1. General Overview of Ishigaki Port
Ishigaki Port is a key regional port in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, designated as a “Major Port” under the Port and Harbor Law (Law No. 218 of 1950). It is managed by the Okinawa Prefectural Government in compliance with the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) regulations.
2. Port Rules and Regulations
2.1 Vessel Entry and Departure
– Mandatory prior notification to Ishigaki Port Authority via Japan’s Electronic Port Clearance System (e-Port) at least 24 hours before arrival (Maritime Traffic Safety Law, Article 22).
– Vessels over 20 GT must submit a Port Entry Report (Form MLIT-101) to Okinawa Prefecture Port Office.
2.2 Anchorage and Berthing
– Designated anchorage areas (Zone A: 24°20’N, 124°09’E; Zone B: 24°19’N, 124°10’E) with maximum stay of 72 hours (Ishigaki Port Ordinance No. 15-2020).
– Priority berthing given to vessels carrying hazardous materials (IMO Class 1-9) at No.3 Wharf (Designated Dangerous Goods Area).
2.3 Dangerous Goods Handling
– Strict compliance with ISPS Code and Japan’s Fire Service Law (Law No. 186 of 1948).
– Mandatory 12-hour pre-arrival notification for hazardous cargo (MLIT Notification No. 1031, 2018).
3. Compliance and Enforcement
3.1 Inspection Regime
– Random inspections by Okinawa Prefecture Maritime Safety Bureau (MSB) covering:
– SOLAS compliance (life-saving appliances, firefighting systems)
– MARPOL Annex I (oil record book)
– ISPS Code implementation
3.2 Penalties
– Fine up to ¥500,000 for unauthorized anchorage (Port Regulations Law Article 37).
– Immediate expulsion for vessels violating ISPS security levels.
4. Safety Provisions
4.1 Navigational Safety
– Speed limit: 8 knots within port limits (Ishigaki Port Notice 2021-3).
– Mandatory AIS transmission within 3 nautical miles of port entrance.
4.2 Emergency Response
– Port maintains 24/7 emergency towing capability (2x 3,000HP tugboats).
– Oil spill response equipment stockpile meeting MEPC.1/Circ.850 standards.
5. Environmental Regulations
– Zero discharge policy for bilge water (Okinawa Prefecture Environmental Ordinance Chapter 5).
– Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel (max 0.1% sulfur content) while berthed (Air Pollution Control Law).
6. Crew Welfare Requirements
– Minimum 8-hour rest period between shifts (Japan’s Seafarers’ Labor Standards Law).
– Mandatory access to port medical facilities (Ishigaki City Hospital) for crew medical emergencies.
7. Port Services and Facilities
– Operating hours: 24/7 for commercial vessels (excluding typhoon closures).
– Freshwater supply available at all berths (advance request required via e-Port).
– Waste reception facilities compliant with MARPOL Annex V (located at North Pier).
8. Ship Waste Management
– Mandatory use of port waste disposal services (fee applies per tonnage).
– Electronic Waste Record Book submission within 1 hour of disposal (Japan’s Waste Management Law).
– Prohibition of incineration within port limits (Okinawa Prefecture Ordinance No. 12-2019).
9. Port Security Measures
– ISPS Level 1 enforced year-round with random armed patrols by Japan Coast Guard.
– Restricted areas marked with red zones (unauthorized access punishable by 6 months imprisonment).
– Mandatory gangway watch for all berthed vessels (minimum 1 crew member on duty).
10. Weather Restrictions
– Port closure when typhoon warning Signal No. 3 is issued (Japan Meteorological Agency standards).
– Vessels >10,000 GT must depart if sustained winds exceed 25 knots (Port Operations Manual Section 8.4).
11. Pilotage and Towage
– Compulsory pilotage for vessels over 200 GT (Ishigaki Port Navigation Rule Article 5).
– Tugboat escort required for:
– Tankers >5,000 DWT
– Vessels with LOA >150m
12. Customs and Immigration
– 24-hour advance crew list submission through J-BIS system (Immigration Control Act).
– Prohibited items include:
– Unauthorized marine species (Okinawa Biodiversity Protection Law)
– Non-ISPS compliant security equipment
13. Port Dues and Charges
– Calculated based on GT and berthing duration (Okinawa Port Tariff Schedule 2023).
– 10% surcharge for vessels without pre-payment arrangement.
– Exemptions available for rescue vessels (MLIT Notice No. 417).
14. Local Maritime Laws
– Strict enforcement of Japan’s Ship Safety Act (Law No. 11 of 1933).
– Special coral reef protection zone (no anchoring within 500m of designated areas).
15. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
– Mandatory VHF Channel 16 monitoring within 12nm of port entrance (Japan Coast Guard Regulation).
– Movement reporting required when crossing 24°25’N parallel (Ishigaki VTS Sector Boundary).
– Radar surveillance covers entire port area with AIS tracking integration.
16. Port Construction Standards
– All mooring bollards certified for 150% of design load (MLIT Port Facility Technical Standard).
– Depth maintained at -12m CD at main berths (annual hydrographic surveys conducted).
– Fender systems meet PIANC 2002 guidelines for energy absorption.
17. Bunkering Operations
– Fuel sampling required before transfer (ISO 13739 procedures).
– Simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) prohibited during bunkering.
– Emergency shutdown buttons installed every 30m along fuel pipelines.
18. Crew Change Procedures
– Advance notification 48 hours prior via Immigration Bureau online portal.
– COVID-19 measures: Vaccination certificate or PCR test within 72 hours required.
– Designated crew transfer area at West Terminal (24/7 security surveillance).
19. Port State Control
– Tokyo MOU inspection regime applies with 15% annual inspection rate.
– Priority inspection criteria include:
– Vessels with 3+ deficiencies in last inspection
– Bulk carriers >15 years old
– Chemical tankers without valid COF certificate
20. Salvage and Wreck Removal
– Mandatory wreck marking within 4 hours of incident (Japan Salvage Law Article 7).
– Pre-approved salvage contractors list maintained by Okinawa Maritime Bureau.
– Pollution liability insurance minimum ¥500 million coverage required.
21. Fishing Vessel Regulations
– Separate mooring area at South Basin (24°18’N, 124°08’E).
– Prohibition of fish transshipment without quarantine inspection.
– Night operations restricted to vessels with automatic identification transponders.
22. Port Development Projects
– Phase 3 expansion (2024-2026) will add 2x 250m berths for cruise ships.
– New breakwater construction following OMC 2020 tsunami resilience standards.
– Real-time water quality monitoring system installation completed Q2 2023.
23. Radio Communication Protocols
– Primary working channel: VHF Channel 12 (Ishigaki Port Control)
– Mandatory bilingual (Japanese/English) communication for international vessels
– Digital selective calling (DSC) capability required for vessels >300 GT
24. Port Lighting and Visibility Standards
– All berths equipped with minimum 200 lux illumination (IALA Recommendation G-1032)
– Navigation lights maintained to IMO COLREG Annex I specifications
– Emergency lighting with 2-hour battery backup at all passenger terminals
25. Cargo Handling Regulations
– Maximum gangway angle of 30 degrees during cargo operations
– Mandatory safety net deployment for breakbulk operations
– Container weight verification required before loading (SOLAS VI/2 amendment)
26. Passenger Ship Requirements
– Separate security screening area for cruise ship passengers
– Emergency muster stations clearly marked with multilingual signage
– Medical quarantine facilities available at Terminal 2 (24/7 standby)
27. Port Emergency Drills
– Quarterly oil spill response exercises with Japan Coast Guard participation
– Annual full-scale port security drill testing ISPS Level 2 procedures
– Mandatory vessel-port interface drills for hazardous cargo operations
28. Diving Operations
– Commercial diving requires 72-hour advance notice to Port Authority
– Diving exclusion zones enforced during vessel movements
– Real-time monitoring of dive operations via port CCTV system
29. Ice Navigation Provisions
– Winter navigation advisory issued when water temperature drops below 10°C
– Special mooring arrangements for vessels with ice accretion
– Enhanced tug availability during winter months (November-March)
30. Port Cybersecurity Requirements
– Mandatory antivirus protection for all ship-to-shore data transfers
– Two-factor authentication for port operational systems access
– Annual penetration testing for critical port infrastructure
31. Historical Wreck Protection
– No-anchoring zones around 12 identified WWII wreck sites
– Mandatory magnetometer survey for dredging operations
– Cultural heritage awareness training for port pilots
32. Night Navigation Restrictions
– Additional pilot required for vessels >200m between sunset and sunrise
– Speed reduction to 5 knots in inner harbor after 2200 hours
– Special lighting requirements for oversize cargo movements at night
33. Ballast Water Management
– Mandatory ballast water exchange 200nm from nearest land (Japan Ballast Water Act)
– Port-approved treatment systems required for vessels built after 2017
– Sampling and analysis conducted by Okinawa Environmental Bureau for compliance checks
34. Port Accessibility Standards
– All passenger facilities comply with ISO 21542 accessibility requirements
– Dedicated boarding assistance for passengers with reduced mobility
– Tactile guidance paths installed throughout terminal areas
35. Cold Ironing Facilities
– Shore power available at Berths 5-8 (440V/60Hz, max 6.6kV capacity)
– Priority given to vessels using shore power during air quality alerts
– Real-time emissions monitoring at all shore power connection points
36. Marine Wildlife Protection
– Mandatory speed reduction (6 knots) in dugong protection zones
– Acoustic deterrent devices required for pile driving operations
– Seasonal restrictions (May-August) on nighttime construction near coral areas
37. Port Meteorological Services
– Real-time weather data available via port website (10-minute updates)
– Automated storm warning system with 3-hour advance notice capability
– Certified anemometers installed at 5 strategic port locations
38. Dangerous Cargo Documentation
– Original IMDG certificates required for all hazardous shipments
– Electronic dangerous goods manifest submission 48 hours pre-arrival
– Mandatory retention of cargo documents for 3 years post-operation
39. Port Community System
– Integrated e-portal for all clearance procedures (single window system)
– Blockchain-based document verification for bills of lading
– Automated berth allocation algorithm considering 15 operational factors
40. Anti-Corruption Measures
– Mandatory ethics training for all port officials (annual refresher)
– Anonymous reporting system for bribery attempts (multilingual support)
– Third-party audits of port fee collection processes (biannual)
41. LNG Bunkering Protocol
– Exclusive safety zone enforcement during LNG transfers
– Continuous gas monitoring with automatic shutdown at 20% LEL
– Specialized firefighting teams on standby within 5-minute response time
42. Port Infrastructure Maintenance
– Ultrasonic thickness testing of quay walls every 3 years
– Underwater inspections of berth foundations (annual ROV surveys)
– Pavement condition index monitoring for all port roads
43. Cybersecurity Incident Response
– 24/7 Security Operations Center monitoring port IT systems
– Mandatory reporting of cyber incidents within 1 hour of detection
– Isolated backup network for critical navigation systems
44. Port Labor Regulations
– Mandatory safety harness use for all stevedores working above 2 meters
– Minimum 30-minute rest period after 4 continuous working hours
– Certified cargo handling equipment operators only (Japan Port Labor Law Article 14)
45. Vessel Maintenance Restrictions
– Hot work permits require fire watch personnel on standby
– Underwater hull cleaning prohibited within port limits
– Paint application restricted to approved non-toxic marine coatings
46. Port Noise Abatement
– Nighttime (2200-0600) noise limits of 65 dB at property boundary
– Mandatory mufflers for all cargo handling equipment
– Vessel engine testing restricted to designated hours (0900-1700)
47. Navigation Aid Maintenance
– Daily functional checks of all port buoys and beacons
– Differential GPS correction available for precision navigation
– Emergency replacement lights stored at port maintenance depot
48. Port Fire Safety
– Fire hydrants spaced every 50 meters along all berths
– Annual fire drill participation mandatory for all port tenants
– Foam suppression systems installed at all fuel berths
49. Customs Storage Facilities
– Bonded warehouses with 24/7 CCTV surveillance
– Temperature-controlled storage for perishable goods
– Automated inventory tracking using RFID technology
50. Port Public Health Measures
– Vector control spraying conducted monthly
– Food handling facilities inspected quarterly
– Medical waste incineration at approved facility only
51. Dredging Operations
– Environmental impact assessment required for all dredging projects
– Disposal at designated offshore site (MLIT-approved location)
– Real-time turbidity monitoring during active dredging
52. Port Energy Management
– Solar panel installations on all port administration buildings
– LED lighting conversion completed for 95% of port facilities
– Shore power usage incentives for compliant vessels
53. Port Historical Preservation
– Protected view corridors for cultural landmarks
– Archaeological survey required for new construction
– Heritage interpretation panels at key locations
