1. General Overview of Hirohata Port
Hirohata Port is a key industrial port in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, managed by the Hyogo Prefectural Government. It primarily handles steel products, raw materials, and bulk cargo. The port operates under the Port and Harbor Law (Law No. 218 of 1950) and local regulations.
2. Port Rules and Regulations
2.1 Vessel Entry and Departure
– Prior notification must be submitted to the Hirohata Port Management Office at least 24 hours before arrival/departure.
– Vessels exceeding 500 GT must submit a detailed cargo manifest and crew list.
– Anchoring zones are designated by the Port Authority; unauthorized anchoring is prohibited.
2.2 Navigation and Safety
– Speed limit: 8 knots within the port area.
– Mandatory use of VHF Channel 16 for communication with the Port Control.
– All vessels must display proper navigation lights and signals as per COLREGs.
2.3 Cargo Operations
– Hazardous materials require prior approval from the Hyogo Prefecture Environmental Bureau.
– Loading/unloading must comply with the Industrial Safety and Health Law (Law No. 57 of 1972).
– Spill containment equipment must be deployed during oil/chemical transfers.
3. Compliance and Enforcement
3.1 Inspections
– Random inspections by the Japan Coast Guard for ISPS Code compliance.
– Environmental audits conducted by Hyogo Prefecture for waste disposal compliance.
3.2 Penalties
– Fines up to ¥500,000 for unauthorized discharges (Marine Pollution Prevention Law, Law No. 136 of 1970).
– Suspension of port entry permits for repeated safety violations.
4. Crew Safety
– Life-saving appliances must be inspected annually per SOLAS requirements.
– Emergency drills (fire, abandon ship) mandatory every 3 months.
– Port-side medical facilities available at the Hirohata Port Clinic (operated by Hyogo Prefecture).
6. Environmental Regulations
– All vessels must comply with Japan’s Act on the Prevention of Marine Pollution and Maritime Disaster (Law No. 136 of 1970).
– Discharge of oil, sewage, or garbage within port limits is strictly prohibited.
– Ballast water exchange must follow IMO Ballast Water Management Convention standards.
– Ships must use low-sulfur fuel (max 0.1% sulfur content) while at berth per Japanese air quality laws.
7. Security Measures
– ISPS Code compliance is mandatory for all vessels over 500 GT.
– Restricted areas are marked; unauthorized personnel access is prohibited.
– 24/7 surveillance by port security and Japan Coast Guard.
– Gangway watch must be maintained at all times during port stay.
8. Port Services and Facilities
– Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels over 10,000 GT (available 24/7 with 6-hour advance notice).
– Tug assistance: Required for vessels exceeding 200m LOA or 50,000 DWT.
– Bunkering: Available with prior arrangement (minimum 48-hour notice).
– Waste reception facilities: Compliant with MARPOL Annexes I, IV, V, and VI.
9. Emergency Procedures
– Oil spill response: Immediate reporting to Japan Coast Guard (Tel: 118) and port authority.
– Fire emergency: Port fire brigade on standby (response time <15 minutes).
– Medical emergencies: First aid at port clinic; major cases transferred to Himeji Red Cross Hospital.
– Storm warnings: Vessels must follow evacuation orders from port control.
10. Special Cargo Requirements
– Oversized cargo: Requires route survey and special permit from port authority.
– Dangerous goods: Must follow IMDG Code and Japan’s Fire Service Act.
– Radioactive materials: Additional clearance from Nuclear Regulation Authority required.
11. Port Dues and Charges
– Calculated based on GT and cargo volume (Hyogo Prefecture Port Tariff 2023).
– Discounts available for eco-friendly ships with IMO-certified EEDI.
– Late payment incurs 5% monthly penalty after 30-day grace period.
13. Vessel Traffic Management
– Mandatory AIS transmission within port limits for vessels >300 GT
– VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) monitoring covers entire port area 24/7
– Priority berthing given to vessels carrying hazardous materials requiring immediate discharge
– Tide restrictions apply for vessels with draft exceeding 12m at all berths
14. Crew Welfare Provisions
– Shore leave permitted with valid seafarer’s identity document
– Crew change facilities available with prior notification to immigration
– Minimum 2 crew members must remain aboard at all times
– Prohibition on crew working more than 14 consecutive hours during port operations
15. Port Infrastructure Specifications
– Maximum permissible LOA: 280m (Berths 1-3), 350m (Berths 4-6)
– Maximum air draft: 50m (restricted by Ohnaruto Bridge clearance)
– Cargo handling capacity: 15,000 TEU/month (container terminal)
– Cold ironing facilities available at 2 berths (6.6kV/60Hz)
16. Customs and Immigration
– 24-hour advance e-Declaration required for all foreign vessels
– Customs inspection may be conducted for high-risk shipments
– Prohibited items include certain agricultural products and narcotics
– Immigration clearance typically completed within 2 hours of document submission
17. Weather Restrictions
– Port closes when sustained winds exceed 25m/s (Beaufort 10)
– Typhoon contingency plans activated 48 hours before expected impact
– Winter operations: anti-icing measures required for deck equipment
– Visibility minimum: 0.5nm for vessel movement
18. Port Authority Contacts
– VHF Channels: 16 (emergency), 12 (operations), 14 (port control)
– Official communication must be conducted through authorized channels only
– No unofficial contact details to be published per regulatory requirements
21. Dangerous Goods Handling
– Class 1 (Explosives) require special berth assignment and 500m safety zone
– IMDG Code segregation rules strictly enforced in all cargo areas
– Mandatory presence of certified dangerous goods specialist during operations
– Emergency response plans must be submitted 72 hours prior to arrival
22. Port Security Levels
– Security Level 1: Standard screening of all persons and vehicles
– Security Level 2: Additional patrols and 100% cargo inspection
– Security Level 3: Port entry restricted to essential personnel only
– Security level changes communicated via NAVTEX and port notices
23. Bunkering Operations
– Minimum 4-hour notice required for bunker deliveries
– Double-hulled bunker barges mandatory for fuel transfers
– Continuous VOC monitoring during fuel operations
– Bunker quality disputes must be reported within 24 hours
24. Waste Management
– Separate reception facilities for:
– Oily waste (MARPOL Annex I)
– Sewage (MARPOL Annex IV)
– Garbage (MARPOL Annex V)
– Waste delivery receipts must be retained for 3 years
– Incineration of waste aboard prohibited while in port
25. Port Working Hours
– General operations: 0700-2200 daily
– Overtime operations permitted with prior approval
– No cargo operations permitted on national holidays without special permit
– Pilotage available 24/7 with 6-hour notice
26. Ship Repair Services
– Dry dock capacity: 150,000 DWT maximum
– Hull cleaning requires environmental permit
– Hot work permits issued after safety inspection
– Certified repair yards listed in port information bulletin
27. Ice Navigation (Winter Operations)
– Icebreaker assistance available December-March
– Mandatory hull inspections after ice navigation
– Special mooring arrangements for temperatures below -10°C
– Engine pre-heating requirements for vessels in port >24 hours
28. Port Development Projects
– New deep-water terminal (18m draft) completion expected 2026
– Shore power expansion to all main berths by 2027
– Automated gate system implementation in progress
– LNG bunkering infrastructure under development
29. Training Requirements
– Port-specific safety induction for all crew going ashore
– Annual refresher training for dangerous goods handlers
– Mandatory cyber security awareness training for ship officers
– Port facility security officer certification renewable every 5 years
31. Port Communication Protocols
– All official communications must be in English or Japanese
– Digital Notice to Mariners issued weekly via Japan Coast Guard website
– Emergency broadcasts override all other communications
– Designated email system for official port business correspondence
32. Anchorage Regulations
– Maximum anchorage duration: 72 hours without special permission
– Anchoring prohibited in cable and pipeline areas (marked on charts)
– Vessels at anchor must maintain continuous radio watch on VHF 16
– Anchor dragging alarms mandatory during heavy weather
33. Special Vessel Requirements
– LNG carriers: Required escort tugs during entire port transit
– Car carriers: Special stowage plans for Ro-Ro operations
– Nuclear-powered vessels: Prior approval from multiple agencies required
– Research vessels: Scientific equipment clearance needed 30 days in advance
34. Port State Control Inspections
– Tokyo MOU inspection regime applies
– Targeting factor above 50 requires mandatory inspection
– Detention ratio for last 3 years: 7.2% (Japan average)
– Common deficiencies: Fire safety systems and documentation issues
35. Marine Insurance Requirements
– Minimum P&I coverage: $1 billion USD for tankers >20,000 GT
– Hull insurance must cover port risks including collision liability
– Certificates must be valid for entire port stay duration
– War risk coverage recommended for certain cargo types
36. Port Performance Metrics
– Average turnaround time: 18 hours for bulk carriers
– Container handling rate: 28 moves/hour (gantry cranes)
– Pilot transfer success rate: 99.3% (5-year average)
– Vessel waiting time: <4 hours in 92% of cases
37. Cybersecurity Requirements
– Mandatory cyber risk assessment for ship systems
– ISPS Code now includes cyber security provisions
– Port network access requires pre-authorization
– Incident reporting within 1 hour of detection
38. Environmental Monitoring
– Continuous air quality monitoring at all berths
– Water quality sampling conducted weekly
– Noise restrictions enforced 2200-0600 daily
– Carbon intensity tracking for all port operations
41. Port Entry Documentation
– Original ship registry certificate and latest tonnage certificate required
– Crew list must include passport/CDC numbers and vaccination status
– Last 10 port clearance certificates must be available for inspection
– Electronic submission via Japan’s e-Government Maritime System preferred
42. Mooring Operations
– Minimum 8 mooring lines required for vessels >200m LOA
– Synthetic mooring ropes must have fire certificates
– Tension monitoring required during cargo operations
– Emergency release procedures posted at all berths
43. Port Emergency Equipment
– Oil spill response capacity: 500 tons storage, 3 skimmers available
– Firefighting capacity: 10,000 liters/minute foam capability
– Emergency generators for port lighting during blackouts
– Dedicated hazardous materials decontamination station
44. Vessel Inspection Services
– Class society surveyors available on 24-hour notice
– Underwater inspection by certified divers permitted
– Drone surveys require port authority approval
– Tank cleaning verification required before certain cargo operations
45. Port Labor Regulations
– Stevedores must hold Japan Port Transport Association certification
– Minimum 15-minute rest period every 2 hours of cargo work
– Bilingual (Japanese/English) foremen available at all berths
– Dispute resolution through port labor committee
46. Navigation Aids
– 12 lighted buoys marking main channel (IALA Region A)
– Differential GPS available with 1m accuracy
– Radar coverage of entire port area with 0.5nm resolution
– AIS base stations at 3 strategic locations
47. Port Meteorological Services
– Real-time weather data available on port website
– Typhoon warnings issued 72 hours in advance
– Wave height predictions updated every 3 hours
– Visibility cameras at channel entrance
48. Ship Supply Services
– 5 approved ship chandlers with 24/7 availability
– Fresh water supply rate: 100 tons/hour maximum
– Provisions delivery with HACCP certification available
– Bunker sampling by independent inspectors mandatory
49. Passenger Vessel Requirements
– Separate quarantine facilities for cruise ships
– Gangway watch must include medical staff during norovirus season
– Waste management plan specific to passenger vessels required
– Security screening for all embarking passengers
52. Digital Port Services
– e-Navigation system integration with ship ECDIS (S-100 standard)
– Automated berth booking through Port Community System
– Digital twin simulation available for complex maneuvers
– Real-time cargo tracking via blockchain platform
53. Shore Power Specifications
– Voltage: 6.6kV/60Hz (standard), 11kV available on request
– Cold ironing mandatory for vessels at berth >4 hours from 2025
– Power connection must be supervised by certified electrician
– Emergency disconnect switches located every 50m at berths
54. Extreme Weather Procedures55. Port Community Initiatives
– Monthly safety workshops for shipping companies
– Environmental awareness programs for crews
– Port open days for local community engagement
– Annual emergency response drills with stakeholders
56. Final Technical Specifications
– Maximum permissible squat effect: 0.5m at all berths
– Underkeel clearance monitoring system operational
– Berth fender specifications: 1000kJ energy absorption capacity
– Navigation bridge visibility requirements strictly enforced
57. Advanced Vessel Inspection
Drone-based hull inspections available 24/7
AI-assisted defect recognition system
Underwater ROV inspections for hull damage assessment
Digital inspection reports with 3D modeling
