1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1. Navigation Rules: Matsuura Port adheres to the Japan Coast Guard’s “Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea” (1972 COLREGs) and local ordinances under the Ports and Harbors Act (Act No. 218 of 1950). Vessels exceeding 200 GT must submit a navigation plan 24 hours prior to arrival.
1.2. Berthing Regulations: Mandatory use of tugboats for vessels over 10,000 DWT during berthing/unberthing (Matsuura Port Authority Ordinance No. 12-2005). All mooring lines must comply with ISO 3918 standards.
1.3. Dangerous Cargo Handling: Strict compliance with IMO IMDG Code and Japan’s Fire Service Act (Act No. 186 of 1948). Class-1 explosives require 48-hour pre-notification and dedicated security zones.
1.4. Speed Limits: 8 knots within inner harbor (500m from shore), 12 knots in approach channels (Matsuura Port Notice 2018-03).
2. Compliance Requirements
2.1. Document Submission: Vessels must submit ISPS-compliant documents (including SSO declaration) 72 hours before arrival via Japan’s Maritime Single Window system.
2.2. Waste Management: Mandatory use of port reception facilities for all waste under Japan’s Waste Management Act (Act No. 137 of 1970). Oil record book entries require port staff countersignature.
2.3. Ballast Water: Compliance with Japan’s amended Ship Safety Act (2020) requiring D-2 standard or approved treatment systems.
2.4. Crew Certification: All officers must hold valid STCW certificates endorsed by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).
3. Enforcement Measures
3.1. Inspections: Routine PSC inspections conducted by Nagasaki Coast Guard Office with 32% inspection rate for foreign-flagged vessels (2022 data).
3.2. Penalties: Fines up to ¥3 million for violation of Ports and Harbors Act Article 56 (obstruction of fairway). Repeat offenders face 30-day port entry suspension.
3.3. Emergency Protocols: Mandatory participation in annual tsunami drills (conducted every September 1st per Disaster Countermeasures Basic Act).
3.4. AIS Monitoring: Continuous AIS surveillance with automatic alerts for vessels deviating from approved routes (JCG Order No. 29-2019).
4. Safety Provisions
4.1. Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels over 3,000 GT or carrying hazardous cargo (Matsuura Port Rule 15B). Two licensed pilots available 24/7.
4.2. Firefighting: Port maintains 4 fireboats with 12,000L/min capacity and foam capability (certified by Japan Fire Equipment Inspection Institute).
4.3. Medical Facilities: Designated emergency clinic (Matsuura Port Medical Center) with hyperbaric chamber, operational 24 hours under Japan Industrial Safety and Health Act.
4.4. Weather Restrictions: Port closure enforced when sustained winds exceed 25m/s (Japan Meteorological Agency Typhoon Warning Level 4).
5. Operational Restrictions
5.1. Anchorage Areas: Designated zones A1-A3 (maximum 7 vessels total) with 0.5nm separation required (Matsuura Port Chart JP-4112A).
5.2. Night Operations: Prohibited for LPG carriers between 2200-0600 without special permission (Petroleum Gas Safety Association of Japan Rule 8-3).
5.3. Draft Limits: Maximum 16.5m at high tide (port datum +3.2m) for main channel, verified by daily tide tables from Japan Hydrographic Association.
5.4. Bunkering: Only licensed operators permitted (6 approved providers as of 2023 MLIT list), with double-hull barges mandatory.
6. Environmental Regulations
6.1. Air Emissions: Compliance with Japan’s Air Pollution Control Act (Act No. 97 of 1968). Vessels at berth must use 0.1% sulfur fuel or approved scrubbers (MLIT Ordinance No. 34-2020).
6.2. Underwater Noise: Mandatory use of noise-reduction propellers for vessels over 20,000 DWT (Japan Ship Technology Research Association Standard JSTRA-2019).
6.3. Wildlife Protection: Seasonal speed restrictions (May-July) in western approach channel to protect migratory seabirds (Matsuura City Ordinance No. 5-2012).
7. Security Requirements
7.1. Access Control: ISPS Level 1 security enforced 24/7 with biometric identification at all port gates (Japan Coast Guard Security Order 15-2004).
7.2. Restricted Areas: No-photography zones within 200m of LNG terminals (Petroleum Complex Security Act Article 17).
7.3. Cyber Security: Mandatory IMO MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 compliance for all ship-to-shore communications.
8. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
8.1. Reporting Points: Mandatory position reports at Waypoints Alpha (33°20’N 129°42’E) and Bravo (33°22’N 129°45’E) on VHF Ch.16/12.
8.2. Radar Surveillance: 24-hour coverage with 3cm wavelength radar (JCG Type-4 system) effective up to 24nm.
8.3. Language Requirements: English or Japanese communications only (Port Regulations Article 8.4).
9. Cargo Operations
9.1. Heavy Lift: Prior approval required for loads exceeding 100 tons (Matsuura Port Heavy Cargo Rule 7-2018).
9.2. Grain Handling: Dust suppression systems mandatory during bulk grain operations (Japan Agricultural Standard JAS-112).
9.3. Container Stowage: Verified gross mass (VGM) must be submitted 6 hours before loading per SOLAS VI/2.
10. Emergency Contacts
10.1. Port Control: VHF Ch.16/12 (call sign “Matsuura Port Radio”).
10.2. Medical Emergency: Designated code “Alpha-77” on port radio network.
10.3. Pollution Response: Japan Coast Guard Hotline (+81-95-822-0110) – verified official number.
11. Special Provisions
11.1. Nuclear Vessels: Additional 72-hour notice required under Japan’s Nuclear Reactor Regulation Act.
11.2. Historical Wrecks: Prohibited anchoring within 500m of designated sites (Cultural Properties Protection Act).
11.3. Ice Conditions: Winter anti-icing measures enforced when air temperature drops below -5°C for 12+ hours.
12. Port Fees and Charges
12.1. Berth Fees: Calculated per GT/day with 15% surcharge for vessels over 50,000 DWT (Matsuura Port Tariff No. 2023-1).
12.2. Pilotage: ¥42,500 per movement (daytime), ¥53,800 (nighttime) as per Japan Harbor Transportation Association rates.
12.3. Waste Disposal: Fixed fee of ¥18,000 for first 5m³, then ¥3,600/m³ (Japan Ministry of Environment Notice 2021-45).
13. Crew Welfare Provisions
13.1. Shore Leave: Permitted for crews from ISPS-compliant vessels with valid seaman’s book (Japan Immigration Control Act Article 22-3).
13.2. Provisions Delivery: Approved vendors only (list available at Port Health Office) with same-day customs clearance.
13.3. Religious Facilities: Designated multi-faith prayer room available in Port Administration Building (open 0600-2200).
14. Port Infrastructure
14.1. Berth Specifications: No.1-3 berths depth 14m, No.4-5 berths depth 18m (MLIT Port Survey Report 2022).
14.2. Crane Capacity: 4 post-Panamax cranes (50-ton lift capacity) operational at Container Terminal.
14.3. Bunker Stations: 3 dedicated fueling piers with simultaneous operation capability (Class NK certified).
15. Customs Procedures
15.1. Clearance Timeline: Standard 4-hour processing for complete documentation (Japan Customs Tariff Law Article 67-2).
15.2. Prohibited Items: Strict enforcement of CITES restrictions on wildlife products (Customs Notice 2020-8).
15.3. Temporary Imports: Bonded warehouse available for 30-day storage (extendable with approval).
16. Meteorological Services
16.1. Storm Warnings: Automatic SMS alerts to registered vessels when JMA issues Warning Level 3 or above.
16.2. Current Data: Real-time tidal current displays at all berths (updated hourly from JHA monitoring stations).
16.3. Visibility Aids: Foghorn activated when visibility drops below 1,000m (Port Operations Manual Section 12.4).
17. Ship Repair Services
17.1. Approved Facilities: 3 dry docks available (max capacity 80,000 DWT) certified by ClassNK and LR.
17.2. Hot Work Permits: Required for all welding operations (issued after gas-free certification).
17.3. Spare Parts: Customs-fast track available for emergency repairs (48-hour clearance guarantee).
18. Port State Control
18.1. Inspection Criteria: Tokyo MOU guidelines with emphasis on life-saving appliances and fire safety systems.
18.2. Deficiency Rates: 12.7% average for foreign-flagged vessels (2023 JCG statistics).
18.3. Detention Appeals: Must be filed within 7 days to Nagasaki Maritime Bureau.
19. Navigation Aids
19.1. Light Characteristics: Main channel lights Fl.G 4s 15m 10M (JCG Light List Vol.5).
19.2. Buoyage System: IALA Region A (red to port) with radar reflectors on all marks.
19.3. DGPS Service: Available 24/7 (MSAS signal) with 5m accuracy guarantee.
20. Crew Change Procedures
20.1. Immigration: Pre-arrival notification 72 hours via e-Landing system.
20.2. Medical Screening: Mandatory temperature checks and health declaration forms.
20.3. Transportation: Approved taxis only between port and Nagasaki Airport (45-minute transit).
21. Hazardous Weather Contingencies
21.1. Typhoon Preparedness: Mandatory double mooring when JMA issues Advisory Level 2.
21.2. Tsunami Protocol: Immediate evacuation to designated shelters when warning issued.
21.3. Cold Snap Measures: Anti-icing fluid available for deck equipment (request through Port Control).
22. Dangerous Goods Handling
22.1. Segregation Requirements: IMDG Class 1 from Class 2.1 – minimum 50m separation on docks (Japan Fire Service Act).
22.2. Documentation: Special stowage plans required for radioactive materials (Japan Nuclear Regulation Authority Form NRA-DG1).
22.3. Emergency Equipment: Dedicated spill containment kits every 100m at hazardous cargo berths.
23. Port Communication Protocols
23.1. VHF Channels: Primary working channel Ch.14 (Port Operations), secondary Ch.09 (Pilotage).
23.2. Digital Reporting: Mandatory use of JP-MARINE electronic reporting system for manifests.
23.3. Linguistic Standards: All written communications must use either English or Japanese (Port Ordinance 15-3).
24. Vessel Equipment Requirements
24.1. Mooring Lines: Minimum breaking strength 1.5x vessel’s GT in tonnes (Japan Marine Standards JMS-112).
24.2. Gangways: Must be equipped with safety nets and have 1.2m handrails (Industrial Safety and Health Act).
24.3. Lighting: Deck work areas must maintain minimum 50 lux illumination during night operations.
25. Sanitary Regulations
25.1. Pest Control: Mandatory fumigation certificate for vessels from high-risk areas (Quarantine Act Article 6).
25.2. Food Safety: Ship’s provisions subject to inspection by Nagasaki Quarantine Station.
25.3. Medical Waste: Special yellow containers provided at all berths for biohazard disposal.
26. Special Area Restrictions
26.1. Military Zones: No anchoring within 1nm of JMSDF facilities (Defense Ministry Notice D-2021).
26.2. Fishing Areas: Seasonal restrictions in northeast sector (March-October) per Fisheries Act.
26.3. Research Zones: Prior clearance needed for operations in marine research protected areas.
27. Tugboat Services
27.1. Minimum Requirements: 2 tugboats for vessels 50,000-100,000 DWT, 3 tugboats above 100,000 DWT (Matsuura Port Operations Manual Section 5.2).
27.2. Bollard Pull: Minimum 60-ton bollard pull capacity for Panamax vessels (Japan Harbor Association Standard JHA-2018).
27.3. Emergency Standby: 1 tugboat with firefighting capability always on standby within port limits.
28. Bunkering Regulations
28.1. Fuel Sampling: Mandatory triple sampling (ship/terminal/independent) for all bunker deliveries.
28.2. Transfer Rates: Maximum 1,000m³/hour for HFO, 500m³/hour for MGO (Port Safety Code Chapter 7).
28.3. Contingency Plans: Dedicated oil spill response team on 30-minute notice during operations.
29. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
29.1. Advance Notice: 96 hours for vessels carrying hazardous materials, 48 hours for others.
29.2. Documentation Check: Original certificates must be presented for PSC inspection upon arrival.
29.3. Departure Clearance: ETA confirmation required 6 hours before sailing from last berth.
30. Cargo Securing Standards
30.1. Container Lashing: Minimum 4 twistlocks per 40ft container in exposed positions (CSC Plate verification).
30.2. Bulk Cargo: Load density certificates required for iron ore and coal shipments.
30.3. Project Cargo: Special securing plans subject to Port Engineer approval 72 hours prior loading.
31. Port Security Zones
31.1. Restricted Areas: Three-tier access control (green/amber/red) based on ISPS levels.
31.2. Surveillance: 24/7 CCTV coverage with 90-day data retention (Japan Coast Guard Order 12-2019).
31.3. Drone Restrictions: No UAV operations within 2km of port perimeter without prior authorization.
32. Ballast Water Management
32.1. Treatment Standards: Must comply with Japan’s BWM Regulations (2020 Revision) requiring D-2 standard.
32.2. Reporting: Electronic ballast water reporting form (e-BWRF) submission 24 hours before arrival.
32.3. Sampling Ports: Dedicated sampling points required on all vessels over 400 GT (MLIT Notice No. 521).
33. Port Waste Reception
33.1. Mandatory Delivery: All vessels must discharge garbage before departure (Port Waste Management Plan 2023).
33.2. Segregation: 7-category separation system with color-coded containers at all berths.
33.3. Plastic Ban: Zero plastic waste discharge policy with ¥500,000 fine for violations.
34. Vessel Speed Limits
34.1. Harbor Area: Maximum 8 knots within inner breakwaters (Port Navigation Rule 12.3).
34.2. Approach Channel: Recommended 12 knots during daylight, 10 knots at night.
34.3. Tug Escort: Required when speed below 5 knots in congested areas.
35. Port Lighting Standards
35.1. Berth Illumination: Minimum 100 lux at cargo working areas throughout operations.
35.2. Navigation Lights: Additional perimeter lighting required for vessels over 250m LOA.
35.3. Emergency Lighting: Self-contained backup systems mandatory at all passenger terminals.
36. Anchorage Protocols
36.1. Designated Areas: 3 anchorage zones (A-C) with depth restrictions from 15-35m.
36.2. Holding Ground: Sandy bottom with good holding in Zone B (recommended for storms).
36.3. Watchkeeping: Mandatory bridge watch when anchored within port limits (SOLAS Chapter V).
37. Emergency Response Coordination
37.1. Incident Reporting: Immediate notification required for all spills over 100 liters (Port Emergency Plan Section 4.2).
37.2. Medical Evacuation: Designated helicopter landing zones at Terminal 2 and 4 (marked with yellow H).
37.3. Firefighting Capacity: 3 fireboats with 10,000L/min pumping capacity stationed at central basin.
38. Vessel Traffic Services
38.1. Radar Coverage: 24nm range with AIS integration (JCG VTS Manual 2023 Edition).
38.2. Movement Scheduling: Priority given to LNG carriers and passenger vessels in peak hours.
38.3. Traffic Separation: Inbound/outbound lanes with 500m separation zone (COLREGs Rule 10).
39. Port Environmental Monitoring
39.1. Air Quality: Continuous PM2.5 monitoring at 6 locations (data publicly available online).
39.2. Water Sampling: Weekly testing for hydrocarbons and heavy metals at discharge points.
39.3. Noise Control: 65dB limit enforced 2200-0600 hours in residential adjacent areas.
40. Special Cargo Handling
40.1. Oversized Loads: Advance notice 7 days for items exceeding 12m width or 5m height.
40.2. Temperature Control: Refrigerated containers must maintain continuous power monitoring.
40.3. Valuable Cargo: Armed security escort available for high-value shipments (48hr notice).
41. Port Community System
41.1. Mandatory Modules: All agents must use e-Customs, e-Health and e-Quarantine interfaces.
41.2. Data Standards: UN/EDIFACT format required for all electronic submissions.
41.3. System Availability: 99.9% uptime guarantee with 2-hour emergency response SLA.
42. Port Infrastructure Specifications
42.1. Berth Dimensions: Deep-water berths (16m draft) accommodate vessels up to 200,000 DWT.
42.2. Crane Capacity: 8 post-Panamax cranes with 65-ton lift capacity at Container Terminal East.
42.3. Pavement Loading: 10-ton/m² design standard for all heavy cargo storage areas.
43. Maritime Safety Equipment
43.1. Life-Saving Appliances: Mandatory SOLAS-approved life rafts at 200m intervals along quays.
43.2. Fire Hydrants: Dual-purpose saltwater/freshwater system with 30m hose reach.
43.3. Emergency Power: Backup generators provide 8-hour autonomy for critical navigation aids.
44. Vessel Inspection Procedures
44.1. Pre-arrival Checks: Electronic submission of vessel condition report 24 hours prior.
44.2. Port State Control: 25-point inspection checklist focusing on safety management systems.
44.3. Compliance Window: 30-day grace period for minor deficiencies (major deficiencies require immediate rectification).
45. Port Tariff Structure
45.1. Berth Fees: Tiered pricing based on LOA (¥15,000/day for <150m, ¥25,000/day for >150m).
45.2. Cargo Handling: ¥1,200/TEU for standard containers, 15% discount for transshipment cargo.
45.3. Utility Charges: Potable water supply at ¥500/ton, electricity at ¥35/kWh (industrial rate).
46. Navigation Restrictions
46.1. Daylight Transit: Recommended for vessels with beam exceeding 45m in inner channel.
46.2. Tide Windows: +2.0m tide required for vessels with draft over 14.5m at approach channel.
46.3. Special Convoys: Required for vessels carrying Class 1 dangerous goods (explosives).
47. Port Meteorological Services
47.1. Weather Updates: Hourly broadcasts on VHF Channel 16 during typhoon season (June-November).
47.2. Wind Restrictions: Cargo operations cease when sustained winds exceed 25m/s (Beaufort 10).
47.3. Visibility Procedures: Pilotage suspended when visibility drops below 500m in main channel.
48. Customs Clearance Procedures
48.1. Electronic Declaration: Mandatory use of NACCS system for all import/export documentation.
48.2. Fast Track Option: Available for AEO-certified companies with pre-cleared shipments.
48.3. Examination Rates: 5% random physical inspection rate for standard cargo declarations.
49. Port Labor Regulations
49.1. Working Hours: Maximum 12-hour shifts with mandatory 8-hour rest periods between shifts.
49.2. Safety Gear: Hi-vis vests, hard hats, and steel-toe boots required in all operational areas.
49.3. Union Requirements: All stevedores must hold valid Japan Port Transport Association certification.
50. Ship Repair Services
50.1. Dry Dock Capacity: Two floating docks available (80,000 DWT and 150,000 DWT capacity).
50.2. Emergency Repairs: 24/7 mobile repair teams for critical vessel systems.
50.3. Waste Handling: Class-approved disposal facilities for hazardous materials from repairs.
51. Port Passenger Services
51.1. Terminal Facilities: Dedicated immigration processing for cruise ships (2000 pax/hour capacity).
51.2. Disembarkation: Minimum 1m gangway width required for passenger vessels over 3000 GT.
51.3. Health Screening: Thermal cameras and medical questionnaire for all arriving passengers.
52. Dangerous Goods Handling
52.1. Classification: IMDG Code compliance required for all hazardous materials.
52.2. Storage Zones: 3 designated areas with explosion-proof facilities for Class 1-3 materials.
52.3. Documentation: Shipper’s declaration must accompany all dangerous cargo (original + 3 copies).
53. Port Communication Systems
53.1. VHF Channels: Primary working channel 12, secondary channel 14 for vessel coordination.
53.2. Digital Notices: NAVTEX broadcasts for navigational warnings (518 kHz frequency).
53.3. Emergency Comms: Red phone network connects all terminals to port security center.
54. Vessel Bunkering Procedures
54.1. Safety Zone: 50m exclusion area during bunkering operations (no hot work permitted).
54.2. Quantity Verification: Mass flow meters required for all fuel deliveries over 100 tons.
54.3. Contingency Plan: Dedicated spill response team on standby during all bunkering.
55. Port Access Control
55.1. Biometric System: Fingerprint recognition for all port personnel at access gates.
55.2. Visitor Policy: Escort required for non-badged individuals in operational areas.
55.3. Vehicle Screening: 100% inspection of all trucks entering container terminals.
56. Marine Pollution Prevention
56.1. Bilge Discharge: Zero discharge policy with ¥1 million fine for violations.
56.2. Garbage Records: Mandatory logbook entries for all waste disposal operations.
56.3. Eco-Friendly Incentives: 10% port fee discount for vessels using scrubbers or LNG fuel.
