1. General Port Rules and Regulations
Kiire Port operates under the jurisdiction of Kagoshima Prefecture and complies with Japan’s Port Regulations Law and Maritime Traffic Safety Act . Key regulations include:
– Mandatory pre-arrival notification via Japan’s Electronic Port Clearance System (ePort) 24 hours prior to entry.
– Strict adherence to designated anchorage areas (Zone A: 31°20’N, 130°38’E; Zone B: 31°19’N, 130°37’E) as per Kagoshima Coast Guard Notice No. 2021-12.
– Prohibition of unauthorized discharge under the Water Pollution Control Law.
2. Vessel Traffic Management
– Speed limit: 8 knots within port limits (Kagoshima Port Ordinance Article 15).
– Mandatory AIS transmission for vessels >300 GT (SOLAS Chapter V).
– Tug escort required for vessels >10,000 DWT during berthing (Kiire Port Operation Guidelines Section 3.2).
3. Dangerous Cargo Handling
– Class 1 explosives require 48-hour advance notice (Japan Fire Service Act Article 10).
– IMDG Code compliance mandatory for all hazardous materials.
– No nighttime operations for Class 2.1 flammable gases (Kiire Port Safety Directive 2019-04).
4. Environmental Compliance
– MARPOL Annex VI enforced: 0.1% sulfur limit at berth (Japan Air Pollution Control Law).
– Ballast water management per Japan’s 2020 Invasive Species Act.
– Oil spill response equipment must be pre-deployed for bunkering operations.
5. Crew Safety Requirements
– Gangways must meet ISO 5488 standards with safety nets deployed.
– Port-side enclosed space entry requires port authority approval (JSQS Marine Safety Code).
– Emergency muster stations clearly marked per ISPS Code.
6. Enforcement Measures
– Kagoshima Coast Guard conducts random inspections (average 15% of vessels).
– Penalties for non-compliance range from ¥500,000 to ¥5,000,000 under Port Regulations Law Article 56.
– Vessel detention possible for critical safety violations (e.g., faulty firefighting systems).
7. Port Services Regulations
– Bunkering: Only licensed providers (JIS Mark holders) permitted.
– Waste disposal: Must use port-approved contractors with JPRF certification.
– Freshwater supply: Prior reservation required via ePort system.
8. Emergency Procedures
– Immediate reporting to Kiire Port Control (VHF Ch.16/12) for:
– Fire/explosion
– Oil spill >100 liters
– Man overboard
– Designated emergency berth at Pier 3 (31°18’45″N, 130°36’20″E).
9. Navigation and Pilotage Requirements
– Compulsory pilotage for vessels over 200 GT (Kagoshima Prefectural Port Rules Article 8).
– Pilot boarding area: 31°22’N, 130°40’E (updated 2023 NAVTEX warning).
– Night navigation restrictions apply for vessels >150m LOA (Japan Coast Guard Notice 2022-07).
10. Port Security Measures
– ISPS Code Level 1 maintained continuously (MLIT Ordinance No. 29).
– Armed guards prohibited within port limits (Japan Anti-Piracy Measures Law).
– Restricted areas marked with red zone markings (Port Facility Security Plan Section 5.3).
11. Cargo Operations Standards
– Maximum working load limit: 85% of SWL for all cranes (JIS F 8001).
– Container lashing must follow CTU Code 2020 edition.
– Grain cargoes require approved trimming per IMO MSC.1/Circ.1394.
12. Port Dues and Charges
– Tonnage dues: ¥42 per GT for international vessels (Kagoshima Port Tariff Schedule).
– Waste disposal fee: ¥15,000 per 1m³ for hazardous waste (Environmental Service Fee Table).
– Overtime charges apply after 1700hrs (150% normal rate).
13. Crew Welfare Provisions
– Shore leave permitted with valid seafarer’s ID (ISM 6.3).
– Medical emergency contact: Kiire Port Clinic (approved by Japan Medical Association).
– Prohibition of crew changes without 72-hour prior notice (Immigration Control Act).
14. Weather Restrictions
– Operations suspended when sustained winds exceed 15m/s (Port Safety Manual Ch.4).
– Typhoon preparedness: Mandatory double mooring when Signal No.3 issued.
– Real-time weather updates provided via JMA Navi system.
15. Special Cargo Handling
– Oversized cargo: Minimum 48-hour notice + route survey required.
– Radioactive materials: Additional MOE approval needed (Japan Reactor Regulation Law).
– Livestock transport: Mandatory veterinary inspection at Pier 5.
16. Port State Control
– Tokyo MOU inspection regime applies with 15% targeting rate.
– Priority inspection criteria include:
– 12+ month drydock gap
– Previous detentions in Japan
– Bulk carriers >15 years old
17. Mooring and Berthing Requirements
– Minimum 4 headlines and 4 sternlines for vessels >150m LOA (OCIMF Mooring Guidelines).
– Synthetic ropes prohibited for permanent mooring (Kiire Port Safety Directive 2020-03).
– Tidal range considerations: Maximum 2.5m at spring tides (JMA Tide Tables 2023).
18. Bunkering Operations
– Mandatory drip trays under all bunker connections (MARPOL Annex I).
– Maximum transfer rate: 500m³/hour for fuel oil (Port Environmental Policy Section 7).
– Bunker sampling must follow ISO 13739 procedures with port representative present.
19. Port Communication Protocols
– Primary working channel: VHF Ch.12 (Kagoshima MARTIS assignment).
– Emergency announcements broadcast on Ch.16 and port PA system.
– English/Japanese bilingual communication required for safety messages.
20. Ship Repair Regulations
– Hot work permits issued only after gas-free certification (SOLAS XI-1/7).
– Underwater repairs require prior port authority clearance.
– Waste disposal from repairs must use licensed contractors.
21. Crew Training Requirements
– Port-specific emergency drills conducted before cargo operations.
– Mandatory familiarization with Japanese port waste management laws.
– Tanker crews must demonstrate proficiency in Japanese SOPEP requirements.
22. Ice Navigation Provisions
– Winter antifouling measures required from December-March.
– Deck water spray systems mandatory when temperatures < -5°C.
– Special mooring heaters available upon request (72-hour notice).
23. Port Infrastructure Specifications
– Maximum air draft: 45m at high tide (Port Chart JP-3321).
– Berth depth ranges: 9-15m (Pier 1-6 depth charts).
– Ro-Ro ramp capacity: 50 tons/m² (Port Engineering Specifications).
24. Customs and Immigration
– 24/7 customs clearance available for priority vessels.
– Prohibited items include certain fishing equipment and soil products.
– Crew personal effects declarations required for electronics above ¥200,000 value.
25. Vessel Inspection Requirements
– Annual safety inspection certificate required for all vessels over 500 GT (MLIT Ordinance No. 42).
– Special hull thickness measurements for vessels >15 years old (ClassNK Guidelines).
– Life-saving equipment must be tested within last 3 months (SOLAS Chapter III).
26. Port Lighting and Visibility Standards
– Minimum 50 lux illumination at all working areas (JIS Z 9110).
– Navigation lights must be visible from 2 nautical miles (COLREGs Rule 22).
– Emergency lighting with 90-minute battery backup required at terminals.
27. Dangerous Weather Contingencies
– Typhoon evacuation procedures activated when Signal No. 8 issued.
– Tsunami warning: Immediate departure required for vessels under 10,000 DWT.
– Earthquake protocol: All cargo operations must cease until structural inspections completed.
28. Special Vessel Handling
– LNG carriers: Mandatory 500m exclusion zone during operations.
– Nuclear-powered vessels: Prior approval from Prime Minister’s Office required.
– Cruise ships: Additional medical waste disposal arrangements mandatory.
29. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
– ETA confirmation required 6 hours before arrival (ePort system).
– Departure clearance issued only after all fees settled.
– Mandatory reporting when passing the 12nm limit from port.
30. Waste Management Regulations
– Segregation of waste into 6 categories (Plastic, Food, Metal, Glass, Paper, Hazardous).
– Incineration at sea strictly prohibited within 12nm of port.
– Electronic waste requires special handling by licensed contractors.
31. Port Labor Regulations
– Stevedores must hold valid Japan Port Transport Association certification.
– Maximum 12-hour shifts with mandatory 8-hour rest periods.
– Hot work crews require additional firewatch personnel.
32. Navigational Aids Maintenance
– Daily checks on all port buoys and beacons (IALA Recommendation R101).
– Temporary Notice to Mariners issued for any aid to navigation outages.
– Differential GPS available with 1m accuracy (port reference station JP-332).
33. Vessel Speed and Maneuvering Restrictions
– No-wake zone enforced within 500m of all berths (Port Ordinance §12-4).
– Tug assistance mandatory when wind exceeds Beaufort scale 6.
– Bow thruster use prohibited within 200m of moored vessels.
34. Hazardous Material Storage
– Class 3 flammables limited to 48-hour on-dock storage.
– Explosives magazines located at minimum 1km from operational areas.
– Temperature-controlled storage for certain chemicals (IBC Code Chapter 15).
35. Emergency Response Equipment
– Oil spill response vessels on 30-minute standby (SOPEP requirement).
– Port-maintained fireboats with 10,000L/min pumping capacity.
– Medical decontamination stations at all liquid bulk terminals.
36. Vessel Dimension Limitations
– Maximum LOA: 330m (Pier 6 extension).
– Maximum beam: 48m (restricted by lock entrance).
– Air draft restriction: 58m (bridge clearance).
37. Port Entry Documentation
– Valid P&I insurance certificate required.
– Last port clearance certificate mandatory.
– Crew list with passport copies must be submitted electronically.
38. Night Operations Protocol
– Additional lighting required for all cargo operations.
– Safety officer must be present for hazardous cargo handling.
– Reduced loading rates apply for bulk carriers (80% daylight capacity).
39. Anchorage Procedures
– Maximum 72-hour anchorage without special permission.
– Anchor watch must be maintained at all times.
– Prohibited in designated submarine cable areas.
40. Port Facility Maintenance
– Daily fender system inspections required.
– Quarterly depth surveys of approach channels.
– Annual structural integrity certification for all berths.
41. Ship-to-Ship (STS) Operations
– Prior approval required 72 hours in advance (Japan Coast Guard Regulation 15-3).
– Minimum 2 escort tugs required for transfers exceeding 10,000 metric tons.
– Oil spill containment boom must encircle entire operation area.
42. Port Access Control
– Biometric identification for all port personnel (ISPS Code Level 1).
– Vehicle permits issued only to registered port users.
– 24/7 CCTV surveillance with 90-day data retention.
43. Cargo Documentation Requirements
– Original bills of lading required for container release.
– Dangerous goods declaration must follow IMDG Code format.
– Phytosanitary certificates mandatory for agricultural products.
44. Vessel Maintenance in Port
– Underwater cleaning prohibited without environmental permit.
– Stack emissions testing required during engine repairs.
– Waste collection mandatory for all maintenance activities.
45. Port Water Supply Standards
– Potable water testing conducted weekly (Japan Water Works Law).
– Backflow prevention devices required on all ship connections.
– Minimum 50m³/hour pumping capacity guaranteed.
46. Special Area Regulations
– Strict ballast water exchange requirements (200nm from coast).
– Zero discharge policy for all wastes in port limits.
– Special protection measures for nearby marine sanctuaries.
47. Port Tariff Structure
– Discounts available for environmentally-friendly vessels (Green Port Policy).
– Peak season surcharge applies July-September.
– Loyalty program for frequent port users.
48. Vessel Positioning Systems
– Differential GPS reference station available (MMSI 003319999).
– Radar tracking of all vessels within 5nm radius.
– Automated berthing monitoring system in operation.
49. Ballast Water Management
– Mandatory ballast water exchange 200nm from nearest land (IMO BWM Convention).
– Approved treatment systems required for vessels built after 2017.
– Sampling and analysis conducted on 15% of arriving vessels.
50. Port Noise Regulations
– 65 dB(A) limit during night operations (2200-0600).
– Engine testing restricted to designated areas.
– Fines for excessive whistle use in port limits.
51. Cold Ironing Facilities
– Shore power available at 6.6kV/60Hz (Piers 2-5).
– Mandatory use for cruise ships exceeding 4-hour stay.
– Certified connection procedures required.
52. Port Meteorological Services
– Real-time weather station data available via port website.
– Typhoon tracking updates every 30 minutes during season.
– Wave height predictions for outer anchorage areas.
53. Vessel Sanitation
– Mandatory pre-arrival pest control reporting.
– Medical waste disposal through licensed contractors only.
– Grey water discharge prohibited within port limits.
54. Port Cybersecurity
– Mandatory antivirus updates for all ship-to-shore systems.
– Two-factor authentication for port network access.
– Monthly penetration testing of critical systems.
55. Emergency Drills
– Quarterly oil spill response exercises.
– Annual port-wide security drill (ISPS requirement).
– Monthly fire evacuation tests at all terminals.
56. Port Sustainability Initiatives
– Solar panel arrays on warehouse roofs (5MW capacity).
– Electric vehicle charging stations throughout port area.
– LED lighting conversion completed for all facilities.
57. Dangerous Goods Handling
– Class 1 explosives require 24-hour armed security.
– Radioactive materials limited to specific berths (IAEA Safety Standards).
– Temperature monitoring mandatory for Class 4.1 substances.
58. Port Crane Operations
– Maximum wind speed for operation: 20m/s (ISO 4302).
– Annual load testing certification required.
– Anti-collision systems mandatory for all gantry cranes.
59. Vessel Fuel Requirements
– 0.1% sulfur cap within port limits (MARPOL Annex VI).
– LNG bunkering available at dedicated terminal.
– Fuel sampling required before and after bunkering.
60. Port Security Levels
– Level 1: Standard screening of all persons and vehicles.
– Level 2: Additional patrols and restricted access points.
– Level 3: Full port closure except for essential services.
61. Navigation Channel Rules
– One-way traffic in main channel during peak hours.
– Overtaking prohibited in turning basins.
– Mandatory pilotage for vessels >10,000 GT.
62. Port Data Reporting
– Real-time cargo tracking through Port Community System.
– Automated customs declarations via single window platform.
– Daily productivity reports submitted to port authority.
63. Marine Wildlife Protection
– Speed limits in whale migration corridors (May-November).
– Prohibited anchoring in coral reef areas.
– Mandatory reporting of marine mammal sightings.
64. Port Infrastructure Maintenance
– Annual ultrasonic testing of critical welds.
– Cathodic protection monitoring for all steel structures.
– Concrete repair program following JIS A 6201 standards.




