1. General Overview of Kakogawa Port Regulations
Kakogawa Port, located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, operates under the jurisdiction of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and local port authorities. The port adheres to the following key regulations:
– Port and Harbor Law (Law No. 218 of 1950)
– Ship Safety Act (Law No. 11 of 1933)
– Marine Pollution Prevention Law (Law No. 136 of 1970)
– Customs Law (Law No. 61 of 1954)
2. Vessel Entry and Departure Procedures
2.1 Pre-arrival Notification:
– Submit ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) to Kakogawa Port Authority at least 24 hours in advance via authorized channels.
– Required documents: Ship’s Particulars, Cargo Manifest, Crew List, Last Port Clearance.
2.2 Port Entry Restrictions:
– Maximum LOA: 230 meters
– Maximum Draft: 12 meters (varies by tide)
– Air Draft: Limited by Kakogawa Bridge (clearance 45 meters at HWM)
3. Navigation and Mooring Regulations
3.1 Speed Limits:
– Inner harbor: 6 knots
– Approach channel: 8 knots
3.2 Mooring Requirements:
– Minimum 4 mooring lines for vessels > 10,000 GT
– Tugboat assistance mandatory for vessels > 20,000 GT
– Daylight restrictions for vessels carrying hazardous materials (IMO Class 1-9)
4. Safety and Emergency Procedures
4.1 Crew Safety Requirements:
– Lifejackets mandatory during all deck operations
– Gangway safety nets required when boarding
– Hot work permits required for welding/grinding operations
4.2 Emergency Contacts:
– Port Control VHF Channel 16/12
– Japan Coast Guard Kobe Office: +81-78-391-0119 (official)
5. Environmental Compliance
5.1 Waste Disposal:
– MARPOL Annex V strictly enforced
– Port reception facilities available for oily waste, garbage, and sewage
– Prohibition on ballast water exchange within 12nm of port
5.2 Air Emissions:
– Fuel sulfur content limit: 0.1% in port area
– Shore power connection mandatory for vessels berthing >2 hours (where available)
6. Cargo Operations
6.1 Dangerous Goods:
– IMO Class 1 explosives: Special berth assignment required
– Gas carriers: Must provide Safety Data Sheets in Japanese/English
6.2 Working Hours:
– Cargo operations permitted 0700-2200 (extensions require prior approval)
– No operations during typhoon warning Signal 8 or higher
7. Enforcement and Penalties
7.1 Inspection Regime:
– Port State Control inspections conducted under Tokyo MOU
– Focus areas: ISM compliance, lifesaving equipment, fire safety
7.2 Violation Penalties:
– Fine up to ¥500,000 for pollution violations
– Vessel detention for serious safety deficiencies
9. Crew Welfare and Shore Leave
– Shore leave permitted for crew with valid seafarer’s identity document (SID) and passport.
– Mandatory crew vaccination records must be presented if required by Japanese immigration authorities.
– Crew changes allowed with prior approval from the Immigration Bureau and quarantine authorities.
– Prohibited items ashore: firearms, narcotics, and restricted agricultural products.
10. Bunkering and Ship Supply Regulations
– Bunkering operations require prior notification to the Port Authority and Japan Coast Guard.
– Only licensed bunker suppliers permitted (list available from the Hyogo Prefecture Maritime Bureau).
– Emergency shutdown procedures must be tested before bunkering commences.
– No simultaneous cargo operations during bunkering unless approved by the Harbor Master.
11. Port Security (ISPS Compliance)
– Security Level 1 (normal) enforced unless otherwise notified.
– Restricted areas clearly marked; unauthorized personnel access prohibited.
– Gangway watch mandatory 24/7 with proper access control logs.
– Drills required: anti-piracy, fire, and abandon ship (records must be maintained).
12. Health and Quarantine Procedures
– Maritime Declaration of Health must be submitted to quarantine authorities upon arrival.
– Crew medical checks required if illness reported during voyage.
– Waste disposal certificates must be available for inspection (particularly food waste).
– COVID-19 protocols follow latest MLIT and Ministry of Health guidelines.
13. Customs and Immigration
– Crew personal effects declaration required if exceeding duty-free allowances.
– Prohibited items include counterfeit goods, certain medications, and endangered species products.
– Immigration clearance must be completed before cargo operations begin.
– Ship’s stores declaration must list all bonded goods onboard.
14. Weather and Typhoon Preparedness
– Typhoon warning Signal 3: Secure loose equipment and reduce cargo operations.
– Signal 8: All operations must cease, and vessels may be ordered to leave the port.
– Real-time weather updates available via Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) broadcasts.
– Anchorage areas designated for emergency use during severe weather.
15. Pilotage and Towage Services
– Compulsory pilotage for vessels > 500 GT or carrying hazardous cargo.
– Pilot boarding area: 34°45’N, 134°50’E (monitored via VHF Ch 12).
– Minimum 2 tugs required for vessels > 150m LOA during berthing/unberthing.
– Tug availability must be confirmed 6 hours before ETA.
16. Port Dues and Fees
– Calculated based on GT, cargo volume, and berth type (published in MLIT fee schedule).
– Waste disposal fees: ¥5,000 per ton for oily waste (subject to annual adjustment).
– Late payment penalties: 5% surcharge after 30 days.
– Electronic payment preferred via Japan Port Payment System (JPPS).
17. Ship Repair and Maintenance Regulations
– Dry docking facilities available for vessels up to 50,000 DWT (prior booking required).
– Underwater hull cleaning prohibited without prior environmental approval.
– Hot work permits must be obtained from Port Fire Department 24 hours in advance.
– Waste materials from repairs (paint chips, welding residue) must be containerized and disposed properly.
18. Dangerous Cargo Handling
– Class 1 (explosives): Requires 500m safety zone, no simultaneous operations with other vessels.
– LNG carriers: Must maintain 200m separation from non-hazardous cargo operations.
– Toxic gas carriers (Cl2, NH3): Emergency scrubber systems mandatory during unloading.
– Radioactive materials: Prior notification to Nuclear Regulation Authority required 72 hours before arrival.
19. Anchorage and Waiting Area Regulations
– Designated anchorage areas: North Zone (34°47’N 134°52’E) and South Zone (34°43’N 134°48’E).
– Maximum anchorage duration: 72 hours without special permission.
– Vessels at anchor must maintain VHF watch on Channel 16 and 12.
– Anchor lights and AIS must be operational at all times.
20. Communication Protocols
– Primary working language: Japanese/English (IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases required).
– Port Control contact sequence: Initial call on Ch 16, switch to Ch 12 for operations.
– Mandatory reports: Entry/exit, accidents, pollution incidents, security threats.
– Digital reporting via Japan Maritime Data Center (JMDC) system preferred.
21. Special Cargo Handling
– Oversized cargo: Route survey required 48 hours before operation.
– Heavy lifts (>100 tons): Crane capacity certificates must be submitted.
– Project cargo: Stowage plans require Harbor Master approval.
– Livestock carriers: Veterinary inspection mandatory before discharge.
22. Ice and Cold Weather Operations
– Anti-icing measures required for deck equipment when temperature drops below -5°C.
– Gangway heating systems mandatory during winter months (Dec-Feb).
– Special mooring arrangements for steel-hulled vessels in sub-zero temperatures.
– Port closure possible during rare heavy snowfall (decision by Port Superintendent).
23. Salvage and Wreck Removal
– Immediate notification required for any vessel grounding or obstruction.
– Japan Coast Guard-approved salvage companies must be engaged.
– Wreck removal deadline: 30 days unless extended by MLIT.
– Liability insurance of ¥500 million minimum required for salvage operations.
24. Fishing Vessel Interactions
– No fishing within 500m of commercial shipping lanes.
– Special caution required during seasonal squid fishing (Aug-Nov).
– Collision avoidance priority given to working fishing vessels in port approaches.
– Reporting mandatory for any fishing gear entanglement with propellers.
25. Historical and Cultural Site Protection
– Dredging prohibited within 1km of designated underwater cultural heritage sites.
– Special ballast water exchange restrictions near Seto Inland Sea protected areas.
– Noise reduction measures (engine RPM limits) when passing near shrines during festivals.
– Archaeological finds during port works must be reported to Hyogo Prefecture authorities.
26. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
– Mandatory VTS participation for vessels >300 GT or carrying hazardous cargo
– Radar surveillance coverage extends 12nm from port entrance
– Movement reporting points at 34°40’N 134°45’E and 34°50’N 134°55’E
– VTS operational hours: 24/7 with Japanese/English language support
27. Port Facility Security
– ISPS Code compliant security measures enforced at all terminals
– Access control through biometric verification at restricted areas
– Mandatory security patrols every 2 hours for berthed vessels
– Cybersecurity protocols for shore-side network connections
28. Marine Pollution Response
– Tier 1 oil spill response equipment maintained at strategic locations
– Mandatory pollution emergency drills quarterly for port workers
– Special containment procedures for chemical spills (Class A-D pollutants)
– Immediate reporting required for any sheen observation
29. Night Navigation Requirements
– Additional navigation lights required for vessels >200m LOA
– Reduced speed limits apply 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise
– Mandatory use of searchlights during night cargo operations
– Special pilotage requirements for night entry of VLCCs
30. Port State Control Inspection Focus Areas
– Priority inspection criteria: 12+ month old tankers and bulk carriers
– Common deficiencies: fire doors, lifeboat equipment, oil record books
– Expanded inspection for vessels with previous detentions
– Certificates verification including IOPP and Safety Construction
31. Small Craft Regulations
– Designated small boat channels marked with yellow buoys
– Speed limit 5 knots within 200m of commercial berths
– Mandatory life jackets for all small craft occupants
– Prohibited areas around naval and security zones
32. Dredging and Underwater Operations
– Dredging permits require environmental impact assessment
– Underwater noise monitoring during pile driving operations
– Turbidity curtains mandatory for all dredging activities
– Restricted working hours near marine protected areas
33. Port Emergency Response Coordination
– Unified command system integrates fire, medical and pollution response
– Emergency muster stations clearly marked at 500m intervals
– Hospital with decompression chamber located 15 minutes from port
– Mutual aid agreements with neighboring ports for major incidents
34. Hazardous Weather Contingency Plans
– Typhoon Preparedness: Mandatory double mooring lines when winds exceed 25 knots
– Tsunami Alert: Immediate evacuation to designated safe zones when warning issued
– Heavy Fog Procedures: VTS-controlled movement with radar guidance when visibility <500m
– Extreme Heat Measures: Mandatory shaded rest areas and hydration protocols for dock workers
35. Special Vessel Categories
– Research Vessels: Prior clearance required for sampling/discharge activities
– Naval Ships: Separate security protocols apply (coordinate with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force)
– Cruise Ships: Dedicated passenger terminal with separate customs facilities
– Floating Cranes: Stability calculations must be submitted 72 hours prior to operations
36. Port Infrastructure Specifications
– Berth Load Limits: Maximum 5 tons/m² for general cargo, 10 tons/m² for container operations
– Fender Systems: Standard 1.5m diameter cylindrical fenders at all berths
– Electrical Supply: 440V/60Hz shore power available at selected berths
– Water Depth: Maintained at -12m CD at all operational berths (annual dredging guarantee)
37. Crew Training Requirements
– Port-specific orientation required for all deck officers making first call
– Mandatory fire drill within 24 hours of berthing for vessels staying >3 days
– Local pilotage procedures familiarization for ships’ bridge teams
– Pollution prevention training certification required for tanker crews
38. Cargo Documentation Standards
– Electronic Bills of Lading must comply with Japanese Customs format requirements
– Hazardous cargo manifests require UN number and proper shipping name in English/Japanese
– Temperature logs mandatory for refrigerated cargo throughout port stay
– Timber cargo certificates must include fumigation details if applicable
39. Port Labor Regulations
– Stevedore working hours: Maximum 8 hours continuous duty with mandatory breaks
– Cargo handling equipment operators require Japan-issued certification
– Dispute resolution through Hyogo Prefecture Maritime Labor Board
– Mandatory safety briefings for all temporary port workers
40. Navigational Aids Maintenance
– Channel buoys equipped with solar-powered LED lights (checked weekly)
– Leading lights alignment verified monthly by Japan Coast Guard
– AIS base stations provide 100% coverage of port approaches
– Emergency wreck marking within 4 hours of notification
41. Port Community System
– Mandatory electronic submission of all standard port documents
– Real-time berth availability through Port Management Information System
– Automated cargo tracking using RFID technology at container terminals
– Integrated customs clearance platform with 24/7 access
42. Vessel Manning Requirements
– Minimum safe manning certificate must be valid and displayed
– Bridge watchkeeping officers must have valid Japan-approved radar certificates
– Engine room must maintain continuous watch during port stay
– Special requirements for gas tankers: additional certified gas operators
43. Bunkering Quality Control
– Mandatory sampling during bunkering (3-part sample retention)
– MARPOL Annex VI fuel samples kept for 12 months minimum
– Bunker delivery notes must include batch numbers and test reports
– Dispute resolution through Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
44. Port Entry Restrictions for Damaged Vessels
– Hull damage assessment required before entry permission granted
– Special conditions for vessels with stability issues or list >5°
– Mandatory tug escort for vessels with propulsion limitations
– Underwater inspection may be required for suspected hull breaches
45. Special Event Protocols
– Marine traffic restrictions during annual port festival (first week of August)
– Firework display zones marked with temporary navigation warnings
– Additional security measures for diplomatic vessel visits
– Noise abatement procedures during national examination periods
46. Winter Operations
– Anti-icing chemical application on critical walkways when temperature <0°C
– Special mooring line inspections required during freeze-thaw cycles
– Reduced cargo handling rates when precipitation exceeds 5cm/hour
– Heating requirements for sensitive cargo (rubber, chemicals etc.)
47. Port Area Wildlife Protection
– Speed reduction zones during migratory bird seasons (April-May, September-October)
– Prohibited anchoring in seagrass beds (marked with special buoys)
– Mandatory reporting of marine mammal sightings
– Lighting restrictions during turtle nesting season (June-July)
48. Dangerous Goods Storage
– Class 1 explosives: Maximum 48 hours storage in port area
– IMDG cargo segregation rules strictly enforced in temporary storage areas
– Temperature-controlled storage available for Class 4.1 materials
– 24/7 security surveillance for high-risk cargo storage zones
49. Port Entry for Non-Commercial Vessels
– Private yachts must use designated marina facilities
– Prior clearance required for military and government vessels
– Special berthing arrangements for tall ships and historic vessels
– Prohibited entry for vessels without proper insurance coverage
50. Port Facility Maintenance Standards
– Daily inspection of cargo handling equipment by certified engineers
– Monthly structural integrity checks for all berthing facilities
– Annual load testing of mooring bollards and quick release hooks
– Pavement markings refreshed quarterly for operational safety
51. Ballast Water Management
– Mandatory ballast water exchange 200nm from nearest land
– Approved treatment systems required for vessels built after 2017
– Sampling and analysis may be conducted by port authorities
– Special zones designated for ballast water operations
52. Port Access for Disabled Persons
– Wheelchair accessible routes to all passenger terminal facilities
– Trained staff available for assistance upon request
– Visual and auditory signaling systems in emergency areas
– Priority boarding procedures for passengers with reduced mobility
53. Cold Ironing Facilities
– Shore power connections available at 3 main berths
– Mandatory use for cruise ships during overnight stays
– Certified electrical engineers required for connection
– Voltage and frequency conversion equipment provided
54. Port Waste Reception Facilities
– 24/7 availability for all MARPOL waste categories
– Separate handling for hazardous and non-hazardous waste
– Digital waste tracking system with QR code identification
– No-special-fee policy for standard waste amounts
55. Vessel Speed Limits
– 8 knots within port breakwaters (5 knots in inner harbor)
– No-wake speed in designated environmental protection zones
– Variable speed limits during peak traffic periods
– Special restrictions for vessels with certain dangerous cargoes
56. Port Lighting Standards
– Minimum 50 lux illumination at all operational areas
– Motion-activated lighting in storage zones
– Shielded lighting to prevent marine life disturbance
– Emergency lighting with 2-hour battery backup
57. Mooring Equipment Requirements
– Minimum breaking strength 125% of calculated requirements
– Synthetic ropes must have UV protection certification
– Weekly inspection logs required for all mooring gear
– Emergency release systems tested monthly
58. Port Cybersecurity Measures
– Isolated network for critical port operations systems
– Mandatory two-factor authentication for port users
– Regular penetration testing of digital infrastructure
– Incident response team available 24/7
59. Dangerous Goods Documentation
– Multilingual dangerous goods manifests required
– Emergency procedures specific to cargo carried
– Verified compatibility certificates for mixed loads
– Updated Material Safety Data Sheets accessible
60. Port Emergency Communication
– Red phone system for immediate emergency contact
– Backup VHF channels designated for crisis situations
– Multilingual emergency instructions posted throughout
– Regular emergency communication drills conducted
