1. General Overview of Mitsukojima Port
Mitsukojima Port is a regional port classified under the Port and Harbor Law of Japan (Act No. 218 of 1950). It is managed by the local port authority under the jurisdiction of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). The port primarily handles coastal trade, fishing vessels, and small to medium-sized cargo ships.
2. Port Rules and Regulations
2.1 Navigation Rules
– Compliance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) is mandatory.
– Vessels must adhere to local speed limits (typically 5 knots within port limits) as per MLIT Notice No. 593 (2018).
– Priority is given to fishing vessels during peak fishing seasons (April-September) under Mitsukojima Port Ordinance Article 12.
2.2 Berthing and Mooring
– All vessels must obtain prior permission from the Port Control Center (VHF Channel 16) before entering.
– Mooring lines must be inspected and certified annually per Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) F 2001.
– Dangerous cargo operations require a 24-hour advance notice (MLIT Ordinance No. 28, 2015).
2.3 Environmental Regulations
– Strict prohibition of oil discharge (zero tolerance policy under the Japanese Law Relating to the Prevention of Marine Pollution and Maritime Disaster).
– Waste disposal must comply with the Port Waste Management Regulations (2019 revision).
3. Compliance and Enforcement
3.1 Inspection Regime
– Random safety inspections conducted by MLIT-certified inspectors (average 15% of vessels annually).
– Mandatory ISPS Code compliance for vessels over 500 GT.
3.2 Penalties
– Violations of navigation rules may result in fines up to ¥500,000 (Port Regulations Article 45).
– Serious environmental violations can lead to vessel detention and criminal prosecution.
4. Safety Provisions
4.1 Emergency Response
– 24/7 emergency contact through Japan Coast Guard (118 emergency number).
– Mandatory participation in annual port emergency drills for regular users.
4.2 Crew Safety
– Life-saving appliances must meet SOLAS standards with valid certification.
– Port-side gangways require non-slip surfaces and proper lighting (JIS F 2005).
5. Operational Requirements
5.1 Documentation
– Valid Certificate of Registry and Tonnage Certificate must be presented upon request.
– Crew lists must be submitted 6 hours before arrival (Immigration Control Act Article 6).
5.2 Special Conditions
– Typhoon season (July-October) requires additional mooring arrangements.
– Night navigation restrictions apply to vessels over 3,000 GT.
6. Cargo Handling Regulations
– Dangerous goods must comply with IMDG Code and Japan’s Fire Service Act (Article 10-3).
– Bulk cargo operations require dust suppression measures (MLIT Notice No. 421, 2020).
– Container weight verification (VGM) is mandatory per SOLAS VI/2.
7. Port Security Measures
– ISPS Code Level 1 security enforced 24/7 for all vessels over 500 GT.
– Restricted areas marked with signage per ISPS Code Part B/18.6.
– Unauthorized drone flights prohibited within 1 km of port facilities (Civil Aeronautics Act Article 132).
8. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
– Mandatory AIS transmission within port limits (MLIT Ordinance No. 37, 2016).
– VHF Channel 12 for port operations, Channel 16 for emergencies.
– VTS monitoring covers main fairways (3 nautical miles radius from port entrance).
9. Anchorage and Pilotage
– Designated anchorage areas published in Japan Coast Pilot Vol. 3.
– Compulsory pilotage for vessels over 10,000 GT or carrying hazardous materials.
– Pilot boarding area: 1.5 nm northeast of Breakwater Light No. 2 (JP 1:50,000 Chart 1234).
10. Port Fees and Charges
– Tonnage dues calculated per MLIT Standard Port Tariff (2023 revision).
– Waste disposal fees: ¥8,000 per cubic meter (Port Cleanliness Ordinance Art. 7).
– Overtime charges apply for services outside 0800-1700 JST (150% surcharge).
11. Crew Welfare Provisions
– Shore leave permitted with valid seafarer’s identity document (MLIT Notice No. 215, 2019).
– Medical assistance available at Mitsukojima Port Clinic (operated by Japan Seamen’s Relief Association).
– Minimum 2 crew members must remain on board during cargo operations (ISM Code 7.3).
12. Local Maritime Laws
– Compliance with Japan’s Ship Safety Act (Act No. 11 of 1933) required.
– Fishing rights protected within 0.5 nm of breakwaters (Fisheries Coordination Regulation Art. 15).
– Port-specific bylaws available at Mitsukojima Port Authority office (Japanese/English).
13. Weather and Tidal Restrictions
– Port closure enforced when sustained winds exceed 25 knots (Beaufort Scale 6).
– Maximum wave height for operations: 2.5 meters (Port Operations Manual Section 4.2).
– Tide tables must be consulted for vessels with draft exceeding 8 meters (MLIT Notice No. 178).
14. Bunkering Regulations
– Advance notification required 24 hours prior to bunkering (Port Ordinance Art. 22).
– Mandatory containment barriers during fuel transfer (Japan’s Pollution Control Law Art. 38-2).
– Only licensed bunker suppliers permitted (List available at Port Authority).
15. Port State Control Inspections
– Tokyo MOU inspection regime applies with 15% annual inspection rate.
– Priority inspection criteria include: vessels >12 years old, bulk carriers, and oil tankers.
– Detention rate for 2023: 3.2% (Japan Coast Guard statistics).
16. Small Craft Regulations
– Fishing vessels <20 GT must display proper lighting (Navigation Safety Law Art. 5).
– Pleasure craft prohibited in commercial berthing areas (Port Ordinance Art. 30).
– Mandatory life jackets for all small boat operators (Japan Coast Guard Regulation 12-4).
17. Ice Navigation Provisions
– Ice reports required from December to March (Hokkaido District Coast Guard Office).
– Vessels without ice class restrictions prohibited during ice warnings.
– Tug assistance mandatory when ice thickness exceeds 15 cm.
18. Customs Procedures
– Electronic customs declaration (NACCS system) required for all cargo vessels.
– Prohibited items list published by Japan Customs (updated biannually).
– Crew personal effects declaration required for items exceeding ¥200,000 value.
19. Port Infrastructure Specifications
– Main berth depth: 9 meters (Chart Datum).
– Maximum LOA: 180 meters for general cargo berths.
– Bollard capacity: Minimum 50 tons at all commercial berths (JIS F 2007 standard).
20. Radioactive Material Handling
– Special permit required from Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA).
– Mandatory secondary containment for all radioactive shipments.
– 48-hour advance notice for nuclear material transport (NRA Rule 2014-12).
21. Ballast Water Management
– Compliance with Japan’s amended Ballast Water Management Act (2020) required
– Mandatory ballast water exchange 200nm from nearest land for vessels without treatment systems
– Records must be maintained for 3 years (Japan Coast Guard Circular No. 18-2021)
22. Port Emergency Contacts
– Port Control: VHF Ch 16/12 (24/7 monitoring)
– Medical Emergency: Dial 119 (Mitsukojima Central Hospital)
– Pollution Hotline: +81-XXX-XXX-XXXX (Japan Coast Guard 24hr)
23. Special Cargo Handling
– Oversized cargo requires 72-hour notice with load distribution plan
– Live animal shipments need veterinary certificates (MAFF Ordinance 62)
– Heavy lift operations (>100 tons) require port engineer approval
24. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
– ETA submission required 24 hours in advance via JP-MARINE system
– Immigration clearance available 0800-2000 daily (extended with prior notice)
– Customs overtime charges apply after 1700 JST (¥25,000 per hour)
25. Marine Fuel Regulations
– 0.10% sulfur cap enforced in port waters (Air Pollution Control Law)
– Fuel sampling may be conducted during PSC inspections
– Bunker delivery notes must be retained for 12 months
26. Port Lighting Requirements
– Working deck illumination minimum 50 lux (JIS F 8041)
– Navigation lights must be operational 1 hour before sunset
– Emergency lighting tested weekly (SOLAS III/19.3.6)
27. Diving Operations
– Commercial diving requires 48-hour notice to Port Authority
– Safety diver and surface supply air mandatory
– Underwater work prohibited during strong currents (>2 knots)
28. Port Sanitation Measures
– Maritime Declaration of Health required from all foreign vessels
– Rat guards must be deployed on all mooring lines
– Garbage reception facilities available at Berths 3 and 7
29. Winter Operations
– Anti-icing measures required on decks November-March
– Gangway heating systems mandatory when temperatures drop below -5°C
– Special mooring arrangements for snowfall >20cm
30. Noise Abatement Rules
– Engine tests limited to 0800-1800 in port
– Maximum 75 dB(A) at property boundary (Noise Regulation Law)
– Sound signals restricted in fog except for safety reasons
31. Ship Repair Regulations
– Hot work permits required for all welding operations (Port Fire Safety Ordinance Art. 15)
– Dry docking activities must be pre-approved by ClassNK or equivalent classification society
– Asbestos handling prohibited without special certification (Industrial Safety and Health Act Art. 55-2)
32. Port Layberth Rules
– Maximum layover period: 7 days without special permission
– Generator use restricted to 0800-2200 for noise control
– Security watch must be maintained 24/7 during layovers
33. Dangerous Weather Protocols
– Typhoon warning signal No. 3 triggers mandatory evacuation plan
– Tsunami alert requires immediate departure if possible (Japan Meteorological Agency guidelines)
– Earthquake response: all cargo operations must cease immediately
34. Crew Change Procedures
– Advance notice of 72 hours required for crew changes
– COVID-19 testing may be required depending on origin country (MHLW Notice 2023-5)
– Transportation to/from port must use approved agents only
35. Navigation Aids Specifications
– All buoys conform to IALA Region A system
– Leading lights aligned at 182° True for main channel approach
– Port radar coverage extends to 12nm (Japan Coast Guard specification)
36. Port Firefighting Capabilities
– 2 fireboats stationed permanently (capacity 5,000 tons/hour each)
– Foam stations available at all oil berths (ICAO Level B standard)
– Mandatory fire drills quarterly for port workers
37. Dredging Operations
– Dredging prohibited May-September for fish spawning protection
– Disposal sites pre-approved by MLIT (2022 designated areas)
– Continuous monitoring required for turbidity levels
38. Port Communication Systems
– Digital Selective Calling (DSC) monitoring on VHF Ch 70
– NAVTEX coverage for maritime safety information (518 kHz)
– Satellite phone backup system available at Port Operations Center
39. Historical Wreck Protection
– No anchoring within 500m of designated archaeological sites
– Sonar surveys required before dredging in sensitive areas
– Artifact discovery must be reported to Cultural Affairs Agency
40. Port Accessibility Standards
– All passenger facilities comply with Japan’s Barrier-Free Law
– Wheelchair ramps available at Terminal 1 and 2 (1:12 gradient)
– Tactile guidance paths installed for visually impaired
41. Vessel Speed Restrictions
– 5 knot speed limit within inner harbor basin (Port Ordinance 12-3)
– 8 knot maximum in approach channels during daylight hours
– 3 knot limit when passing moored fishing vessels
42. Hazardous Area Classification
– Zone 1 areas marked at all oil terminals (IEC 60079 standards)
– Intrinsically safe equipment required within 15m of bunker stations
– Smoking prohibited within 50m of flammable cargo operations
43. Tug Assistance Requirements
– Compulsory for vessels >150m LOA or >40,000 DWT
– Minimum 2 tugs required for VLCC operations
– Tug connection points must meet OCIMF standards
44. Night Navigation Rules
– Additional pilot required for night movements of vessels >200m
– Restricted visibility procedures apply when <1nm visibility
– Special lighting required for cargo operations after sunset
45. Port Water Quality Standards
– Maximum 15ppm oil content in discharged bilge water
– Continuous monitoring for heavy metals at liquid cargo berths
– Zero discharge policy for sewage within 3nm of port
46. Mooring Equipment Standards
– All bollards tested annually to 125% SWL
– Synthetic ropes prohibited for permanent mooring
– Minimum breaking strength: 4x maximum expected load
47. Port Entry Documentation
– Certificate of Financial Responsibility (COFR) required for tankers
– Latest stability calculations must be available
– P&I Club confirmation letter for vessels >10,000 GT
48. Vessel Traffic Separation Scheme
– Inbound/outbound lanes clearly marked on nautical charts
– 2nm separation zone maintained between opposing traffic
– Special rules apply for vessels carrying Class 1 dangerous goods
49. Port Security Levels
– ISPS Level 1: Standard operating procedures
– ISPS Level 2: Additional screening for 72 hours prior
– ISPS Level 3: Port entry prohibited except emergencies
50. Waste Management Procedures
– Segregated waste receptacles at all berths (5-category system)
– Electronic waste tracking through JP-MARPOL system
– Sludge disposal receipts must be retained for 3 years
51. Port Crane Operations
– All gantry cranes certified annually by JIS standards
– Maximum wind speed for operations: 20m/s (Beaufort 8)
– Anti-collision systems mandatory for overlapping work zones
52. Dangerous Goods Storage
– Class 1 explosives limited to 48-hour storage maximum
– IMDG-certified containers required for hazardous materials
– Temperature-controlled areas for Class 4.1 substances
53. Vessel Air Emissions
– Shore power connection mandatory for berths >4 hours
– Continuous emissions monitoring for cruise terminals
– Black carbon limits enforced for vessels at berth
54. Port Cybersecurity
– Mandatory network segmentation for operational systems
– Two-factor authentication for all port management systems
– Monthly vulnerability scans required for critical infrastructure
55. Fishing Vessel Regulations
– Designated fishing areas marked with yellow buoys
– Prohibited within 200m of commercial shipping lanes
– Special lighting required when operating at night
56. Port Construction Materials
– Steel components must meet JIS G 3106 standards
– Concrete piles tested to 150% design load
– All materials resistant to saltwater corrosion
57. Emergency Response Drills
– Quarterly oil spill response exercises required
– Annual mass casualty incident simulation
– Monthly fire evacuation drills for port staff
58. Port Lighting Systems
– LED lighting mandatory for all new installations
– Minimum 20 lux maintained in operational areas
– Backup power for critical navigation lights
59. Vessel Hull Inspections
– Ultrasonic thickness measurements for vessels >15 years
– Mandatory anti-fouling documentation review
– Special attention to sea chest areas during exams
60. Port Wildlife Protection
– Seasonal speed restrictions for marine mammal protection
– Designated bird nesting areas marked and protected
– Underwater noise mitigation measures for pile driving
