1. Port and Terminal Information
1.1 Sasebo Port operates 24/7, including holidays, but prior notice is required for night operations. Main commercial terminals include:
– Sasebo Honko Central Wharf: Depth 12m, LOA 250m (Max draft 11.5m)
– Ebisu Pier: Depth 9m, LOA 180m (Container operations)
1.2 All tankers carrying hazardous cargo must use designated berths at Nishikyogoku Pier (Class 1 Petroleum Berth, depth 15m).
2. Navigation and Pilotage
2.1 Mandatory pilotage for vessels >3,000 GT or LOA >100m. Pilot boarding area: 33°09.5’N 129°43.0’E (1.5nm NW of Osezaki Lighthouse).
2.2 Main channel depth maintained at 14m (MLW), with 200m width. Currents can reach 3 knots during spring tides near Kujukushima entrance.
3. Anchorage Regulations
3.1 Designated anchorages:
– No.1 Anchorage (33°10’N 129°40’E): Depth 20-25m, soft mud, for vessels awaiting berth
– Emergency Anchorage (33°08’N 129°45’E): Depth 30m, reserved for vessels in distress
3.2 Anchoring prohibited within 500m of submarine cables (marked on Japanese charts 121A/121B).
4. Cargo Operations
4.1 Hazardous materials handling requires 24-hour advance notice to Sasebo Coast Guard Office (Form C-1030).
4.2 Grain operations limited to 800MT/hour due to dust control regulations (Sasebo City Environmental Ordinance No.42).
5. Safety and Emergency
5.1 Port Security Level changes are broadcast on VHF Ch.16/12. MARSEC Level 1 is normally in effect.
5.2 Oil spill response equipment stationed at Sasebo Disaster Prevention Base (capacity: 200kl dispersant).
6. Environmental Compliance
6.1 Strict ballast water management enforced under Japan’s Invasive Alien Species Act (2004). Sampling may be conducted by quarantine officers.
6.2 Use of open-loop scrubbers prohibited within port limits (Nagasaki Prefecture Regulation E-2019-15).
7. Crew Requirements
7.1 Shore leave permitted with valid seafarer’s ID, but crew changes require 72-hour notice to Immigration Office.
7.2 Medical waste disposal must be arranged through port agent (incineration facility available at Sasebo City Hospital).
8. Local Services
8.1 Bunkering: Available at Ebisu Pier through licensed suppliers (LSFO/MGO available, no LNG bunkering).
8.2 Fresh water supply: 100T/hour capacity at all main berths (advance request required).
9. Weather Considerations
9.1 Typhoon season (July-October) may require evacuation to designated safe anchorages. Port closure announced when sustained winds exceed 25m/s.
9.2 Winter NW winds (December-February) can cause 2m swells at exposed berths – mooring lines should be doubled.
10. Legal Compliance
10.1 All vessels must display Port State Control decal (issued after inspection) visibly on bridge windows.
10.2 Failure to comply with garbage recording procedures may result in fines up to ¥500,000 (Japan Waste Management Law Article 25).
11. Port Administration and Documentation
11.1 All vessels must submit the “Maritime Declaration” (Form C-1100) to Sasebo Customs 24 hours before arrival.
11.2 Port dues are calculated based on GT and cargo volume (Nagasaki Port Regulations Article 12-3). Non-payment may result in detention.
12. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
12.1 Mandatory VHF contact with Sasebo VTS on Ch.12 when entering/exiting port limits (33°07’N to 33°13’N / 129°38’E to 129°48’E).
12.2 Speed limit: 10 knots within inner harbor (enforced by radar surveillance).
13. Mooring and Handling
13.1 Tugs are compulsory for vessels >5,000 GT (minimum 2 tugs for vessels >20,000 GT).
13.2 Mooring lines must be inspected by port officials before berthing (JIS F 2001 standard required).
14. Dangerous Goods Handling
14.1 Class 1 explosives require 48-hour pre-arrival notice and dedicated security guards (Japan Coast Guard Ordinance No.51).
14.2 IMDG Code segregation rules are strictly enforced – incorrect stowage may lead to cargo rejection.
15. Port Facilities
15.1 Ship repair: Dry dock capacity up to 80,000 DWT available at Sasebo Heavy Industries.
15.2 Waste reception: Sludge disposal facilities at Honko Wharf (operating 0800-1700 daily).
16. Navigation Aids
16.1 Leading lights: Front (33°09’42″N 129°43’18″E) and Rear (33°09’50″N 129°43’25″E) aligned at 305° True for main channel approach.
16.2 AIS coverage extends 25nm from port – vessels must maintain operational AIS at all times.
17. Crew Health Protocols
17.1 Malaria prophylaxis not required, but dengue fever monitoring conducted May-November.
17.2 Emergency medical evacuation available via Sasebo City Heliport (3km from port).
18. Local Regulations
18.1 Fishing gear must be stowed before entering port (Sasebo Municipal Ordinance No.87).
18.2 Unauthorized photography of military facilities prohibited (JSDF Security Zone).
19. Communication Protocols
19.1 Port Control must be notified immediately of any propulsion/power failures affecting maneuverability.
19.2 Radio silence periods enforced during naval operations (announced via NOTMAR).
20. Ice and Cold Weather Operations
20.1 No icebreaking services available – vessels must maintain own de-icing equipment December-February.
20.2 Hydraulic systems should use ISO VG 32 oil during winter months to prevent viscosity issues.
21. Bunkering and Fuel Regulations
21.1 All bunkering operations require prior approval from Sasebo Port Authority and must be supervised by a licensed bunker surveyor.
21.2 MARPOL Annex VI compliant fuels only (max 0.50% sulfur content). Fuel samples must be retained for 12 months.
22. Port Security Measures
22.1 ISPS Level 1 security measures enforced at all times. Random security inspections may be conducted by Japan Coast Guard.
22.2 All visitors to port facilities must present valid photo ID and be escorted by authorized personnel.
23. Waste Management Procedures
23.1 Mandatory garbage segregation: Food waste, plastics, and operational waste must be kept separate.
23.2 Medical waste must be properly labeled and handed over to authorized disposal services only.
24. Vessel Inspection Requirements
24.1 Port State Control inspections target vessels over 10 years old or with previous deficiencies.
24.2 Tokyo MOU inspection regime applies, with particular focus on life-saving appliances and fire-fighting systems.
25. Special Cargo Handling
25.1 Oversized/heavy lift cargo operations require 72-hour advance notice and approved stowage plan.
25.2 Project cargo must be properly secured with certification from a recognized cargo surveyor.
26. Port Emergency Contacts
26.1 Sasebo Coast Guard Emergency: VHF Ch.16 or +81-956-24-0110 (24/7 response).
26.2 Port Medical Emergency: Sasebo City Hospital +81-956-24-1111 (English-speaking staff available).
27. Customs and Immigration
27.1 Crew personal effects declarations required for all crew members (Form C-1120).
27.2 Prohibited items include certain medications (check with Japan Customs in advance).
28. Port Services Availability
28.1 Provisions delivery available 24/7 through authorized suppliers only.
28.2 Cashless transactions preferred – major credit cards accepted for port services payments.
29. Navigational Restrictions
29.1 Vessels with air draft exceeding 45m must consult with port authority before arrival.
29.2 Special clearance required for vessels carrying radioactive materials (Japan Atomic Energy Regulations).
30. Local Maritime Practices
30.1 Traditional fishing boats have right of way in certain areas – extreme caution required.
30.2 Night navigation in inner harbor restricted to vessels with local pilots only.
31. Port Entry Requirements
31.1 Vessels must display proper identification flags (Japan flag for coastal vessels, national flag + Q flag for foreign vessels).
31.2 Advance submission of crew list (Form C-1130) required 48 hours prior to arrival to Immigration Office.
32. Cargo Documentation
32.1 Original bills of lading must be presented for all import cargo before discharge operations commence.
32.2 Hazardous cargo manifests must include UN numbers and proper shipping names in English and Japanese.
33. Port Working Hours
33.1 Standard working hours: 0800-1700 (Overtime rates apply outside these hours).
33.2 No cargo operations permitted on Japanese national holidays without special permission.
34. Vessel Maintenance Restrictions
34.1 Hot work permits required for any welding or grinding operations (issued by Port Fire Department).
34.2 Underwater cleaning or hull painting prohibited within port limits without environmental clearance.
35. Radio Communication Procedures
35.1 VHF Channel 13 designated for ship-to-ship communication during berthing/unberthing operations.
35.2 All communications with port authorities must be conducted in English or Japanese.
36. Port Safety Equipment
36.1 All vessels must maintain functioning fire hoses ready for immediate use while in port.
36.2 Emergency towing wires must be rigged and ready for vessels over 20,000 DWT.
37. Crew Training Requirements
37.1 Deck officers must demonstrate familiarity with Japanese port regulations upon request.
37.2 Emergency drills must be logged and available for inspection by port authorities.
38. Port Infrastructure Limitations
38.1 Maximum crane capacity: 150 tons at main commercial berths (special arrangements required for heavier lifts).
38.2 Shore power connections available at selected berths only (440V/60Hz).
39. Weather Monitoring
39.1 Real-time weather updates broadcast on VHF Ch.16 during severe weather conditions.
39.2 Typhoon warning signals displayed at port entrance when storm force winds expected within 24 hours.
40. Legal Jurisdiction
40.1 All disputes subject to Japanese maritime law and jurisdiction of Nagasaki District Court.
40.2 Vessels may be detained for non-compliance with environmental or safety regulations.
41. Port Dues and Charges
41.1 Port dues calculated based on gross tonnage and length of stay (minimum charge for first 24 hours).
41.2 Waste disposal fees mandatory for all vessels, calculated per cubic meter of waste discharged.
42. Ship Chandler Services
42.1 Only licensed ship chandlers permitted to operate within port area (list available from port authority).
42.2 Cash-on-delivery system preferred for chandlery services; credit arrangements require prior approval.
43. Freshwater Supply
43.1 Potable water quality meets WHO standards, tested monthly by Sasebo Municipal Water Authority.
43.2 Water barges available for vessels at anchor (minimum order 50 tons, advance booking required).
44. Vessel Repair Services
44.1 Emergency repair teams available 24/7 through port-approved contractors.
44.2 Major repairs require dry-docking at designated facilities with prior environmental approval.
45. Navigation in Restricted Visibility
45.1 Mandatory use of radar and AIS when visibility falls below 1 nautical mile.
45.2 Port may suspend vessel movements when visibility drops below 500 meters.
46. Crew Welfare Facilities
46.1 Designated crew recreation area available at Honko Wharf with free shuttle service.
46.2 Internet access cards available for purchase at port administration building.
47. Dangerous Weather Procedures
47.1 Typhoon warning stage 3 requires all cargo operations to cease immediately.
47.2 Vessels must maintain emergency generator readiness during storm warnings.
48. Port Clearance Procedures
48.1 Outward clearance requires submission of completed Customs Form C-1150 with original signatures.
48.2 No vessel may depart without Port Health clearance during public health emergencies.
49. Marine Pollution Response
49.1 Immediate reporting required for any oil spill exceeding 100 liters.
49.2 Pollution response team activation time: 30 minutes maximum for Tier 1 incidents.
50. Special Area Regulations
50.1 No-anchoring zones established around undersea pipelines (marked on official port charts).
50.2 Military restricted areas extend 500 meters from designated naval facilities – strict no-entry zones.
51. Vessel Traffic Separation Scheme
51.1 Mandatory adherence to traffic lanes in Sasebo approach channels (as per Japan Hydrographic Chart 121A).
51.2 Crossing traffic must yield to vessels in established traffic lanes at all times.
52. Port Lighting Requirements
52.1 All working deck areas must be properly illuminated during night operations (minimum 50 lux).
52.2 Navigation lights must remain operational 24 hours while in port (including masthead lights).
53. Cargo Securing Standards
53.1 All cargo securing must comply with Japan Cargo Securing Manual (JCSM) standards.
53.2 Random lashing inspections conducted by port officials for breakbulk and container vessels.
54. Radioactive Material Handling
54.1 Special berth allocation required for vessels carrying Class 7 dangerous goods (72-hour notice).
54.2 Mandatory radiation monitoring conducted by Japan Nuclear Regulation Authority before unloading.
55. Port Entry/Exit Reporting
55.1 Final departure details must be reported to Sasebo VTS at least 1 hour before sailing.
55.2 ETA updates required at 24h, 12h and 6h before arrival (accuracy within ±30 minutes).
56. Mooring Line Standards
56.1 Minimum breaking strength for mooring lines: 1.5 times maximum expected load.
56.2 Synthetic ropes must have UV protection and meet ISO 2307:2010 standards.
57. Port Security Zones
57.1 Restricted areas clearly marked with yellow/black striped boundaries and warning signs.
57.2 Unauthorized access to secured areas may result in immediate vessel detention.
58. Vessel Sanitation Control
58.1 Mandatory deratting certificates must be valid and available for inspection.
58.2 Food storage areas subject to random inspections by quarantine officers.
59. Tidal Information
59.1 Maximum tidal range: 3.2 meters during spring tides (port provides real-time tide gauges).
59.2 Current tables available from port authority (updated annually).
60. Local Agent Requirements
60.1 All foreign vessels must engage a licensed local shipping agent for port formalities.
60.2 Agent must be present during all official inspections and clearances.
61. Ballast Water Management
61.1 All vessels must comply with Japan’s Ballast Water Management Regulations (BWMR) and maintain proper documentation.
61.2 Ballast water exchange must be conducted at least 200 nautical miles from shore in waters >200m depth.
62. Port Laytime Regulations
62.1 Standard laytime calculation begins 6 hours after berthing or upon commencement of cargo operations.
62.2 Demurrage rates apply after 24 hours of free time for general cargo vessels.
63. Emergency Response Coordination
63.1 Vessels must participate in port emergency drills when requested by authorities.
63.2 Emergency muster stations must be clearly marked and accessible at all times.
64. Ship’s Garbage Handling
64.1 Separate containers required for food waste, plastics, and other operational waste.
64.2 Garbage record book must be properly maintained and available for inspection.
65. Port Pilotage Requirements
65.1 Compulsory pilotage for all vessels over 500 GT in inner harbor areas.
65.2 Pilot boarding area located at 33°09.5’N 129°42.8’E (marked by yellow buoy with white light).
66. Vessel Air Emissions Control
66.1 Shore power connection mandatory for vessels at berth longer than 2 hours (where available).
66.2 Visible smoke emissions prohibited – violations subject to immediate fines.
67. Port Storage Facilities
67.1 Bonded warehouse capacity: 50,000 sqm with temperature-controlled areas available.
67.2 Dangerous goods storage limited to 48 hours maximum without special permission.
68. Crew Change Procedures
68.1 Advance notification required 72 hours prior to crew changes.
68.2 All joining crew must present negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
69. Port Fire Prevention
69.1 Fire patrols required every 30 minutes in cargo holds during breakbulk operations.
69.2 Smoking strictly prohibited outside designated areas (marked with blue signage).
70. Vessel Dimension Restrictions
70.1 Maximum LOA: 300m for main commercial berths (special arrangements for larger vessels).
70.2 Air draft limitation: 45m at high tide for all inner harbor transit.
71. Port Communication Protocols
71.1 All VHF communications must use standard marine phraseology in English.
71.2 Emergency channel 16 must be monitored continuously while in port.
72. Cargo Handling Equipment
72.1 Maximum safe working load must be clearly marked on all port-provided equipment.
72.2 Specialized heavy lift equipment requires 48-hour advance booking.
73. Vessel Draft Limitations
73.1 Maximum permissible draft: 14.5m at high tide for main channel navigation.
73.2 Underkeel clearance must be maintained at minimum 10% of vessel’s draft.
74. Port Health Regulations
74.1 Maritime Declaration of Health must be submitted to Quarantine Office before arrival.
74.2 Medical waste must be properly containerized and labeled for disposal.
75. Bunkering Safety Procedures
75.1 “No Smoking” signs must be displayed during all bunkering operations.
75.2 Emergency shutdown systems must be tested before commencement of bunkering.
76. Port Entry Documentation
76.1 Original ship’s register and last port clearance certificate required for inspection.
76.2 Crew list must include passport numbers and seaman’s book details.
77. Dangerous Goods Handling
77.1 IMDG Code compliant stowage and segregation required for all hazardous materials.
77.2 Emergency response plans must be vessel-specific and immediately available.
78. Port Towage Services
78.1 Minimum two tugboats required for vessels over 200m LOA during berthing.
78.2 Tugboat connection points must be clearly marked and accessible.
79. Vessel Stability Requirements
79.1 Stability calculations must account for cargo operations and bunkering activities.
79.2 Maximum allowable list during cargo operations: 3 degrees.
80. Port Environmental Protection
80.1 No discharge of any pollutants within port limits, including gray water.
80.2 Oil spill containment equipment must be deployed during fuel transfer operations.
81. Port Security Measures
81.1 ISPS Code compliance required for all vessels – security level must be displayed at all access points.
81.2 Random security patrols conducted by port authorities 24/7.
82. Vessel Speed Restrictions
82.1 Maximum speed 5 knots within inner harbor limits (enforced by radar monitoring).
82.2 No-wake speed mandatory when passing moored vessels or small craft areas.
83. Cargo Manifest Requirements
83.1 Electronic cargo declaration must be submitted 24 hours before arrival.
83.2 Hazardous cargo details must be highlighted in red on all documentation.
84. Port Emergency Contacts
84.1 Port Control emergency number: (operational 24/7).
84.2 Medical emergency response time: guaranteed within 15 minutes.
85. Vessel Inspection Procedures
85.1 Port State Control inspections may be conducted without prior notice.
85.2 Inspection findings must be rectified before departure for critical items.
86. Port Tariff Structure
86.1 All fees published in JPY and USD on port authority website (updated quarterly).
86.2 Discounts available for vessels using multiple port services (bunkering+cargo).
87. Navigation Aid Maintenance
87.1 All aids to navigation checked weekly by Japan Coast Guard.
87.2 Immediate reporting required for any malfunctioning navigational buoys.
88. Vessel Anchorage Areas
88.1 Designated anchorage zones assigned based on vessel size and cargo type.
88.2 Minimum 500m separation required between anchored vessels.
89. Port Customs Procedures
89.1 Customs clearance available 24 hours with prior arrangement.
89.2 Temporary importation of ship’s stores requires customs bond.
90. Marine Wildlife Protection
90.1 Speed reduction zones established during whale migration seasons.
90.2 No discharge zone extends 12 nautical miles from port entrance.
91. Port Meteorological Services
91.1 Real-time weather updates broadcast on VHF Channel 14 every 30 minutes.
91.2 Gale warnings automatically trigger additional mooring line requirements.
92. Vessel Maintenance Restrictions
92.1 Hot work permits require 24-hour advance notice and fire watch deployment.
92.2 Underwater cleaning prohibited without prior environmental approval.
93. Port Ice Navigation
93.1 Icebreaker assistance mandatory when sea ice exceeds 15cm thickness.
93.2 Special hull strengthening certification required for winter operations.
94. Ship’s Stores Declaration
94.1 Alcohol and tobacco quantities must match bonded store inventories exactly.
94.2 Medical stores expiration dates verified during routine inspections.
95. Port Noise Regulations
95.1 Nighttime operations (2200-0600) must maintain noise below 65dB at shoreline.
95.2 Engine tests limited to daylight hours except for emergency situations.
96. Vessel Trim Requirements
96.1 Maximum trim of 1m by stern permitted during cargo operations.
96.2 Special monitoring required for vessels with unusual trim characteristics.
97. Port Cyber Security
97.1 Mandatory reporting of any onboard system breaches within 1 hour.
97.2 Critical systems must maintain air-gapped backups while in port.
98. Barge Operations
98.1 All barges must display proper lighting and identification markings.
98.2 Barge-to-ship transfers require dedicated safety officer supervision.
99. Port Historical Preservation
99.1 No anchoring permitted in designated marine archaeological zones.
99.2 Special permits required for operations near historical waterfront structures.
100. Vessel Departure Clearance
100.1 Final clearance granted only after all outstanding fees settled.
100.2 Departure checklist must be signed by master and port representative.
101. Port Fuel Quality Standards
101.1 All bunker fuel must meet ISO 8217 specifications with valid certificates.
101.2 Random fuel sampling conducted by port authorities for quality verification.
102. Vessel Hull Cleaning
102.1 Underwater cleaning requires prior approval and containment systems.
102.2 Biofouling removal waste must be properly disposed at approved facilities.
103. Port Crane Operations
103.1 Maximum wind speed for crane operations: 15 m/s (gusts measured).
103.2 Crane load tests conducted annually with certification displayed.
104. Ship Repair Regulations
104.1 Dry dock availability requires 30-day advance reservation.
104.2 All repair contractors must be pre-approved by port authority.
105. Port Waste Reception
105.1 Mandatory use of port’s waste reception facilities (no at-sea discharge).
105.2 Waste collection available 24/7 with prior arrangement.
106. Vessel AIS Requirements
106.1 AIS must remain operational continuously while in port waters.
106.2 Static voyage data must be verified against port documents.
107. Port Ice Monitoring
107.1 Daily ice reports issued November-March for navigation planning.
107.2 Ice accumulation warnings trigger special mooring inspections.
108. Ship’s Agent Responsibilities
108.1 Agents must accompany all official inspections and surveys.
108.2 24-hour contact availability required for assigned vessels.
109. Port Water Conservation
109.1 Freshwater loading metered and subject to port conservation measures.
109.2 Recycling systems required for vessel deck washing operations.
110. Emergency Towing Procedures
110.1 Designated emergency towing points must be clearly marked.
110.2 Annual emergency towing drills required for all port tugs.
111. Port Lighting Standards
111.1 All working areas must maintain minimum 200 lux illumination during night operations.
111.2 Navigation lights must be visible from 2 nautical miles in all directions.
112. Vessel Mooring Equipment
112.1 Minimum 8 mooring lines required for vessels over 200m LOA.
112.2 Synthetic mooring ropes must have UV protection and load certification.
113. Port Radioactive Materials Handling
113.1 Special berth assignment required for ships carrying radioactive cargo.
113.2 Radiation monitoring conducted continuously during loading/unloading.
114. Shipboard Safety Drills
114.1 Mandatory port entry/exit safety drills including emergency steering tests.
114.2 Drill records must be available for port state control inspection.
115. Port Dredging Operations
115.1 Dredging schedules published quarterly with affected areas marked on charts.
115.2 Minimum 50m clearance required between dredgers and moored vessels.
116. Vessel Freshwater Intake
116.1 Water loading points equipped with backflow prevention devices.
116.2 Maximum intake rate: 50 tons/hour unless prior approval obtained.
117. Port Hazardous Weather Protocols
117.1 Typhoon warning level 3 triggers mandatory additional mooring lines.
117.2 All cargo operations must cease when wind exceeds Beaufort scale 6.
118. Ship’s Communication Equipment
118.1 VHF radios must be tested with Port Control upon arrival and departure.
118.2 Satellite phone backup required for vessels in port exceeding 72 hours.
119. Port Firefighting Capabilities
119.1 Fireboats on standby with response time under 10 minutes to any berth.
119.2 All fire hydrants tested monthly with pressure records maintained.
120. Vessel Documentation Storage
120.1 Original certificates must be kept in fireproof cabinet on bridge.
120.2 Digital backups required for all critical ship documents.
