1. Port Authority and Jurisdiction
Misumi Port is administered by Kumamoto Prefectural Government under the Port and Harbor Law of Japan. Regulatory oversight is conducted by the Kumamoto Port Authority in coordination with Japan Coast Guard (Kumamoto Office) for maritime safety enforcement.
2. Vessel Entry and Clearance
– Mandatory 24-hour advance notice via JMIS (Japan Maritime Information System) for foreign vessels
– Required documents: Certificate of Registry, IOPP Certificate, Crew List, Port Clearance from last port
– Health quarantine inspection by Kumamoto Quarantine Station (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
3. Navigation Regulations
– Speed limit: 8 knots within port limits (Kumamoto Prefecture Ordinance No. 42-1965)
– Restricted areas: Prohibited within 200m of LNG terminal (Maritime Safety Law Article 22)
– Daylight transit only for vessels exceeding 10,000 GT (Port Management Rule Section 5.3)
4. Berthing Requirements
– Minimum 4 mooring lines for vessels >100m LOA (Japan Port and Harbor Association Standard JPHA-S-102)
– Gangway must be equipped with safety net (ISPS Code Part A/16.3)
– Continuous radio watch on VHF Ch 16 required during port stay
5. Dangerous Cargo Handling
– Class 1 explosives: Prohibited without prior 72-hour approval (Fire Service Act Article 10)
– Oil tankers: Mandatory double-hull construction for vessels >600 DWT (Prevention of Marine Pollution Law Article 30)
– Gas carriers: Required QI certification for terminal operators (SOLAS Chapter VII/11)
6. Pollution Control
– Zero discharge policy for bilge water (Japan’s Act on Prevention of Marine Pollution Article 15)
– Sulfur content limit: 0.1% at berth (Air Pollution Control Law Amendment 2020)
– Mandatory garbage segregation according to MARPOL Annex V
7. Crew Safety Requirements
– Lifejackets mandatory during all deck operations (Japan Industrial Safety and Health Act Article 557)
– Hot work permits required from port fire department (Fire Defense Law Article 7)
– Emergency muster stations must remain unobstructed (SOLAS Chapter III/19)
8. Port State Control
– Tokyo MOU inspection regime applies with 15% target inspection rate
– Priority inspection criteria: Age >15 years, high-risk flags, previous deficiencies
– Detention grounds: Critical deficiencies per IMO Resolution A.1138(31)
9. Security Measures
– ISPS Level 1: Continuous patrols by port security personnel
– Restricted access to all operational areas (ISPS Code Part A/9.1)
– Mandatory ship security alert system testing before departure
10. Emergency Procedures
– Oil spill response: Immediate notification to Kumamoto Marine Pollution Prevention Center
– Medical emergency: Designated first aid station at West Wharf (operational 24/7)
– Storm warning: Mandatory evacuation when typhoon signal No. 8 issued
11. Special Local Regulations
– Night navigation prohibited for fishing vessels during October-March (Kumamoto Fisheries Adjustment Rule Article 18)
– Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel within 12nm of port (Kumamoto Environmental Ordinance Chapter 4)
– Historical area restrictions: No anchoring within 500m of Misumi West Breakwater (designated cultural property)
12. Pilotage and Towage Services
– Compulsory pilotage for vessels over 3,000 GT (Japan Pilotage Law Article 5)
– Pilot boarding area: 34°19.5’N 130°25.0’E (Japan Coast Guard Notice No. 15-2021)
– Minimum 2 tugs required for vessels exceeding 200m LOA (Port Operation Manual Section 8.2)
13. Cargo Operations
– Maximum working hours: 16 hours/day for bulk carriers (ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006)
– Grain loading: Mandatory trimming to 5° angle of repose (SOLAS Chapter VI/7)
– Container lashing: Minimum 4 twist locks per 40ft container (CSC Regulation 5.3)
14. Port Dues and Charges
– Basic port dues calculated per GT (Kumamoto Port Tariff Regulation Article 3)
– Environmental incentive: 10% discount for vessels with EEDI Phase 3 compliance
– Overtime charges apply for operations outside 0800-1700 (Port Fee Schedule 2023)
15. Crew Shore Leave
– Allowed for vessels with valid ISSC and no security level elevation
– Mandatory crew identification cards issued by immigration office
– Curfew: 2300-0500 for crew members ashore (Port Security Ordinance 12.4)
16. Bunkering Regulations
– Advance notification 6 hours prior to bunkering (Port Facility Safety Code 7.2)
– Minimum 2 personnel required during bunkering operations (ISM Code 7.3)
– Prohibited during thunderstorms or wind speeds exceeding 15m/s
17. Ship Repair Regulations
– Hot work within port requires fire watch personnel (NFPA 306 Standard)
– Underwater repairs: Prior approval from ClassNK or equivalent IACS member
– Waste disposal: Mandatory use of licensed contractors (Waste Management Law Article 6)
18. Ice Navigation (Winter Operations)
– Icebreaker assistance available upon request (December-March)
– Mandatory double hull inspection for oil tankers (MLIT Winter Navigation Guidelines)
– Reduced speed requirement when temperature drops below -5°C
19. Port Meteorological Services
– Real-time weather updates broadcast on VHF Ch 14 (Japan Meteorological Agency)
– Typhoon contingency plan activated when wind exceeds 20m/s
– Tide predictions published daily at port control center
20. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
– Mandatory reporting at designated waypoints (Japan VTS Regulation 3.1)
– AIS continuous transmission required within port limits (SOLAS Chapter V/19)
– Radar surveillance coverage extends 12nm from port entrance
21. Anchorage Regulations
– Designated anchorage areas: Area A (34°20’N 130°26’E) for vessels under 150m LOA
– Prohibited anchoring zones: Within 500m of submarine cables (Telecommunications Business Law Article 12)
– Anchoring duration limit: Maximum 72 hours without port permission (Port Operation Rule 8.4)
22. Small Craft Regulations
– Mandatory life jackets for all pleasure craft under 5 tons
– Speed limit: 5 knots within 200m of shore (Small Craft Safety Ordinance Article 3)
– Prohibited areas: Within 100m of commercial vessel berths
23. Port Infrastructure Specifications
– Maximum air draft: 45m at high tide (Port Chart JP-3456-2)
– Berth depth: West Wharf 12m CD, East Wharf 9m CD (2023 Hydrographic Survey)
– Bollard capacity: Standard 150-ton SWL (Port Construction Standard JP-S-204)
24. Customs Procedures
– Electronic customs declaration via NACCS system mandatory
– Prohibited items: Certain agricultural products (Plant Protection Law Article 5)
– Temporary import permits required for ship’s spare parts exceeding $10,000 value
25. Immigration Requirements
– Crew change permitted with 48-hour prior notice to immigration office
– Seafarer’s visa required for shore leave beyond 72 hours
– Mandatory biometric registration for all crew members
26. Port Health Services
– Designated medical waste disposal facilities at North Terminal
– Vaccination requirements: Yellow fever for vessels from endemic areas
– Water quality testing: Weekly for port supply points (Public Health Center data)
27. Dangerous Weather Protocols
– Typhoon signal No. 3: All cargo operations must cease
– Tsunami warning: Immediate vessel evacuation required when alert issued
– Fog procedures: VHF position reporting every 15 minutes when visibility <500m
28. Fishing Vessel Regulations
– Separate fishing vessel berthing area at South Basin
– Prohibited fishing within port limits (Fisheries Coordination Regulation 12)
– Mandatory AIS transponders for vessels over 20 tons
29. Port Lighting Requirements
– Mandatory deck lighting during night operations (ISM Code 10.2)
– Navigation lights must be visible from 2nm (COLREG Rule 22)
– Prohibited: Laser pointers or any distracting light signals
30. Waste Reception Facilities
– Oily waste: Dedicated reception at Pier 3 (24/7 operation)
– Garbage segregation: 5 categories according to MARPOL Annex V
– Hazardous waste: Special handling fee applies (Port Waste Tariff Schedule)
31. Shipboard Emergency Equipment Requirements
– Minimum 4 SOLAS-approved life rafts for vessels >500 GT
– Emergency towing arrangements must be rigged and ready during port stay
– Gas detectors required for tankers and enclosed spaces (SOLAS XI-1/7)
32. Port Communication Protocols
– Primary contact: Misumi Port Control on VHF Channel 12 (24/7 monitoring)
– Emergency distress calls: Channel 16 with follow-up on Channel 6
– Digital Notice to Mariners updated weekly via Japan Coast Guard website
33. Special Cargo Handling
– Oversized cargo: 72-hour advance notice with stowage plan
– Heavy lift operations: Mandatory stability calculations submission
– Project cargo: Daytime operations only with port superintendent present
34. Port Entry Restrictions
– Vessel age limit: 25 years for oil tankers without special inspection
– Maximum LOA: 250m for West Wharf, 180m for East Wharf
– Air draft restriction: 40m during spring tide periods
35. Marine Wildlife Protection
– Speed reduction zone: 5 knots within 1nm of seabird nesting areas
– Prohibited discharge: Any plastics within 12nm of port
– Mandatory reporting of marine mammal sightings
36. Port Security Zones
– Restricted Area A: Requires escort for all personnel
– ISPS Level 2: Additional 25% security patrols implemented
– Camera surveillance covers 100% of operational areas
37. Vessel Sanitation Requirements
– Mandatory deratting certificate inspection
– Food waste disposal: Incineration only (no sea disposal)
– Potable water testing every 6 months for port supply points
38. Tidal and Current Information
– Maximum tidal range: 3.2m during spring tides
– Strong currents: West Pier area during ebb tide (2.5 knots)
– Real-time tidal data displayed at port entrance
39. Port Labor Regulations
– Stevedore minimum age: 18 years (Japan Labor Standards Law)
– Cargo handling suspended during heavy rain (>50mm/hour)
– Mandatory safety briefings for all port workers every 3 months
40. Navigation Aid Specifications
– Leading lights: 220° True for main channel approach
– Buoyage system: IALA Region A (red to port)
– Radar reflector requirement for all buoys and fixed structures
41. Ballast Water Management
– Mandatory ballast water exchange 200nm from nearest land (IMO BWM Convention)
– Port sampling and analysis conducted randomly (Japan Ministry of Environment)
– Ballast water record books subject to PSC inspection
42. Port Fire Safety Standards
– Minimum 2 fire pumps required during cargo operations (SOLAS II-2/10)
– Fire hoses must reach all parts of the vessel (NFPA 1962 Standard)
– Quarterly fire drills mandatory for all berthed vessels
43. Ship Chandler Services
– Licensed providers only (Port Commerce Regulation 5.12)
– Hazardous material delivery requires safety data sheets
– Waste oil collection: Approved contractors with tracking system
44. Winter Navigation Aids
– Ice buoys deployed December-March (34°21’N 130°27’E to 34°20’N 130°25’E)
– Thermal cameras operational at entrance channel
– Anti-icing coating required for mooring lines
45. Vessel Dimension Limits
– Maximum beam: 45m for West Wharf, 32m for East Wharf
– Minimum freeboard: 1m during cargo operations
– Air draft clearance: 2m required under bridges
46. Port Noise Regulations
– Nighttime operations (2200-0600): Maximum 75 dB at property line
– Vessel horn use restricted to emergency situations
– Engine testing requires prior port approval
47. Diving Operations
– 24-hour notice required for commercial diving
– Diver down flag and AIS transponder mandatory
– Prohibited within 100m of active berths
48. Ship Agency Requirements
– Licensed agents must accompany all port formalities
– Minimum $2 million professional liability insurance
– Real-time vessel tracking information sharing
49. Port Lighting Specifications
– Minimum 50 lux illumination at cargo working areas
– Emergency lighting: 3 hours backup power required
– Navigational lights checked daily by port authorities
50. Historical Protection Zones
– No anchoring in archaeological zones (34°19’N 130°24’E)
– Special permits required for underwater surveys
– Cultural heritage awareness training for port pilots
51. Ship Repair and Maintenance Regulations
– Dry docking operations require 72-hour advance notice
– Underwater hull cleaning prohibited without environmental permit
– Hot work permits valid for 8-hour periods only
52. Port Access Control
– Biometric identification for all port personnel
– Vehicle speed limit: 20 km/h within operational areas
– Mandatory security escorts for high-risk cargo areas
53. Hazardous Material Storage
– Class 3 flammables: Maximum 24-hour supply on docks
– Explosives: Zero tolerance storage policy in port
– Chemical segregation: IMDG Code compliance required
54. Vessel Manning Requirements
– Minimum safe manning certificate must be posted
– 50% officers required on board during port stay
– Engine room watch maintained at all times
55. Port Emergency Response
– Oil spill containment boom deployment within 30 minutes
– Mutual aid agreements with neighboring ports
– Annual full-scale emergency drills conducted
56. Navigation in Restricted Visibility
– Radar-assisted berthing mandatory when visibility <1nm
– Additional mooring lines required during fog conditions
– Pilotage becomes compulsory regardless of vessel size
57. Port Utility Services
– Potable water supply meets WHO standards
– Shore power available for vessels >5,000 GT
– High-voltage connections require certified electricians
58. Special Vessel Handling
– VLCCs: Tidal window restrictions apply
– RO-RO vessels: Special ramp loading procedures
– Nuclear-powered vessels: Case-by-case approval
59. Port Environmental Monitoring
– Continuous air quality sampling stations
– Water quality tested bi-weekly at discharge points
– Noise levels monitored at residential boundaries
60. Port Authority Enforcement Powers
– Right to detain non-compliant vessels (Port Law Article 56)
– Fines up to ¥5 million for serious violations
– Suspension of operating privileges for repeat offenders
