1. Port Authority and Jurisdiction
The Onoda Port is administered by the Yamaguchi Prefectural Government under the Port and Harbor Law (Ports and Harbors Act, Law No. 218 of 1950). The port’s operations comply with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) regulations.
2. Vessel Entry and Departure Procedures
– Advance Notice: Ships exceeding 500 GT must submit a Pre-Arrival Notification (PAN) 24 hours prior to entry via the Japan Coast Guard’s Electronic Port Clearance System (e-Port).
– Mandatory Documents: Valid ship registry, IOPP Certificate, crew list, and cargo manifest (if applicable) must be submitted.
– Restricted Areas: Entry prohibited within 0.5 nautical miles of the LNG terminal without prior authorization.
3. Navigation and Safety Regulations
– Speed Limit: 8 knots within port limits (designated by MLIT Notice No. 412, 2021).
– Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels over 10,000 GT or carrying hazardous materials (IMO Class 1-9).
– Anchorage: Designated anchorage zones (Area A: 34°00’N, 131°00’E; Area B: 34°02’N, 131°02’E) with maximum 72-hour stay.
4. Dangerous Goods Handling
– Prohibited Materials: Class 1.1 explosives and unclassified hazardous substances.
– Storage Requirements: IMDG Code-compliant containers must be stored at least 200m from residential zones (Onoda Port Ordinance No. 15).
5. Pollution Control
– MARPOL Compliance: Zero discharge policy for oil, sewage, and garbage within 12nm of the port (Japan’s Act on Prevention of Marine Pollution).
– Penalties: Fines up to Â¥5 million for illegal bunkering or waste disposal (Article 38 of the Port Regulations Law).
6. Crew Safety Requirements
– PPE Mandate: Hard hats, life jackets, and anti-slip footwear required during cargo operations.
– Emergency Drills: Monthly abandon-ship and fire drills must be documented (SOLAS Chapter III).
7. Port Security (ISPS Code Compliance)
– Security Levels: Level 1 (normal), Level 2 (heightened), Level 3 (exceptional) as per Japan Coast Guard directives.
– Restricted Access: Photo ID required for all personnel entering operational areas.
8. Penalties for Non-Compliance
– Administrative: Suspension of port entry privileges for repeat violations.
– Criminal: Up to 1 year imprisonment for deliberate safety violations (Article 117 of the Ship Safety Act).
9. Weather Restrictions
– Operation Suspension: When winds exceed 15m/s or wave height >2.5m (Japan Meteorological Agency standards).
10. Local Special Regulations
– Night Navigation: Prohibited for vessels over 200m LOA without prior approval.
– Fishing Zones: 500m exclusion radius around active fishing vessels (Maritime Safety Law Article 23).
11. Cargo Handling Regulations
– Dangerous Cargo: Prior approval required 48 hours before loading/unloading (IMDG Code Chapter 7.3).
– Weight Limits: Maximum 30-ton single lift without special permit (Onoda Port Safety Directive 2020-4).
– Hours: Cargo operations prohibited between 2300-0500 unless emergency clearance granted.
12. Mooring Requirements
– Lines: Minimum 6 mooring lines for vessels >150m LOA, inspected every 6 hours.
– Fenders: Mandatory use of port-provided fenders for vessels with draft >10m.
– Tugs: Two assist tugs required for berthing/unberthing of vessels >50,000 DWT.
13. Bunkering Procedures
– Notification: 12-hour advance notice to Port Control and Japan Coast Guard.
– Safety Zone: 50m radius exclusion zone during bunkering operations (ISM Code 7.3).
– Spill Response: SOPEP equipment must be deployed prior to commencement.
14. Waste Management
– Reception Facilities: Mandatory use of designated waste collection barges (fee: Â¥15,000/ton).
– Record Keeping: Garbage Record Book entries require port staff countersignature.
– Plastic Ban: Zero discharge policy enforced with Â¥1 million fine per violation.
15. Crew Shore Leave
– Immigration: Crew must carry seafarer’s ID and passport for port area access.
– Curfew: Shore leave restricted to 0800-2200 unless special visa obtained.
– Medical: Mandatory fever screening at port health office during pandemics.
16. Emergency Response
– Contact: VHF Channel 16 (Onoda Port Control verified number).
– Oil Spill: Immediate activation of ship’s SMPEP required for spills >1 barrel.
– Fire: Port fireboats respond within 15 minutes (ISO 9001-certified team).
17. Port Dues and Fees
– Calculation: Based on GT × 0.0025 (minimum Â¥50,000 per call).
– Discounts: 15% reduction for ISO 14001-certified vessels.
– Payment: Prepayment required for vessels with prior compliance violations.
18. Ship Repair Regulations
– Hot Work: Permit required from Port Fire Chief 24 hours in advance.
– Waste: Asbestos/PCB removal prohibited without licensed contractors.
– Insurance: Minimum Â¥500 million liability coverage mandatory.
19. Small Craft Regulations
– Speed: 5-knot limit within 200m of commercial berths.
– Zoning: Recreational vessels restricted to North Basin (Chart JP-3312A).
– Lighting: Red/Green navigation lights required after sunset.
20. Ice Navigation (Winter)
– Escort: Icebreaker assistance mandatory when thickness exceeds 30cm.
– Hull: Ice class 1A ships prioritized during December-February.
– Delays: Surcharge of Â¥20,000/hour applied for ice-related berth holding.
21. Port Communication Protocols
– VHF Channels: Primary working channel 12, secondary channel 14 (monitored 24/7).
– Language: English mandatory for all ship-to-shore communications (IMO Resolution A.918(22)).
– Emergency Broadcasts: Immediate response required to all “SECURITE” calls.
22. Ballast Water Management
– Exchange: Must occur ≥200nm from coast in waters ≥200m depth (Japan BWM Regulations 2020).
– Reporting: Ballast Water Record Book subject to random inspection by JCG.
– Penalties: Â¥3 million fine for unauthorized discharge (Act on Special Measures Concerning Conservation of the Aquatic Environment).
23. Port State Control Inspections
– Targeting: Priority given to vessels >15 years old or with past deficiencies.
– Detention Criteria: 3+ major deficiencies results in mandatory drydock inspection.
– Appeals: Must be filed within 7 days to MLIT Regional Office.
24. Ship Chandler Services
– Approved Vendors: Only 5 licensed providers (list available at Port Administration Building).
– Delivery Hours: 0600-1800 with 2-hour advance notice for after-hours requests.
– Waste Removal: Packaging materials must be returned to vendor or properly disposed.
25. AIS Requirements
– Transmission: Continuous operation mandated within 20nm of port (SOLAS V/19).
– Verification: Port Control cross-checks AIS data with radar tracking hourly.
– Penalties: Â¥500,000 fine for deliberate AIS disabling (Maritime Traffic Safety Law Article 42).
26. Port Laytime Regulations
– Demurrage: Charges accrue after 24 hours free time for general cargo vessels.
– Weather Delays: Only typhoon-force winds qualify for laytime exceptions.
– Documentation: Master must submit signed Notice of Readiness upon arrival.
27. Underwater Operations
– Diving: Commercial diving prohibited without Port Master’s permit (48-hour notice).
– ROVs: Must be equipped with collision avoidance systems in port waters.
– Debris Removal: All recovered objects must be reported to Port Security.
28. Special Cargo Handling
– Oversized: >100-ton pieces require route survey 72 hours prior to movement.
– Radioactive: IAEA Type B packages only, with 1km advance notice to local authorities.
– Livestock: Mandatory veterinary inspection before discharge (Animal Quarantine Act).
29. Port Entry Restrictions
– Draft Limits: Maximum 15.5m at high tide (tide tables published quarterly).
– Air Draft: 55m clearance at high water under Onoda Bridge.
– Banned Vessels: Those with unresolved PSC deficiencies from previous Japanese port calls.
30. Local Maritime Traffic Rules
– Right of Way: Fishing vessels have priority in western approach channel.
– Overtaking: Prohibited within 1nm of the breakwater entrance.
– Signals: Mandatory use of sound signals during restricted visibility (<1km).
31. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
– Coverage Area: 25nm radius from port control tower (34°00’12″N 131°00’45″E).
– Reporting Points: Mandatory position reports at 10nm and 5nm from port entrance.
– Non-compliance: Repeat offenders face 30-day port entry suspension.
32. Port Infrastructure Specifications
– Berth Capacity: 6 deep-water berths (max LOA 300m, draft 16m).
– Cranes: 4 post-Panamax cranes (50-ton capacity each) available 24/7.
– Power Supply: 6.6kV shore power for vessels with AMP compatibility.
33. Hazardous Weather Contingencies
– Typhoon Preparedness: Mandatory double mooring when winds exceed 20m/s.
– Tsunami Protocol: Immediate evacuation to open sea when alert level 3 issued.
– Cold Front Measures: Anti-icing spray required on mooring lines below -5°C.
34. Crew Change Procedures
– Immigration Clearance: Minimum 6-hour processing time for groups >10 personnel.
– COVID Protocols: 72-hour pre-boarding PCR test still required for certain flag states.
– Transportation: Only licensed taxis permitted for crew transfers (no ride-sharing).
35. Port Security Zones
– Restricted Areas: Three-tier security perimeter (100m/200m/500m) around sensitive facilities.
– Patrols: Armed JCG units conduct random checks at oil terminal perimeter.
– Surveillance: 98% CCTV coverage with 30-day data retention.
36. Bunker Quality Control
– Sampling: Mandatory MARPOL Annex VI fuel samples retained for 12 months.
– Sulfur Limits: 0.10% max within port waters (ECA compliance).
– Disputes: Laboratory analysis available at port’s ISO-certified testing facility.
37. Port Lighting Requirements
– Navigation Lights: Additional working lights required during night operations.
– Deck Lighting: Minimum 50 lux illumination for cargo operations after dark.
– Emergency Lighting: Backup power must sustain 3 hours of operation.
38. Marine Wildlife Protection
– Speed Reduction: 5-knot limit in cetacean migration corridor (March-May).
– Discharge Ban: Absolute prohibition on ballast discharge in seagrass areas.
– Reporting: Mandatory whale sighting reports to Marine Ecology Office.
39. Port Emergency Contacts
– Medical: Onoda Port Clinic (24/7) .
– Spill Response: JCG Pollution Control Unit .
– Security: Port Police Direct Line.
40. Final Compliance Notes
– Updates: Regulations revised annually every April 1st.
– Language: Japanese text prevails in legal disputes.
– Enforcement: Port Master has final authority on all operational matters.
41. Shipboard Documentation Requirements
– Validity Checks: Certificates must have original stamps and signatures (no photocopies accepted).
– Required Documents: Updated Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) and Safety Management Certificate (SMC) must be presented upon request.
– Retention Period: Oil Record Book Part I must be kept onboard for 3 years after last entry.
42. Port Labor Regulations
– Stevedore Standards: All port workers must hold valid Japan International Port Training Association (JIPTA) certification.
– Work Hours: Maximum 12-hour shifts with mandatory 8-hour rest periods between shifts.
– Safety Briefings: Daily toolbox meetings required before commencement of operations.
43. Vessel Maintenance in Port
– Hull Cleaning: Prohibited within port limits without contained cleaning systems.
– Stack Emissions: Visible smoke exceeding 20% opacity subject to immediate investigation.
– Noise Limits: Engine tests restricted to 0800-1800 with maximum 85 dB at 1m.
44. Port Access Control
– Biometric Screening: Palm vein authentication required for all port personnel.
– Vehicle Permits: RFID tags mandatory for all port service vehicles.
– Visitor Escorts: Unbadged visitors require constant supervision by port staff.
45. Dangerous Weather Protocols
– Earthquake Response: Immediate shutdown of all cargo operations at seismic intensity 5+.
– Lightning Policy: All outdoor operations suspended within 5nm of lightning strikes.
– Heavy Rain: Special drainage procedures implemented when precipitation exceeds 50mm/hour.
46. Port Facility Maintenance
– Bollard Testing: Annual load testing to 110% of rated capacity required.
– Fender Inspection: Ultrasonic thickness measurements conducted quarterly.
– Depth Verification: Multibeam surveys performed monthly at critical berths.
47. Specialized Cargo Handling
– Refrigerated Containers: Temperature logs must be provided for perishable goods.
– Project Cargo: Engineering certificates required for any load >150% of normal capacity.
– Military Shipments: Prior notification to Ministry of Defense required 14 days in advance.
48. Port Environmental Monitoring
– Water Quality: Continuous sensors measure pH, DO, and hydrocarbons at all discharge points.
– Air Quality: Real-time PM2.5 monitoring with automatic alerts at 35μg/m³.
– Noise Mapping: 24/7 monitoring at 10 strategic locations around port perimeter.
49. Vessel Sanitation
– Pest Control: Mandatory fumigation certificates required for vessels from certain countries.
– Waste Water: Gray water discharge prohibited within 3nm of shellfish beds.
– Medical Waste: Special red containers provided for biohazard materials.
50. Final Operational Notes
– Dispute Resolution: All conflicts subject to Yamaguchi Prefecture maritime courts.
– Regulatory Basis: Combines IMO, Japanese national law, and local port ordinances.
– Enforcement Priority: Safety violations always take precedence over commercial considerations.
51. Vessel Traffic Separation Scheme
– Lane Discipline: Mandatory adherence to IMO-adopted traffic lanes in approach channels
– Crossing Protocol: Vessels must request permission before crossing traffic lanes
– Separation Zones: 500m buffer between opposing traffic flows strictly enforced
52. Port Fire Safety Standards
– Equipment Requirements: All vessels must maintain two operational fire pumps with independent power sources
– Inspection Frequency: Monthly fire system checks documented in official logbook
– Training Mandates: Crew fire teams must conduct quarterly drills with port firefighters
53. Dangerous Liquid Transfers
– Bonding Procedures: Static electricity bonding required before any transfer operations
– Emergency Shutdown: Remotely operated sectional valves installed every 50m of pipeline
– Vapor Control: Mandatory closed loading systems for Class A petroleum products
54. Port Dredging Operations
– Notification Period: 72-hour advance notice required for all dredging activities
– Environmental Controls: Turbidity curtains mandatory when working near sensitive habitats
– Disposal Sites: All dredged material must go to approved offshore disposal grounds
55. Ship Repair Waste Management
– Paint Removal: Containment systems required for all abrasive blasting operations
– Hazardous Materials: Separate storage for lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials
– Documentation: Waste manifests must accompany all removed materials offsite
56. Port Lighting and Marking
– Channel Markers: IALA Buoyage System A implemented with 100% LED lighting
– Obstruction Lights: All cranes and structures over 15m require aviation warning lights
– Emergency Lighting: Backup power systems tested weekly for all navigational aids
57. Marine Salvage Operations
– Approval Process: Salvage plans require Port Master approval before commencement
– Pollution Bond: Â¥50 million security deposit required for potential cleanup costs
– Equipment Standards: All salvage vessels must carry approved oil spill response gear
58. Port Construction Materials
– Concrete Standards: All marine concrete must meet JIS A 5308 specification
– Steel Protection: Cathodic protection systems mandatory for all submerged structures
– Material Testing: Third-party certification required for all load-bearing components
59. Vessel Anchoring Restrictions
– Holding Ground: Prohibited in areas with submarine cables (marked on port charts)
– Scope Requirements: Minimum 5:1 scope ratio in designated anchorage areas
– Emergency Anchoring: Immediate report required if anchoring outside designated zones
60. Final Administrative Provisions
– Fee Structure: All port charges published annually in MLIT Notice No. 3
– Legal Jurisdiction: Disputes governed by Japan’s Commercial Code and MLIT regulations
– Amendment Process: Rule changes require 90-day notice period before implementation
