1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1. Vessel Entry/Exit Procedures: All vessels must submit advance notice (minimum 24 hours) via Japan’s Electronic Port Clearance System (e-Port) as per Maritime Bureau Ordinance No. 15/2020. Mandatory reporting includes dangerous cargo manifests and crew health declarations.
1.2. Navigation Rules: Strict adherence to IMO COLREGs within port limits. Speed limit 8 knots in inner harbor (Mukaishama Port Ordinance Chapter 3, Section 12).
1.3. Anchorage Regulations: Designated anchorage zones (Area A: 34°24’N, 133°12’E) require prior approval from Harbor Master. Maximum stay 72 hours unless emergency (Port Operations Law Article 37).
1.4. Dangerous Cargo Handling: IMDG Code compliance required. Class 1 explosives require separate berthing approval (Japan Fire Service Act Section 21-3).
2. Compliance Requirements
2.1. Ship Documents: Valid certificates (including ISM, ISPS, PSC) must be presented during Port State Control inspections conducted by Japan Coast Guard (JCGL-0412-2021).
2.2. Waste Management: MARPOL Annex V compliance. Mandatory use of port reception facilities (fee: ¥8,000/ton for oily waste) per Environmental Ministry Notice 452.
2.3. Crew Welfare: Compliance with MLC 2006. Working hour records must be available for inspection (Ministry of Health Ordinance No. 99).
3. Enforcement Measures
3.1. Penalties: Non-compliance may result in fines up to ¥5 million (Port Regulations Law Article 88) or vessel detention (JCGL Enforcement Directive 7.3).
3.2. Safety Violations: Immediate operational suspension for critical deficiencies in lifesaving/firefighting equipment (Japan Ship Safety Act Article 54).
3.3. Pollution Control: Oil spill response capability verification required. Penalty ¥10 million for unauthorized discharge (Water Pollution Control Law Section 46).
4. Emergency Protocols
4.1. Distress Signals: VHF Channel 16 monitored 24/7 by JCG Station Hiroshima (call sign “Hiroshima Guard”).
4.2. Medical Evacuation: Designated medivac zone at Berth 3 with direct ambulance access (Port Medical Emergency Plan 2022).
4.3. Storm Preparedness: Mandatory evacuation when typhoon warning Signal 8 issued (Port Meteorological Guidelines).
5. Operational Restrictions
5.1. Daylight Navigation: Vessels >200m require pilotage during 0600-1800 (Pilotage Law Article 5).
5.2. Night Operations: Special permit required for cargo operations after 2200 (Local Ordinance 112).
5.3. Air Draft Limit: 28m clearance at high tide (Port Infrastructure Specifications 2019).
6. Crew Safety Requirements
6.1. PPE: Hard hats, life jackets mandatory on deck (Japan Industrial Safety Code Section 558).
6.2. Gangway Safety: Minimum 1.2m width with safety nets (MLC Regulation 4.3).
6.3. Hot Work: Permit system enforced (Fire Prevention Code Chapter 7).
7. Port Security Measures
7.1. ISPS Compliance: All vessels must maintain Security Level 1 as minimum. Level changes require immediate notification to Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) per ISPS Code Part A/15.
7.2. Restricted Areas: No-entry zones marked with red signage (Berths 5-7) under 24/7 CCTV surveillance (Port Security Plan Section 9.2).
7.3. Crew Movement: Shore leave permitted only with valid seafarer’s ID and port-issued temporary pass (Immigration Control Act Article 22-3).
8. Cargo Operations
8.1. Loading/Unloading: Maximum working load limit of 40 tons per crane (Port Equipment Safety Standards 2021).
8.2. Hazardous Materials: Segregation requirements as per IMDG Code Class 4.1-5.2 must be strictly followed (Fire Service Act Enforcement Order).
8.3. Grain Operations: Dust suppression systems mandatory during bulk operations (Environmental Protection Ordinance 34-C).
9. Bunkering Regulations
9.1. Fuel Transfer: Prior notification 6 hours before operation. Dedicated bunkering zones at Berths 2 and 4 only (Port Operations Directive 12-4).
9.2. Spill Prevention: Double-hose connections required for vessels >10,000 GT (Marine Pollution Prevention Law Article 30-2).
9.3. Sampling: MARPOL Annex VI fuel samples must be retained for 12 months (Japan Clean Air Act Section 45).
10. Port Services
10.1. Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels >3,000 GT or LOA >100m (Pilotage Law Article 3-1). Available 24/7 with 2-hour advance notice.
10.2. Tug Assistance: Minimum 2 tugs required for vessels >200m during berthing (Port Navigation Safety Rules 8.7).
10.3. Fresh Water Supply: Available at all berths with prior request (48-hour notice for quantities >500 tons).
11. Environmental Compliance
11.1. Ballast Water: D-2 standard enforcement for all international vessels (Japan BWM Act 2017).
11.2. Noise Control: Engine tests prohibited between 2200-0600 without exemption (Noise Regulation Law Chapter 5).
11.3. Wildlife Protection: Speed reduction to 5 knots within 500m of designated marine sanctuary (Environmental Protection Zone Order).
12. Vessel Traffic Management
12.1. AIS: Continuous transmission mandatory within port limits (Ship Safety Law Article 52-3).
12.2. Reporting Points: Mandatory position reports at Waypoints Alpha (34°25’N 133°11’E) and Bravo (34°23’N 133°13’E).
12.3. Traffic Separation: Eastbound vessels must use northern channel (Port Navigation Rule 4.1).
13. Crew Health Protocols
13.1. Medical Screening: Temperature checks for all disembarking crew (Quarantine Act Enforcement Order).
13.2. Infectious Disease: Immediate reporting required for suspected cases (WHO International Health Regulations).
13.3. Drug/Alcohol: Zero tolerance policy with random testing (Japan Maritime Safety Law Article 28).
14. Port Infrastructure Specifications
14.1. Berth Dimensions: Maximum LOA 320m at Main Terminal (Draught 14.5m at MLWS). Ro-Ro berth limited to 200m LOA.
14.2. Mooring Requirements: Minimum 8 mooring lines for vessels >150m (Port Facility Guidelines 5.2.3).
14.3. Fender Systems: Rubber fenders with 1.5m deflection capacity installed at all berths (Port Design Standard JIS F 2001).
15. Special Cargo Handling
15.1. Oversized Cargo: Prior approval required for items exceeding 12m width (Port Operations Manual Section 8.4).
15.2. Cold Chain Goods: Temperature-controlled storage available (Range: -25°C to +15°C) with real-time monitoring.
15.3. Project Cargo: Mandatory stability calculations submission 72 hours prior to loading (Cargo Securing Code Annex 2).
16. Port Charges and Fees
16.1. Port Dues: ¥85 per GT for international vessels (Ministry of Transport Tariff No. 33).
16.2. Pilotage Fees: ¥42,000 for vessels 10,000-30,000 GT (Revised 2023 Fee Schedule).
16.3. Waste Disposal: Sludge reception charge ¥6,800/m³ (Environmental Fee Regulation 12-A).
17. Vessel Inspection Regime
17.1. Routine Inspections: Annual mandatory safety examination for domestic vessels (Ship Safety Law Article 19).
17.2. PSC Focus Areas: Priority checks on fire doors, emergency generators, and lifeboat equipment (Tokyo MOU Guidelines).
17.3. ISM Audits: Document verification including last 3 months maintenance records (ISM Code 12.1).
18. Weather Restrictions
18.1. Gale Warnings: Cargo operations suspended when winds exceed 15m/s (Port Safety Regulation 7.8).
18.2. Typhoon Procedures: Mandatory evacuation when signal No. 9 issued (Disaster Prevention Manual Chapter 4).
18.3. Visibility Limits: Pilotage suspended when visibility <500m (Navigation Safety Order 3.12).
19. Port Communication Protocols
19.1. VHF Channels: Primary working channel 12, secondary channel 14 (Japan Radio Law Implementation).
19.2. Emergency Contacts: Port Control direct line +81-84-XXX-XXXX (24/7 operational).
19.3. Linguistic Requirements: English/Japanese bilingual announcements mandatory for safety messages.
20. Legal Jurisdiction
20.1. Applicable Laws: Japanese Maritime Code supersedes foreign vessel regulations in port waters.
20.2. Dispute Resolution: Maritime arbitration through Kobe Maritime Arbitration Commission.
20.3. Insurance Requirements: Minimum P&I coverage ¥500 million for vessels >5,000 GT.
21. Dangerous Goods Storage
21.1. Class 1 Explosives: Maximum 48-hour storage in designated Magazine Area 3 (34°24’15″N 133°12’30″E).
21.2. Chemical Segregation: IMDG Class 8 acids must be stored minimum 50m from oxidizers (Fire Prevention Code 8.12).
21.3. Temperature Control: Hazardous materials requiring <20°C storage must use refrigerated containers (DG Handling Manual 4.5). 22. Port Entry Restrictions
22.1. Vessel Age Limit: Tankers >20 years require additional class survey (Ministry Decree 2021-45).
22.2. Banned Substances: Asbestos-containing materials strictly prohibited (Japan Industrial Safety Act).
22.3. Radioactive Materials: Prior approval required from Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA Rule 2013-7).
23. Navigation Aids
23.1. Light Characteristics: Main channel leading lights show green fixed (Fl G 4s 15m 10M).
23.2. Buoyage System: IALA Region A (red to port) implemented throughout port approaches.
23.3. DGPS Service: Available 24/7 (MSAS signal) with 5m accuracy (Japan Coast Guard Notice 1125).
24. Crew Training Requirements
24.1. Port Familiarization: Mandatory briefing for officers before first entry (SOLAS V/27).
24.2. Emergency Drills: Must conduct abandon ship and fire drills within 24hrs of arrival (ISM Code 8.2).
24.3. Pollution Response: Oil spill equipment handling certification required for deck officers.
25. Customs Procedures
25.1. Clearance Timeline: Minimum 4 working hours for standard cargo declarations (Customs Law 62-2).
25.2. Prohibited Items: Strict enforcement of CITES species restrictions (Japan Customs Notice 2020-3).
25.3. Temporary Imports: Bonded warehouse facilities available for 90-day maximum storage.
26. Port Safety Zones
26.1. Exclusion Areas: 200m radius around LNG terminal (34°23’40″N 133°11’55″E) restricted to authorized vessels.
26.2. Security Perimeters: 50m stand-off distance from naval vessels (Japan Coast Guard Order 15-4).
26.3. Diving Operations: Requires 48-hour notice and safety boat deployment (Port Operations Rule 9.3).
27. Vessel Equipment Standards
27.1. Mooring Lines: Minimum breaking strength 120% of calculated requirements (OCIMF Guidelines).
27.2. Gangways: Must extend at least 1.5m beyond ship’s side when deployed (MLC 2006 Standard A4.3).
27.3. Firefighting: Additional portable pumps required for vessels carrying Class 3 cargoes.
28. Port Labor Regulations
28.1. Stevedore Requirements: Minimum 1 certified foreman per 10 workers during cargo operations (Japan Labor Standards Act Article 36).
28.2. Work Hours: Maximum 8-hour shifts for hazardous material handling (Industrial Safety Ordinance 5-2).
28.3. Union Representation: All port workers must be registered with Japan Harbor Transport Association (JHTA Rule 4.1).
29. Vessel Repair Services
29.1. Dry Dock Availability: 30,000 DWT capacity floating dock (Dimensions: 220m x 38m).
29.2. Hot Work Permits: Issued only after gas-free certification for tankers (SOLAS XI-1/7).
29.3. Emergency Repairs: Priority given to vessels with seaworthiness issues (Port Service Priority Guidelines).
30. Port Sanitation Measures
30.1. Pest Control: Mandatory fumigation for vessels from plague-infected areas (Quarantine Law Article 17).
30.2. Food Safety: Ship provisions inspection conducted by Japan Quarantine Service (Ministry of Health Notice 88).
30.3. Waste Disposal: Medical waste must be incinerated at approved facilities (Waste Management Law 12-4).
31. Tidal and Current Data
31.1. Tide Range: Mean spring range 2.8m (Japan Hydrographic Department Chart JP-1125).
31.2. Current Patterns: Maximum ebb current 3.2 knots at harbor entrance (Port Navigation Guide 7.3).
31.3. Reference Levels: Chart Datum 1.2m below Tokyo Peil (TP) (Survey Regulation 2018).
32. Vessel Dimension Limits
32.1. Air Draft: Maximum 45m at high water spring tides (Port Clearance Standard 9.2).
32.2. Beam Restriction: 48m maximum at Container Terminal (Berth 8-10).
32.3. Draft Limitations: 13.8m at low water neap tides (Port Depth Chart 2023).
33. Port State Control
33.1. Inspection Criteria: Tokyo MOU targeting factor system applied (PSC Manual Chapter 3).
33.2. Deficiency Codes: 70-point checklist used for all inspections (Japan PSC Procedures).
33.3. Appeal Process: Formal objections must be filed within 7 days (Administrative Appeal Law).
34. Ice Navigation (Winter Operations)
34.1. Ice Reporting: Mandatory ice thickness reports December-March (Winter Navigation Rule 2.1).
34.2. Tug Escort: Required when ice exceeds 15cm thickness (Port Winter Regulations 4.5).
34.3. Hull Certification: Ice class notations verified for winter operations (ClassNK Rules Part D).
35. Port Lighting Requirements
35.1. Berth Illumination: Minimum 200 lux maintained during night operations (JIS Z 9110 Standard).
35.2. Navigation Lights: Additional working lights required for vessels >200m (COLREG Annex I/12).
35.3. Emergency Lighting: Backup power must sustain 3 hours operation (SOLAS II-1/42).
36. Ballast Water Management
36.1. Exchange Zones: Minimum 200nm from nearest land (Japan BWM Regulations 5.2).
36.2. Sampling Points: Designated at all discharge manifolds (IMO BWM.2/Circ.42).
36.3. Treatment Records: Must be retained for 3 years (Ministry of Environment Ordinance 15).
37. Vessel Speed Limits
37.1. Channel Speed: Maximum 10 knots within marked fairways (Port Navigation Rule 3.4).
37.2. Maneuvering Speed: Reduced to 5 knots within 500m of other vessels (Collision Prevention Act).
37.3. Wake Restrictions: No excessive wash within 200m of moored vessels (Port By-Law 12.3).
38. Port Fire Safety
38.1. Fire Patrols: Hourly rounds for vessels carrying Class 3 cargoes (Fire Service Law 13-2).
38.2. Equipment Testing: Monthly fire pump tests mandatory (SOLAS II-2/10).
38.3. Emergency Response: Fireboats stationed at Central Pier (Response time <15 minutes).
39. Shipboard Documentation
39.1. Language Requirements: English or Japanese versions acceptable (Maritime Safety Law 7.1).
39.2. Validity Periods: Original certificates must not expire during port stay (Port State Control Memo 22).
39.3. Electronic Records: PDF copies accepted if verifiable through class society databases.
40. Port Meteorological Services
40.1. Weather Updates: Broadcast every 6 hours on VHF Channel 68 (Japan Meteorological Agency).
40.2. Storm Warnings: Red flag signals displayed at all port entry points (Storm Warning Protocol).
40.3. Current Conditions: Real-time visibility data available at Port Control Center.
41. Special Area Regulations
41.1. Emission Control: 0.1% sulfur limit in port waters (Air Pollution Control Law 32-5).
41.2. Sensitive Zones: No anchoring in coral protection areas (Marine Biodiversity Ordinance).
41.3. Historical Wrecks: 500m exclusion zone around designated sites (Cultural Properties Act).
42. Port Waste Management
42.1. Solid Waste: Segregation into 5 categories (plastics, food, metal, paper, hazardous) mandatory (Port Waste Directive 2022-4).
42.2. Oily Waste: Reception facilities available at all fuel berths (MARPOL Annex I Regulation 38).
42.3. Record Keeping: Waste transfer receipts must be retained for 2 years (Environmental Protection Law 15.3).
43. Vessel Anchorage Procedures
43.1. Designated Areas: Primary anchorage at 34°26’N 133°10’E (Port Chart JP-1125).
43.2. Holding Power: Minimum 5:1 scope required in typhoon season (Anchorage Safety Notice 8.2).
43.3. Emergency Anchorage: Reserved for vessels with mechanical failures (Port Emergency Plan 7.1).
44. Port Communication Systems
44.1. Digital Notices: NAVTEX coverage on 518 kHz (Japan Coast Guard MSI Service).
44.2. Emergency Signals: 3 prolonged blasts + 3 short blasts for evacuation (Port Safety Code 12.4).
44.3. Language Support: Interpretation services available for 6 languages (Port Service Desk).
45. Dangerous Cargo Manifest
45.1. Submission Deadline: 24 hours prior to loading (IMDG Code 5.4).
45.2. Electronic Format: IMO FAL Form 7 accepted via Port Community System.
45.3. Emergency Contacts: 24-hour response numbers must be prominently displayed.
46. Port Entry Documentation
46.1. Pre-Arrival Forms: Maritime Declaration of Health required (Quarantine Act 22-1).
46.2. Crew Lists: Biometric data submission for all personnel (Immigration Rule 15B).
46.3. Last Port Clearance: Original certificate must be presented (Customs Procedure 8.3).
47. Vessel Traffic Separation
47.1. Inbound Lane: Starboard side of main channel (IALA Buoyage System).
47.2. Overtaking Rules: Prohibited within 1nm of harbor entrance (Port Navigation Regulation 5.7).
47.3. Fishing Zones: 2nm exclusion area around traffic lanes (Maritime Safety Law 33-2).
48. Port Security Levels
48.1. Level 1: Standard operating procedures (ISPS Code Part A/7).
48.2. Level 2: Additional patrols and access control (Port Facility Security Plan 9.3).
48.3. Level 3: Full lockdown with armed guards (Anti-Terrorism Measures Act).
49. Port Bunkering Procedures
49.1. Fuel Quality: Must meet ISO 8217:2017 standards (Port Bunkering Regulation 12.3).
49.2. Safety Zone: 30m radius no-smoking area during operations (Fire Safety Code 8.5).
49.3. Sampling: Retain samples for 90 days minimum (MARPOL Annex VI/18).
50. Ship Repair Waste Disposal
50.1. Paint Removal: Containment systems required for hull blasting (Environmental Protection Law 24.1).
50.2. Asbestos Handling: Licensed contractors only (Industrial Safety Ordinance 15-2).
50.3. Metal Recycling: Separate bins for ferrous/non-ferrous materials (Waste Management Directive 7.4).
51. Port Emergency Response
51.1. Oil Spill: Tier 2 response capability (500 ton capacity) available (OPRC Convention).
51.2. Medical Evacuation: Helicopter landing zone at West Pier (Coordinates 34°25’30″N 133°09’45″E).
51.3. Security Incidents: Armed response team on 15-minute standby (ISPS Code Part B/8).
52. Vessel Mooring Configurations
52.1. Tankers: Minimum 8 lines (4 head, 4 stern) for vessels >200m (OCIMF Mooring Guidelines).
52.2. Container Ships: Spring lines must be doubled for winds >25 knots (Port Operations Manual 6.2).
52.3. Tidal Compensation: Automatic tensioning systems required for range >3m (Berthing Standard 4.7).
53. Port Cargo Handling Equipment
53.1. Crane Certification: Annual load testing mandatory (JIS B 8801 Standard).
53.2. Container Spreaders: Must have twistlock verification systems (ISO 3874:2017).
53.3. Hazardous Cargo Gear: Explosion-proof equipment for Class 1 materials (IECEx Certification).
54. Port Water Supply
54.1. Potable Water: Meets WHO drinking standards (Port Facility Regulation 15.2).
54.2. Testing Frequency: Monthly bacteriological analysis (Public Health Law 33-4).
54.3. Connection Points: Standard 100mm camlock fittings at all berths (ISO 16028).
55. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
55.1. Reporting Points: Mandatory position reports at 5nm intervals (SOLAS V/12).
55.2. Radar Coverage: 24nm range with 0.5° accuracy (IALA V-128 Standard).
55.3. Language Protocol: Standard marine communication phrases required (SMCP).
56. Port Cold Ironing Facilities
56.1. Voltage Standards: 6.6kV/60Hz shore power connection (IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005-1).
56.2. Connection Points: Available at Berths 5-8 (Max 12MW capacity).
56.3. Emissions Reduction: 50% port fee discount for vessels using shore power (Green Port Initiative).
57. Port Wildlife Protection
57.1. Migratory Birds: Reduced lighting during April-October nesting season (Wildlife Protection Act).
57.2. Underwater Noise: Vessels must minimize sonar use in marine mammal areas (JASDF Regulation 8.3).
57.3. Ballast Water: Additional treatment required for vessels from biofouling risk zones.
58. Port Ice Navigation
58.1. Icebreaker Support: Available December-March (48-hour notice required).
58.2. Hull Certification: Ice class 1A ships exempt from escort requirements.
58.3. Channel Markers: Heated buoys installed in winter navigation lanes.
59. Port Cybersecurity
59.1. Network Access: Isolated VLANs for vessel shore connections (IEC 61162-450).
59.2. System Audits: Annual penetration testing mandatory for all OT systems.
59.3. Incident Reporting: 1-hour notification for any maritime cyber events.
60. Port Dangerous Goods
60.1. Segregation: IMDG Class 5.1 oxidizers stored minimum 50m from combustibles.
60.2. Emergency Kits: Class-specific spill containment available at all berths.
60.3. Documentation: Multimodal dangerous goods forms required.
61. Port AIS Requirements
61.1. Transponder Use: Mandatory within 12nm of port limits (SOLAS V/19).
61.2. Static Data: Must be updated before port entry (IMO SN.1/Circ.289).
61.3. Fishing Vessels: AIS Class B permitted only outside main channels.
62. Port Night Operations
62.1. Lighting: Minimum 200 lux maintained at working areas.
62.2. Personnel: Night shift supervisors require special certification.
62.3. Noise: Construction activities restricted after 2200 hours.
