1. Port and Terminal Information
1.1 Yangjiang Port operates 24/7, including holidays, but prior notice is required for special operations (e.g., hazardous cargo handling). Night operations require additional lighting arrangements.
1.2 Main commercial terminals:
– Yangjiang General Cargo Terminal (Max draft: 14.5m, LOA limit: 230m, 3 berths)
– Yangjiang Container Terminal (Max draft: 15m, LOA limit: 250m, 4 berths)
– Yangjiang Bulk Terminal (Max draft: 16m, dedicated to coal/ore, LOA limit: 280m, 2 berths)
– Yangjiang Oil Terminal (Max draft: 12m, LOA limit: 180m, 1 berth) – newly added
1.3 Mandatory use of port-approved mooring ropes (minimum breaking load: 150 tons) at all berths. Independent inspection certificates required for all ropes (valid within last 6 months). Synthetic ropes prohibited for vessels >50,000 DWT.
1.4 Temporary restrictions apply at Berth 5-6 (Container Terminal) due to ongoing dredging (effective until 30-Nov-2024). Max permissible draft reduced to 14.2m during this period (Port Notice No. 2024/18).
1.5 Newly added: Dangerous goods berth (Berth DG-1) operational since March 2024, with special firefighting systems (certified to NFPA 11 standard).
2. Navigation and Channel
2.1 Main channel depth maintained at 16.2m (CD), but silting may occur after typhoons. Daily dredging reports available from VTS (request via VHF Ch67).
2.2 Speed limit: 8 knots within port limits (extending 3nm from breakwater). Radar speed checks enforced with fines up to RMB 50,000 for violations (Maritime Safety Administration Regulation 2021-03).
2.3 No overtaking permitted in the inner channel (between buoys #12-#18). Mandatory AIS transmission required throughout port approach.
2.4 Revised channel marking system implemented since Jan-2024:
– North Approach: New cardinal marks (Q(9)10s) at positions 21°47’12″N 111°59’34″E
– South Approach: Modified lateral marks (Red/Green 2.5s) with increased luminosity (IALA Standard).
2.5 Newly added: Channel transit windows for VLCCs (over 200m LOA) restricted to slack water ±1 hour (tide tables available at port website).
3. Anchorage Regulations
3.1 Designated anchorage areas:
– A1 (Primary): 21°45’30″N 111°58’45″E (Max depth 25m, holding ground: mud/clay)
– A2 (Emergency): 21°44’15″N 111°57’20″E (Max depth 18m)
– A3 (Standby): 21°43’50″N 111°56’10″E (Max depth 20m) – reopened after maintenance
Max occupancy: 48 hours without port permission. Extension requests must be submitted 12hrs in advance.
3.2 Anchorage watch must include deck officer with VHF Ch16/12 continuous monitoring. Port patrol conducts random radio checks (failure to respond may result in expulsion).
3.3 Prohibited to discharge any wastewater within 5nm of anchorage. MARPOL compliance certificates subject to inspection (including Oil Record Book Part I).
3.4 Newly added: Anchorage lighting requirements – all vessels at anchor must display proper lights as per COLREGs, with additional deck lighting visible from 1nm during nighttime.
4. Cargo Operations
4.1 Grain cargo:
– Mandatory fumigation certificate (original copy) must be presented 24hrs before loading
– Hold cleanliness standards follow NSPA 2022 guidelines (visual inspection by port surveyor)
– Dust suppression required during loading (water spray system mandatory for vessels >20,000DWT).
4.2 Container ships:
– Verified gross mass (VGM) declaration required 6hrs prior to operations
– Misdeclaration penalties up to USD 10,000 per container (Yangjiang Port Rule 12.05)
– Reefer containers must submit temperature logs for past 72 hours.
4.3 Bulk carriers:
– Load computer printouts showing sequential loading must be available throughout operations
– Coal cargoes require spontaneous combustion risk assessment report (ISO 11722:2013 standard)
– Iron ore cargo moisture content must not exceed Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) per IMSBC Code 2022 Amendment.
4.4 Newly added: Timber cargo – all securing arrangements must be certified by class surveyor prior to loading (minimum 1.5x safety factor for lashings).
5. Safety Requirements
5.1 Firefighting systems:
– Must be pressurized and ready within port limits
– Random drills may be conducted by port authorities (including emergency shutdown tests)
– International Shore Connection (ISC) must comply with ISO 7065-1:2021.
5.2 Gangway requirements:
– Safety nets (minimum 1.5m width) and adequate lighting (minimum 100 lux) for night operations
– Angle not exceeding 30° from horizontal
– COVID-19 protocols still require disinfection mats at gangway entry points (Port Health Notice 2024/05).
5.3 Emergency preparedness:
– Towing wires must be rigged on both bows during berthing (minimum diameter 32mm)
– Lifeboat launching drills prohibited while alongside (except with prior port permission)
– Updated SOP for toxic gas leaks (refer to Yangjiang Port Contingency Plan v5.3, 2024).
5.4 Newly added: Helicopter operations require 24hr prior notice, with landing area certified for minimum 3t capacity (DNVGL-ST-0377 standard).
6. Environmental Compliance
6.1 Bunker control:
– Strict enforcement of China MEPC.336(76) regulations
– Bunker samples taken for all vessels exceeding 400GT (retained for 12 months)
– Mandatory use of 0.50% sulfur fuel since 1-Jan-2024 (exemptions require 72hr pre-approval).
6.2 Waste management:
– No open-air burning permitted within 10nm of port
– Incinerator use requires prior notification (logbook entries must match AIS data)
– Plastic waste recording now includes microplastics (per MEPC.360(79)).
6.3 Ballast water:
– Exchange records must include exact coordinates (to minute level)
– D-2 standard compliance required for all vessels built after 8-Sep-2024
– Zebra mussel inspection mandatory for vessels from Great Lakes region (US/Canada).
6.4 Newly added: Underwater noise monitoring program implemented (vessels must comply with IMO MEPC.1/Circ.833 guidelines during sensitive periods).
7. Crew Management
7.1 Shore leave:
– Permitted only after completing port entry formalities
– Crew lists must include passport numbers and visa types (Chinese embassy stamp required for certain nationalities)
– Biometric fingerprint registration introduced since Feb-2024 (process takes 20min/person).
7.2 Health protocols:
– Medical waste disposal through licensed contractors only (list available from port health office)
– Vaccination records must show COVID-19 booster within 6 months for crew changes
– Malaria prophylaxis recommended for crews going ashore in rural areas.
7.3 Crew changes:
– Require 72hr notice with negative PCR tests for all personnel involved
– Immigration processing only on weekdays 0800-1600 (except emergencies)
– Seafarer’s identity documents must have machine-readable zone (ICAO Doc 9303 standard).
7.4 Newly added: Crew training requirements – all officers must have completed MLC-compliant working hours training (certificate must be available).
8. Special Circumstances
8.1 Typhoon contingency:
– Vessels >10,000GT must vacate berths when Signal No.8 is hoisted
– Mandatory anchor watch of 3 officers during tropical storms
– New typhoon shelter coordinates published (21°42’18″N 111°55’42″E – maximum 15 vessels).
8.2 Military exercises:
– Sudden channel closures possible with 4hr notice
– Monitor NAVTEX 518kHz and VHF Ch16 for NOTSHIP messages
– Live-fire exercise area expanded to 5nm radius around 21°40’00″N 111°54’00″E (active 1-30 Nov annually).
8.3 Fishing season:
– Reduced speeds (5 knots) enforced in western approach during May-August
– Nighttime fishing light restrictions (no white lights >200W within 2nm of channels)
– Mandatory turtle exclusion devices for trawlers (affects vessel routing in Sector C).
8.4 Newly added: Cultural heritage protection zone established within 2nm of ancient shipwreck site (21°41’30″N 111°57’15″E) – no anchoring permitted.
9. Additional Critical Notices
9.1 Cyber security: Mandatory reporting of any GPS spoofing incidents (refer to IMO MSC.1/Circ.1638).
9.2 Piracy prevention: Armed guards require 14-day pre-approval (MSA Form F-1102).
9.3 New construction: Dredging works near West Breakwater until Q2-2025 (daily updates via VHF Ch14).
9.4 Tide tables: Official Yangjiang tide predictions (2024 edition) must be carried aboard (available at www.yjport.gov.cn/en).
9.5 Newly added: Port State Control focus items for 2024 include:
– Emergency generator fuel oil system compliance (SOLAS II-1/43)
– Lifeboat hook release mechanisms (MSC.1/Circ.1392)
– Bridge resource management documentation.
10. Port Services and Facilities
10.1 Pilotage:
– Compulsory for all vessels over 500GT
– Boarding position: 21°46’00″N 111°59’30″E (1.5nm NE of breakwater)
– Night pilotage surcharge applies 2000-0600 hours.
10.2 Tug services:
– Minimum 2 tugs required for vessels >200m LOA
– ASD tugs available up to 80t bollard pull
– Newly added: Emergency towing vessel on standby 24/7 (VHF Ch14).
10.3 Bunkering:
– Only licensed suppliers permitted (current list at port office)
– Advance notice of 12 hours required for stem >500mt
– Newly added: LNG bunkering available at dedicated berth (prior approval required).
11. Documentation Requirements
11.1 Mandatory pre-arrival documents:
– Port Information Sheet (Form YP-01)
– Crew and passenger list (including vaccination status)
– Cargo manifest (customs-approved format).
11.2 Newly added: Digital submission requirements:
– All documents must be uploaded to Yangjiang Port e-System 24hr before arrival
– PDF/A format required for long-term archiving
– Digital signatures must comply with China Cryptography Law.
12. Port Security
12.1 ISPS compliance:
– Security Level 1 normally in force
– Declaration of Security required for certain vessels (port will advise)
– Random security drills conducted by port authorities.
12.2 Restricted areas:
– No photography within 500m of naval facilities
– Drone operations strictly prohibited without permit
– Newly added: Cybersecurity audit may be required for vessels with integrated bridge systems.
13. Meteorological Services
13.1 Weather updates:
– Broadcast every 6 hours on VHF Ch16, 67
– Typhoon warnings issued when winds >24 knots expected
– Newly added: Real-time wave height data available at channel entrance (displayed on port website).
13.2 Current measurements:
– Maximum ebb current: 3.2 knots at spring tides
– Flood current direction: 285° true
– Newly added: Real-time current monitoring available via AIS application (Yangjiang Port App).
14. Emergency Contacts
14.1 Official contact points:
– Port Control: VHF Ch12, 67 (24/7)
– Maritime Safety: VHF Ch16 (emergency only)
– Medical Emergency: +86 662 120 (English-speaking operators available).
14.2 Newly added: Pollution emergency response:
– Oil spill: Immediate notification required (+86 662 12369)
– Chemical spill: Specialized team on call 24/7
– Contact must be made within 15 minutes of incident detection.
15. Recent Regulatory Updates
15.1 Effective 1 July 2024:
– New ballast water sampling procedures (MEPC.378(80))
– Expanded EEDI requirements for certain vessel types
– Stricter NOx emission controls in port area.
15.2 Newly added: Port development plan updates:
– New container terminal (Phase 3) completion expected Q3 2025
– Deepening of main channel to 18m planned for 2026
– Shore power facilities mandatory for all berths by 2027.
16. Vessel Inspection Requirements
16.1 Port State Control:
– Concentrated Inspection Campaigns (CICs) announced quarterly
– Current focus: Fire safety systems and documentation
– Newly added: Electronic certificates must show digital verification seals.
16.2 Class surveys:
– Special surveys cannot be conducted during cargo operations
– Drydock certificates must be originals or properly certified copies
– Newly added: Thickness measurement reports now required for vessels >15 years old.
17. Customs and Immigration
17.1 Clearance procedures:
– All crew must remain aboard during initial inspection
– Ship’s stamps and papers subject to verification
– Newly added: Advanced passenger information system (APIS) submissions required 48hr before arrival.
17.2 Prohibited items:
– Satellite phones require special permit
– Certain medications need prior approval
– Newly added: Unmanned underwater vehicles strictly controlled.
18. Port Dues and Charges
18.1 Current tariff structure:
– Based on GT and cargo type
– 15% surcharge for vessels >300m LOA
– Newly added: Environmental incentive discounts available for green ships.
18.2 Payment methods:
– Electronic transfer preferred
– Cash payments limited to RMB 50,000 equivalent
– Newly added: Cryptocurrency payments not accepted.
19. Local Agent Requirements
19.1 Mandatory services:
– Only licensed agents may handle formalities
– Agent must accompany all official inspections
– Newly added: Agents must carry real-time tracking devices during operations.
19.2 Newly added: Performance standards:
– Maximum 2 hour response time for emergencies
– Documentation errors may lead to agent suspension
– Mandatory professional liability insurance required.
