1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1 General Provisions
– Rason Port operates under the DPRK Ministry of Land and Maritime Transport and the Rason Special Economic Zone Authority.
– Compliance required with:
– DPRK Maritime Law (2018 Revision)
– Rason SEZ Port Management Decree No. 15 (2020)
– IMO conventions ratified by DPRK (SOLAS, MARPOL, COLREG, STCW, BWM Convention)
– Port jurisdiction includes:
– 3 designated anchorages (Anchorage A: 42°16’N 130°20’E, Anchorage B: 42°14’N 130°19’E, Anchorage C: 42°17’N 130°22’E)
– 12 operational berths with depths ranging from 8m to 15m
– Restricted military zones clearly marked with yellow buoys
– Prohibited activities:
– Unauthorized photography or video recording
– Drone operations without prior approval
– Seabed surveys without special permit
– Discharge of any waste within 12nm of port
1.2 Navigation Rules
– Pilotage requirements:
– Compulsory for all vessels >500 GT
– Optional for vessels 100-500 GT (strongly recommended)
– Pilot boarding area at 42°15’N 130°18’E
– Pilot transfer must comply with SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 23
– Speed limits:
– 6 knots within inner harbor (within breakwaters)
– 8 knots in approach channels
– 10 knots in outer harbor area
– Communication protocols:
– Continuous monitoring on VHF Ch 16 (distress) and Ch 12 (port operations)
– Mandatory AIS transmission within 20nm of port
– Daily position reports to Port Control at 0800 and 2000 local time
– Restricted zones:
– Military areas marked by yellow buoys (entrance strictly prohibited)
– No-anchoring zones near submarine cables (marked on port charts)
– Night navigation banned for vessels without DPRK-approved navigation lights
– Special permission required for vessels carrying hazardous materials
1.3 Port Entry/Exit Procedures
– Pre-arrival documentation (submitted via authorized agent 72h prior):
– IMO FAL Forms 1-6 (complete set)
– Crew/passenger manifests with notarized passport copies
– DPRK-specific health declaration (including vaccination records)
– Cargo manifest with HS codes for all items
– Last 10 port call records
– Quarantine inspection:
– Medical waste disposal certificates required
– Rat guards mandatory during mooring (inspected by port health officer)
– Crew medical examination for vessels from plague-infected areas
– Security measures:
– Armed guards require DPRK Ministry of Public Security approval (minimum 30-day processing)
– 500m exclusion zone around naval vessels
– Mandatory gangway watch 24/7
– All visitors must have port-issued passes
2. Compliance Requirements
2.1 Ship Documentation
– Certificates:
– Valid Class Certificate (must list Rason Port as approved calling port)
– DPRK-specific insurance certificate (minimum $1M liability coverage)
– International Tonnage Certificate (1969)
– Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR)
– Navigation equipment:
– ECDIS with updated Rason ENC charts (last updated 2022, edition 3.2)
– Functional LRIT system for vessels >300 GT
– Two independent radar systems (X-band and S-band)
– Crew requirements:
– STCW certificates with DPRK embassy attestation for certain nationalities
– Minimum bridge team of 3 officers during port transit
– All crew must have valid medical certificates
– Language requirements: At least one officer fluent in English or Korean
2.2 Safety Equipment
– Life-saving appliances:
– Immersion suits for all crew (water temperature <10°C for 6 months/year)
– Mandatory monthly abandon-ship drills logged
– Lifeboats must be fully operational (tested weekly)
– EPIRBs must be registered with DPRK maritime authorities
– Fire safety:
– CO2 system certification valid within last 12 months
– Hot work permits required for all welding
– Fire patrols every 2 hours in port
– Smoking only in designated areas
– Additional requirements:
– Gas detectors for bulk carriers (calibrated within last 6 months)
– Anti-rat plates on all mooring lines
– Deck lighting sufficient for night operations
– Emergency towing arrangements at bow and stern
2.3 Environmental Compliance
– Discharge prohibitions:
– Zero sewage discharge within 12nm (MARPOL Annex IV)
– No incineration of plastics in port
– Prohibition on use of heavy fuel oil with sulfur content >0.5%
– No ballast water exchange within port limits
– Recordkeeping:
– Oil Record Book Part I (engine room operations)
– Garbage Record Book with DPRK-language entries
– Ballast Water Management records per BWM Convention
– Bunker delivery notes with sulfur content verification
– Special measures:
– Coal cargoes require full tarpaulin coverage
– Dust suppression during bulk loading operations
– Dedicated containment areas for hazardous cargoes
– Mandatory pre-departure deck washdown for vessels carrying bulk materials
3. Enforcement Measures
3.1 Inspection Regime
– Port State Control:
– 100% inspection rate for vessels >15 years old
– Focus on structural integrity and fire systems
– Special attention to lifeboat launch systems
– Verification of crew certificates and working hours
– Cargo inspections:
– X-ray scanning for containerized goods
– Manual verification of 10% breakbulk cargo
– Temperature checks for refrigerated containers
– Seal verification for hazardous materials
– Penalties:
– $5,000/day detention fee for deficiencies
– Cargo confiscation for undeclared hazardous materials
– Suspension of port privileges for repeat offenders
– Criminal charges for deliberate violations
3.2 Legal Consequences
– Criminal offenses:
– Smuggling: Up to 10 years imprisonment
– Illegal bunkering: Vessel seizure
– Pollution violations: Up to $200,000 fine
– False declarations: Blacklisting from DPRK ports
– Administrative fines:
– $10,000 for false declarations
– $50,000 for pollution incidents
– $2,000 per undocumented crew member
– $1,000 per hour for delayed departure after clearance
4. Emergency Procedures
4.1 Distress Response
– Emergency contacts:
– Port Control: VHF Ch 16/12
– Designated MERSAR coordination center
– Medical emergency: Channel 14 (English/Korean)
– Fire emergency: Channel 8 (English/Korean)
– Medical evacuation:
– Quarantine hospital onsite (capacity: 20 patients)
– Helicopter medevac requires 4h notice
– Designated emergency berth (Berth 12) for medical cases
– Port maintains stock of common antidotes and vaccines
4.2 Pollution Response
– Tiered response:
– Tier I: Ship’s resources (mandatory 200m containment boom)
– Tier II: Port’s oil spill vessel (capacity 50 tons)
– Tier III: Regional resources (requires DPRK government approval)
– Reporting timeline:
– Immediate for >1 ton spill
– 1h for sheen sightings
– 30 minutes for chemical leaks
– Continuous updates required until incident resolved
5. Operational Restrictions
5.1 Cargo Operations
– Banned substances:
– Radioactive materials (IAEA Category I)
– UN Class 1 explosives without escort
– Certain agricultural products without phytosanitary certificates
– Waste materials for disposal or recycling
– Special handling:
– Logs: 100% bark removal requirement
– Grain: Phostoxin fumigation certificates
– Chemicals: Pre-stowage plan approval required
– Project cargo: Special permit for oversized items
5.2 Crew Management
– Shore leave:
– Curfew: 2200-0600
– Restricted to designated zone (2km radius from berth)
– Mandatory port escorts for groups >5 crew
– No alcohol consumption during shore leave
– Labor rules:
– No crew changes without port approval
– Minimum 2 officers aboard at all times
– Maximum 12-hour work shifts
– Mandatory rest periods between shifts
6. Port Services
6.1 Technical Services
– Bunkering:
– IFO 380 available (48h notice)
– MGO available (72h notice)
– No LNG provisions
– Bunker sampling by port authorities mandatory
– Repairs:
– Hull welding by DPRK-classified welders only
– No radar/radio repairs onsite
– Limited engine part replacements available
– No dry docking facilities
7. Legal References
– DPRK Legislation:
– Maritime Safety Act (Article 17-24 for port rules)
– Rason SEZ Regulation No. 89 (customs procedures)
– Environmental Protection Law (2016 Amendment)
– Port State Control Decree (2021)
– International:
– IMO Resolution MSC.460(101)
– BIMCO Sanctions Clause for charter parties
– International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage
– Hong Kong International Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships
8. Verification & Compliance Certification
– Accepted classification societies:
– Korean Register (KR)
– Russia Maritime Register (RS)
– China Classification Society (CCS)
– Port-specific certifications:
– Rason Port Safety Compliance Certificate (annual renewal)
– DPRK Customs Seal of Approval (for frequent operators)
– Environmental Compliance Badge (for vessels with clean record)
– Security Partnership Certificate (for regular callers)
9. Additional Operational Notes
– Weather restrictions:
– Operations suspended when winds exceed Beaufort 7
– Special measures for winter operations (November-March)
– Local agents:
– Mandatory use of approved port agents
– All communications must go through designated agents
– Currency regulations:
– All fees payable in USD or EUR
– Strict documentation of all financial transactions
– No cash payments exceeding $10,000 permitted
10. Port Infrastructure Details
10.1 Berth Specifications
– Main Commercial Berths:
– Berth 1-4: 200m length, 12m depth (Container/General Cargo)
– Berth 5-8: 180m length, 10m depth (Bulk Carriers)
– Berth 9-12: 150m length, 8m depth (Coastal Vessels)
– Specialized Facilities:
– Oil Terminal: 2 dedicated berths (15m depth)
– Grain Terminal: 1 berth with 500t/hr unloading capacity
– Ro-Ro Ramp: 12m width, 50t capacity
10.2 Navigational Aids
– Lighting:
– Main channel: Iso G 4s 15M
– Breakwater: Fl R 3s 10M
– Berthing lights: Fixed red at all berths
– Buoyage System:
– IALA Region A (red to port)
– 12 channel markers with radar reflectors
– 4 safe water marks at harbor entrance
11. Customs and Immigration
11.1 Clearance Procedures
– Documentation:
– Ship’s Register (original + 2 copies)
– Last Port Clearance Certificate
– Crew Effects Declaration
– Ship’s Stores Declaration
– Processing Times:
– Standard clearance: 4-6 hours
– Express clearance (additional fee): 2 hours
– Delays expected for first-time visitors
11.2 Crew Documentation
– Required:
– Seafarer’s Identity Document
– CDC with DPRK visa (certain nationalities)
– Port Entry Visa (issued onboard)
– Restrictions:
– No crew changes without prior approval
– Medical cases require special permission
12. Security Measures
12.1 ISPS Compliance
– Security Levels:
– Level 1: Standard precautions
– Level 2: Additional patrols + access control
– Level 3: Full lockdown + armed guards
– Ship Requirements:
– Valid ISSC Certificate
– SSR updated for Rason Port
– Pre-arrival security declaration
12.2 Restricted Areas
– Absolute Prohibition:
– Within 200m of naval facilities
– Photography of port infrastructure
– UAV operations of any kind
– Controlled Access:
– Port administration buildings
– Cargo storage areas
– Bunker stations
13. Meteorological Services
– Weather Reporting:
– 3 hourly updates broadcast on VHF 16
– Gale warnings issued when winds >34kt expected
– Winter ice reports (December-March)
– Tidal Information:
– Mean range: 1.8m
– Highest astronomical tide: 2.4m
– Lowest astronomical tide: 0.6m
14. Sanitary and Health Measures
– Medical Facilities:
– Port clinic with 24/7 basic care
– Quarantine isolation rooms (3 units)
– Emergency dental services
– Public Health:
– Mandatory rat prevention measures
– Weekly pest control inspections
– Food safety checks on provisions
15. Port Charges and Fees
– Standard Charges:
– Port dues: $0.25/GT
– Pilotage: $500 (basic fee) + $50/mile
– Berth hire: $1000/day (first 100m) + $10/m thereafter
– Additional Fees:
– Garbage disposal: $50/ton
– Sewage reception: $100/discharge
– Overtime services: 150% standard rate
16. Local Service Providers
– Approved Contractors:
– 3 licensed ship chandlers
– 2 bunker suppliers
– 1 waste disposal company
– Restrictions:
– All services must be arranged through port agent
– Cash payments prohibited for services >$500
17. Special Circumstances
– Winter Operations:
– Icebreaker assistance available (48h notice)
– Special mooring requirements November-March
– Reduced cargo operations during heavy snow
– Political Considerations:
– Additional scrutiny for certain flag states
– Sanctions compliance verification
– Special cargo inspection regimes
18. Contact Protocols
– Communication Channels:
– All official communications through port agent
– Emergency only direct contact permitted
– Language Requirements:
– Primary working language: Korean
– English accepted for safety communications
– Russian/Chinese translators available
19. Dangerous Goods Handling
19.1 Classification and Documentation
– IMDG Code classification mandatory for all hazardous materials
– Special Declaration Form DPRK-HAZ-01 required 96 hours prior to arrival
– Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in Korean or English for all chemicals
19.2 Storage and Segregation
– Class 1 (Explosives): Dedicated storage bunker 2km from main port area
– Class 3 (Flammable Liquids): Approved tanks only, no vessel storage >72 hours
– Class 8 (Corrosives): Double containment required
20. Port Entry Restrictions
20.1 Vessel Age Limitations
– General cargo vessels >25 years require special inspection
– Tankers >20 years prohibited from carrying persistent oils
– Passenger vessels >30 years not permitted
20.2 Flag State Restrictions
– Enhanced inspection regime for vessels from certain flag states
– Additional insurance requirements for flags on Paris MOU blacklist
21. Waste Management
21.1 Reception Facilities
– Oily waste: 500m³ daily capacity
– Sewage: 200m³ holding tanks
– Garbage: 20-ton incinerator available
– Special waste (chemicals): Limited storage, prior notice required
21.2 Disposal Procedures
– Oily bilge water: $120/m³ disposal fee
– Food waste: Must be ground to <25mm particles
– Plastics: Absolute prohibition on disposal at sea
22. Bunkering Operations
– Quality Control:
– Mandatory sampling with port representative present
– Sulfur content verification for each delivery
– Safety Requirements:
– Double hose connections required
– Fire patrol every 30 minutes during operations
– No bunkering during cargo operations without special permission
23. Emergency Contacts
– Port Authority: Through designated agent only
– Coast Guard: VHF Channel 16 emergency calls
– Medical Emergency: Port clinic via agent
– Pollution Emergency: Immediate notification via VHF 16/12
24. Recent Regulatory Updates
– 2023 Amendments:
– Mandatory electronic pre-arrival notifications
– Increased fines for environmental violations
– New crew vaccination requirements
– Planned 2024 Changes:
– AIS tracking requirements extended to 50nm
– Additional ballast water reporting
25. Port Development Plans
– New deep-water terminal (18m depth) under construction (2025 completion)
– Expansion of container handling capacity to 500,000 TEU annually
– Installation of new shore power facilities to reduce emissions
26. Special Notes for Masters
– Personal responsibility for compliance with all DPRK regulations
– Mandatory attendance at port safety briefing upon arrival
– Strict prohibition on political discussions or materials
– Religious materials subject to customs inspection
27. Dispute Resolution
– All disputes handled through DPRK Maritime Arbitration Committee
– Foreign legal representation not permitted
– Cash bond required to contest fines
28. Cybersecurity Requirements
– Mandatory reporting of any IT system breaches
– Prohibition on unauthorized data transfers
– Restricted use of personal electronic devices in port areas
29. Crew Welfare Facilities
– Designated crew recreation center (port gate 3)
– Limited shopping facilities (currency exchange available)
– Internet access at approved cybercafé only
