1. Port Authority and Jurisdiction
Marugame Port is administered by the Kagawa Prefectural Government under Japan’s Port and Harbor Law (Ports and Harbors Act, Act No. 218 of 1950). The port falls under the jurisdiction of the Seto Inland Sea Regional Coast Guard Headquarters for maritime safety enforcement.
2. Vessel Entry and Clearance
– Advance Notice: Vessels exceeding 20 GT must submit arrival/departure notices via Japan’s Electronic Port Clearance System (e-Port) at least 24 hours prior to arrival (Maritime Traffic Safety Act, Article 22).
– Required Documents: Ship registry, crew list, last port clearance, and IMO certificates (SOLAS, MARPOL compliance).
– Quarantine: Mandatory health declaration to Japan Quarantine Station under the Quarantine Act (Act No. 201 of 1951).
3. Navigation Rules
– Speed Limit: 8 knots within port limits (Seto Inland Sea Traffic Rules, Article 5).
– Traffic Lanes: Follow designated routes in the Seto Inland Sea as per Japan Coast Guard Notice No. 12 (2021).
– Priority: Fishing vessels under 20 GT have right of way in inner harbor areas.
4. Berthing and Mooring
– Designated Areas: Commercial vessels must use assigned berths at Marugame North Pier (Depth: 7.5m) or South Wharf (Depth: 5m).
– Mooring Lines: Minimum 4 lines (2 head, 2 stern) for vessels under 100m LOA (Japan Port and Harbor Association Standard JPHA-S-102).
5. Dangerous Goods Handling
– Notification: 72-hour prior notice required for IMDG cargo (Fire Service Act, Article 10-3).
– Storage: Class 1 explosives prohibited; Class 3-9 goods stored at designated zone (35°00’N, 133°48’E).
6. Pollution Control
– Discharge Ban: Zero discharge of oil, sewage, or garbage within port limits (Law for Prevention of Marine Pollution, Article 4).
– SOPEP: Vessels >400 GT must maintain Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan per MARPOL Annex I.
7. Crew Safety Requirements
– Lifejackets: Mandatory wear during mooring operations (Japan Industrial Safety and Health Act, Article 557).
– Gangways: Minimum width 55cm with safety nets (ISPS Code Part A/9.4 implementation).
8. Port State Control
– Inspection Criteria: Tokyo MOU guidelines with focus on:
– Hull integrity (SOLAS Ch.II-1)
– Firefighting systems (SOLAS Ch.II-2)
– Life-saving appliances (SOLAS Ch.III)
9. Emergency Procedures
– Oil Spill: Immediate report to Japan Coast Guard (118) and port office (0877-22-4911).
– Man Overboard: Activate port VHF Ch.16 with position (WGS-84 coordinates).
10. Penalties for Non-Compliance
– Fines up to ¥3 million for pollution violations (Marine Pollution Prevention Law, Article 55).
– Vessel detention for SOLAS deficiencies exceeding 3 days (Tokyo MOU detention criteria).
11. Cargo Operations Regulations
– Working Hours: Cargo handling permitted 0700-1900 (Local Ordinance No. 12, Marugame Port Authority).
– Hazardous Cargo: Special permits required for Class 2.1/2.2 gases (High Pressure Gas Safety Act, Article 16).
– Grain Operations: Dust suppression measures mandatory during bulk loading (Air Pollution Control Act, Article 18-2).
12. Port Security Measures
– ISPS Compliance: Security Level 1 enforced with 100m restricted zone around cruise terminals.
– Access Control: Crew shore leave requires port-issued ID passes (ISPS Code Part A/9.7).
– Surveillance: 24/7 CCTV monitoring at all cargo handling areas.
13. Pilotage and Towage
– Compulsory Pilotage: Vessels over 500 GT or LOA exceeding 50m (Marugame Port Ordinance Art. 7).
– Towage Capacity: Maximum bollard pull 35T available (Japan Harbor Tug Association certified).
14. Port Dues and Charges
– Tonnage Dues: ¥42 per GT for international vessels (Kagawa Prefecture Tariff No. 5-2020).
– Waste Disposal Fee: ¥8,000 per cubic meter for ship-generated waste.
15. Weather Restrictions
– Typhoon Procedures: Port closes when winds exceed 15m/s (Japan Meteorological Agency Alert Level 3).
– Fog Navigation: VHF Ch.13 mandatory when visibility <500m.
16. Crew Change Procedures
– Immigration: 48-hour notice to Marugame Immigration Office (Immigration Control Act, Article 22-4).
– Medical Screening: Mandatory temperature checks at port entrance (Quarantine Act Amendment 2021).
17. Port Facilities
– Fresh Water: Available at all berths (50T/hour capacity).
– Bunkering: Only at designated North Pier (Marugame Port Safety Regulation §14).
18. Fishing Vessel Regulations
– Separate Zone: Dedicated area at 34°59.5’N 133°47.2’E for vessels under 15m.
– Net Handling: Prohibited within commercial berths (Fishery Resources Protection Act).
19. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
– Monitoring Area: 5nm radius from port entrance (33°58’N 133°46’E).
– Reporting Points: Mandatory position reports at waypoints M1-M3 (Japan Coast Guard Notice 2020-8).
20. Anchorage Rules
– Designated Area: 34°58.5’N 133°45.8’E (max 72-hour stay).
– Holding Power: Minimum 5:1 chain scope required (Japan Marine Standards JMS 003:2018).
21. Ship Repair and Maintenance
– Dry Dock Availability: 5,000 DWT capacity floating dock at Marugame Shipyard (JSQS certified).
– Hot Work Permits: Required for all welding operations (Fire Service Act Article 7-3).
– Waste Disposal: Asbestos removal prohibited without licensed contractors (Industrial Safety and Health Act).
22. Port Communication Protocols
– Primary VHF: Channel 16 for emergencies, Channel 12 for port operations.
– Linguistic Requirements: English/Japanese bilingual communication mandatory for vessels >100 GT.
23. Ice Navigation (Winter Operations)
– Ice Class Requirements: No specific ice class required (port remains ice-free year-round).
– Winter Preparedness: Anti-freeze measures recommended for deck machinery (Japan Shipowners’ Association advisory).
24. Special Cargo Handling
– Oversized Cargo: Prior route survey required for items exceeding 12m width.
– Livestock Transport: Mandatory veterinary inspection 6 hours before loading (Animal Quarantine Act).
25. Port Infrastructure Specifications
– Berth Load Limits: 3T/m² for general cargo wharves, 5T/m² for container terminals.
– Crane Capacity: Maximum 40T at South Wharf (Japan Crane Association certified).
26. Bunkering Regulations
– Fuel Sampling: Mandatory MARPOL Annex VI fuel samples retained for 12 months.
– Bunker Spill Plan: Required containment boom deployment during operations.
27. Diving Operations
– Permit Requirements: 24-hour notice for commercial diving activities.
– Safety Zone: 50m radius exclusion zone during underwater operations.
28. Port Emergency Contacts
– Medical Emergency: Marugame City Hospital (0877-24-1111) – 10 minutes from port.
– Fire Response: Port Fire Brigade (0877-22-0119) – 5 minute response time.
29. Customs Procedures
– Temporary Imports: Bonded warehouse available (Customs Law Article 42-2).
– Prohibited Items: Strict enforcement of CITES species restrictions.
30. Night Navigation
– Lighting Requirements: 360° white light visible 2nm for vessels at anchor.
– Restricted Movements: No vessel shifts between 2300-0500 without harbor master approval.
31. Ballast Water Management
– Compliance Standards: Must meet IMO D-2 standard or use approved treatment systems.
– Reporting: Mandatory ballast water reporting form submitted 24 hours before arrival.
32. Port Waste Reception Facilities
– Capacity: 50m³/day for oily waste, 20m³/day for solid waste.
– Operating Hours: 0800-1700 daily (extended hours available with prior notice).
33. Vessel Dimension Limits
– Maximum LOA: 180m for commercial vessels.
– Air Draft: 28m clearance under harbor bridge (tide dependent).
34. Port Working Time Regulations
– Holiday Operations: 150% surcharge applies on national holidays.
– Night Shift Premium: Additional 30% fee for operations between 2000-0600.
35. Ship’s Stores Declaration
– Prohibited Items: Firearms require special import permits.
– Alcohol Allowance: 3L per crew member (Customs Tariff Law Article 21-3).
36. Marine Wildlife Protection
– Speed Zones: 5-knot limit within 500m of known dolphin habitats.
– Discharge Prohibition: Absolute ban on food waste discharge in port waters.
37. Port Lighting Requirements
– Navigational Aids: All berths equipped with ISO-compliant LED lighting.
– Deck Lighting: Minimum 50 lux required for nighttime cargo operations.
38. Crew Training Requirements
– Port-specific: Mandatory orientation for deck officers on Marugame port layout.
– Emergency Drills: Required monthly abandon ship and fire drills while in port.
39. Port Meteorological Services
– Real-time Data: Automated weather station at main pier (updated every 10 minutes).
– Storm Warnings: Direct relay from Japan Meteorological Agency via VHF Ch.16.
40. Historical Preservation Zones
– Restricted Areas: No anchoring within 200m of designated cultural heritage sites.
– Special Permits: Required for archaeological survey equipment use.
41. Ship-to-Ship Transfer Operations
– Authorization Required: Prior approval from Kagawa Prefecture Maritime Bureau
– Safety Zone: 500m radius exclusion area during transfer operations
– Monitoring: Mandatory presence of port control officer during entire operation
42. Port Electrical Services
– Shore Power: Available at 3 berths (440V/60Hz)
– Connection Protocol: Certified marine electricians required for hookup
– Emergency Power: Backup generators at all major facilities
43. Dangerous Weather Contingencies
– Typhoon Alert: Mandatory evacuation when JMA issues Warning Level 4
– Tsunami Procedure: Immediate vessel departure required for alerts >1m
44. Port Entry Restrictions
– Vessel Age: Ships >25 years require additional inspection
– Insurance: Minimum ¥500 million P&I coverage required
45. Navigation Equipment Requirements
– AIS: Continuous transmission mandatory within port limits
– ECDIS: Required for vessels >10,000 GT (SOLAS Ch.V/19)
46. Port Sanitation Standards
– Pest Control: Mandatory certification for vessels from high-risk areas
– Medical Waste: Special disposal procedures for clinical waste
47. Special Event Restrictions
– Festival Periods: Additional security during Marugame Uchiwa Festival
– VIP Visits: 24-hour advance notice for official delegations
48. Port Infrastructure Access
– Crane Certification: Annual load testing required
– Fender Maintenance: Quarterly inspections mandated
49. Vessel Documentation Requirements
– Validity Checks: Original certificates required for inspection
– Translation: Japanese/English versions of essential documents
50. Port Environmental Monitoring
– Water Quality: Weekly sampling at 5 designated points
– Noise Levels: Continuous monitoring at residential boundaries
51. Tidal and Current Restrictions
– Maximum Current: 3 knots for safe berthing operations
– Tide Windows: 2-hour minimum for vessels with >6m draft
– Tide Tables: Official Japan Coast Guard publications required
52. Port Labor Regulations
– Stevedore Standards: JISHA-certified workers only
– Rest Periods: Mandatory 30-minute breaks every 4 hours
– Union Requirements: All port labor through Kagawa Dockworkers Union
53. Vessel Maintenance in Port
– Hull Cleaning: Prohibited without containment systems
– Stack Emissions: Continuous monitoring for vessels at berth >24 hours
54. Port Security Drills
– Frequency: Quarterly ISPS security drills required
– Participation: All port personnel and visiting crew must attend
55. Dangerous Cargo Documentation
– SDS Requirements: Japanese-language Safety Data Sheets
– Emergency Procedures: Port-specific supplement required
56. Port Lighting and Marking
– Channel Markers: IALA Region A system
– Obstruction Lights: Red aviation lights on cranes >30m
57. Vessel Speed Limits
– Inner Harbor: 5 knots within 200m of piers
– Channel Transit: 8 knots in main navigation channel
58. Port Fire Safety
– Equipment Standards: JIS B 8621 compliant extinguishers
– Hydrant Pressure: Minimum 7kg/cm² maintained
59. Radio Communication Protocols
– Call Signs: Marugame Port Control – “Marugame Port Ops”
– Silence Periods: 3 minutes past each hour for emergency traffic
60. Port Accessibility Standards
– ADA Compliance: All passenger facilities meet JIS T 9251
– Emergency Egress: Minimum 2m wide pathways maintained
