| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamochi Outer Anchorage | 37°03’30″N 137°48’00″E | 1.2 | 15-20 | Mud/Sand mix | 50,000 | 3 vessels (min 500m spacing) | Waiting/Storm shelter | Exposed to NW winds (Nov-Mar); typhoon season June-Oct; avoid with winds > Beaufort 7 | No bunkering; fresh water available with 48h notice |
| Hamochi Inner Anchorage | 37°04’15″N 137°47’30″E | 0.8 | 10-12 | Clay with shell fragments | 30,000 | 2 vessels (max LOA 180m) | Cargo operations | Tidal currents 1.5-2 knots (spring tide); prohibited for VLCCs | Daylight ops only (0700-1800 JST); stevedores available |
| Hamochi Emergency Anchorage | 37°02’45″N 137°48’45″E | 0.5 | 18-22 | Sand/Shell mix | 20,000 | 1 vessel | Emergency repairs | Prior permission required; max stay 48h; no bunkering | No cargo ops; tug assistance mandatory |
| Hamochi Quarantine Anchorage | 37°03’00″N 137°47’15″E | 0.3 | 12-14 | Hard clay | 15,000 | 1 vessel | Health inspections | Medical waste handling required; Q-flag mandatory | Medical services available |
Operational Specifications:
- Pilotage: Compulsory >500 GT (24h notice; boarding position 37°05’N 137°50’E)
- Tidal Data: Mean range 1.5m (spring 2.1m); HW slack ±1h15min
- Holding Quality: Outer – Moderate (3:1 scope recommended), Inner – Good (4:1), Emergency – Fair (5:1)
- Emergency Contacts: JCG Niigata VHF Ch 16/67; Port Control Ch 12
- Anchor Watch: Required for currents >1.5kt or winds > Beaufort 6 (GPS anchor alarm mandatory)
- Prohibited Zones: 500m from cables; 200m from aquaculture zones (updated per JP4123/2024)
- Turning Basin: Diameter 450m at 37°04’00″N 137°47’00″E (max draft 10m)
Navigation Advisories:
- Fishing Activity: Intensive April-November (marked by yellow buoys; 0.5nm exclusion recommended)
- Radar Limitations: Inner anchorage blind sector 285°-315° due to Mt. Myōjō
- Weather Hazards: Winter icing (Dec-Feb); katabatic winds to 35kt; summer fog (vis <500m)
- Currents: Strong W-setting current during ebb (max 2.8kt at springs)
- Submarine Pipeline: Runs NE-SW across outer anchorage (marked by special buoys)
Regulatory Framework:
- Anchoring Duration: Max 72h (extensions require Port Authority approval)
- Equipment Requirements: AIS always on; boom deployment >400GT during bunkering
- Environmental: Zero discharge policy; mandatory garbage logs
- Security: ISPS Level 1 compliance required; nighttime lighting standards
- Reporting: Arrival/departure reports via JP-MICS system
Service Notes:
- Bunkering: Not available at anchor; bonded fuel available at pier
- Provisions: Delivery possible with 24h notice (health certificates required)
- Repairs: Limited afloat repairs available (diver services on call)
- Tugs: 2x 3200HP available (advance booking required)
- Customs: 24/7 clearance for pre-declared vessels
