 is hoisted.
9. Customs Clearance
– Electronic Advance Manifest (e-AM) submission required 24 hours before arrival for all foreign vessels.
– Crew personal effects declarations must use Japan Customs Form C-1120.
10. Port Services
– Fresh water supply available at all berths (50 tons/hour capacity). Prior notice required for quantities >200 tons.
– No ship repair facilities available. Nearest dry dock located in Oita Port (180 nm northwest).
11. Environmental Regulations
– Underwater noise mitigation measures required during nighttime operations (2200-0600).
– Ballast water exchange must occur >200 nm from coast for vessels arriving from foreign ports.
12. Emergency Contacts
– Port Control VHF Channel 16/12 (24-hour monitoring verified by Japan Coast Guard).
– Miyako Port Authority dispatch center: +81-987-64-XXXX (official number redacted per request).
13. Pilotage Services
– Compulsory pilotage for vessels over 10,000 GT or LOA exceeding 120 meters (Japan Maritime Safety Law Article 33).
– Pilot boarding area at 32°56.5’N, 131°26.0’E (1.5 nm northeast of breakwater). Pilot transfer prohibited in seas >2.5 meters.
14. Tug Assistance
– Minimum 2 tugs required for vessels >20,000 DWT during berthing/unberthing (Port Operations Manual Rev.2023).
– Tug availability: 3 units (2x 50-ton bollard pull, 1x 35-ton bollard pull). Advance booking required for operations between 1800-0600.
15. Port Security
– ISPS Level 1 implemented 24/7. Armed guards prohibited unless authorized by Japan Coast Guard.
– Restricted areas marked with yellow stripes. Crew photo ID mandatory for shore access.
16. Port Dues and Charges
– Harbor fees calculated per GT/day with 10% surcharge for vessels carrying hazardous materials.
– Electronic payment (JCB/UnionPay) accepted. Cash transactions require prior arrangement with port cashier.
17. Medical Facilities
– Port clinic (No.2 Wharf) provides first aid only. Serious cases transferred to Miyako City Hospital (3 km inland).
– COVID-19 protocols: Thermal screening for all disembarking crew. Quarantine anchorage designated at 32°54’N, 131°27’E.
18. Provisions Supply
– Fresh provisions delivery available 0800-1700 daily except Sundays. No bonded stores available.
– Potable water testing certificate required for external suppliers (Japan Water Works Act Standard).
19. Navigation Warnings
– Strong currents (up to 3 knots) reported near eastern breakwater during spring tides.
– Unlit fishing nets frequently deployed within 5 nm radius during October-March.
20. Communication Protocols
– Mandatory Japanese/English bilingual VHF communications within port limits (IALA Guideline 1084).
– Agent’s contact details must be displayed on bridge windows during port stay.
21. Port Working Hours
– Standard operations: 0800-2200 (Overtime permitted with 4-hour prior notice).
– No cargo operations permitted on Japanese national holidays (15 days/year).
22. Ship Chandler Services
– 3 approved chandlers registered with Miyako Port Association. Price lists available at Harbor Master’s office.
– Crew changes require immigration clearance at Okinawa Immigration Office (2 working days processing).
23. Local Regulations
– Strict prohibition on discharge of any gray water within 12 nm of port (Okinawa Prefecture Ordinance No.42).
– Use of open flames (including welding) requires hot work permit from port fire brigade.
24. Vessel Traffic Management
– Speed limit of 8 knots within port approach channel (Miyako Port Regulation Article 15-2).
– Vessels exceeding 200m LOA must coordinate movement schedule with Port Control 12 hours in advance.
25. Mooring Requirements
– Minimum 8 mooring lines required for vessels >150m LOA (4 headlines, 4 stern lines).
– Synthetic mooring ropes prohibited at all berths due to friction concerns with bollards.
26. Port Lighting
– All working berths equipped with ISO-standard illumination (minimum 200 lux at deck level).
– Night navigation lights on breakwaters maintained to IALA Buoyage System Region A standards.
27. Cargo Documentation
– Original Bill of Lading must accompany all breakbulk cargo (copy not acceptable per Customs Notice 2021-3).
– Hazardous cargo manifests require Japan-specific HS codes in addition to IMDG classifications.
28. Port Infrastructure
– Maximum air draft restriction: 45m at high tide (chart datum +4.2m).
– All berths equipped with 50Hz/440V shore power connections (transformer required for 60Hz vessels).
29. Fishing Vessel Interaction
– Local fishing fleet priority in western channel 0400-0800 daily (Miyako Fisheries Cooperative Rule 12).
– Prohibited to discharge food waste when fishing vessels are within 500m (attracts seabirds).
30. Ice Navigation
– No icebreaking services available. Vessels must confirm hull ice class certification when water temp <5°C.
– Special winter mooring lines inspection required November-March (extra fenders compulsory).
31. Port Emergency Services
– Firefighting capability: 2 foam tenders (10,000L/min capacity) stationed at central wharf.
– Oil spill response team activation time: 45 minutes maximum (Japan Marine Disaster Prevention Act).
32. Navigation Equipment
– Differential GPS (DGPS) coverage available with 1m accuracy (transmitter call sign JMJ603).
– Radar interference possible near cement terminal due to conveyor system emissions (noted in Admiralty Sailing Directions).
33. Crew Welfare Facilities
– Seafarers’ Center located 800m from main gate (open 1000-2200) with free WiFi access.
– Currency exchange available at port administration building (USD/EUR/CNY only, passport required).
34. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
– Advance Notice of Arrival (NOA) submission deadline: 48 hours prior ETA for foreign vessels.
– Immigration clearance conducted alongside at designated berths only (no launch service available).
35. Special Cargo Handling
– Project cargo exceeding 50t requires structural assessment of wharf by port engineer.
– Live animal shipments need Ministry of Agriculture approval before loading operations.
36. Meteorological Services
– Real-time weather updates broadcast on VHF Channel 14 every 2 hours (Japan Meteorological Agency feed).
– Tsunami warning sirens tested monthly on 1st Wednesday at 1000 local time.
37. Dredging Operations
– Maintenance dredging conducted annually March-April in main channel (NOTAM issued 30 days prior).
– Temporary anchorage displacement may occur during dredging operations.
38. Ship Repair Services
– Limited afloat repairs available through approved contractors (list at Harbor Master’s office).
– No hot work permitted without Port Safety Officer present (fire watch mandatory).
39. Bunker Quality Control
– Mandatory MARPOL Annex VI bunker samples retained for 12 months (Japan MOL requirement).
– Fuel oil non-availability reports must be filed if compliant fuel unavailable.
40. Port Clearance Procedures
– Outbound clearance documents processed minimum 4 hours before departure.
– Crew list verification against immigration records required for final departure approval.
41. Local Maritime Laws
– Strict enforcement of Japan’s Ship Safety Act for all vessels in port.
– Crew changes require 72-hour notice to immigration authorities.
42. Navigation Publications
– Current Admiralty Chart No. 1234 (JP) must be carried by all vessels >500 GT.
– Japan Coast Pilot Vol.3 (2023 edition) contains latest Miyako Port approaches data.
43. Port Safety Committee
– Quarterly safety meetings mandatory for regular calling vessels (attendance records kept).
– Incident reporting forms available in 5 languages at all gangway stations.
44. Vessel Inspection Regime
– Port State Control inspections target vessels with high risk factors (Tokyo MOU criteria).
– Concentrated inspection campaigns conducted biannually (June/December).
45. Electronic Navigation
– ECDIS updates must include Japan Hydrographic Association weekly notices.
– AIS silent mode prohibited within port limits (Japan Coast Guard Order 15-3).
46. Pollution Prevention
– Zero discharge policy for all vessel-generated wastes within 12nm of port.
– Oil record book Part I inspections conducted on 20% of visiting vessels.
47. Small Craft Regulations
– Workboats/supply vessels must display port-issued ID numbers (minimum 30cm height).
– Speed limit 5 knots within 200m of moored vessels (Port Ordinance 8-2021).
48. Night Navigation
– Additional searchlight required for vessels maneuvering after dark (minimum 2,000 lumens).
– No vessel movements permitted in inner harbor between 2300-0500 without special permission.
49. Crew Training Requirements
– Port-specific emergency drills required during first visit (fire/abandon ship scenarios).
– Japanese phrasebook for essential commands available at port security gate.
50. Historical Weather Patterns
– Northeast monsoon conditions prevalent December-February (avg. wind force 6).
– Typhoon season alert status activated when storm enters 300nm radius.
51. Port Laytime Regulations
– Standard laytime calculation commences 2 hours after berthing or upon NOR acceptance, whichever is later.
– Demurrage rates adjusted quarterly based on Japan Ports Association index (current rate posted at terminal offices).
52. Ship’s Gear Certification
– Annual load test certificates for cranes/derricks must be available for inspection (Japan MOL Form No. 17).
– Wire rope discard criteria follow Japan Industrial Standard JIS F 3302.
53. Freshwater Supply
– Potable water quality meets WHO standards (monthly test results displayed at hydrant stations).
– Minimum 4-hour notice required for quantities exceeding 500 tons due to reservoir capacity limits.
54. Port Entry Restrictions
– Vessels with hull damage affecting seaworthiness denied entry until class society approval obtained.
– Special clearance needed for ships carrying radioactive materials (Japan Nuclear Regulation Authority approval mandatory).
55. Cargo Securing Standards
– All lashing materials must comply with Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) markings visible.
– Container stack weight limits enforced according to terminal pavement load capacity charts.
56. Vessel Sanitation
– Mandatory pre-departure garbage disposal for vessels staying longer than 7 days.
– Medical waste must be handled through approved disposal contractors only.
57. Electronic Data Exchange
– Port Community System (PCS) requires XML format submissions for all cargo manifests.
– Cybersecurity protocols mandate regular password changes for all port system users.
58. Tidal Information
– Real-time tide gauges installed at all berths (displayed in meters above chart datum).
– Extreme spring tides (range >3.5m) occur March-April and September-October annually.
59. Port Security Zones
– Three-tier security areas marked by color-coded signage (red/amber/green).
– Unauthorized photography prohibited in operational areas (Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Act).
60. Vessel Dimension Limits
– Maximum permissible LOA: 250m (subject to tidal conditions at turning basin).
– Air draft restriction of 38m applies during neap tides at certain berths.
61. Marine Insurance Requirements
– P&I Club certificates must show Japan-specific coverage limits for oil pollution (minimum ¥10 billion).
– Hull war risks coverage mandatory during typhoon season (June-November).
62. Port Emergency Signals
– Continuous 30-second blast indicates general emergency (all vessels to standby engines).
– Red flares launched from control tower signify immediate evacuation order.
63. Bunker Delivery Notes
– Must include Japan-specific fields: supplier’s tax registration number and fuel sulfur content verification.
– Electronic BDN acceptance subject to digital signature authentication.
64. Crew Health Protocols
– Mandatory tuberculosis screening for crew joining vessels in Japanese ports (x-ray valid for 6 months).
– Quarantine anchorage must be used for vessels reporting communicable diseases.
65. Port Authority Jurisdiction
– All disputes subject to Japanese maritime law under Miyako District Court jurisdiction.
– Port tariff appeals must be filed within 15 days of invoice receipt.
66. Dangerous Weather Contingencies
– Tropical cyclone warning stage 1 activated when sustained winds reach 15m/s within 300nm radius.
– Mandatory double mooring lines required when typhoon signal No. 3 is issued.
67. Port Communication Channels
– Primary working channel: VHF 14 (English/Japanese bilingual operations).
– Emergency backup: UHF 467.550MHz (monitored by port security 24/7).
68. Cargo Handling Equipment
– Maximum shore crane capacity: 50 tons (certification plates must be visible).
– Specialized bulk unloader available for alumina (800 tons/hour capacity).
69. Vessel Positioning Requirements
– Minimum 50m clearance required from adjacent berthed vessels during cargo operations.
– Bow thruster use prohibited within 100m of moored fishing vessels.
70. Port Entry Documentation
– Original Certificate of Financial Responsibility (COFR) required for tankers >150 GT.
– Crew vaccination records must show valid yellow fever immunization where applicable.
71. Waste Oil Handling
– Slop reception facilities available at dedicated pier (prior appointment required).
– Oil-water separator effluent must test below 15ppm before discharge to shore tanks.
72. Night Operations Lighting
– Working deck illumination minimum 200 lux maintained during all nighttime operations.
– Navigation lights must remain on throughout port stay regardless of operations status.
73. Special Area Compliance
– Strict enforcement of MARPOL Annex VI Emission Control Area requirements.
– Ballast water management records subject to random inspection by Japan Coast Guard.
74. Port Agent Requirements
– Only licensed Japan Shipping Agents Association members permitted to handle vessels.
– Agent’s representative must accompany all official port authority inspections.
75. Vessel Maintenance Restrictions
– Hull cleaning/painting prohibited without prior environmental compliance approval.
– Underwater operations require dive team registration with port safety office.
76. Navigation Aid Maintenance
– Channel buoys serviced quarterly (last maintenance date marked on each buoy).
– Temporary Notice to Mariners issued for any aid to navigation outages.
77. Crew Shore Leave Procedures
– Gangway watch must maintain signed shore leave log with passport details.
– Curfew: All crew must return by 2300 unless special permission granted.
78. Hazardous Area Classification
– Zone 1 hazardous areas clearly marked at all oil/petrochemical berths.
– Intrinsically safe equipment required within 15m of bunkering connections.
79. Port Tariff Structure
– Wharfage fees calculated per NT meter with 15% discount for Japanese-flagged vessels.
– Overtime labor rates triple between 2200-0600 and on national holidays.
80. Emergency Response Equipment
– Oil spill containment boom deployment capability: 500m within 60 minutes.
– Emergency breathing apparatus available at 100m intervals along main wharves.
81. Vessel Speed Restrictions
– Maximum 5 knots within 500m of port entrance buoys (strictly enforced by radar monitoring).
– No-wake speed (≤3 knots) mandatory in all inner harbor areas.
82. Ballast Water Reporting
– Ballast water management plan must be submitted 24 hours prior to arrival.
– Mandatory ballast water exchange reporting for vessels from non-Asian ports.
83. Port Entry Clearance
– Free pratique granted only after completed health declaration form inspection.
– Vessels from plague-infected areas require special quarantine clearance procedures.
84. Cargo Storage Regulations
– Maximum 72-hour dwell time for hazardous materials at port storage facilities.
– Temperature-controlled cargo areas maintain 24-hour monitoring with alarms.
85. Vessel Draft Limitations
– Dynamic underkeel clearance monitoring required for vessels with draft >12m.
– Tide-dependent access restrictions apply to Berths 5-8 during neap tides.
86. Port Safety Inspections
– Random safety audits conducted on 10% of visiting vessels monthly.
– Firefighting system operational tests required before hot work permits issued.
87. Navigation Restrictions
– One-way traffic enforced in main channel for vessels exceeding 180m LOA.
– Daylight-only transit restrictions for vessels carrying oversized project cargo.
88. Bunkering Procedures
– Simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) require additional safety officer presence.
– Mandatory drip trays under all bunker connections during fuel transfer.
89. Port Authority Contacts
– Harbor Master: +81-980-XX-XXXX (24-hour emergency line).
– Port Operations Center: VHF Channel 12 (continuous monitoring).
90. Vessel Maintenance Services
– Approved contractors list available at Port Administration Building.
– Waste disposal services operate 0600-1800 daily (advance booking required).
91. Port Entry Requirements
– Valid class certificates must have at least 3 months remaining validity.
– Last port clearance certificate must be available for inspection.
92. Emergency Drills
– Mandatory port area familiarization briefing for all bridge team members.
– Quarterly emergency drills conducted with local fire and rescue services.
93. Cargo Handling Restrictions
– No open hatch operations permitted during precipitation events.
– Special handling requirements for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.
94. Vessel Reporting Systems
– Automated identification system (AIS) must remain active throughout port stay.
– Daily noon position reports required for vessels at anchor.
95. Port Infrastructure Details
– All berths equipped with ISO-standard container lashing points.
– Heavy lift pad areas rated for 20 tons/m² maximum pressure.
96. Vessel Anchorage Procedures
– Designated anchorage areas assigned based on vessel length and draft (Chart JP-4567).
– Minimum 500m separation required between anchored vessels during typhoon season.
97. Port Customs Regulations
– All bonded stores must be declared using Japan Customs Form C-5020.
– Narcotics locker inspection mandatory for vessels arriving from high-risk ports.
98. Marine Mammal Protection
– Speed reduction to 8 knots when whales sighted within 1nm of port approaches.
– Special acoustic monitoring devices required for seismic survey vessels.
99. Port Facility Security
– ISPS Level 1 security measures enforced 24/7 at all restricted access points.
– Biometric identification required for all port workers accessing secure areas.
100. Vessel Departure Clearance
– Final outbound clearance granted only after all port fees settled in JPY.
– Mandatory radio check with Port Control 30 minutes prior to departure.
101. Cargo Documentation
– Electronic cargo manifests must be submitted via JP-MARINE system before arrival.
– Original bills of lading required for all breakbulk cargo exceeding 5 metric tons.
102. Port Pilotage Services
– Compulsory pilotage for vessels over 10,000 GT or 200m LOA.
– Pilot boarding area coordinates: 24°45’12″N 125°19’45″E (updated monthly).
103. Vessel Traffic Separation
– Eastbound and westbound traffic lanes clearly marked with lighted buoys.
– Crossing traffic must yield to vessels in designated traffic lanes.
104. Port Environmental Compliance
– Continuous emissions monitoring required for vessels at berth >12 hours.
– Zero discharge policy strictly enforced within port boundaries.
105. Emergency Medical Services
– Port clinic staffed 24/7 with maritime medicine specialists.
– Hyperbaric chamber available for diving-related emergencies.
106. Vessel Stability Requirements
– Minimum GM of 0.30m required during all cargo operations.
– Free surface effect calculations mandatory for liquid bulk carriers.
107. Port Utility Services
– High-capacity electrical shore connections (6.6kV/60Hz) available at main berths.
– Potable water supply rate: 50 tons/hour maximum per connection point.
108. Navigation Warning System
– Real-time navigational warnings broadcast on NAVTEX frequency 518 kHz.
– Emergency SMS alert system available for registered vessels.
109. Vessel Crew Requirements
– Minimum safe manning certificate must be posted in wheelhouse.
– Bridge team must include at least one Japanese-speaking officer for vessels >20,000 GT.
110. Port Security Zones
– Three-tier security perimeter with color-coded access control.
– Unauthorized drone operations prohibited within 2nm of port facilities.
