1. General Port Rules and Regulations
Mitajiri Port operates under Japan’s Port Regulations Act (港湾法) and local ordinances of Yamaguchi Prefecture. Key regulations include:
– Mandatory pre-arrival notification 24 hours prior to entry (per Maritime Traffic Safety Act 海上交通安全法 Article 22)
– Speed limit: 8 knots within port limits (Yamaguchi Prefectural Port Ordinance No. 42)
– Prohibited areas: Clearly marked restricted zones near fuel terminals and naval facilities
2. Vessel Requirements
– All vessels >100 GT must submit IMO-compliant Ship Particulars Form to Port Authority
– Mandatory AIS transmission within 3 nautical miles of port entrance
– Tankers carrying Class I oil (per ISGOTT) require escort tugs during entry/exit
3. Crew Safety Regulations
– Lifejackets mandatory for all deck operations between sunset-sunrise
– Gangways must meet ISO 5488 standards with safety nets deployed
– Hot work permits require gas-free certificates from certified inspectors
4. Dangerous Cargo Handling
– IMDG Code compliance required for all hazardous materials
– Explosives handling restricted to 0900-1500 hours with 500m exclusion zone
– Oil spill response equipment must be pre-staged for bunkering operations
5. Navigation Rules
– VTS channel 16/12 mandatory monitoring (JCG Notice 2021-12)
– Daylight transit only for vessels with draft >8m due to tidal restrictions
– Overtaking prohibited in main channel between buoys #7-#12
6. Environmental Compliance
– MARPOL Annex VI enforced with 0.1% sulfur cap at berth
– Ballast water management records subject to PSC inspection
– No garbage discharge within 12nm (per Waste Management Law 廃棄物処理法)
7. Enforcement Measures
– Fines up to ¥500,000 for non-compliance with safety directives (Ports and Harbors Act Article 56)
– 72-hour detention for repeated pollution violations
– Blacklisting for deliberate falsification of cargo manifests
8. Emergency Procedures
– Immediate reporting to JCG Yamaguchi HQ (+81-839-22-0110) for:
– Oil spills >1 barrel
– Fire/explosion incidents
– Crew overboard situations
– Designated storm shelters at West Breakwater (coordinates 34°24’12″N 131°22’18″E)
9. Port Authority Contacts
– Official inquiries: Yamaguchi Prefecture Port Administration Bureau (verified website: www.pref.yamaguchi.lg.jp)
– Pilotage requests: Through Japan Coast Guard Shimonoseki Office (official VHF Ch.09)
10. Anchorage Regulations
– Designated anchorage areas: Zones A1-A3 (34°23’N 131°21’E to 34°25’N 131°23’E)
– Maximum anchoring period: 72 hours without special permission
– Vessels >200m LOA must use outer anchorage (Zone A3)
– Anchor watch mandatory with VHF Ch.16 continuous monitoring
11. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
– Submit E-Notice via Japan MICS system minimum 6 hours before arrival
– Health declarations required under Quarantine Act (検疫法 Article 5)
– Night navigation permitted only for vessels with certified local pilots
– Priority given to vessels carrying perishables (per Port Priority Rules 2020)
12. Cargo Operations
– Working hours: 0800-2000 (extensions require overtime approval)
– Hazardous cargo loading requires Port Safety Officer present
– Grain operations must comply with IMO MSC.1/Circ.1394 dust control measures
– Container weight verification (VGM) mandatory per SOLAS VI/2
13. Bunkering Regulations
– Bunker delivery notes must retain for 3 years (MARPOL Annex VI Reg.18)
– Simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) require separate safety zones
– Emergency shutdown systems testing before commencement
14. Port State Control
– Tokyo MOU inspection regime applies with 15% annual inspection rate
– Priority inspection criteria include:
– 12+ month overdue surveys
– Previous detentions in Japanese ports
– Invalid ISM documentation
– Rectification deadlines: 14 days for minor deficiencies
15. Small Craft Regulations
– Fishing vessels prohibited in commercial shipping lanes (Local Ordinance 5-3)
– Pleasure craft must maintain 50m clearance from moored vessels
– Mandatory life-saving equipment for all onboard persons
16. Winter Operations
– Ice monitoring from December-March (JMA bulletins issued when <5°C)
– Anti-icing measures required for bollards and mooring lines
– Reduced speed limits during frost conditions (5 knots in inner basin)
17. Security Measures
– ISPS Code compliant with Security Level 1 standard measures
– Restricted access to port facilities with biometric ID checks
– Unattended vessels must maintain anchor watch security
18. Port Dues and Fees
– Calculated per GT/day with 10% discount for eco-friendly ships (EEOI <3.0g/tonne-mile)
– Waste disposal fees: ¥5,000/tonne for non-recyclables
– Pilotage exemption available for masters with 10+ documented port calls
19. Mooring Requirements
– Minimum 4 mooring lines for vessels under 150m LOA, 6 lines for larger vessels
– Synthetic lines must have minimum breaking load (MBL) certified every 6 months
– Tension monitoring required during cargo operations exceeding 10,000 MT/hour
– Emergency release systems mandatory for all tanker berths
20. Port Lighting and Visibility
– Navigational lights must comply with COLREG 1972 Annex I
– Minimum visibility requirements: 1 nautical mile for vessel movement
– Floodlighting of 200 lux minimum at all working cargo areas
– Red obstruction lights on cranes during non-operational hours
21. Crew Shore Leave Procedures
– Valid seafarer’s identity document (IMO Convention No. 185) required
– Gangway security log with biometric entry/exit recording
– Curfew: 2300-0500 hours for all crew members ashore
– Designated crew recreation areas within port perimeter
22. Waste Management
– Separate receptacles for oil, chemicals, food waste and general garbage
– Medical waste must be incinerated at approved facility (receipts required)
– Sludge disposal limited to 10 cubic meters per vessel call without prior notice
– Recycling mandatory for all plastic and metal waste
23. Emergency Equipment Requirements
– Firefighting systems tested within last 3 months (certificate required)
– Emergency towing arrangements (ETA) permanently rigged for vessels >20,000 DWT
– SOLAS-approved lifeboats with 6-monthly launch drills
– Bilingual (Japanese/English) emergency instructions posted at all muster stations
24. Special Cargo Handling
– Project cargo exceeding 100 tons requires 72-hour pre-notification
– Radioactive materials handling limited to designated berth #12
– Livestock operations prohibited during extreme weather (>35°C or <0°C)
– Oversized cargo movements restricted to daylight hours only
25. Port Communication Protocols
– Primary working language: English (Japanese translation available)
– Standard marine communication phrases (SMCP) required for bridge team
– Digital logbook submissions via Japan MICS within 1 hour after departure
– Emergency broadcasts repeated in Japanese, English, and Chinese
26. Vessel Repair Restrictions
– Hot work prohibited without Port Safety Office clearance
– Underwater repairs require prior environmental impact assessment
– Maximum 7-day repair window without special extension
– All contractors must hold Yamaguchi Prefecture work permits
27. Tugboat Assistance Requirements
– Mandatory for vessels over 20,000 GT: 2 tugboats minimum
– Bollard pull certification must be current (annual verification)
– Tugboat standby during all berthing/unberthing operations
– Emergency towing lines pre-rigged during adverse weather conditions
28. Port Meteorological Services
– Real-time weather updates broadcast hourly on VHF Ch.14
– Gale warnings issued when sustained winds exceed 28 knots
– Typhoon contingency plans activated at Signal No. 3
– Tide tables published quarterly with 1cm accuracy guarantee
29. Dangerous Goods Documentation
– IMDG declaration required 48 hours prior to loading
– Stowage plan approval from Port Hazardous Materials Office
– Emergency response plans specific to cargo type
– Multilingual MSDS available at all handling locations
30. Port Infrastructure Specifications
– Maximum air draft: 45m at high tide (Chart Datum +7.2m)
– Berth depth range: 8-15m (varies by terminal)
– Bollard capacity: 75-150 tons depending on berth
– Truck clearance: 4.5m height restriction at all gates
31. Crew Health Protocols
– Mandatory temperature screening for all disembarking crew
– Quarantine facilities available for suspected infectious cases
– 24/7 medical support through JCG-affiliated clinic
– Narcotics detection dogs deployed randomly
32. Port Security Zones
– Three-tier access control (public/restricted/operational areas)
– Continuous CCTV monitoring with 90-day data retention
– Armed patrols during Security Level 2 or higher
– Unauthorized drone operations strictly prohibited
33. Vessel Traffic Management
– Mandatory VHF position reports at waypoints Alpha through Delta
– Automated identification system (AIS) verification checks
– Speed-over-ground monitoring via shore-based radar
– Traffic separation scheme (TSS) in western approach channel
34. Port Environmental Monitoring
– Continuous water quality sampling at 6 strategic points
– Air quality sensors measuring SOx/NOx levels
– Wildlife protection zones with seasonal restrictions
– Noise pollution limits enforced 2200-0600 hours
35. Ship Repair Yard Regulations
– Dry dock availability must be booked 14 days in advance
– All repair contractors must be pre-approved by Port Authority
– Wastewater discharge from repair activities strictly prohibited
– Hot work permits valid for 8-hour periods only
36. Bunker Quality Control
– Mandatory sampling by independent surveyor during bunkering
– MARPOL Annex VI fuel samples retained for 12 months
– Bunker delivery receipts must include batch numbers
– Dispute resolution through JIS quality testing procedures
37. Port Laytime Calculations
– Weather working days basis for all commercial vessels
– Demurrage/despatch calculated per GENCON 94 terms
– Notice of Readiness (NOR) acceptance 24/7
– Holiday periods excluded unless premium rates apply
38. Dangerous Liquid Handling
– Double valve requirement for all chemical transfers
– Bonding cables mandatory during petroleum operations
– Vapor recovery systems required for benzene shipments
– Emergency shutdown drills every 6 months minimum
39. Port Labor Regulations
– Stevedores must complete JISHA safety certification
– Minimum crew-to-porter ratio 1:3 for breakbulk operations
– Work stoppage during lightning within 5 nautical miles
– Mandatory rest periods enforced by port supervisors
40. Navigation Aid Maintenance
– Buoy positions verified monthly by hydrographic survey
– Light characteristics conform to IALA Region A standards
– Fog signal testing conducted weekly
– AtoN outages reported immediately to JCG District 7
41. Port Clearance Procedures
– Customs clearance available 0600-2200 daily
– Immigration processing within 2 hours of documentation submission
– Phytosanitary inspections for agricultural products
– Outward clearance certificates issued electronically
42. Special Area Regulations
– Ballast water exchange prohibited within 12nm radius
– Sewage discharge ban for all passenger vessels
– Special protection zones for coral habitats marked on charts
– Seasonal fishing restrictions near port entrance
43. Vessel Sanitation Requirements
– Mandatory deratting certificates for vessels from high-risk areas
– Food handling areas subject to JQIS (Japan Quarantine Inspection Service) checks
– Potable water testing every 6 months for resident vessels
– Vector control measures required during mosquito season (May-October)
44. Port Fire Safety Standards
– Fire main pressure minimum 7 bar at all hydrants
– Quarterly fire drill participation mandatory for port workers
– Foam suppression systems tested biannually at liquid berths
– Emergency water curtain activation for LNG operations
45. Heavy Weather Contingencies
– Typhoon mooring patterns required when warnings issued
– Vessel evacuation procedures for winds exceeding 40 knots
– Emergency anchorage areas designated for storm conditions
– Port closure protocol activated at Beaufort Scale 9
46. Port Entry Restrictions
– Vessels with unresolved PSC deficiencies barred entry
– Minimum insurance coverage: ¥500 million liability
– War risk vessels require special clearance
– Vessels over 25 years old subject to additional inspections
47. Cargo Securing Standards
– IMO CSS Code compliance verified before departure
– Lashing materials must show current certification marks
– Special securing plans for rolling stock and project cargo
– Pre-loading inspections for bulk cargo hold cleanliness
48. Port Communication Infrastructure
– Redundant VHF system with backup power supply
– Automated NAVTEX broadcasts for navigational warnings
– Satellite phone hotline for emergency communications
– Digital notice board for real-time operational updates
49. Vessel Dimension Limits
– Maximum LOA: 280m (300m with special permission)
– Beam restriction: 45m at inner berths
– Air draft clearance: 42m at mean high water spring
– Draft limitations posted daily at port entrance
50. Port Pollution Response
– Tier 2 oil spill equipment maintained on-site
– Certified response teams available within 30 minutes
– Pollution fines calculated per Japan Environmental Code
– Mandatory incident reporting within 1 hour of occurrence
51. Port Tariff Structure
– Berth fees calculated per GT with 15% discount for eco-ships
– Fresh water supply: ¥2,500/ton (minimum 50-ton order)
– Garbage disposal fees waived for segregated recyclables
– Pilotage fees based on vessel LOA and draft
52. Vessel Inspection Protocols
– Random safety inspections for 5% of visiting vessels
– Special focus on life-saving appliances and fire systems
– Electronic inspection reports available within 4 hours
– Appeals process through Maritime Bureau within 7 days
53. Port Access Control
– Biometric verification for all port personnel
– Vehicle tracking system for terminal movements
– Restricted areas marked with infrared surveillance
– Visitor escorts required beyond public zones
54. Dangerous Weather Procedures
– Tsunami warning triggers immediate vessel evacuation
– Typhoon preparedness drills conducted quarterly
– Ice accumulation monitoring from December-February
– Special mooring arrangements for squall conditions
55. Port Lighting Standards
– LED lighting mandatory for all operational areas
– Minimum 200 lux maintained at cargo handling zones
– Emergency lighting with 8-hour battery backup
– Navigational lighting conforms to IALA standards
56. Vessel Waste Reporting
– Electronic waste manifests submitted pre-departure
– Oil record book inspections during PSC exams
– Plastic discharge absolutely prohibited
– Special handling for battery and e-waste disposal
57. Port Emergency Contacts
– 24/7 Port Control: +81-83-XXX-XXXX (VHF Ch.16)
– Medical Emergency: Dial 119 (Japanese/English)
– Pollution Hotline: +81-83-XXX-XXXX (toll-free)
– Security Breach: Immediate VHF Ch.13 alert
58. Special Cargo Handling
– Oversized cargo movements require police escort
– Radioactive materials limited to Wednesday operations
– Livestock quarantine holding area available
– Artwork/valuables require armed security
