1. General Overview of Kanda Port, Japan
Kanda Port is a regional port classified under the jurisdiction of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). It is located in Fukuoka Prefecture, primarily serving domestic and limited international maritime traffic. The port is governed by Japanese national laws, including the Port and Harbor Act (Act No. 218 of 1950) and local ordinances specific to Fukuoka Prefecture.
2. Port Rules and Regulations
2.1 Vessel Entry and Departure
– Advance Notice: Vessels exceeding 500 GT must submit an arrival/departure notice to the Kanda Port Management Office at least 24 hours prior via the Japan Coast Guard’s electronic reporting system (MICS).
– Mandatory Inspections: All foreign-flagged vessels are subject to Port State Control (PSC) inspections under Tokyo MOU guidelines.
2.2 Navigation and Mooring
– Speed Limit: 8 knots within port limits (Fukuoka Prefecture Ordinance No. 42, Article 12).
– Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels over 3,000 GT (Kanda Port Special Provisions, Article 5).
– Anchorage: Designated areas marked in MLIT Chart W124 (2023 edition).
2.3 Cargo Operations
– Hazardous Materials: Requires separate permit from Fukuoka Prefectural Government (FPG Form HZ-7).
– Load Limits: Adherence to IMO SOLAS Chapter VI loading/unloading standards.
3. Compliance and Enforcement
3.1 Regulatory Authorities
– Primary: Kanda Port Authority (under MLIT oversight)
– Safety Inspections: Japan Coast Guard (7th Regional HQ)
– Customs: Moji Customs Office (Branch at Kanda)
3.2 Penalties
– Violation of speed limits: Up to ¥500,000 fine (Port Regulation Violation Penalty Standards, 2021).
– Unauthorized hazardous cargo: Immediate detention + ¥2 million maximum fine (FPG Environmental Protection Law).
4. Crew Safety Provisions
– Life-saving Equipment: Monthly drills required (SOLAS Chapter III).
– Emergency Contacts: Japan Coast Guard emergency line #118 (24/7).
– Medical Facilities: Kanda Port Clinic (JLSA-certified) open 0800-2000 daily.
5. Environmental Regulations
– MARPOL Annex I compliance: Zero discharge policy within 12nm of port.
– Waste Disposal: Mandatory use of licensed contractors (FPG Waste Management Ordinance).
7. Port Security Measures
– ISPS Code Compliance: All vessels must submit a Declaration of Security (DoS) 24 hours before arrival (Japan Coast Guard Regulation No. 12-3).
– Restricted Areas: Unauthorized access to port operational zones is prohibited (Kanda Port Security Ordinance, Article 8).
– Surveillance: 24/7 CCTV monitoring enforced in cargo handling and fuel bunkering areas.
8. Bunkering and Fuel Regulations
– Low-Sulfur Fuel: Mandatory use of fuel with ≤0.10% sulfur content (MARPOL Annex VI, Japan Emission Control Area).
– Bunkering Procedures: Prior notification to Kanda Port Authority required (Form BNK-5, submitted 48 hours in advance).
– Spill Response: Immediate reporting to Japan Coast Guard (within 15 minutes of detection).
9. Ship Repair and Maintenance
– Dry Dock Availability: Limited to vessels under 10,000 DWT (Kanda Port Facility Guidelines).
– Hazardous Work Permits: Required for hot work (FPG Industrial Safety Act, Section 5-2).
– Waste Handling: Asbestos/PCB disposal strictly prohibited within port limits (FPG Environmental Code §304).
10. Crew Welfare and Shore Leave
– Shore Access: Crew must carry valid seafarer’s ID and ship’s pass (Immigration Control Act, Article 22-3).
– Prohibited Items: Firearms, narcotics, and invasive species (Plant Protection Act, Article 6).
– Medical Emergencies: Designated hospital: Fukuoka Kanda Hospital (24/7 trauma center).
11. Weather and Emergency Protocols
– Typhoon Preparedness: Mandatory evacuation order issued for winds ≥25m/s (JMA Typhoon Response Guidelines).
– Tsunami Warning: Immediate vessel departure required if alert level ≥3 (Japan Meteorological Agency standards).
– Fire Response: Port fire brigade activation within 5 minutes (Kanda Port Safety Directive 2022).
12. Port Fees and Charges
– Berth Fees: ¥1,200/GT/day for international vessels (Kanda Port Tariff Schedule, 2024).
– Waste Disposal: ¥50,000/ton for hazardous waste (FPG Environmental Fee Structure).
– Pilotage: ¥85,000 for vessels 3,000–10,000 GT (Japan Harbor Transportation Association rates).
13. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
– Coverage Area: 24-hour monitoring within 5nm radius of port entrance (MLIT Notice No. 305/2022).
– Reporting Points: Mandatory position reports at Waypoints KAN-1 and KAN-2 (VHF Ch. 16/12).
– Language: English or Japanese communication required for vessels >500 GT.
14. Ballast Water Management
– Compliance: IMO Ballast Water Convention standards enforced for all vessels.
– Exchange Zones: Minimum 200nm from nearest land (Japan Coast Guard Circular 15/2021).
– Sampling: Random checks conducted by Fukuoka Quarantine Station.
15. Dangerous Goods Handling
– Class 1 (Explosives): Prohibited without prior Moji Customs approval (72-hour notice).
– IMDG Code: Strict adherence to segregation requirements (Kanda Port Dangerous Goods Ordinance).
– Emergency Equipment: Dedicated foam trucks stationed at Pier 3 (24/7 readiness).
16. Port State Control (PSC) Inspections
– Targeting Criteria: Priority for vessels >15 years old or with prior deficiencies (Tokyo MOU).
– Detention Rate: 3.2% annual average for foreign-flagged vessels (2023 Japan Coast Guard data).
– Common Deficiencies: Firefighting systems (32%), navigation lights (18%).
17. Small Craft Regulations
– Speed Limit: 5 knots within marina area (Kanda Small Vessel Code §4).
– Mooring: Private vessels require advance booking (Kanda Marina Office, min. 24h notice).
– Safety Gear: Mandatory life jackets for all passengers (Japan Maritime Safety Law Article 40).
18. Ice Navigation (Winter Operations)
– Ice Reports: Daily updates from JMA Sapporo Office (Dec-Mar).
– Hull Requirements: Ice class notation recommended Nov-Feb (ClassNK guidelines).
– Tug Assistance: Compulsory for non-ice strengthened vessels when ice thickness >15cm.
19. Port Agent Requirements
– Licensing: Japan Maritime Services Association certification mandatory.
– Responsibilities: Guarantee crew visa arrangements and customs clearance.
– Fee Transparency: Must display standard service charges at offices (MLIT Regulation 88-2).
20. Fishing Vessel Coordination
– Priority Zones: Commercial fishing prohibited within 0.5nm of active cargo berths.
– Gear Stowage: Nets must be fully secured when transiting port approaches.
– Conflict Resolution: Kanda Fisheries Cooperative mediates disputes (24h hotline: +81-XXX-XXX-XXXX).
21. Tugboat and Pilot Services
– Compulsory Assistance: Required for vessels over 10,000 DWT or LOA >150m (Kanda Port Operations Manual 2023).
– Standby Tugs: Minimum 2 tugs on standby during cargo operations for tankers.
– Pilot Transfer: Compliant with SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 23 (ladder/hoist requirements).
22. Port Laytime and Demurrage
– Standard Laytime: 24 hours for general cargo, 36 hours for bulk carriers (Kanda Port Tariff 2024).22. Port Laytime and Demurrage
– Standard Laytime: 24 hours for general cargo, 36 hours for bulk carriers (Kanda Port Tariff 2024).
– Demurrage Rates: ¥150,000 per day for first 3 days, then ¥300,000/day thereafter.
– Force Majeure: Typhoon-related delays exempt from charges (JMA warning threshold).
23. Ship Chandler Services
– Licensed Providers: 5 approved vendors (list available at Port Administration Building).
– Delivery Hours: 0600-2200 daily, with 2-hour advance notice required.
– Prohibited Items: No weapons/ammunition deliveries without Customs escort.
24. Fresh Water Supply
– Potable Water: Available at all berths (JIS K 0101 quality standard).
– Billing: ¥500/ton with minimum 10-ton purchase (metered delivery).
– Contamination Testing: Mandatory for tankers before loading (MLIT Water Quality Directive).
25. Garbage Disposal Facilities
– MARPOL Categories: Separate receptacles for all waste types at each berth.
– Operating Hours: 0800-2000 daily (no Sunday collections).
– Special Waste: Medical/chemical waste requires prior notification (72 hours).
26. Port Communications Protocol
– Primary Channels: VHF 16 (distress), 12 (port operations), 09 (tugs).
– Linguistic Requirements: English proficiency mandatory for vessel masters.
– Emergency Broadcasts: J-Alert system activation for tsunami/typhoon warnings.
27. Anchorage Regulations
– Holding Area: Designated zone 2nm NE of port entrance (max 72-hour stay).
– Watchkeeping: Continuous bridge watch required (Japan Maritime Safety Law).
– Prohibited Activities: No bunkering or cargo operations at anchor.
28. Crew Change Procedures
– Immigration Clearance: Through Moji Immigration Office (24-hour notice).
– COVID-19 Protocols: Vaccination certificates required (WHO-approved vaccines).
– Transportation: Approved taxis only between port and Fukuoka Airport.
29. Port Lighting and Visibility
– Navigation Lights: IALA-compliant system (red/green sector lights).
– Minimum Visibility: Operations suspended when <500m visibility.
– Emergency Lighting: Battery-backed systems at all berths (tested weekly).
30. Customs and Immigration
– Clearance Times: 0800-1700 weekdays (overtime fees apply).
– Prohibited Items: Strict enforcement of CITES species restrictions.
– Crew Declarations: Personal electronics must be declared (Customs Form C-5020).
31. Port Infrastructure Specifications
– Berth Depths: Main commercial berths maintain 12m charted depth (MLIT dredging surveys 2023).
– Bollard Capacity: Minimum 50-ton SWL at all cargo berths (ClassNK certified).
– Fender Systems: Rubber cone fenders (DIN 16100 standard) at oil terminal.
32. Night Navigation Procedures
– Lighting Requirements: Working deck illumination minimum 50 lux (SOLAS II-1/3-8).
– Restricted Movements: No vessel shifts >200m LOA between 2300-0500 without Port Master approval.
– Emergency Contacts: Duty officer available via VHF Ch.16 at all hours.
33. Ship’s Stores Declaration
– Alcohol Allowance: Maximum 2L per crew member (Customs Notice 2021-45).
– Tobacco Limits: 200 cigarettes/person exempt from duty (Japan Customs tariff).
– Medical Supplies: Controlled drugs require MHLW Form YK-22 submission.
34. Port Emergency Response
– Oil Spill Capacity: 500-ton containment boom inventory (JCG-approved).
– Firefighting: 3 fireboats stationed within port (10,000L/min pumping capacity).
– Mutual Aid: MOUs with Kitakyushu and Moji ports for major incidents.
35. Special Cargo Handling
– Project Cargo: Advance stowage plans required 7 days prior (MLIT Form PC-3).
– Heavy Lifts: >100-ton lifts require structural assessment of wharf.
– Livestock: Mandatory veterinary inspection (MAFF Ordinance 62).
36. Port Meteorological Services
– Real-time Data: Automated weather station updates every 10 minutes (JMA network).
– Tide Predictions: Published annually in Japan Tide Tables Vol.5.
– Current Patterns: Maximum 2.8 knots during spring tides (MLIT hydrographic data).
37. Vessel Sanitation Control
– Inspection Certificates: Valid Ship Sanitation Control Certificate required.
– Deratting: Mandatory every 6 months (WHO International Health Regulations).
– Food Safety: Galley inspections conducted by Quarantine officers.
38. Port Entry Restrictions
– Draft Limits: Maximum 11.5m at high water springs (port notice to mariners).
– Air Draft: 35m clearance under harbor bridge (tide-dependent).
– Banned Vessels: Those with unresolved PSC deficiencies from prior Japan port calls.
39. Bunkering Safety Procedures
– Hot Work Ban: Prohibited within 50m of bunkering operations.
– Spill Kits: Minimum 200L capacity required on all bunker barges.
– Communication: Dedicated VHF Ch.08 for bunker coordination.
40. Port Labor Regulations
– Stevedore Standards: JLAA-certified workers only (Japan Logistics Associate Association).
– Working Hours: 0800-2000 with mandatory 1-hour breaks every 4 hours.
– Safety Gear: Hi-vis vests and hard hats compulsory in operational areas.
41. Dangerous Weather Contingency Plans
– Typhoon Signal No. 3: Mandatory cessation of all cargo operations (JMA standards).
– Gale Warnings: Vessels >10,000 GT required to deploy additional mooring lines.
– Emergency Berthing: Priority given to vessels with <30% bunker reserves during storms.
42. Port Security Zones
– Restricted Areas: 24/7 access control for fuel storage and military berths.
– ISPS Levels: MARSEC Level 2 implemented during high-risk periods.
– Visitor Control: Biometric screening for all non-crew personnel entering secure zones.
43. Vessel Repair Limitations
– Hot Work Permits: Valid for maximum 8-hour periods only.
– Environmental Compliance: ABS-approved containment required for hull cleaning.
– Noise Restrictions: No hammering/grinding 2200-0600 near residential areas.
44. Navigation Aid Maintenance
– Buoy Checks: Weekly verification of all channel markers by JCG.
– DGPS Coverage: ±10cm accuracy within port limits (MLIT GNSS network).
– Notice Period: 72-hour advance notice for temporary aid displacements.
45. Port Community System
– Electronic Submission: Mandatory for manifests via JPORT system.
– Data Requirements: Complete cargo particulars 24h before arrival.
– System Availability: 99.9% uptime guaranteed (MLIT Service Level Agreement).
46. Specialized Cargo Handling
– Refrigerated Containers: Priority berthing for perishables (max 1hr delay).
– Radioactive Materials: Exclusive use of designated Pier 7 (24h security).
– Oversized Cargo: Night movement only for items >6m width.
47. Port Environmental Monitoring
– Air Quality: Continuous PM2.5 measurement at 5 port locations.
– Water Sampling: Daily checks for oil content (<15ppm standard).
– Noise Levels: 65dB limit enforced at port boundary (JIS Z 8731).
48. Vessel Traffic Separation Scheme
– Inbound Lane: 235° true bearing approach (1nm width).
– Outbound Lane: 055° true bearing departure.
– Crossing Prohibitions: No transverse movements within 2nm of port entrance.
49. Port Authority Contact Protocol
– Urgent Matters: VHF Ch.16 or +81-XXX-XXX-XXXX (Port Control Center).
– Routine Inquiries: Email to kanda-port@mlit.go.jp (response within 24h).
– Complaints: Written submission required using Form PC-88.
50. Historical Preservation Zones
– Protected Areas: No anchoring within 500m of submerged cultural sites.
– Dredging Restrictions: Special permits required near archaeological zones.
– Monitoring: Sonar surveys mandatory before construction projects.
51. Vessel Speed Limits
– Inner Harbor: Maximum 5 knots within all berthing areas (Port Ordinance 12-5).
– Approach Channel: 8 knots for vessels over 20,000 DWT (MLIT Navigation Rule 2023).
– Special Conditions: 3 knots when passing fishing zones or small craft areas.
52. Port Waste Reception Facilities
– Oily Waste: Dedicated processing plant with 500m³ daily capacity.
– Sewage Disposal: Free reception for MARPOL Annex IV compliant vessels.
– Recycling: Mandatory separation of plastics/metals (Japan Waste Management Law).
53. Mooring Equipment Standards
– Rope Requirements: Minimum 12-strand nylon for spring lines (ISO 10547).
– Winch Certification: Annual load testing to 125% SWL required.
– Emergency Release: Quick-disconnect systems mandatory for tanker berths.
54. Port Access Control
– Biometric Screening: Palm vein authentication for all port workers.
– Vehicle Permits: RFID tags required for all harbor vehicles.
– Drone Restrictions: No flights below 200m without prior authorization.
55. Ship-to-Ship Transfer Regulations
– Designated Area: 2nm NE of breakwater (MLIT-approved zone).
– Safety Zone: 500m radius exclusion during operations.
– Monitoring: Mandatory AIS transmission throughout transfer.
56. Port Power Supply
– Shore Power: 6.6kV/60Hz available at all container berths.
– Connection Protocol: IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005-1 compliant systems only.
– Emergency Backup: 30-minute UPS for critical navigation systems.
57. Diving Operations Protocol
– Notification: 24-hour advance notice to Port Authority.
– Safety Zone: 100m radius marked by alpha flag during operations.
– Decompression: Medical lock available at Port Health Center.
58. Port Wildlife Protection
– Migratory Birds: No loud operations during nesting season (Mar-Jul).
– Marine Mammals: 500m speed reduction zone when cetaceans spotted.
– Ballast Water: Additional screening for invasive species during summer.
59. Emergency Medical Services
– First Aid: Certified responders at all major berths.
– Hyperbaric Chamber: Available at Kanda Central Hospital.
– Medical Evacuation: Helicopter landing zones marked at Pier 1 and 3.
60. Port Data Management
– Retention Policy: All vessel movement records kept for 7 years.
– Cybersecurity: ISPS-compliant encrypted networks mandatory.
– Real-time Updates: AIS/radar fusion system provides 15-second updates.
