1. Port Authority and Jurisdiction
The Ishikari Bay New Port is managed by the Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Japan. The port operates under the Port and Harbor Act (Act No. 218 of 1950) and related regulations.
2. Port Rules and Regulations
2.1 Vessel Entry and Departure
– Prior notice must be submitted to the Ishikari Bay New Port Authority at least 24 hours before arrival/departure.
– Vessels exceeding 200 GT must submit a Port Entry/Departure Report via the Japan Coast Guard’s electronic system (e-MIS).
– Anchoring outside designated areas is prohibited.
2.2 Navigation Rules
– Speed limit: 8 knots within port limits.
– Vessels must maintain VHF Channel 16 for emergency communication and Channel 12 for port operations.
– Strict compliance with COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) is mandatory.
2.3 Dangerous Cargo Handling
– IMDG Code must be followed for all hazardous materials.
– Special permits required for Class 1 (explosives) and Class 7 (radioactive) materials.
– Mandatory 24-hour advance notice for dangerous cargo operations.
2.4 Pollution Prevention
– Zero discharge policy for oil, chemicals, or garbage within port waters.
– MARPOL Annex I-VI regulations are strictly enforced.
– All vessels must have valid P&I Club certificates for pollution liability.
3. Compliance and Enforcement
3.1 Inspection Regime
– Japan Coast Guard conducts random safety inspections focusing on:
– Navigation equipment
– Firefighting systems
– Pollution prevention measures
– Crew certification
3.2 Penalties
– Fines up to ¥3 million for violations of Port and Harbor Act.
– Criminal prosecution for severe pollution incidents under the Water Pollution Control Law.
– Vessel detention for safety deficiencies under SOLAS provisions.
4. Safety Requirements
4.1 Crew Safety
– Mandatory use of PPE (personal flotation devices, helmets) during deck operations.
– Gangways must be secured with safety nets and adequate lighting at night.
– Emergency muster drills required within 24 hours of port entry.
4.2 Fire Safety
– Fire patrols every 30 minutes for vessels carrying dangerous goods.
– Minimum 2 fire pumps must be operational during cargo operations.
– Smoking prohibited in cargo handling areas.
5. Operational Restrictions
– Maximum draft: 15 meters (varies by berth, must confirm with port authority).
– No night navigation for vessels >10,000 DWT without special permission.
– Ice-breaking assistance required from December to March (subject to weather conditions).
6. Emergency Procedures
– Immediate reporting to Japan Coast Guard (Ishikari Office) for:
– Oil spills
– Collisions
– Fire/explosion
– Missing persons
– Emergency contact: Japan Coast Guard Dial 118 (nationwide maritime emergency number).
8. Port Services and Facilities
– Tugboat Assistance: Mandatory for vessels >10,000 GT; available 24/7 with prior arrangement.
– Pilotage: Compulsory for foreign-flagged vessels and Japanese vessels >3,000 GT.
– Bunkering: Available at designated berths (low-sulfur fuel compliant with IMO 2020 standards).
– Fresh Water Supply: Available at all berths; advance notice required for large quantities.
– Waste Reception: MARPOL-compliant facilities for oily waste, garbage, and sewage (no discharge fee).
9. Weather Restrictions
– Wind Limits: Operations suspended if sustained winds exceed 15 m/s (30 knots).
– Wave Height: Berthing prohibited if significant wave height >2.5 meters.
– Visibility: Navigation restricted if visibility <1 nautical mile.
– Ice Conditions: Winter operations (Dec-Mar) require icebreaker escort when ice thickness exceeds 30 cm.
10. Cargo Handling Regulations
– Working Hours: 0800-1700 (Mon-Fri), overtime requires 6-hour prior notice.
– Stevedores: Only licensed operators permitted; vessel crew prohibited from cargo handling.
– Heavy Lifts: Prior approval required for loads >100 metric tons.
– Grain/Cool Cargo: Mandatory fumigation certificates and temperature logs.
11. Security Measures
– ISPS Compliance: MARSEC Level 1 enforced; SSP must be submitted 72 hours pre-arrival.
– Restricted Areas: No unauthorized access to container terminals or oil storage zones.
– Gangway Watch: 24/7 manned guard for vessels carrying high-risk cargo (e.g., chemicals, arms).
12. Vessel Traffic Management
– VTS Coverage: Mandatory participation in Ishikari VTS area (VHF Ch. 12/16).
– Reporting Points: Waypoints “Ishikari-1” (42°50’N 141°20’E) and “Ishikari-2” (42°55’N 141°25’E).
– Traffic Separation Scheme: Strict adherence to designated inbound/outbound lanes.
13. Special Provisions for Tankers
– Double Hull Requirement: Mandatory for oil tankers >600 DWT (per MARPOL Annex I).
– Hot Work Permit: Prohibited during cargo operations without Port Master approval.
– Gas-Free Certificate: Required before tank entry or repairs.
14. Crew Welfare
– Shore Leave: Permitted with valid seafarer’s ID (ISPS compliant).
– Medical Support: 24-hour emergency care at Ishikari Port Clinic (non-emergency cases require appointment).
– Repatriation: Immigration procedures must be completed for crew changes.
15. Port Dues and Charges
– Port Dues: Calculated based on GT (Gross Tonnage) and vessel type. Discounts available for eco-friendly ships.
– Berth Fees: Hourly rates apply for commercial vessels; minimum 4-hour charge.
– Pilotage Fees: Fixed rate per movement plus distance-based surcharge.
– Tugboat Fees: Based on vessel size and service duration (emergency surcharge applies after hours).
16. Customs and Immigration
– Customs Clearance: Required for all international vessels; e-Declaration system mandatory.
– Immigration: Crew lists must be submitted 48 hours prior to arrival via JPSS (Japan Port Submission System).
– Quarantine: Health declarations required; vessels from high-risk areas subject to inspection.
17. Port Infrastructure
– Berths: 12 deep-water berths (max depth 16m), including 2 dedicated oil terminals and 1 LNG terminal.
– Cranes: 8 post-Panamax gantry cranes (max capacity 65 tons), available 24/7 with booking.
– Storage: 120,000m² of covered storage, 450,000m² of open yard.
18. Communication Protocols
– Port Control: Primary contact via VHF Ch. 12; secondary landline for non-urgent matters.
– Pilot Request: Must be made at least 6 hours before ETA via JPSS or direct VHF contact.
– Emergency Broadcasts: Japan Coast Guard issues NAVTEX warnings for severe weather.
19. Environmental Regulations
– Ballast Water: Must comply with IMO D-2 standard; treatment records required.
– Exhaust Emissions: Sulfur content ≤0.10% in Emission Control Areas (ECAs).
– Noise Control: Engine tests prohibited between 2200-0600 without exemption.
20. Local Ordinances
– Fishing Zones: 1nm exclusion zone around port entrance; trawling prohibited.
– Dredging: Only permitted with MLIT approval and environmental impact assessment.
– Drones: No flights within 500m of port facilities without security clearance.
21. Time-Sensitive Operations
– Tide Windows: Critical for vessels with draft >14m; consult port tide tables.
– Rail Connections: Cut-off time for intermodal transfers is 1600 daily.
– Perishable Cargo: Priority berthing available with 72-hour advance notice.
22. Vessel Maintenance and Repairs
– Dry Docking: Available at adjacent Ishikari Shipyard (max capacity 50,000 DWT).
– Hot Work: Requires permit from Port Safety Office with fire watch personnel present.
– Underwater Inspections: Must be coordinated with Japan Coast Guard divers (48-hour notice).
23. Ice Navigation Procedures
– Ice Class Requirements: Vessels must meet JIS Class IC or equivalent from Dec-Mar.
– Convoy System: Mandatory during severe ice conditions (coordinated by Hokkaido Icebreaking HQ).
– Hull Inspections: Required after ice navigation before departing port.
24. Hazardous Weather Contingencies
– Typhoon Preparedness: Mandatory double mooring when typhoon warning issued.
– Blizzard Protocols: Cargo ops suspended when snowfall exceeds 10cm/hour.
– Tsunami Alert: Immediate departure procedure for vessels at berth (designated safe zones marked).
25. Special Cargo Handling
– Oversized Cargo: Requires route survey and police escort for road transport.
– Livestock: Mandatory veterinary inspection and quarantine holding area.
– Project Cargo: Stowage plans must be approved by Port Engineer 72h prior.
26. Port Security Zones
– Access Control: Biometric ID required for all port personnel.
– Surveillance: 24/7 CCTV monitoring with 90-day data retention.
– Drills: Quarterly ISPS security exercises with Japan Coast Guard participation.
27. Navigation Aids
– Buoyage System: IALA Region A (red on port side when entering).
– Light Characteristics: Main channel lights flash green every 3 seconds.
– AIS Mandate: Continuous transmission required within port limits.
28. Bunkering Regulations
– Fuel Sampling: Joint samples taken with supplier for quality verification.
– Spill Kits: Minimum 200L capacity required during bunkering ops.
– Emergency Shutdown: Separate controls for vessel and shore personnel.
29. Crew Change Procedures
– Immigration Clearance: Must be completed at designated port facility.
– Transport Protocol: Approved taxis only for crew movement to/from airport.
– COVID Measures: Current MHLW health requirements apply (subject to change).
30. Dispute Resolution
– Claims Process: Maritime Bureau arbitration available for commercial disputes.
– Damage Assessment: Joint surveys required within 24h of incident.
– Legal Jurisdiction: All matters subject to Japanese maritime law.
31. Port Entry Documentation Requirements
– Certificate of Registry: Original must be presented for vessels >100 GT
– Class Certificates: Valid certificates from IACS members required
– Crew List: Must include passport/CDC numbers and visa status
– Last Port Clearance: Original document required for foreign-flagged vessels
32. Anchorage Regulations
– Designated Areas: North Anchorage (42°58’N 141°18’E) and South Anchorage (42°52’N 141°22’E)
– Holding Time: Maximum 72 hours without port permission
– Anchor Watch: Mandatory for vessels >5000 GT (log must be maintained)
33. Port Health Services
– Medical Waste: Special disposal procedures for clinical waste
– Pest Control: Mandatory fumigation for vessels from plague-infected areas
– Vaccination Records: Yellow fever vaccination required for certain itineraries
34. Dangerous Goods Storage
– Segregation: IMDG Class 1 must be stored 500m from other cargo
– Monitoring: Continuous temperature control for Class 4.1 materials
– Emergency Kits: Specialized spill response equipment required for each class
35. Winter Operations
– De-icing: Mandatory for mooring lines during freezing conditions
– Hull Heating: Required for tankers carrying high-pour-point cargoes
– Snow Removal: Vessel responsibility for working decks and hatches
36. Port Communication Systems
– NAVTEX: MSI broadcasts on 518 kHz (Japanese coastal warnings)
– GMDSS: Fully operational equipment required for all ocean-going vessels
– Port Website: Real-time berth availability and weather updates
37. Barge Operations
– Lighting: All barges must show proper navigation lights at night
– Towing: Minimum 2 crew required for barge movements >100 GT
– Stability Documents: Must be available for inspection
38. Port Emergency Equipment
– Fire Boats: 2 units stationed at north and south port entrances
– Oil Spill Response: 500m containment boom available within 1 hour notice
– Rescue Craft: 24/7 manned rescue boat with dive team
39. Vessel Sanitation
– Garbage Logs: Required for all vessels under MARPOL Annex V
– Sewage Treatment: Certificate of compliance required for discharge systems
– Rat Guards: Mandatory for all mooring lines during extended stays
40. Port Working Hours
– Administrative Offices: 0830-1730 (Closed weekends/national holidays)
– Cargo Operations: 24/7 with prior arrangement (surcharges apply after hours)
– Pilot Service: Available 24 hours with minimum 6-hour notice
41. Vessel Dimension Limitations
– Maximum LOA: 300 meters for main berths (special approval required for larger vessels)
– Beam Restrictions: 50 meters maximum at container terminals
– Air Draft: 55 meters clearance under harbor bridges
42. Port Labor Regulations
– Stevedore Minimums: 8 workers per gang for general cargo operations
– Crane Operators: Certified personnel only (Japan Port Work Safety Association)
– Rest Periods: Mandatory 30-minute break after 4 continuous work hours
43. Radioactive Materials Handling
– Special Berth: Dedicated area with 1000m exclusion zone
– Monitoring: Continuous radiation detection during operations
– Escort: Japan Coast Guard security detail required for transport
44. Port Construction Activities
– Notice Period: 30-day advance notice for construction vessels
– Safety Zones: 200m radius around dredging operations
– Noise Limits: 85 dB maximum during daytime operations
45. Vessel Speed Limits
– Approach Channel: 10 knots maximum
– Turning Basin: 5 knots during maneuvers
– Berthing Area: 3 knots when within 200m of dock
46. Ship Repair Waste Management
– Hull Cleaning: Containment systems required for underwater cleaning
– Paint Removal: HEPA-filtered vacuum systems mandatory
– Asbestos Handling: Licensed contractors only for removal
47. Port Lighting Requirements
– Deck Lighting: Minimum 200 lux for night operations
– Navigation Lights: Redundant power supply required
– Emergency Lighting: Must illuminate escape routes for 3 hours
48. Freshwater Supply Regulations
– Testing: Monthly bacteriological tests required for shore supply
– Hose Standards: Food-grade materials only for potable water
– Flow Rate: Maximum 50m³/hour unless pre-approved
49. Port Access Control
– Vehicle Permits: Annual pass required for frequent port users
– Pedestrian Routes: Designated walkways only (high-vis vests mandatory)
– Night Access: Special authorization required after 2200 hours
50. Special Event Protocols
– Ship Openings: 14-day security vetting for public visits
– Fireworks Display: Complete port closure required during events
– VIP Visits: Japan Coast Guard escort for official delegations
51. Vessel Mooring Requirements
– Minimum Lines: 6 headlines and 6 sternlines for vessels >200m LOA
– Synthetic Lines: Must meet ISO 10546 standards for commercial use
– Tension Monitoring: Automated sensors required for LNG carriers
52. Port Tariff Structure
– Peak Season Surcharge: 15% additional (July-September and December-January)
– Loyalty Discount: 5% reduction for regular calling vessels (10+ calls/year)
– Green Vessel Incentive: 10% discount for IMO Tier III compliant ships
53. Navigation in Restricted Visibility
– Radar Requirement: Dual ARPA systems mandatory for entry
– Speed Reduction: Must maintain ability to stop within half visible range
– Communication: 15-minute interval position reports to VTS
54. Port Waste Management
– Recycling Stations: Separate bins for metal, plastic and organic waste
– Hazardous Waste: Special collection twice weekly (Tuesday/Thursday)
– Record Keeping: Digital waste manifests required since 2023
55. Vessel Inspection Regime
– Port State Control: 25% random inspection rate for foreign vessels
– Concentrated Inspection Campaigns: Biannual focus on specific safety items
– Deficiency Appeals: Must be filed within 24 hours of inspection report
56. Emergency Response Coordination
– Incident Command: Unified system with Japan Coast Guard leadership
– Drill Frequency: Mandatory quarterly emergency exercises
– Mutual Aid: Agreements with neighboring ports for resource sharing
57. Port Data Reporting
– ETA Updates: Required at 72h, 48h, 24h and 6h before arrival
– Cargo Manifest: Electronic submission 24h prior to operations
– Bunker Reporting: Fuel oil data to be reported under MRV regulations
58. Specialized Cargo Equipment
– Reefer Plugs: 400 available connections (monitored 24/7)
– Gantry Cranes: 4 super post-panamax units (70-ton capacity)
– RoRo Facilities: 300m dedicated ramp with 50-ton axle limit
59. Port Meteorological Services
– Weather Station: Real-time data available on port website
– Storm Warnings: Three-tier alert system (yellow/red/black)
– Ice Reports: Daily updates December-March from JMA
60. Vessel Departure Procedures
– Clearance Certificate: Must be obtained from customs 2h before sailing
– Final Checks: Port security inspection of all areas
– Tide Window: Critical for deep draft vessels (>14m)
