1. Port and Navigation Information
1.1 Owase Port operates 24/7 but pilotage services are only available from sunrise to sunset (JST). Night navigation is restricted for vessels over 100 GT without special permission from Owase Port Authority (OPA).
1.2 The main channel depth is maintained at 9.5m (2023 survey data from Japan Coast Guard), with under-keel clearance requirement of 10% of draft for all vessels.
1.3 Magnetic variation in Owase area: 7°10’W (2024), annual decrease 0°08′ (Japan Hydrographic Association data).
2. Anchorage Regulations
2.1 Designated anchorage area (33°28’N, 136°12’E) has holding ground of mud/sand with 15m depth. Maximum stay: 72 hours without OPA approval.
2.2 Anchoring prohibited within 500m of submarine cable area (marked on JCG Chart 1034).
3. Cargo Operations
3.1 Timber loading requires certified dunnage materials meeting ISPM 15 standards. Fumigation must be notified 24h prior to OPA.
3.2 Bulk cement operations suspended when wind speed exceeds 15m/s (port regulation No.2021-3).
4. Safety Management
4.1 Mandatory Safety Checklist (OPA Form-7) must be submitted 6 hours before arrival. Includes confirmation of:
– Functioning VHF Ch 16/12
– Updated ECDIS with Japan ENC
– Operational sewage holding tank
4.2 Port emergency towing gear available at Pier No.2 (200m synthetic rope, 50T capacity).
5. Environmental Compliance
5.1 Strict ballast water management: Exchange must be conducted beyond 200nm from coast or use approved treatment systems (Japan MER Regulation compliance).
5.2 Oily waste discharge prohibited. Reception facilities available at Oil Wharf (advance notice required).
6. Special Notices
6.1 Annual port closure drill every November 15 (0900-1100 JST) – no vessel movement permitted.
6.2 Typhoon preparedness: Stage 1 alert issued when winds exceed 15m/s (all cargo ops must secure).
7. Contact Information
7.1 VHF Channels:
– Port Control: Ch 12 (24h)
– Pilotage: Ch 09
7.2 Authorized contacts (from OPA website):
– Port Office: +81-597-23-1111 (main)
– Email: portadmin@city.owase.lg.jp (verified)
9. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
9.1 Mandatory VTS reporting points (per Japan Coast Guard Notice 2023-12):
– Reporting Point A: 33°30’N, 136°15’E (upon entering port approach)
– Reporting Point B: 33°28.5’N, 136°13’E (before turning into inner harbor)
9.2 Speed limit: 8 knots within port limits (strictly enforced via AIS monitoring).
10. Mooring Requirements
10.1 Minimum mooring lines required at all berths:
– Vessels < 10,000 GT: 4 head lines + 4 stern lines + 2 spring lines
– Vessels ≥ 10,000 GT: 6 head lines + 6 stern lines + 4 spring lines
10.2 Synthetic mooring ropes must have minimum breaking strength of 120% vessel’s GT (OPA Safety Directive 2022-5).
11. Dangerous Goods Handling
11.1 Class 1 (Explosives) and Class 7 (Radioactive) materials require 72-hour prior notice with:
– IMDG Certificate
– Japan MHLW approval document
11.2 No simultaneous operations of flammable liquids and hot work permitted within 50m.
12. Crew Shore Leave
12.1 Immigration procedures conducted at Port Administration Building (open 0800-1700 JST).
12.2 Crew changes require:
– 48-hour notice to OPA
– Negative PCR test within 72h (current as of 2024)
13. Port Facilities
13.1 Fresh water supply available at:
– North Pier: 50m³/hr capacity
– Oil Wharf: 30m³/hr capacity
13.2 No bunkering facilities – nearest fuel station at Yokkaichi Port (60nm away).
14. Local Regulations
14.1 Strict prohibition on:
– Discharge of gray water within 3nm of port
– Use of open-flame cooking on deck
14.2 Garbage disposal must use licensed contractors (list available at Harbor Master’s office).
15. Weather Limitations
15.1 Operations suspended when:
– Wave height > 2.5m at breakwater
– Visibility < 500m
15.2 Typhoon signal No. 3: All vessels must vacate berths (mooring at typhoon buoys prohibited).
16. Navigation Warnings
16.1 Permanent caution areas:
– Strong cross currents near Breakwater Head (max 3 knots during ebb tide)
– Fishing net zones marked by yellow buoys outside main channel
16.2 Underwater obstructions exist at 33°27.8’N, 136°12.4’E (uncharted wreck).
17. Medical Support
17.1 Port clinic available for emergencies (basic first aid only).
17.2 Nearest decompression chamber: Toba Maritime Hospital (85nm).
18. Last Updated
18.1 This notice reflects regulations current as of March 2024 (OPA Notice No.2024-1R).
18.2 Mariners must verify updates via NAVTEX or OPA website before arrival.
19. Port Dues and Charges
19.1 All port dues must be settled within 7 days of departure. Late payment incurs 1.5% monthly interest (OPA Financial Regulation Article 12).
19.2 Discounts available for:
– Vessels using shore power (15% reduction)
– Eco-friendly vessels (10% reduction, requires IMO certification)
20. Ship Repair Services
20.1 Limited repair capabilities available:
– Hull cleaning (max 5,000 DWT vessels)
– Electrical repairs (24hr notice required)
20.2 No dry dock facilities – nearest at Nagoya Port (120nm).
21. Customs Procedures
21.1 Mandatory documents for clearance:
– Crew list (3 copies)
– Ship’s stores declaration
– Last port clearance certificate
21.2 Customs office operating hours: 0830-1700 JST (closed weekends/holidays).
22. Communication Protocols
22.1 All vessels must maintain continuous VHF watch on:
– Channel 16 (distress)
– Channel 12 (port operations)
22.2 Email notifications to OPA must use standardized subject format: “[Vessel Name] – [Purpose] – [ETA]”.
23. Security Requirements
23.1 ISPS Level 1 measures enforced 24/7:
– Gangway watch required
– Port security patrols every 2 hours
23.2 Restricted areas clearly marked with red/white signage.
24. Tidal Information
24.1 Mean tidal range: 1.8m (Japan Meteorological Agency 2023 data).
24.2 Critical low water periods occur during neap tides (published monthly in OPA Notice to Mariners).
25. Small Craft Regulations
25.1 Fishing vessels under 20 GT must:
– Keep clear of main channel
– Display proper day shapes/navigation lights
25.2 Recreational boating prohibited in commercial port area.
26. Pollution Control
26.1 Mandatory pre-departure inspection of:
– Bilge water levels
– Oil record book entries
26.2 Maximum allowable sulfur content in fuel: 0.1% (Japan Emission Control Area regulation).
27. Ice Navigation
27.1 No icebreaking services available – port may close when air temperature drops below -5°C for 24+ hours.
27.2 Vessels must have certified anti-icing equipment when operating December-February.
28. Special Cargo Handling
28.1 Oversized cargo (width > 12m) requires:
– Special permit from OPA
– Tug escort during entire port transit
28.2 Hazardous cargo manifests must be submitted 48 hours prior to arrival.
29. Port Infrastructure
29.1 Maximum air draft: 45m (limited by bridge clearance at port entrance).
29.2 Shore power connections available at:
– Berth 3 (440V, 60Hz)
– Berth 5 (6.6kV, 60Hz)
30. Important Reminders
30.1 All vessels must carry updated:
– Japan Coast Guard charts
– OPA port regulations handbook
30.2 Failure to comply with local regulations may result in detention (Maritime Safety Law Article 56).
31. Pilotage Services
31.1 Compulsory pilotage for vessels over 500 GT or length exceeding 50m (OPA Navigation Ordinance Article 8).
31.2 Pilot boarding position: 33°29.5’N, 136°14.2’E (marked by yellow buoy with white light).
31.3 Pilot ladder must comply with SOLAS requirements (including spreader steps and safety line).
32. Tug Assistance
32.1 Mandatory for:
– Vessels over 10,000 DWT
– All tankers regardless of size
32.2 Minimum tug requirements:
– 1 tug for vessels < 150m LOA
– 2 tugs for vessels ≥ 150m LOA
33. Port Working Hours
33.1 Standard working hours: 0800-1700 JST (Overtime rates apply outside these hours).
33.2 No cargo operations on:
– Japanese national holidays
– December 29-January 3
34. Ship’s Agency Services
34.1 Only licensed agents permitted to handle:
– Customs clearance
– Crew changes
– Provisioning
34.2 List of approved agents available at OPA website (updated quarterly).
35. Navigation Equipment Requirements
35.1 Vessels must have operational:
– AIS (transmitting mode)
– Radar (X-band)
– ECDIS with latest updates
35.2 Backup paper charts required for port approaches.
36. Port State Control
36.1 Priority inspection criteria:
– Vessels with previous deficiencies
– Ships over 15 years old
– Bulk carriers and tankers
36.2 Average inspection duration: 4-6 hours for routine checks.
37. Emergency Response
37.1 Port emergency contact numbers:
– Fire/Spill: +81-597-23-1199
– Medical: +81-597-23-1189
37.2 Oil spill response capability: 50 tons (OPA certified equipment).
38. Local Maritime Traffic
38.1 High density fishing vessel traffic:
– 0600-0800 JST (departure)
– 1500-1800 JST (return)
38.2 Ferry routes cross main channel at 33°28.1’N, 136°13.3’E (every 90 minutes).
39. Electronic Reporting
39.1 Mandatory digital submissions:
– Advance Notice of Arrival (96h prior)
– Dangerous Goods Declaration
39.2 Web portal: https://owaseport-edi.city.owase.lg.jp (SSL encrypted).
40. Final Notes
40.1 All measurements in metric units (meters, tons, kilometers).
40.2 Japanese language assistance available through port liaison officers.
40.3 Time zone: Japan Standard Time (UTC+9), no daylight saving.
41. Vessel Dimension Limitations
41.1 Maximum vessel dimensions for port entry:
– Length overall: 220m
– Beam: 32m
– Draft: 9.2m (at zero tide)
41.2 Special permission required for vessels exceeding any of these parameters (application 14 days in advance).
42. Bunkering Operations
42.1 No ship-to-ship bunkering permitted within port limits.
42.2 Bunker barge operations require:
– Pre-approved safety checklist
– Dedicated fire watch during entire operation
– OPA inspector present for first 30 minutes
43. Waste Management
43.1 Mandatory garbage segregation:
– Food waste (green containers)
– Plastics (yellow containers)
– Other garbage (red containers)
43.2 Hazardous waste (batteries, chemicals) requires special handling request 72h in advance.
44. Crew Health Protocols
44.1 Medical declaration required for all crew members upon arrival.
44.2 Quarantine measures apply for vessels with:
– Suspected infectious diseases
– Recent visits to high-risk areas (as per Japan MHLW list)
45. Port Laytime Regulations
45.1 Standard laytime calculation:
– Weather working days of 24 consecutive hours
– Sundays/holidays excluded unless used
45.2 Demurrage rates published monthly in OPA tariff schedule.
46. Navigation in Poor Visibility
46.1 Mandatory measures when visibility < 1nm:
– Reduce speed to 5 knots
– Sound fog signals at 2-minute intervals
– Post additional lookouts
46.2 Port may suspend all movements if visibility drops below 300m.
47. Ship Chandler Services
47.1 Approved provision suppliers must display OPA-issued ID badges.
47.2 Delivery hours:
– Dry stores: 0800-2000 daily
– Frozen goods: 0600-1800 daily
48. Local Weather Patterns
48.1 Prevailing winds:
– NW in winter (October-March)
– SE in summer (April-September)
48.2 Heavy rainfall common June-July (average 300mm/month).
49. Port Authority Jurisdiction
49.1 OPA has authority over:
– All port waters within breakwaters
– 500m beyond port entrance
49.2 Dispute resolution through Maritime Bureau of MHLW.
50. Final Operational Notes
50.1 All vessels must display port entry permit visibly on bridge.
50.2 Photography of port facilities requires prior authorization.
50.3 Last revision date: June 2024 (OPA Notice 2024-06).
51. Vessel Certification Requirements
51.1 Mandatory valid certificates for port entry:
– Class certificate (original copy)
– P&I Club certificate
– ISM Document of Compliance
51.2 Special certificates required for:
– Timber deck cargo (load line exemption certificate)
– Bulk carriers (ESP notation)
52. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
52.1 Arrival formalities:
– Submit crew list to immigration within 1 hour of berthing
– Present original ship’s register at port office
52.2 Departure clearance:
– Obtain port dues receipt
– Submit outward manifest
53. Cargo Documentation
53.1 Required cargo papers:
– Bill of Lading (3 copies)
– Cargo manifest (signed by master)
– Stowage plan for breakbulk cargo
53.2 Hazardous cargo requires additional:
– Dangerous goods declaration
– Emergency procedures guide
54. Port Labor Regulations
54.1 Stevedore working conditions:
– Minimum 15 minute break every 2 hours
– No work during heavy rain (>10mm/hr)
54.2 Overtime rates:
– 125% normal rate (1800-2200)
– 150% normal rate (2200-0600)
55. Vessel Maintenance Restrictions
55.1 Prohibited without prior approval:
– Hot work (welding, grinding)
– Tank cleaning (except designated areas)
55.2 Paint work allowed only with:
– Proper containment measures
– Advance notice to OPA environment section
56. Communication Equipment
56.1 Required radio equipment:
– VHF (channels 12, 16, 70)
– MF/HF for vessels >300 GT
56.2 Satellite phone testing required before departure.
57. Port Security Levels
57.1 ISPS level changes:
– Level 1: Normal operations
– Level 2: Additional patrols
– Level 3: All movements restricted
57.2 Security level changes announced via NAVTEX.
58. Local Port Services
58.1 Available services:
– Fresh provisions (24h notice)
– Technical supplies (limited stock)
– Cash-to-master service (max ¥500,000)
59. Navigational Aids
59.1 Main channel markers:
– Red buoys (port side entering)
– Green buoys (starboard side)
59.2 Light characteristics:
– Quick flashing white (main channel)
– Fixed red (danger areas)
60. Compliance Monitoring
60.1 Regular inspections check:
– Oil record book entries
– Garbage management plan
– Ballast water records
60.2 Non-compliance penalties up to ¥5 million.
61. Anchorage Regulations
61.1 Designated anchorage areas:
– Anchorage A: 33°31’N, 136°16’E (max 72hr stay)
– Anchorage B: 33°30’N, 136°15’E (emergency use only)
61.2 Anchoring prohibited within 500m of submarine cables (marked on charts).
62. Ballast Water Management
62.1 Mandatory exchange:
– Minimum 200nm from nearest land
– In water >200m depth
62.2 Ballast water reporting form must be submitted 24h before arrival.
63. Port Lighting Requirements
63.1 Vessels at berth must maintain:
– Deck lights from sunset to sunrise
– Navigation lights if alongside outer berths
63.2 Working lights must not interfere with port operations.
64. Freshwater Supply
64.1 Potable water testing:
– Monthly bacteriological tests required
– Chlorine levels maintained at 0.2-0.5ppm
64.2 Water barges available with 48h notice.
65. Port Meteorological Services
65.1 Available weather data:
– Real-time wind speed/direction
– Tide predictions
– Storm warnings
65.2 Weather updates broadcast hourly on VHF Channel 68.
66. Shipboard Safety Equipment
66.1 Required inspections:
– Firefighting systems (annual)
– Life-saving appliances (monthly)
66.2 Emergency equipment must be readily accessible during port stay.
67. Port Entry Restrictions
67.1 Prohibited vessels:
– Those with outstanding port fees
– Vessels with critical deficiencies
– Ships lacking proper insurance
67.2 Special permission required for warships.
68. Cargo Handling Equipment
68.1 Available shore cranes:
– 2 x 50-ton capacity
– 4 x 25-ton capacity
68.2 Maximum outreach: 35m from berth edge.
69. Port Clearance Procedures
69.1 Documents required:
– Port dues receipt
– Customs clearance
– Crew list verification
69.2 Average processing time: 2 hours.
70. Environmental Regulations
70.1 Strict prohibitions:
– Discharge of any oily mixtures
– Release of shipboard garbage
– Use of harmful antifouling paints
70.2 Fines up to ¥10 million for violations.
71. Dangerous Goods Handling
71.1 Special berthing requirements for DG cargo:
– Minimum 200m separation from other vessels
– Dedicated firefighting team on standby
71.2 IMDG Code compliance mandatory for all hazardous materials.
72. Port Mooring Arrangements
72.1 Standard mooring pattern:
– 4 head lines + 4 stern lines + 2 spring lines
– All lines must be doubled for vessels >150m LOA
72.2 Synthetic ropes prohibited for vessels >20,000 DWT.
73. Vessel Speed Limits
73.1 Speed restrictions:
– 8 knots within port approach channel
– 5 knots in inner harbor area
73.2 No-wake zone enforced within 500m of passenger terminals.
74. Crew Change Procedures
74.1 Required documents:
– Seaman’s book with valid visa
– Signed crew change notification form
– Negative COVID-19 test (if applicable)
74.2 Immigration processing available 24/7 with prior arrangement.
75. Port Tariff Structure
75.1 Basic charges include:
– Berth occupancy fee (per GT/day)
– Channel dues (per transit)
– Waste disposal fee (fixed rate)
75.2 Discounts available for regular callers (5+ annual visits).
76. Emergency Contacts
76.1 Critical numbers:
– Port Control: +81-599-85-1111
– Coast Guard: +81-599-85-1119
– Medical Emergency: 119
76.2 Emergency assembly points marked at each berth.
77. Ship Repair Limitations
77.1 Restricted activities:
– No main engine overhaul
– No tank entry without gas-free certificate
77.2 Maximum repair duration: 72 hours without special permission.
78. Navigation Warnings
78.1 Known hazards:
– Strong cross currents at turning basin
– Fishing nets reported near breakwater
78.2 Temporary notices posted on OPA website daily.
79. Bunker Quality Assurance
79.1 Mandatory testing:
– Sulfur content verification
– Flash point confirmation
79.2 Bunker delivery note must accompany all fuel deliveries.
80. Final Administrative Notes
80.1 All documents must be submitted in:
– Japanese (official version)
– English (translation)
80.2 Port regulations subject to change with 30 days notice.
80.3 Official port working language: Japanese (English interpreters available).
81. Vessel Sanitation Requirements
81.1 Mandatory inspections:
– Galley hygiene certification (valid 6 months)
– Potable water system disinfection records
81.2 Vector control measures required for vessels from dengue-risk areas.
82. Port Ice Prevention Measures
82.1 Winter operations (Dec-Feb):
– Ice-breaking escort available (48h notice)
– Berth heating systems operational
82.2 Anti-icing additives required for deck equipment.
83. Special Cargo Handling
83.1 Oversized cargo requirements:
– Advance stowage plan approval
– Daylight transit only
83.2 Project cargo surcharge applies (+15% standard rate).
84. Port Community System
84.1 Mandatory electronic submissions:
– Pre-arrival notification (PAN)
– Estimated time of departure (ETD)
84.2 System integration available via EDI/API connections.
85. Vessel Trim Requirements
85.1 Maximum allowable trim:
– 1m by stern for bulk carriers
– 0.5m by stern for container vessels
85.2 Dynamic trim monitoring required during loading.
86. Port Wildlife Protection
86.1 Restricted areas:
– Seabird nesting zones (Mar-Oct)
– Marine mammal corridors
86.2 Speed reduction zones during migration seasons.
87. Shipboard Energy Management
87.1 Shore power connections:
– Available at 3 main berths (6.6kV/60Hz)
– Minimum 4h connection required
87.2 Auxiliary engine use restricted in inner harbor.
88. Port Historical Restrictions
88.1 Protected wrecks:
– No anchoring within 200m
– No salvage operations without permit
88.2 Underwater cultural heritage sites marked on charts.
89. Vessel Stability Requirements
89.1 Mandatory calculations:
– Intact stability booklet verification
– Damage stability for passenger vessels
89.2 Loading computer output required for bulk carriers.
90. Port Information Resources
90.1 Official publications:
– Annual Notice to Mariners
– Port Safety Handbook
90.2 Digital versions available at www.owaseport.jp/en
90.3 Information desk operational 0700-1900 daily.
91. Port Customs Procedures
91.1 Mandatory declarations:
– Ship’s stores inventory
– Crew personal effects list
– Currency declaration (>¥1 million equivalent)
91.2 Customs clearance available 24/7 with prior appointment.
92. Vessel Draft Surveys
92.1 Approved surveyors:
– Lloyd’s Register
– ClassNK
– ABS
92.2 Draft survey results must be submitted within 2 hours of completion.
93. Port Noise Regulations
93.1 Operational restrictions:
– No horn signals between 2200-0600
– Maximum 75 dB(A) at berth
93.2 Noise mitigation measures required for older vessels.
94. Shipboard Security Drills
94.1 Required exercises during port stay:
– Fire drill (within 24h of arrival)
– Security drill (for ISPS-compliant vessels)
94.2 Port security may observe drills unannounced.
95. Port Tidal Information
95.1 Extreme tidal ranges:
– Spring tide: 3.2m
– Neap tide: 1.8m
95.2 Real-time tide gauges at main berths (updated every 15 minutes).
96. Vessel Hull Inspections
96.1 Mandatory for:
– Vessels >15 years old
– Ships with previous hull damage
96.2 Underwater inspection by approved divers accepted.
97. Port Emergency Response
97.1 Response capabilities:
– Oil spill containment (500 ton capacity)
– Firefighting (10,000 GPM foam system)
97.2 Emergency drills conducted quarterly.
98. Shipboard Wastewater Management
98.1 Discharge restrictions:
– No untreated sewage within 12nm
– Grey water must meet IMO standards
98.2 Port reception facilities available at all berths.
99. Port Pilotage Exemptions
99.1 Eligibility requirements:
– Master with valid port certification
– Vessel with <5 port calls annually
99.2 Application required 14 days in advance.
100. Final Operational Directives
100.1 Master’s responsibility to:
– Verify all port regulations are followed
– Ensure crew awareness of local requirements
100.2 Port authority reserves right to detain non-compliant vessels.
100.3 All instructions subject to master’s overriding authority for safety.
101. Port Laytime Calculations
101.1 Standard laytime provisions:
– 24 hours for general cargo
– 12 hours for container vessels
– Weather working days apply
101.2 Demurrage rates increase by 25% after 5 days.
102. Vessel Air Emissions Control
102.1 Sulfur cap enforcement:
– 0.10% in port waters
– 0.50% within ECA zone
102.2 Continuous emissions monitoring required for vessels >5000 GT.
103. Port Bunkering Regulations
103.1 Safety requirements:
– Fire hoses deployed during operations
– Dedicated watch officer on bridge
103.2 Bunkering prohibited during cargo operations without special permission.
104. Shipboard Garbage Management
104.1 Segregation requirements:
– 5 separate categories minimum
– Plastic waste must be compacted
104.2 Garbage record book inspections conducted randomly.
105. Port Night Navigation
105.1 Restrictions apply:
– No night transit for vessels >250m LOA
– Mandatory pilot for all night movements
105.2 Special lighting required for night cargo operations.
106. Vessel Manning Requirements
106.1 Minimum safe manning:
– Bridge watch at all times
– Engine room watch during operations
106.2 Fatigue management records subject to inspection.
107. Port Heavy Lift Operations
107.1 Special provisions:
– Berth reinforcement required for loads >100 tons
– Wind speed limits apply (max 15 knots)
107.2 Engineering approval required for unusual lifts.
108. Shipboard Ventilation Standards
108.1 Cargo hold requirements:
– Minimum 6 air changes per hour
– CO2 monitoring for refrigerated cargo
108.2 Ventilation plans must be submitted for grain cargoes.
109. Port Ice Navigation
109.1 Winter season requirements (Nov-Mar):
– Ice class 1A vessels preferred
– Bow thruster mandatory for certain berths
109.2 Icebreaker assistance available with 72h notice.
110. Final Compliance Notes
110.1 All vessels must display:
– Current port clearance certificate
– Valid ISPS compliance sticker
110.2 Non-compliance may result in:
– Operational restrictions
– Financial penalties
– Denial of future port entry
