1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1. Jurisdiction: Kure Port is governed by the Japanese Port and Harbor Law (Act No. 218 of 1950) and local ordinances under Hiroshima Prefecture.
1.2. Navigation Rules: Compliance with COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) is mandatory. Local speed limits (typically 6 knots within inner harbor areas) are enforced.
1.3. Anchorage Regulations: Designated anchorage areas (Zone A: 34°14’N, 132°33’E; Zone B: 34°15’N, 132°32’E) require prior permission via Hiroshima Prefectural Government’s Port Administration Office.
1.4. Dangerous Cargo: IMDG Code applies. Notification must be submitted 72 hours prior to arrival for Class 1 (explosives) and Class 7 (radioactive) materials.
1.5. Waste Disposal: MARPOL Annex V strictly enforced. Port reception facilities available at West Pier (operating hours: 0800-1700 JST).
2. Compliance and Enforcement
2.1. Port State Control (PSC): Conducted by Hiroshima Maritime Bureau under Tokyo MOU. Inspection focus areas include:
– SOLAS Chapter XI-1 (Special measures to enhance maritime safety)
– ISM Code implementation
– MLC 2006 compliance for crew welfare
2.2. Penalties: Non-compliance may result in:
– Fines up to ¥3,000,000 under Port Regulations Article 37
– Detention orders for critical safety violations
– Suspension of port entry privileges for repeat offenders
2.3. Reporting Requirements: Mandatory immediate reporting of:
– Oil spills (>10 liters)
– Navigational accidents
– Crew injuries requiring hospitalization
3. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
3.1. Coverage Area: 34°12’N to 34°17’N, 132°30’E to 132°35’E
3.2. Communication: VHF Channel 16 (distress), Channel 12 (working)
3.3. Mandatory Reporting Points:
– When crossing 132°31’E (Eastern approach)
– When passing Kure Ohashi Bridge (clearance 45m at HAT)
4. Emergency Procedures
4.1. Oil Spill Response: Contracted response team (Nippon Oil Spill Response Co.) must be activated within 30 minutes of notification.
4.2. Medical Emergency: Designated medical facility – Kure Kyosai Hospital (ISO 9001 certified for maritime emergencies).
4.3. Search and Rescue: Coordinated by 5th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters (call sign “Hiroshima MRCC”).
5. Crew Safety Provisions
5.1. Gangway Requirements: Minimum width 0.6m with safety nets between sunset and sunrise.
5.2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Hard hats and life jackets mandatory on all open decks.
5.3. Working Hours: Strict enforcement of MLC 2006 rest hour regulations with random inspections.
6. Port Fees
6.1. Tonnage Dues: ¥32.5 per GT for vessels >100GT (Hiroshima Prefecture Ordinance No. 42, 2021).
6.2. Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels >3,000GT (fee schedule based on LOA: ¥15,000 base + ¥500/meter).
6.3. Mooring Charges: ¥8,000/day for vessels <5,000GT, ¥12,000/day for >5,000GT.
7. Port Security
7.1. ISPS Code Compliance: Kure Port is designated as a Port Facility Security (PFS) Level 1 area under the Maritime Security Law of Japan.
7.2. Restricted Areas: Access control enforced 24/7 at:
– Military berths (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force)
– Oil terminal facilities
– Container freight stations
7.3. Security Declarations: Required 24 hours prior to arrival (Ship Security Officer to Port Facility Security Officer).
8. Environmental Regulations
8.1. Air Emissions: Sulfur content limit of 0.1% in fuel while at berth (Air Pollution Control Act, Article 18-20).
8.2. Ballast Water: Must comply with BWM Convention. Treatment records subject to inspection.
8.3. Underwater Noise: Recommended use of bubble curtains during pile driving operations.
9. Cargo Operations
9.1. Hazardous Materials Handling: Requires certified stevedores for UN Class 3-6.1 cargoes.
9.2. Grain Loading: Dust suppression measures mandatory during bulk operations.
9.3. Container Weight Verification: VGM must be submitted 6 hours before loading (SOLAS VI/2).
10. Port Services
10.1. Bunkering: Available at East Wharf (low sulfur fuel oil stock maintained).
10.2. Fresh Water: Potable water supply points at all major berths (tested monthly).
10.3. Provisions: Approved suppliers listed in port notice No.2023-14.
11. Special Considerations
11.1. Typhoon Procedures: Mandatory evacuation from berths when wind exceeds 25m/s.
11.2. Tsunami Warning: Immediate departure required for vessels under 10,000GT upon alert.
11.3. Military Priority: JMSDF vessels have right of way in navigation channels.
12. Local Ordinances
12.1. Noise Control: Engine testing prohibited between 2200-0600 hours.
12.2. Light Pollution: Deck lighting must be shielded after 2000 hours.
12.3. Wildlife Protection: Seasonal speed restrictions in whale migration areas (Nov-Mar).
13. Ship Repair and Maintenance
13.1. Dry Dock Availability: Kure Shipyard (500m x 80m graving dock) requires 14-day advance booking.
13.2. Hot Work Permits: Issued by port fire department after gas-free certification.
13.3. Waste Handling: Asbestos removal prohibited without licensed contractors.
14. Navigation Aids
14.1. Buoyage System: IALA Region A (red to port) implemented in approach channels.
14.2. Leading Lights: Front range (34°14’12″N 132°33’45″E) and rear range (34°14’30″N 132°33’55″E) mark main channel axis.
14.3. Tidal Information: Published daily by Japan Coast Guard (Tide Tables Vol.5).
15. Crew Shore Leave
15.1. Immigration Procedures: Landing permits issued onboard for stays under 72 hours.
15.2. Designated Areas: Crew may visit Kure City center (2km radius from port gate) without special permission.
15.3. Curfew: All crew must return to vessels by 2400 hours unless special permission granted.
16. Port Communications
16.1. Radio Channels: VHF 14 (Port Operations), VHF 22A (Pilot dispatch).
16.2. Emergency Broadcasts: J-Alert system activates sirens for tsunami/typhoon warnings.
16.3. Language Requirements: Japanese/English bilingual announcements mandatory for safety messages.
17. Ice and Cold Weather Operations
17.1. Winter Preparedness: Anti-icing chemicals available at berths from December to February.
17.2. Deck Equipment: Heaters required for mooring winches when temperature drops below -5°C.
17.3. Visibility Restrictions: Pilotage suspended when visibility falls below 500m.
18. Port Entry Requirements
18.1. Pre-arrival Documentation: Must include last 10 port call records and PSC inspection history.
18.2. Health Declarations: Maritime Health Declaration Form (MHDF) required 48 hours before arrival.
18.3. Security Clearance: Vessels from high-risk areas subject to additional screening.
19. Dangerous Goods Handling
19.1. Storage Requirements: Class 1 explosives must be stored in designated magazines at least 500m from residential areas.
19.2. Handling Restrictions: No simultaneous operations of Class 2.1 (flammable gases) and Class 5.1 (oxidizers) within same terminal.
19.3. Emergency Equipment: Mandatory 50m exclusion zone with foam monitors for Class 3 cargo operations.
20. Port Infrastructure
20.1. Berth Specifications: Maximum draft of 15m at Main Wharf (reinforced for 150,000 DWT vessels).
20.2. Crane Capacity: 4 post-Panamax cranes (50-ton lift capacity) available at Container Terminal.
20.3. Mooring Bollards: Certified for 200-ton breaking load at all deep-water berths.
21. Tug Services
21.1. Compulsory Assistance: Required for vessels over 10,000 GT or LOA exceeding 180m.
21.2. Tug Specifications: 4 ASD tugs available (70-ton bollard pull minimum).
21.3. Standby Requirements: Two tugs must remain on station during VLCC berthing operations.
22. Customs Procedures
22.1. Clearance Timeline: Standard 4-hour processing for complete documentation.
22.2. Restricted Items: Agricultural products require MAFF inspection prior to discharge.
22.3. Temporary Imports: Ship’s spare parts require bond guarantees for duty exemption.
23. Port Health Services
23.1. Quarantine Inspection: Mandatory for vessels from yellow fever endemic areas.
23.2. Medical Waste: Sharps containers must be sealed and labeled for licensed disposal.
23.3. Pest Control: Fumigation certificates required for grain carriers from specified countries.
24. Bunker Quality Control
24.1. Fuel Testing: Random sampling conducted by Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).
24.2. Documentation: Bunker Delivery Notes must include ISO 8217 parameters.
24.3. Dispute Resolution: Fuel claims must be filed within 14 days with retained samples.
25. Salvage and Wreck Removal
25.1. Designated Salvors: Japan Marine United Corporation holds primary salvage rights within port limits.
25.2. Reporting Obligations: Immediate notification required for any seabed contact or anchor dragging incidents.
25.3. Cost Recovery: Vessel owners bear full costs for wreck removal operations per Japanese Maritime Law Article 56.
26. Diving Operations
26.1. Permit Requirements: Commercial diving within port requires 72-hour notice to Harbor Master.
26.2. Safety Zones: 100m radius exclusion zone must be established around active dive sites.
26.3. Emergency Protocols: Dedicated decompression chamber available at Kure Central Hospital.
27. Naval Operations Coordination
27.1. Priority Access: JMSDF vessels have unrestricted right of way in all channels.
27.2. Restricted Areas: No photography permitted within 200m of naval facilities.
27.3. Escort Requirements: Certain merchant vessels may require naval escort during heightened security alerts.
28. Port Meteorological Services
28.1. Weather Reporting: Real-time data available from Japan Meteorological Agency station at 34°14’18″N 132°33’27″E.
28.2. Storm Warning Threshold: Port operations suspended when sustained winds exceed 28 knots.
28.3. Current Monitoring: ADCP systems provide real-time current data for main shipping channel.
29. Fishing Vessel Interactions
29.1. Traffic Separation: Designated fishing zones marked by yellow buoys north of main channel.
29.2. Speed Limits: 8-knot maximum in areas with high fishing activity (April-October).
29.3. Net Avoidance: Mandatory reporting of fishing gear entanglements to Fisheries Agency within 1 hour.
30. Historical Wreck Protection
30.1. Protected Sites: No anchoring permitted within 500m of designated WWII wreck sites.
30.2. Artifact Reporting: Discovery of historical objects must be reported to Kure City Cultural Affairs Division.
30.3. Survey Requirements: Magnetometer sweeps required prior to dredging operations.
31. Port Lighting Requirements
31.1. Navigational Lights: All vessels at berth must maintain proper deck lighting from sunset to sunrise.
31.2. Hazard Marking: Red obstruction lights required on cranes exceeding 30m height.
31.3. Emergency Lighting: Backup power systems mandatory for all berth area lighting.
32. Vessel Manning Requirements
32.1. Minimum Crew: Bridge watch must be maintained at all times while berthed.
32.2. Emergency Stations: Full crew muster capability required within 5 minutes 24/7.
32.3. Language Proficiency: Deck officers must demonstrate English or Japanese communication skills.
33. Port Fire Safety
33.1. Equipment Standards: All firefighting systems must meet SOLAS Chapter II-2 requirements.
33.2. Drill Frequency: Mandatory fire drills conducted monthly with port authority observation.
33.3. Hydrant Access: 3m clearance must be maintained around all shore fire hydrants.
34. Cargo Securing Standards
34.1. Container Lashing: CSC plates must be visible and current for all containers.
34.2. Bulk Cargo: Load density certificates required for iron ore and coal shipments.
34.3. Project Cargo: Special securing plans require pre-approval for overweight units.
35. Port Waterway Maintenance
35.1. Dredging Schedule: Main channel maintained at -16m CD (Chart Datum) with quarterly surveys.
35.2. Obstruction Reporting: Immediate notification required for any uncharted seabed hazards.
35.3. Aids to Navigation: Daily verification of buoy positions by Japan Coast Guard patrols.
36. Special Vessel Handling
36.1. LNG Carriers: Escort tugs required during entire port stay.
36.2. RO-RO Vessels: Special ramp loading procedures apply during tidal fluctuations.
36.3. Nuclear Ships: Additional 500m security zone enforced during port calls.
37. Port Waste Reception Facilities
37.1. Oily Waste: Dedicated reception barge available at East Wharf (24-hour service).
37.2. Garbage Segregation: Mandatory separation into 6 categories per MARPOL Annex V.
37.3. Hazardous Waste: Special disposal arrangements required for chemical tank washings.
38. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
38.1. Reporting Points: Mandatory position reports at 3 designated waypoints.
38.2. Speed Monitoring: Radar-enforced 10-knot speed limit in inner harbor area.
38.3. Non-compliance Penalties: Fines up to ¥500,000 for VTS protocol violations.
39. Port Emergency Response
39.1. Oil Spill Equipment: 500m containment boom stockpiled at strategic locations.
39.2. Mutual Aid Agreements: Coordinated response plan with neighboring Hiroshima Port.
39.3. Emergency Drills: Quarterly spill response exercises required for terminal operators.
40. Ship Chandling Services
40.1. Approved Suppliers: Licensed vendors listed in Port Notice 2023-28.
40.2. Delivery Hours: 0800-2000 daily (emergency deliveries by special arrangement).
40.3. Waste Removal: Certified contractors only for food waste disposal.
41. Port Tariff Structure
41.1. Berth Fees: Tiered pricing based on LOA and gross tonnage.
41.2. Incentives: 15% discount for vessels using shore power facilities.
41.3. Payment Methods: Electronic funds transfer preferred (JPY or USD accepted).
42. Anchorage Regulations
42.1. Designated Areas: 3 approved anchorage zones with depth restrictions.
42.2. Holding Time: Maximum 72-hour stay without special permission.
42.3. Monitoring Requirements: Anchor watch mandatory with VHF channel 16 continuous monitoring.
43. Port Security Levels
43.1. MARSEC I: Standard security with 25% increased patrols during national holidays.
43.2. MARSEC II: Additional access controls implemented during G7 summits.
43.3. MARSEC III: Full port closure authorized during credible terrorist threats.
44. Ballast Water Management
44.1. Exchange Zones: Designated area 200nm east of Kii Peninsula for mid-ocean exchange.
44.2. Treatment Standards: USCG-type approved systems required for vessels calling US ports.
44.3. Sampling Protocol: Random compliance checks conducted by MLIT inspectors.
45. Port Ice Navigation
45.1. Icebreaker Support: Available from December to March with 48-hour notice.
45.2. Hull Certification: Ice class notations verified during winter months.
45.3. Speed Restrictions: 8-knot maximum when ice concentration exceeds 30%.
46. Shipyard Regulations
46.1. Hot Work Zones: Classified areas with dedicated fire watch requirements.
46.2. Environmental Controls: Mandatory containment for all abrasive blasting operations.
46.3. Night Work: Special illumination standards for graving dock operations.
47. Port Noise Abatement
47.1. Nighttime Restrictions: No cargo operations exceeding 85dB between 2200-0600.
47.2. Vessel Testing: Main engine trials prohibited on weekends and holidays.
47.3. Complaint Resolution: Noise monitoring stations installed at residential boundaries.
48. Marine Mammal Protection
48.1. Speed Zones: 10-knot limit in cetacean migration corridors (March-May).
48.2. Sonar Restrictions: Active sonar use prohibited within 5nm of marine parks.
48.3. Reporting: Mandatory whale strike incident reporting within 1 hour.
49. Port Communication Protocols
49.1. VHF Channels: Primary working channel 12, secondary channel 14 for emergencies.
49.2. Linguistic Standards: English/Japanese phrasebook available for standard port communications.
49.3. Digital Reporting: Mandatory use of Port Community System for pre-arrival documentation.
50. Hazardous Weather Procedures
50.1. Typhoon Preparedness: Mandatory double mooring when winds exceed Beaufort 6.
50.2. Tsunami Response: Evacuation protocol activated for earthquakes exceeding 6.5 magnitude.
50.3. Fog Navigation: Pilotage compulsory when visibility falls below 500 meters.
51. Port Bunkering Regulations
51.1. Safety Zones: 50-meter exclusion area during bunker operations.
51.2. Quality Assurance: Bunker samples retained for 90 days post-delivery.
51.3. Emergency Cutoff: Quick-release couplings required on all bunker hoses.
52. Vessel Inspection Regime
52.1. Port State Control: Tokyo MOU inspection criteria applied with 15% targeting rate.
52.2. Pre-arrival Checks: Electronic submission of last 3 PSC reports required.
52.3. Deficiency Appeals: Formal protest process within 24 hours of inspection.
53. Port Layberth Management
53.1. Allocation Priority: Vessels under repair granted 72-hour minimum stay.
53.2. Utility Connections: Shore power capacity limited to 6.6kV at layberths.
53.3. Security Deposit: ¥2 million required for extended layovers exceeding 14 days.
54. Special Cargo Handling
54.1. Oversized Loads: Night movement only for cargo exceeding 8-meter width.
54.2. Temperature Control: Real-time monitoring required for refrigerated pharmaceuticals.
54.3. Military Cargo: Designated secure storage area with 24/7 surveillance.
55. Port Customs Procedures
55.1. Electronic Declaration: Mandatory use of NACCS system for all import/export cargo.
55.2. Fast Track Clearance: Available for AEO-certified operators with pre-submitted manifests.
55.3. Restricted Items: Special permits required for strategic commodities (dual-use goods).
56. Marine Pollution Control
56.1. Discharge Limits: Zero tolerance for untreated bilge water discharge in port.
56.2. Air Emissions: Continuous monitoring of SOx levels at container terminals.
56.3. Spill Response: Mandatory participation in annual oil spill drill for tanker operators.
57. Port Pilotage Services
57.1. Compulsory Areas: All vessels over 10,000 GT require pilots in inner harbor.
57.2. Booking Window: Pilot requests must be submitted 24 hours prior to ETA.
57.3. Tug Requirements: Minimum two escort tugs for vessels exceeding 250m LOA.
58. Dangerous Goods Handling
58.1. Segregation Rules: IMDG Class 1 explosives stored in isolated northern compound.
58.2. Documentation: Certified DG declaration required 48 hours pre-arrival.
58.3. Emergency Kits: Specialized response equipment stationed at Ro-Ro terminals.
59. Port Infrastructure Access
59.1. Crane Capacity: Maximum safe working load of 65 tons at main container berths.
59.2. Draft Restrictions: Tide-dependent access for vessels exceeding 14m draft.
59.3. Bridge Clearance: Minimum 52m air draft under all tidal conditions.
60. Vessel Repair Services
60.1. Dry Dock Availability: Two Panamax-sized graving docks operational year-round.
60.2. Emergency Repairs: 24/7 availability of certified welding teams.
60.3. Waste Disposal: Approved contractors for hazardous material removal.
