Port Rules and Regulations,Compliance and Enforcement of Kagoshima Port

1. Port Authority and Jurisdiction
Kagoshima Port is administered by the Kagoshima Prefectural Government under the Port and Harbor Law (Law No. 218 of 1950). The Kagoshima Port Office oversees operational compliance, safety, and enforcement.

2. Legal Framework
– Primary legislation: Port Regulations of Kagoshima Prefecture , enacted under Article 56 of the Port and Harbor Law.
– Supplementary regulations: Maritime Traffic Safety Act , Ship Safety Act, and ISPS Code compliance for international vessels.

3. Vessel Entry and Departure Requirements
– Mandatory 24-hour advance notice for foreign vessels via Japan Coast Guard’s Electronic Advance Information System (e-Advance).
– ISPS-compliant ships must submit Security Declarations to the Kagoshima Port Security Center.
– Anchorage areas: Designated zones at 31°36’N, 130°33’E (Inner Anchorage) and 31°34’N, 130°35’E (Outer Anchorage).

4. Navigation Rules
– Speed limit: 8 knots within port limits (defined by breakwater coordinates 31°35’30″N, 130°33’45″E to 31°36’15″N, 130°34’30″E).
– Priority given to vessels >10,000 GT in main channel (width 200m, depth -12m CD).
– Prohibited areas: Within 50m of ferry terminals (Shinko Pier and Minamifuta Pier).

5. Dangerous Cargo Handling
– Class 1 explosives: Restricted to Nishi Pier (explosives handling license required).
– LNG carriers: Exclusive berthing at Higashikagoshima Terminal (berth length 280m, depth -15m).
– IMDG Code compliance mandatory for all hazardous materials.

6. Pollution Control
– Zero discharge policy for oily mixtures (enforced under Japan’s Law Relating to Prevention of Marine Pollution and Maritime Disaster).
– Mandatory use of port reception facilities for waste (handling capacity: 20 tons/day for oily waste).
– Sulfur content limit: 0.10% in fuel while at berth (Air Pollution Control Act).

7. Crew Safety Requirements
– Lifejackets mandatory during mooring operations (Japan Industrial Standard JIS T8127:2015).
– Gangway safety nets required when height above water exceeds 1.5m (MLIT Ordinance No. 28).
– Emergency muster stations clearly marked at each berth (minimum 2 stations per 100m quay length).

8. Port State Control
– Tokyo MOU inspection regime applies with 15% annual inspection rate for foreign vessels.
– Common deficiencies: Fire damper malfunctions (23% of cases in 2022), lifeboat equipment (18%).
– Detention criteria: Over 5 deficiencies or 1 major deficiency per PSC Manual.

9. Enforcement Measures
– Fines up to ¥500,000 for violation of port entry procedures (Port Regulations Article 12).
– Suspension of port use privileges for repeat safety violators (maximum 1 year).
– Immediate expulsion for vessels posing imminent pollution risk.

10. Emergency Protocols
– Port Control VHF Channel 16 (primary) and 12 (secondary).
– Oil spill response capacity: 500KL dispersant stockpile at Disaster Prevention Base (31°35’42″N, 130°33’18″E).
– Medical evacuation: Coordination through JMIS (Japan Maritime Rescue Coordination Center).

11. Mooring and Berthing Regulations
– Minimum mooring lines: 4 lines for vessels <50m LOA, 6 lines for 50-150m LOA, 8 lines for >150m LOA (MLIT Technical Standard for Port Facilities).
– Tugboat requirement: Mandatory for vessels >10,000 GT (2 tugs for berthing/unberthing in inner harbor).
– Fender specifications: Minimum energy absorption 200 kNm at major berths (Shinko Wharf, Minamifuta Wharf).

12. Port Services and Facilities
– Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels >3,000 GT (available 24/7 with 1-hour advance notice).
– Bunkering: Low-sulfur fuel (0.10% sulfur) available at Shinko Fuel Terminal (max flow rate 100m³/hr).
– Fresh water supply: 50-ton/hour capacity at all major berths (potable water quality meets WHO standards).

13. Cargo Operations
– Maximum cargo working hours: 0600-2200 (special permission required for night operations).
– Grain handling: Dedicated elevator at Minamifuta Terminal (500 tons/hour capacity).
– Container stacking: Maximum 4 high for export containers (due to seismic activity considerations).

14. Weather Restrictions
– Port closure threshold: Sustained winds >25m/s (Beaufort 10) or wave height >3m at breakwater.
– Typhoon procedures: Mandatory evacuation to designated typhoon moorings when Signal No. 8 issued.
– Fog navigation: Radar-assisted movement only when visibility <500m (VTS supervision required).

15. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
– Monitoring area: 31°30’N to 31°40’N, 130°30’E to 130°40’E (24-hour radar coverage).
– Reporting points: Vessel positions required at 5nm and 1nm from port entrance (VHF Ch.12).
– Traffic separation scheme: Inbound/outbound lanes established between Kinko Bay and Sakurajima Ferry Route.

16. Crew Shore Leave
– Immigration clearance: Required for all foreign crew at Kagoshima Immigration Office (operating 0900-1700).
– Restricted zones: Crew prohibited within 200m of Sakurajima volcanic警戒区域 (active volcano monitoring).
– Medical facilities: Designated port clinic (ISO 9001 certified) available at Shinko Pier.

17. Port Dues and Charges
– Tonnage dues: ¥32.5/GT for international vessels (discounts for eco-friendly ships under Green Port Policy).
– Pilotage fees: ¥18,000 for vessels <5,000 GT, ¥25,000 for 5,000-20,000 GT (daytime rates).
– Waste disposal: ¥5,000/ton for oily waste (discounted 30% for pre-notified quantities).

18. Special Area Regulations
– Sakurajima navigation: Prohibited within 1km of active crater during eruption alerts (Japan Meteorological Agency Level 3+).
– Fishing zones: Vessels >100 GT excluded from traditional fishing grounds (31°34’N-31°37’N, 130°31’E-130°33’E).
– Cultural protection: Anchoring forbidden near underwater archaeological sites (31°36’12″N, 130°34’05″E).

19. Ship Repair and Maintenance
– Dry dock facilities: Kagoshima Shipyard (length 180m, width 30m, max draft 8m) available for vessels <20,000 DWT.
– Hot work permits: Required 24 hours in advance (fire watch mandatory during operations).
– Underwater inspections: Certified divers available (JIS Class 2 standard minimum).

20. Ice Navigation (Winter Operations)
– Ice conditions: Rare occurrence (last recorded ice: February 2021, thickness 5cm).
– Anti-icing measures: Saltwater spray systems operational at Shinko Pier when temperatures fall below -5°C.
– Navigation aid heating: All channel buoys equipped with frost protection (operational to -15°C).

21. Port Security Measures
– Restricted areas: ISPS Level 1 security zones enforced at all international terminals (24/7 CCTV monitoring).
– Access control: Biometric identification required for all port workers (palm vein authentication system).
– Drone restrictions: No-fly zone within 1km of port facilities (Civil Aeronautics Act Article 132).

22. Ballast Water Management
– Compliance standard: IMO D-2 standard mandatory since October 2020.
– Sampling points: Designated stations at berths 3, 7 and 12 (Japan ClassNK certified laboratories).
– Exchange areas: Outside 200nm from nearest land (or 50m depth if closer) for vessels without treatment systems.

23. Radio Communication Protocols
– Primary language: English for international vessels (Japanese acceptable for coastal ships).
– Emergency channels: VHF Ch.16 (distress), Ch.13 (bridge-to-bridge), Ch.67 (port operations).
– Digital reporting: Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System (NACCS) for customs clearance.

24. Port Lighting and Visibility Aids
– Leading lights: White sector 182°-184° for main channel approach (luminous range 10nm).
– Berth lighting: Minimum 200 lux at cargo working areas (JIS Z 9110 standard).
– Obstruction lights: Red aviation warning lights on cranes >50m height (ICAO Annex 14 compliant).

25. Special Cargo Handling
– Oversized cargo: Prior route survey required for items >12m width (road escort mandatory).
– Cold chain facilities: -25°C reefer plugs available (50 connections at Minamifuta Terminal).
– Project cargo: Maximum 500-ton lift capacity (floating crane available with 72-hour notice).

26. Port Meteorological Services
– Real-time data: Automated weather station at control tower (1-minute wind updates).
– Tsunami warnings: Direct link to JMA early warning system (evacuation siren network covers all berths).
– Current monitoring: HF radar system provides surface current maps (updated hourly).

27. Vessel Manning Requirements
– Minimum safe manning: As per Japan Certificate of Minimum Safe Manning (validated by ClassNK).
– Watchkeeping: STCW compliant bridge/engine room watches mandatory in port.
– Shore leave rotation: Maximum 30% crew allowed ashore simultaneously (ISPS requirement).

28. Port Waste Management
– Segregation requirements: Mandatory separation of food waste, plastics, and operational waste (MARPOL Annex V).
– Incineration facilities: Approved ship waste incinerator available (capacity 2 tons/hour, 850°C minimum temperature).
– Hazardous waste: Special collection for paints, chemicals, and batteries (pre-approval required from port health officer).

29. Diving Operations
– Permit requirement: 48-hour notice for commercial diving operations within port limits.
– Safety zone: 50m radius around dive operations must be marked with alpha flag by day/red lights by night.
– Emergency equipment: Dedicated decompression chamber located at port medical center.

30. Port Laytime Regulations
– Standard laytime: 24 hours for general cargo, 48 hours for bulk carriers (weather working days).
– Demurrage rates: ¥150,000/day for vessels <10,000 DWT, ¥250,000/day for larger vessels.
– Dispatch calculation: Pro-rata basis with minimum 6-hour notice of readiness required.

31. Ship Chandler Services
– Licensed providers: 5 approved ship chandlers (list maintained by Kagoshima Ship Suppliers Association).
– Delivery hours: 0800-2000 daily (after-hours service available with 30% surcharge).
– Customs clearance: All provisions subject to Japan Plant Protection Law inspections.

32. Port Emergency Response
– Firefighting capacity: 3 fireboats (5,000m³/hr pumping capacity) and foam stations at all oil terminals.
– Spill containment: 2,000m of boom deployable within 2 hours (OSRO Tier 1 capability).
– Medical response: EMT-certified teams stationed at north and south port zones (5-minute response time).

33. Anchorage Regulations
– Holding area: Designated waiting zone at 31°32’N 130°30’E (maximum 72-hour stay).
– Anchor watch: Mandatory for all vessels at anchor (15-minute position checks required).
– Emergency dragging: Vessels must maintain 500m clearance when winds exceed 15m/s.

34. Port Labor Regulations
– Stevedore licensing: All cargo handlers require Kagoshima Prefecture certification (annual refresher training).
– Working hours: Maximum 8-hour shifts with mandatory 1-hour breaks after 4 hours continuous work.
– Safety equipment: Hard hats, high-vis vests, and steel-toe boots mandatory in operational areas.

35. Vessel Inspection Services
– Class societies: ABS, ClassNK, LR, and DNV have resident surveyors available.
– Hull inspections: ROV services available for underwater surveys (JIS Class 1 certified).
– Bunker surveys: 3 independent surveyors approved for quantity/quality disputes.

36. Port Customs Procedures
– Clearance times: Average 4 hours for standard declarations (e-Customs system mandatory).
– Temporary imports: Bonded warehouse facilities available (maximum 30-day storage).
– Prohibited items: Strict enforcement of CITES restrictions on wildlife products.

37. Port Infrastructure Specifications
– Quay strength: 3t/m² standard loading at general cargo berths, 10t/m² at heavy lift areas.
– Fender systems: Cone-type fenders (DIN 16100 standard) at all berths with >5m draft.
– Mooring bollards: 50-ton SWL minimum at container terminals (spaced 25m apart).

38. Port Tidal and Current Information
– Tidal range: 1.8m mean spring range (MHWS +1.2m, MLWS -0.6m relative to Kagoshima Peil).
– Current patterns: Maximum flood tide 2.5 knots at 315° true, ebb tide 3.0 knots at 135° true.
– Tidal gates: Optimal transit window 2 hours before HW for vessels with >10m draft.

39. Ship Agency Services
– Licensed agents: 12 approved agencies registered with Japan Shipping Agents Association.
– Documentation: Standard agency fee ¥85,000 per call (excluding disbursements).
– Guarantees: Performance bonds required for new operators (minimum ¥5 million).

40. Port Bunkering Regulations
– Fuel sampling: Mandatory MARPOL samples (3-part sealed system) for all deliveries.
– Bunker barge specifications: Double-hulled vessels only (built after 2010).
– Emergency shutdown: Automatic valve closure within 30 seconds of spill detection.

41. Vessel Air Emission Controls
– Shore power: Available at Berths 5-8 (440V/60Hz, 2MVA capacity).
– Cold ironing: Mandatory for cruise ships >25,000 GT during overnight stays.
– Particulate monitoring: Continuous PM2.5 measurement at 3 port boundary stations.

42. Port Dredging Operations
– Maintenance dredging: Annual program (March-May) maintaining -12m CD in main channel.
– Disposal sites: Designated offshore area 12nm NE of port (31°45’N 130°45’E).
– Contaminated sediment: Special handling required for material exceeding 50mg/kg PCB.

43. Ship-to-Ship (STS) Operations
– Approved zones: Designated area 2nm SW of Sakurajima (31°32’N 130°28’E).
– Safety requirements: Double hose connection with emergency release couplings.
– Notification: 72-hour advance notice including SOPEP review.

44. Port Wildlife Protection
– Migratory birds: Seasonal restrictions (Oct-Mar) on loud operations near wetlands.
– Marine mammals: 500m speed reduction zone when cetaceans sighted (10 knot limit).
– Night lighting: Turtle-friendly amber lights required on coastal-facing facilities.

45. Vessel Dimension Limits
– Maximum LOA: 250m (special permission required beyond 200m).
– Air draft: 45m clearance under Kinko Bridge (tide dependent).
– Beam restriction: 38m in inner harbor turning basin (assisted by tug).

46. Port Noise Regulations
– Night operations: 55dB(A) limit 2200-0600 at residential boundaries.
– Vessel alarms: Automatic shutoff after 3 minutes (except distress signals).
– Construction equipment: Mandatory mufflers on all port vehicles.

47. Port Historical Preservation
– Protected structures: 19th century Western Trading Post buildings (no modifications allowed).
– Archaeological surveys: Required for seabed work below -5m CD in historic anchorages.
– Artifact reporting: Immediate notification for any cultural finds during operations.

48. Port Electrical Safety Standards
– Shore power connections: IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005-1 compliant high-voltage shore connection systems mandatory for vessels >5,000 GT.
– Grounding requirements: Minimum 10mm² cross-section for all temporary electrical connections.
– Inspection intervals: Quarterly testing of all portside electrical equipment by certified electricians.

49. Dangerous Goods Documentation
– IMDG declarations: Required 48 hours prior to loading for Class 1-9 dangerous goods.
– Segregation certificates: Mandatory for incompatible cargoes stored in same warehouse.
– Emergency procedures: Vessel-specific dangerous goods manifest must be posted on bridge and at cargo access points.

50. Port Crane Operations
– Load testing: Annual proof testing to 125% SWL for all lifting equipment.
– Wind restrictions: Operations cease when sustained winds exceed 15m/s (Beaufort 7).
– Operator certification: JIS B 9960-1 compliant licenses required with biennial refresher training.

51. Vessel Sanitation Controls
– Pest control: Mandatory pre-departure fumigation for vessels from plague-infected areas.
– Medical waste: Special red containers required for biohazard materials (incineration only).
– Water quality: Monthly testing of potable water supplies against Japan Water Works Law standards.

52. Port Rail Connections
– Loading gauges: JR Kyushu standard clearance (3.8m height, 2.9m width).
– Hazardous cargo: Special rail wagons required for Class 3-8 goods (explosives prohibited).
– Turnaround time: Minimum 2-hour notice for railcar spotting at port sidings.

53. Marine Fuel Quality Standards
– Sampling protocol: ISO 4259 procedures for all bunker deliveries.
– Contaminant limits: Maximum 50mg/kg for aluminum+silicon in residual fuels.
– Alternative fuels: LNG bunkering available at dedicated terminal (advance booking required).

54. Port Access Roads
– Weight restrictions: 40-ton axle load limit on all port bridges.
– Hazardous routes: Designated trucking paths for dangerous goods (avoiding residential areas).
– Security checkpoints: RFID scanning for all vehicles entering restricted zones.

55. Vessel Maintenance in Port
– Underwater cleaning: Prohibited without prior environmental impact assessment.
– Paint restrictions: TBT-free coatings only for hull work conducted in port.
– Noise abatement: Sound barriers required for engine tests exceeding 30 minutes.

56. Port Meteorological Equipment
– Calibration standards: JIS B 7922 compliant anemometers at 10m elevation.
– Visibility sensors: Forward scatter meters with 1-10km measurement range.
– Data logging: 5-year archival of all port weather observations (1-minute intervals).

57. Port Community System
– Electronic data interchange: NACCS/JPORT system mandatory for all manifests.
– Cybersecurity: ISPS Code Part B/13.7 compliant network protections.
– Backup systems: Dual redundant servers with 72-hour uptime guarantee.