1. General Overview of Karatsu Port Regulations
Karatsu Port operates under Japan’s Port Regulations Law (港湾法) and local ordinances. The port is classified as a “Major Port” under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) jurisdiction. Compliance is enforced by the Karatsu Port Authority and Saga Prefectural Government.
2. Vessel Entry and Departure Requirements
– Mandatory advance notice: 24 hours prior to arrival for foreign vessels (per Immigration Control Act Article 5).
– Required documents: Ship Registry, Tonnage Certificate, Port State Control report, and Crew List (submitted via Japan’s Electronic Port Clearance System).
– Special restrictions: Tankers >10,000 GT require additional safety inspections per ISPS Code.
3. Navigation and Mooring Rules
– Speed limit: 8 knots within port limits (Karatsu Port Ordinance No. 12-3).
– Designated anchorage areas: Areas A1-A3 (34°14’N, 129°55’E to 34°16’N, 129°57’E).
– Prohibited areas: Within 200m of fishing zones (marked by yellow buoys).
4. Cargo Handling Regulations
– Dangerous goods: Class 1 explosives require 72-hour pre-notification (IMO IMDG Code compliance).
– Grain operations: Dust control measures mandatory (per Japan Agricultural Standards).
– Night operations: Require Port Master approval with minimum 500 lux lighting.
5. Environmental Compliance
– MARPOL Annex VI enforced: 0.1% sulfur limit in ECA zones.
– Ballast water management: Must comply with Japan’s 2020 Ballast Water Act.
– Waste disposal: All ship-generated waste must be logged and handed to licensed operators.
6. Crew Safety Requirements
– Life-saving appliances: Monthly drills required (SOLAS Chapter III).
– Working hours: Must comply with MLC 2006 standards (max 14 hours/day).
– Emergency equipment: Port maintains Category 1 oil spill response capability.
7. Enforcement Measures
– Inspection frequency: 20% of foreign vessels undergo expanded PSC inspections annually.
– Common violations: Improper garbage segregation (30% of citations in 2022 port data).
– Penalties: Fines up to ¥500,000 for pollution violations (Water Pollution Control Law Article 30).
8. Special Local Provisions
– Typhoon procedures: Mandatory evacuation when Signal No. 8 issued by JMA.
– Cultural restrictions: No operations during Karatsu Kunchi festival (Nov 2-4 annually).
– Fishing vessel priority: Local trawlers have right-of-way in western channel.
10. Port Security Measures
– ISPS Code Compliance: All vessels >500 GT must submit Security Declarations 24h before arrival.
– Restricted Areas: No unauthorized access to container terminals (enforced 24/7 via CCTV and patrols).
– Crew ID Requirements: Must carry valid seafarer’s books when ashore (per Immigration Control Act).
11. Pilotage and Towage
– Compulsory Pilotage: Vessels >3,000 GT or LOA >100m (Karatsu Port Ordinance No. 5-2).
– Towage Requirements: Minimum 2 tugs for vessels >20,000 DWT during berthing/unberthing.
– Pilot Boarding Area: 34°15.5’N, 129°56.0’E (VHF Ch 12 for coordination).
12. Port Services and Facilities
– Bunkering: Only licensed providers permitted (ISO 8217 fuel standards enforced).
– Fresh Water Supply: Available at all berths (advance request required for >500 tons).
– Ship Repair: Limited to emergency repairs; major work requires MLIT approval.
13. Emergency Procedures
– Fire Response: Port fireboats on standby (response time <15 minutes).
– Medical Evacuation: Designated helicopter landing zone at 34°14.8’N, 129°55.3’E.
– Spill Reporting: Immediate notification required for any oil spill >1 ton (Saga Prefecture Environmental Code).
14. Weather Restrictions
– Wave Height Limits: Operations suspended when significant waves exceed 3.5m.
– Visibility Minimums: 0.5nm for vessel movements (1nm for LNG carriers).
– Winter Operations: Anti-icing measures mandatory for decks/pipelines below 0°C.
15. Customs and Immigration
– Customs Clearance: Electronic submission via NACCS system required before cargo operations.
– Crew Shore Leave: Permitted with valid passports and landing permits (issued by immigration office at Berth 3).
– Prohibited Items: Strict enforcement of Japan’s Plant Protection Act (agricultural products inspection).
16. Vessel Traffic Management
– VTS Coverage: Mandatory monitoring on VHF Channel 16/71 within port limits (24/7 operation).
– Reporting Points: Vessels must report at “KARATSU ENTRANCE” (34°14.2’N, 129°54.8’E).
– Traffic Separation: Eastbound and westbound lanes marked with lighted buoys (IALA Region B).
17. Dangerous Cargo Handling
– Explosives Handling: Exclusive Berth 5 with 500m safety zone (no simultaneous hot work).
– Gas-Free Certification: Required before tank entry (issued by licensed gas tester).
– Emergency Equipment: Berths 4-6 equipped with foam monitors (capacity 5,000L/min).
18. Port Dues and Charges
– Tonnage Dues: ¥42 per GT for first 10,000 GT, ¥35/GT thereafter (2024 tariff).
– Waste Disposal Fee: ¥8,000 per cubic meter for hazardous waste (non-hazardous ¥3,500).
– Overtime Charges: 150% normal rate for operations 2200-0600 hours.
19. Crew Welfare Facilities
– Seafarers’ Center: Located at Berth 2 with free WiFi and medical first aid.
– Shore Power: Available at Container Terminal (440V/60Hz, max 3MVA).
– Provisions Delivery: Certified suppliers only (food safety compliance checked).
20. Special Cargo Regulations
– Oversized Cargo: Advance notice 72h for items >12m width (escort tugs required).
– Radioactive Materials: Additional MLIT permit + 1km exclusion zone during handling.
– Livestock Transport: Veterinary inspection mandatory before discharge.
21. Anchorage Protocols
– Holding Area: Designated zone at 34°13.5’N, 129°53.0’E (max 48h stay).
– Anchor Watch: Continuous bridge watch required when anchored in port limits.
– Emergency Dragging: Immediate VTS notification if anchor drag exceeds 0.1nm.
22. Communication Procedures
– Working Language: English/Japanese (mandatory bilingual pilot orders for complex maneuvers).
– Emergency Channels: VHF 16 (distress), 12 (port operations), 13 (tug coordination).
– AIS Requirements: Continuous transmission mandatory (MMSI verification on entry).
23. Shipboard Equipment Requirements
– Mooring Lines: Minimum 8 synthetic lines for vessels >200m LOA (breaking strength ≥147kN).
– Gangways: Must be equipped with safety nets and certified for ≥1.5x maximum load.
– Emergency Lighting: Backup power system required for all accommodation areas (SOLAS II-1/42).
24. Bunkering Operations
– Fuel Sampling: Mandatory MARPOL Annex VI fuel oil samples (3 sealed bottles retained for 12 months).
– Bunker Spill Plan: Required at all transfer operations (minimum 200m containment boom standby).
– No Smoking Zone: Enforced within 50m of bunkering vessels during operations.
25. Port Health Regulations
– Medical Declarations: Required 12h before arrival if any crew show infectious disease symptoms.
– Pest Control: Mandatory deratting certificate or inspection for vessels from high-risk areas.
– Food Safety: Galley inspections conducted randomly (20% of visiting vessels annually).
26. Dredging and Underwater Operations
– Survey Requirements: Weekly multibeam surveys in main channels (minimum 0.5m underkeel clearance).
– Diving Operations: Prior Port Master approval required (minimum 500m safety zone for passing vessels).
– Dumping Prohibited: No discharge of dredged material without MLIT environmental assessment.
27. Ice Navigation Procedures
– Ice Reinforcement: Vessels without ice class restricted when sea temperature ≤3°C.
– De-icing Equipment: Mandatory for cranes and loading arms during winter operations.
– Icebreaker Support: Available upon request (48h notice required for priority scheduling).
28. Port Working Hours
– Standard Operations: 0800-1700 JST (Overtime requires 4h advance notice).
– Holiday Schedule: 50% surcharge applies on national holidays (New Year closure Dec 29-Jan 3).
– Customs Clearance: Available 24/7 for emergency medical/food supplies.
29. Vessel Maintenance Restrictions
– Hull Cleaning: Prohibited within port limits (designated area at 34°12.0’N, 129°52.0’E).
– Hot Work: Permit required (fire watch mandatory for 4h post-operation).
– Underwater Painting: Only approved antifouling paints (Biocidal Products Regulation compliant).
30. Ship-to-Ship (STS) Operations
– Designated Area: 34°14.5’N, 129°56.5’E (minimum 2nm from port entrance)
– Pre-approval: Required 72 hours in advance with complete risk assessment
– Safety Requirements: Both vessels must maintain active VHF on Ch 16 and standby tugboat
31. Port Entry Restrictions
– Air Draft Limit: 45m at high tide (refer to daily tide tables)
– Special Permits: Required for vessels carrying spent nuclear fuel
– Night Entry: Prohibited for vessels >250m LOA without pilot exemption certificate
32. Waste Management Procedures
– Segregation: 5-stream system (food/organic, plastics, metal, hazardous, others)
– Record Keeping: Waste logbooks must be retained for 3 years
– Incineration: Prohibited within 3nm of port limits
33. Navigation Aids
– Light Characteristics: Main channel buoys flash green every 4 seconds
– Fog Signals: Port-operated sirens activated when visibility <500m
– AtoN Maintenance: Weekly checks on all fixed navigational aids
34. Crew Change Procedures
– Immigration Processing: Dedicated fast-track lane for crew changes at Terminal 2
– COVID Protocols: Still require negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival
– Transportation: Approved shuttle services only between port and airport
35. Port State Control
– Inspection Criteria: Tokyo MOU targeting factor applies
– Deficiency Rate: 18.7% in 2023 (mainly fire safety and lifeboat issues)
– Detention Grounds: Immediate detention for missing safety certificates
36. Special Marine Protection Areas
– No-Anchor Zones: Around underwater cables (marked on port charts)
– Speed Limits: 5 knots within 500m of marine farms
– Seasonal Restrictions: Whale migration corridor (March-May) has additional monitoring
37. Hazardous Weather Contingency Plans
– Typhoon Alert Level 1: Mandatory double mooring lines for all vessels
– Tsunami Warning: Immediate evacuation to deep water (>100m depth coordinates provided)
– Heavy Snow Protocol: De-icing teams deployed when accumulation exceeds 10cm
38. Vessel Dimension Limitations
– Maximum LOA: 330m for main berths (special approval required beyond)
– Beam Restriction: 48m at Container Terminal
– Draft Constraints: 15.5m at high tide (spring tide)
39. Port Security Zones
– Restricted Access Area 1: Fuel terminal perimeter (biometric access control)
– Surveillance Coverage: 98% of port area with motion-detection cameras
– Drone Prohibition: No UAV flights within 1nm without port authority clearance
40. Emergency Response Resources
– Oil Spill Capacity: 3,000-ton containment available within 4 hours
– Firefighting: 5 foam trucks with 12,000L/min total capacity
– Medical: Port clinic staffed 24/7 with decompression chamber
41. Special Cargo Handling
– Heavy Lift Operations: Crane capacity up to 500 tons (advance notice required)
– Project Cargo: Must submit stowage plan 96 hours prior
– Temperature-Controlled: 120 reefer plugs available at Terminal 3
42. Tidal and Current Information
– Maximum Current: 3.8 knots at spring tide near entrance
– Tide Range: 3.2m average (neap tide 1.8m)
– Slack Water Windows: Published daily in port notices
43. Port Infrastructure Specifications
– Berth Depths: Ranging from 8m to 16m (detailed chart available)
– Bollard Capacity: Standard 150-ton tested annually
– Fender Systems: Cone-type with 2.5m deflection capacity
44. Ballast Water Management
– Exchange Requirements: Must be conducted >200nm from shore in waters >200m depth
– Treatment Standards: USCG Type Approval or IMO D-2 standard mandatory
– Reporting: Ballast Water Reporting Form to be submitted 24h before arrival
45. Port Lighting Requirements
– Deck Lighting: Minimum 100 lux at cargo operations areas during night work
– Navigation Lights: Additional working lights required for vessels >200m LOA
– Shore Lighting: LED floodlights installed at all container handling areas
46. Vessel Speed Limits
– Harbor Area: Maximum 8 knots within port entrance
– Maneuvering Area: 5 knots within 500m of berths
– Special Zones: 3 knots near passenger terminals and fuel docks
47. Cargo Documentation
– Electronic Submission: All manifests through Port Community System
– Hazardous Cargo: SDS sheets required in Japanese/English
– Customs Clearance: Paperless processing for 95% of shipments
48. Port Meteorological Services
– Real-time Data: Wind speed/direction updated every 5 minutes
– Storm Warnings: Automatic SMS alerts to registered vessels
– Tide Predictions: Available via mobile app with 98% accuracy
49. Vessel Maintenance Services
– Dry Dock Availability: 2 graving docks (300m and 180m length)
– Hull Cleaning: Eco-friendly underwater cleaning permitted at designated area
– Technical Support: 24/7 availability of certified marine engineers
50. Passenger Vessel Requirements
– Gangway Safety: Must accommodate 1.5x maximum passenger load
– Disembarkation: Facial recognition system for cruise passengers
– Health Screening: Thermal cameras at all passenger terminals
51. Port Environmental Regulations
– Air Emissions: Continuous monitoring of SOx/NOx levels at berths
– Underwater Noise: Restrictions on pile driving during marine mammal migration seasons
– Green Port Incentives: 15% discount on port fees for LNG-powered vessels
52. Mooring Arrangements
– Tidal Mooring: Automatic tension winches required for range >3m
– Storm Moorings: Additional heavy-duty bollards rated for 250-tonne loads
– Emergency Release: Quick-release hooks mandatory for all tanker berths
53. Navigation Equipment Standards
– ECDIS Requirements: ENC updates must be less than 4 weeks old
– Radar Performance: Minimum 6GHz radar for vessels >10,000 GT
– AIS Transponders: Class A mandatory for all commercial vessels
54. Port Communication Protocols
– Digital Notices: NAVTEX broadcasts for all navigational warnings
– Emergency Drills: Monthly port-wide security exercises conducted
– Language Requirements: English proficiency for all bridge officers
55. Cargo Handling Equipment
– Container Cranes: 22 units with 65-tonne lifting capacity
– Bulk Loaders: 4,000 tonne/hour grain loading systems
– Heavy Lift: Floating crane available (1,200 tonne capacity)
56. Port Entry Documentation
– Pre-arrival Forms: Electronic submission 48h prior to ETA
– Crew Lists: Biometric data required for all personnel
– Customs Declarations: Automated risk assessment system in use
57. Port Safety Zones
– Exclusion Areas: 500m radius around naval vessels
– Security Levels: MARSEC Level II standard implementation
– Restricted Waters: No-fishing zones marked with yellow buoys
