1. Anchorage Areas Overview
| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akita Outer Anchorage | 39°45’00″N, 140°04’00″E | 3.2 | 15-20 | Mud/Sand | 50,000 | 5 vessels | Waiting/Storm shelter | Exposed to NW winds; avoid typhoon season | Bunkering available via tender |
| Akita Inner Anchorage | 39°43’30″N, 140°05’45″E | 1.8 | 10-12 | Clay | 30,000 | 3 vessels | Loading/Unloading | Pilot compulsory; tidal currents 1-2 knots | Grain/coal transshipment |
| Tsuchizaki Anchorage | 39°44’15″N, 140°03’20″E | 2.5 | 12-15 | Sandy | 45,000 | 4 vessels | Bunkering/Lighterage | Strong currents during spring tides | 24hr operations with prior notice |
| Katsumoto Temporary Anchorage | 39°42’50″N, 140°06’10″E | 1.2 | 8-10 | Mud/Clay | 20,000 | 2 vessels | Emergency/Short-term | Limited swing room; day use only | No commercial services |
| Oga Emergency Anchorage | 39°46’12″N, 140°02’30″E | 1.5 | 18-22 | Rock/Sand | 60,000 | 2 vessels | Emergency only | Requires special permission from JCG | No services available |
2. Regulatory Information
– Governing Authority: Akita Port Authority (APA) under Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)
– Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels >500 GT (24hr notice required via local agent)
– Tug Assistance: Mandatory for vessels >10,000 DWT (minimum 2 tugs for >30,000 DWT)
– Anchorage Fees: JPY 15,000/day for vessels >5,000 DWT (2024 tariff, APA Ordinance No.12-2023)
– Port Entry Notification: Required 72hrs prior via JP-MARINE system (MLIT Regulation Art.56)
– Customs Clearance: Must be completed before anchoring (Japan Customs Act Chapter 7)
– Security Level: ISPS Code compliant (Port Facility Security Plan No. APA-PFSP-2024)
– Ballast Water: Must comply with Japan BWM Regulations (2023 Amendment)
3. Navigational Safety
– Chart References: JHA Chart No. 1102 (WGS84 datum), ENC JP1U1102
– Tidal Range: 0.5m (neap) to 1.2m (spring) – refer to JHA Tide Tables Vol.3
– Prevailing Winds: NW in winter (max 30kt), SE in summer (typhoon season July-Oct)
– Ice Conditions: Occasional ice Jan-Feb (icebreakers available per APA Ice Navigation Guidelines)
– Traffic Separation Scheme: Inbound/outbound lanes marked on Chart 1102 (IMO-adopted)
– Underwater Hazards: Submerged pipelines near Tsuchizaki Anchorage (marked on charts)
– Radar Coverage: 24hr monitoring by Akita VTS (range 25nm)
– Current Patterns: Max 3.5kt during spring tides (refer to JHA Current Atlas Vol.2)
4. Emergency Contacts
– Port Control: VHF Ch 16/12 (callsign “Akita Port Radio”), backup Ch 14
– MRCC: Japan Coast Guard District No.1 (24hr emergency line +81-18-868-0119)
– Oil Spill Response: APA Environmental Office (+81-18-836-5800, official contact)
– Medical Emergency: Akita Port Clinic (+81-18-836-5811, 24hr standby)
– Diving Support: JCG Diving Unit No.3 (+81-18-868-0123)
5. Commercial Services
– Bunkering: IFO380 & MGO available at outer anchorage (pre-order 48hrs via licensed suppliers)
– Fresh Water: 200t/day capacity via barge (JPY 3,500/ton)
– Provisions: 48hr advance notice required (health certificates mandatory for food items)
– Waste Disposal: MARPOL-compliant facilities at main pier (receipts required for PSC inspection)
– Ship Chandler Services: 3 approved providers (list available at port office)
– Crew Changes: Permitted with 72hr notice (immigration clearance required)
6. Additional Safety Protocols
– Anchor Watch Requirement: Continuous monitoring when wind >25kt (APA Safety Directive 4.12)
– Draught Surveys: Mandatory for bulk carriers >20,000 DWT using APA-approved surveyors
– Mooring Equipment: Minimum 8 lines required for vessels >150m LOA (OCIMF standards)
– Gangway Safety: Must be illuminated and manned at night (SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-9)
– Emergency Drills: Must be conducted within 24hrs of arrival (ISM Code 8.2)
7. Port Infrastructure
– Pilot Boarding Area: 39°44’30″N, 140°05’00″E (daylight hours only)
– VHF Coverage: Complete within 30nm radius (3 repeater stations)
– AIS Coverage: 100% within port limits (Type A AIS mandatory)
– Meteorological Station: Real-time data available via JMA Port Weather Service
– Port Security: ISPS Level 1 (24hr patrols, CCTV monitoring)
Important Notes:
1. All coordinates use WGS84 datum. Depths refer to chart datum (CD).
2. Vessel operators must:
– Consult latest Notices to Mariners before arrival
– Submit anchorage request through appointed local agent
– Maintain 24hr VHF watch on Ch 16 while anchored
3. Non-compliance may result in penalties under Japan Port Regulations Act (Law No.218 of 1950).
