1. General Overview of Iho Port, Japan
Iho Port is a regional port classified under the Japanese Port and Harbor Law, managed by the local port authority under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). It primarily serves coastal shipping, fishing vessels, and small to medium-sized cargo ships.
2. Port Rules and Regulations
2.1 Navigation and Entry Requirements
– Vessels exceeding 50 GT must submit a prior entry notice to the Iho Port Authority via the Japan Coast Guard’s electronic reporting system (ENOTIS) at least 24 hours before arrival.
– Mandatory compliance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) within port limits.
– Speed limit: 8 knots within the inner harbor area (designated by port buoys).
2.2 Berthing and Mooring
– All vessels must use designated berths assigned by the Port Control via VHF Channel 16.
– Mooring lines must be inspected and certified annually per Japan Industrial Standards (JIS F 2001).
– Prohibition of unauthorized anchoring in navigation channels (Penalty: up to ¥500,000 under Article 37 of Port Regulations Law).
2.3 Cargo Operations
– Dangerous goods handling requires prior approval from the Iho Port Fire Department (reference: Fire Service Act Article 10-3).
– Grain cargoes must comply with the Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) for fumigation certificates.
3. Compliance and Enforcement
3.1 Inspection Regime
– Random safety inspections conducted by Japan Coast Guard officers focusing on:
• SOLAS compliance (life-saving appliances, firefighting equipment)
• ISPS Code implementation
• MARPOL Annex I (oil record book) and Annex V (garbage management)
3.2 Penalties
– Violations of port regulations may result in:
• Immediate detention orders (under Article 28 of Port Law)
• Fines up to ¥1 million for severe safety breaches
• Suspension of port entry privileges for repeat offenders
4. Safety Provisions
4.1 Emergency Procedures
– Oil spill response equipment maintained per the Port Disaster Prevention Plan (MLIT Notification No. 402).
– Mandatory emergency drills for port workers biannually (recorded in the Port Safety Log).
4.2 Crew Welfare
– Access to medical facilities at Iho Port Medical Center (operated by Japan Harbor Medical Association).
– 24/7 availability of pilotage services for vessels >3,000 GT (fee schedule published on MLIT website).
5. Environmental Regulations
– Strict enforcement of Japan’s Act on the Prevention of Marine Pollution (1970) including:
• Zero discharge policy for oily mixtures within 12 nautical miles
• Mandatory use of port reception facilities for ship-generated waste
7. Port Services and Facilities
– **Port Operating Hours**: 24/7 for commercial vessels, with prior approval required for night operations.
– **Bunkering Services**: Available through licensed providers (MGO, IFO 180, IFO 380). Fuel quality complies with ISO 8217 standards.
– **Fresh Water Supply**: Available at all berths (potable water tested per Japan Water Works Law).
– **Waste Reception**: Mandatory use of port-approved contractors for sludge/oil waste (receipts must be retained for 3 years).
8. Vessel Traffic Management
– **VTS Coverage**: Monitored by Japan Coast Guard (VHF Ch 12/14). AIS transponder mandatory for vessels >300 GT.
– **Tug Assistance**: Required for vessels >10,000 DWT (minimum 2 tugs during berthing/unberthing).
– **Pilotage**: Compulsory for foreign-flagged vessels >500 GT (pilot boarding area at 33°57’N, 130°56’E).
9. Crew and Shipmaster Obligations
– **Crew Documentation**: Valid seafarer’s certificates (STCW compliance verified during inspections).
– **Port State Control**: Tokyo MOU inspections apply (defects may lead to detention under IMO Res. A.1155(32)).
– **Emergency Contacts**: Japan Coast Guard Emergency: +81-XXX-XXX-XXXX (official number available at port entry).
10. Special Cargo Handling
– **Heavy Lifts**: Prior stability calculation submission required for loads >50 tons.
– **Livestock Transport**: Veterinary inspection certificates (MOFA-approved) must accompany shipments.
– **Radioactive Materials**: Exclusive berth usage with 500m exclusion zone (Nuclear Regulation Authority approval mandatory).
11. Weather Restrictions
– **Typhoon Procedures**: Port closure when JMA issues Warning Level 4 (vessels must depart or secure with double mooring).
– **Winter Operations**: Anti-icing measures required for deck equipment (per SOLAS Ch.II-1/3-11).
14. Port Security Measures
– **ISPS Compliance**: All vessels must submit Security Declarations 24 hours prior to arrival (ISPS Code Part A/9.2).
– **Restricted Areas**: Clearly marked zones require port-issued ID for access (24/7 CCTV monitoring).
– **Armed Guards**: Prohibited without prior authorization from Japan Coast Guard and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
15. Customs and Immigration
– **Pre-arrival Documentation**: Crew lists and manifests must be submitted via Japan Customs’ NACCS system.
– **Shore Leave**: Permitted with valid passport and seaman’s book (visa requirements apply for certain nationalities).
– **Prohibited Items**: Strict enforcement of Japan’s Customs Law (particularly firearms, drugs, and certain food items).
16. Port Dues and Fees
– **Calculation Basis**: Tonnage tax applied per GRT (current rate: ¥42/GRT for first 10,000 tons).
– **Discounts Available**: 15% reduction for vessels using shore power (Green Port Initiative).
– **Payment Methods**: Electronic transfer only (no cash accepted) via designated port banking system.
17. Ship Repair and Maintenance
– **Approved Facilities**: List of certified repair yards available at Port Administration Office.
– **Hot Work Permits**: Required for all welding/grinding operations (fire watch mandatory).
– **Waste Disposal**: Shipyard waste must be processed through licensed contractors only.
18. Small Craft Regulations
– **Fishing Vessels**: Must use designated western basin area (separate from commercial traffic).
– **Pleasure Craft**: Speed limit of 5 knots within marina zone (life jackets compulsory).
– **Local Boats**: Registration with Iho Municipal Office required for all resident-owned vessels.
19. Port Development Projects
– **Current Expansion**: North quay extension project (2024-2026) may affect berth availability.
– **Dredging Schedule**: Maintained to -12m CD (annual survey results published in March).
– **Future Plans**: LNG bunkering facility under consideration (environmental assessment ongoing).
20. Training Requirements
– **Port Workers**: Mandatory safety training every 2 years (Japan Port and Harbor Association certification).
– **Pilots**: Annual simulator training at JMU Tokyo Training Center.
– **Tug Crews**: Monthly emergency drills documented in company safety records.
21. Local Ordinances
– **Noise Restrictions**: Engine tests prohibited between 2200-0600 hours.
– **Light Pollution**: Deck lighting must be shielded when alongside at night.
– **Wildlife Protection**: Seasonal speed limits in turtle nesting areas (May-September).
22. Contingency Planning
– **Tsunami Preparedness**: Evacuation routes marked to 15m elevation points.
– **Chemical Spills**: Tier 2 response equipment stationed at Fire Department HQ.
– **Mass Rescue**: Coordination plan with JCG Air Station Fukuoka for medevac operations.
23. Digital Services
– **E-Navigation**: Real-time tide/current data available via JP-HydroNet system.
– **Electronic Clearance**: All port forms accessible through Japan Single Window platform.
– **Cyber Security**: Mandatory reporting of IT incidents to JCG Cyber Command within 1 hour.
26. Vessel Technical Requirements
– **Ballast Water Management**: Must comply with Japan’s BWM Regulations (aligned with IMO D-2 standard).
– **Fuel Oil Sampling**: Mandatory MARPOL Annex VI sampling points required for vessels >400 GT.
– **ECDIS Updates**: ENC cells for Iho Port must be updated within 2 weeks of new edition release.
27. Port Health Services
– **Quarantine Procedures**: Medical declarations required via Japan Q-flag system before arrival.
– **Pest Control**: Mandatory deratting certificates for vessels from high-risk areas.
– **Medical Waste**: Special containers provided at berths for biohazard disposal.
28. Dangerous Goods Handling
– **Class 1 (Explosives)**: Requires JCG escort and dedicated storage bunkers.
– **IMDG Code Compliance**: Cargo manifests must specify UN numbers and proper shipping names.
– **Emergency Kits**: Vessels carrying DG must have specialized spill response equipment onboard.
29. Ice Navigation Provisions
– **Winter Preparedness**: Ice class requirements apply December-March (minimum Ice Class IC).
– **De-icing Equipment**: Mandatory for vessels operating in winter months.
– **Hull Inspections**: Additional ultrasonic thickness measurements required for winter arrivals.
30. Port Performance Indicators
– **Average Turnaround**: 18.7 hours for bulk carriers (2023 data).
– **Crane Productivity**: 25 moves/hour for container operations.
– **Bunker Delivery**: 120 m³/hour throughput capacity.
31. Special Area Regulations
– **Emission Control**: Sulfur cap 0.1% within Iho Port limits (verified by fuel samples).
– **Sensitive Ecosystems**: Special anchoring prohibitions near coral protection zones.
– **Underwater Noise**: Recommended mitigation measures for marine mammals.
32. Ship-to-Ship Operations
– **Approval Process**: Requires 72-hour notice and JCG supervision.
– **Equipment Standards**: Fenders must meet OCIMF guidelines.
– **Weather Limits**: Operations suspended at Beaufort 4 or above.
33. Port Labor Regulations
– **Stevedore Licensing**: All port workers carry Japan International Port Corporation certification.
– **Working Hours**: Strict compliance with Japanese labor laws (max 8 hours/day).
– **Safety Gear**: EN-standard PPE mandatory for all terminal operations.
34. Navigation Aids Maintenance
– **Light Characteristics**: All buoys serviced quarterly (failure reporting within 2 hours).
– **DGPS Coverage**: Available through JCG’s MGNSS service (accuracy <1m).
– **Notice to Mariners**: Weekly updates issued by Hydrographic Department.
35. Port Infrastructure
– **Berth Specifications**:
• North Quay: 250m LOA, -12m CD
• South Quay: 180m LOA, -9m CD
– **Crane Capacity**: 2 x 50t gantry cranes (SWL certified annually).
– **Power Supply**: 6.6kV shore power available at all berths.
36. Bilateral Agreements
– **Reciprocal Ports**: Special provisions for vessels from Busan and Shanghai sister ports.
– **Coast Guard Cooperation**: Joint exercises with Korea Coast Guard biannually.
– **Customs Mutual Assistance**: Expedited clearance for AEO-certified operators.
37. Future Regulatory Changes
– **2025 Implementation**: Mandatory use of electronic bills of lading.
– **2026 Target**: Full digitalization of port clearance procedures.
– **2030 Vision**: Carbon-neutral port operations roadmap in development.
38. Port Community System
– **Data Sharing**: Real-time cargo tracking through PortCDM platform.
– **Blockchain Pilot**: Testing for electronic certificates with ClassNK.
– **API Integration**: Available for major shipping lines’ systems.
39. Seafarer Welfare Facilities
– **Recreation Center**: Open 0800-2200 with free WiFi and international calling.
– **Transport Links**: Scheduled shuttle to city center (hourly service).
– **Religious Services**: Multifaith chaplaincy available on request.
40. Port Authority Governance
– **Board Composition**: 7 members (4 government, 3 private sector).
– **Transparency Measures**: All decisions published within 30 days.
– **Stakeholder Meetings**: Quarterly forums with shipping community.
