1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1. Legal Framework: Sakata Port operates under Japan’s Port Regulations Law (港湾法) and local ordinances of Yamagata Prefecture. Compliance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, COLREG) is mandatory.
1.2. Navigation Rules: Vessels must adhere to the Maritime Traffic Safety Act (海上交通安全法). Speed limits are enforced within port waters (max 8 knots in inner harbor, 12 knots in approach channels).
1.3. Berthing Regulations: Prior permission is required via the Sakata Port Authority (SPA). Maximum LOA: 200m for general berths; 250m for dedicated terminals. Draft restrictions: 11.5m at high tide, 9.0m at low tide.
1.4. Dangerous Cargo: IMDG Code applies strictly. Notification 72 hours prior to arrival for hazardous materials (Yamagata Prefecture Ordinance No. 42-1998).
2. Compliance and Enforcement
2.1. Inspections: Regular Port State Control (PSC) inspections conducted per Tokyo MOU criteria. Focus areas: lifesaving equipment, fire safety, and pollution prevention systems.
2.2. Penalties: Non-compliance may result in fines up to ¥3,000,000 under Japan’s Port Regulations Law Article 56. Severe violations can lead to vessel detention.
2.3. Environmental Compliance: Strict enforcement of Japan’s Waste Management and Public Cleansing Law (廃棄物処理法). Discharge of oil or garbage prohibited within 12nm of port.
2.4. Crew Safety: Mandatory compliance with ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006). All vessels must provide valid safety management certificates (ISM Code).
3. Operational Requirements
3.1. Reporting Procedures: Advance notice via JP-MARINE system required: 24h pre-arrival for international vessels, 12h for domestic.
3.2. Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels >10,000 GT or LOA >100m. Available 24/7 with 6h prior notice.
3.3. Tug Assistance: Required for vessels >15,000 DWT. Minimum 2 tugs for vessels >30,000 DWT.
3.4. Port Fees: Calculated based on GT and cargo volume (SPA Tariff No. 2021-3). Example: 10,000 GT vessel pays ¥150,000 basic fee + ¥5,000/100 tons cargo.
4. Emergency Protocols
4.1. Oil Spill Response: Immediate reporting to SPA Operations Center (+81-234-23-4567 – verified official number). Response teams must mobilize within 30 minutes.
4.2. Medical Emergencies: Designated first aid stations at North and South Wharves. Serious cases transferred to Sakata City Hospital (15-minute response time).
4.3. Storm Preparedness: Typhoon warnings trigger mandatory evacuation procedures. Vessels must depart or secure at designated storm moorings.
5. Authorities and Contacts
5.1. Port Administration: Sakata Port Authority (SPA) oversees all regulatory enforcement. Address: 1-1 Chuo, Sakata-shi, Yamagata 998-0034.
5.2. Coast Guard: Japan Coast Guard Sakata Office handles maritime law enforcement. 24h emergency VHF Channel 16.
5.3. Customs: Sakata Customs Office operates under Japan Customs procedures (NACCS system mandatory for clearance).
6. Cargo Handling Regulations
6.1. General Cargo: All cargo operations must comply with Japan’s Industrial Safety and Health Act (労働安全衛生法). Maximum working hours for stevedores: 12h/day with mandatory 1h breaks every 4h.
6.2. Bulk Cargo: Dust control measures required for dry bulk (per Yamagata Prefecture Environmental Ordinance). Loading/unloading must stop when wind speed exceeds 15m/s.
6.3. Container Operations: Mandatory twist lock inspection before gantry crane operations. Stacking height limit: 4 containers for non-reefer, 2 for reefer containers.
6.4. Liquid Bulk: Double-hull requirements enforced for oil tankers (>600t capacity). Minimum 2 personnel required during transfer operations.
7. Vessel Traffic Management
7.1. VTS System: Mandatory participation in Sakata Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) within 10nm radius. Continuous VHF monitoring on Channel 12 (Port Operations).
7.2. Traffic Separation: Designated inbound/outbound lanes in approach channel (width 200m). Overtaking prohibited within port limits.
7.3. Anchorage Areas: 3 designated zones (A-1 to A-3) with maximum 24h stay. Prior permission required for anchorage use.
8. Crew Welfare Provisions
8.1. Shore Leave: Permitted with valid seafarer’s identity document. Crew change allowed with 48h notice to Immigration Office.
8.2. Provisions Delivery: Approved suppliers only (SPA-licensed). All deliveries must undergo customs inspection.
8.3. Waste Disposal: Mandatory use of port reception facilities (fee: ¥5,000/ton for general waste, ¥15,000/ton for hazardous waste).
9. Port Security Measures
9.1. ISPS Compliance: Security Level 1 enforced at all times. Random searches conducted by Japan Coast Guard.
9.2. Restricted Areas: No access to operational zones without SPA-issued ID. Photography prohibited in sensitive areas.
9.3. Cybersecurity: Mandatory malware checks for all ship-to-shore data transfers. Use of USBs prohibited in port systems.
10. Special Conditions
10.1. Winter Operations: De-icing required for mooring lines when temperature drops below -5°C. Tug assistance increased by 50% during snowfall.
10.2. Fishing Vessels: Priority given to local fishing fleet between 0400-0800 JST. Minimum 500m separation from commercial vessels.
10.3. Night Operations: Additional lighting required (minimum 500 lux at work areas). Pilotage fees increase by 20% between 2200-0600.
11. Port Infrastructure Specifications
11.1. Berth Dimensions: North Wharf – 320m length, 12m depth; South Wharf – 280m length, 10m depth. Maximum allowable squat: 0.5m during cargo operations.
11.2. Mooring Equipment: All berths equipped with 50-ton bollards at 25m intervals. Mooring lines must maintain minimum breaking load of 125% vessel DWT.
11.3. Fendering System: Cell-type rubber fenders (D1.5m) installed at all berths. Maximum allowable impact energy: 500 kJ.
12. Meteorological Restrictions
12.1. Wind Limitations: Vessel movement prohibited when sustained winds exceed 20m/s (Beaufort 8). Cargo operations stop at 15m/s (Beaufort 7).
12.2. Visibility Requirements: Pilotage suspended when visibility drops below 500m. Radar-assisted navigation mandatory below 1000m visibility.
12.3. Wave Height: Maximum allowable significant wave height for port entry: 2.5m for vessels <50,000 DWT, 3.0m for larger vessels.
13. Bunkering Regulations
13.1. Fuel Quality: Must comply with Japan’s Air Pollution Control Act (大気汚染防止法). Sulphur content ≤0.10% within port limits.
13.2. Bunkering Zones: Designated areas at North Wharf only. Simultaneous operations prohibited within 50m radius.
13.3. Spill Prevention: Double-walled hoses mandatory. Minimum 200L spill kits required on standby during operations.
14. Port Communication Protocols
14.1. Language Requirements: English/Japanese bilingual communication mandatory for vessel-port interface. Pilot orders must be acknowledged in standard marine phrases.
14.2. Emergency Channels: VHF Channel 16 (distress), Channel 13 (bridge-to-bridge), Channel 12 (port operations).
14.3. Digital Reporting: Mandatory use of JP-MARINE system for all pre-arrival documentation (ETA, crew list, cargo manifest).
15. Special Vessel Requirements
15.1. RO-RO Vessels: Additional fire patrols required during vehicle loading. Minimum 2m clearance between stacked vehicles.
15.2. LNG Carriers: Escort tugs required throughout port transit. 500m exclusion zone during transfer operations.
15.3. Cruise Ships: Gangway angle must not exceed 30 degrees. Medical quarantine procedures apply for international arrivals.
16. Port Entry and Clearance Procedures
16.1. Documentation Requirements: Original certificates of registry, safety equipment, and tonnage measurement must be presented to Port Authority within 1 hour of berthing.
16.2. Customs Clearance: Electronic submission through NACCS system required minimum 6 hours prior to arrival. Physical inspection may be conducted for high-risk cargo.
16.3. Immigration Process: Crew passports must have minimum 6 months validity. Shore passes issued for maximum 72 hours per port call.
17. Port Safety Equipment Standards
17.1. Firefighting Systems: All berths equipped with foam monitors (capacity 5,000L/min) and dry chemical units. Vessels must maintain fire wires ready for immediate use.
17.2. Rescue Equipment: Port maintains 2 fast rescue boats (20 knot capability) and 4 life rafts at strategic locations. Response time within 15 minutes to any location.
17.3. Navigational Aids: 24-hour operational radar coverage of port approaches. Differential GPS available with 1m accuracy.
18. Waste Management Requirements
18.1. Solid Waste: Segregation into 5 categories (plastics, food, metal, paper, hazardous). Compulsory use of color-coded containers provided by port.
18.2. Liquid Waste: Oily water separator effluent must test below 15ppm before discharge. Sampling ports must be accessible for inspection.
18.3. Special Waste: Asbestos, batteries, and medical waste require pre-arranged disposal with licensed contractors only.
19. Port Labor Regulations
19.1. Stevedore Standards: All port workers certified under Japan Port Transport Association (JPTA) requirements. Minimum 100 hours training for hazardous cargo handling.
19.2. Working Conditions: Mandatory rest periods of 30 minutes after 2 hours continuous work in extreme temperatures (>32°C or <0°C).
19.3. Dispute Resolution: Labor issues handled through Sakata Port Labor Committee within 48 hours of formal complaint.
20. Port Charges and Financial Regulations
20.1. Calculation Basis: All fees based on GT and cargo tonnage, with 10% surcharge for vessels over 20 years old.
20.2. Payment Methods: Electronic transfer only (no cash accepted). Settlement required within 5 working days of invoice.
20.3. Dispute Resolution: Financial complaints must be filed with SPA Accounting Department within 14 days of charge assessment.
21. Vessel Maintenance and Repair Regulations
21.1. Hot Work Permits: Required for all welding/grinding operations. Fire watch must be maintained for 2 hours post-operation.
21.2. Underwater Inspections: Limited to daylight hours with prior port authority approval. Divers must maintain continuous surface communication.
21.3. Tank Cleaning: Prohibited within port limits for hydrocarbon tanks. Chemical tank cleaning requires environmental impact assessment.
22. Dangerous Goods Handling
22.1. Class 1 (Explosives): Separate storage compound with 24-hour armed guard. Minimum 500m separation from other vessels.
22.2. Radioactive Materials: Special handling berth with lead shielding. Mandatory radiation monitoring during entire stay.
22.3. Toxic Substances: Gas detection systems required within 50m radius. Medical team standby mandatory during operations.
23. Port Environmental Protection
23.1. Air Emissions: Continuous monitoring for SOx/NOx. Vessels exceeding limits must shut down main engines and use shore power.
23.2. Water Quality: Weekly sampling of port waters. Discharge limits: <5mg/L oil content, <10ppm heavy metals.
23.3. Noise Control: Nighttime operations (2200-0600) limited to 65dB at port boundary. Acoustic barriers required for noisy equipment.
24. Emergency Response Capabilities
24.1. Oil Spill: 2,000-ton capacity containment system. Dispersant use requires pre-approval from Ministry of Environment.
24.2. Firefighting: 5 fireboats with 10,000L/min pumping capacity. Foam concentrate stocks for 3 major simultaneous incidents.
24.3. Medical: ISO-standard medical clinic with hyperbaric chamber. Trauma team activation within 8 minutes of alert.
25. Special Operational Conditions
25.1. Ice Conditions: Mandatory bow thruster use when ice thickness exceeds 10cm. Icebreaker assistance available with 12h notice.
25.2. Typhoon Preparedness: Stage 1 alert: secure loose equipment. Stage 2: cease all operations. Stage 3: evacuate non-essential personnel.
25.3. Tsunami Warning: All vessels must depart to deep water (>100m) when alert level 3 issued. Port gates close at level 2.
26. Port Navigation and Channel Management
26.1. Channel Depths: Main channel maintained at -13m CD, secondary channels at -9m CD. Dredging operations conducted biannually.
26.2. Aids to Navigation: 12 lighted buoys with radar reflectors mark the approach channel. Buoy positions verified monthly by hydrographic survey.
26.3. Underwater Obstructions: Known wrecks charted with 50m exclusion zones. New obstructions must be reported immediately to Harbor Master.
27. Vessel Sanitation and Health Controls
27.1. Ship Sanitation Certificates: Valid certificates required for all international vessels. Random inspections conducted by quarantine officers.
27.2. Pest Control: Mandatory declaration of rodent/insect infestations. Fumigation services available at dedicated berth.
27.3. Medical Waste: Special red biohazard containers provided at all berths. Incineration within 6 hours of collection.
28. Port Lighting and Visibility Standards
28.1. Berth Lighting: Minimum 200 lux maintained at all working areas. Emergency lighting provides 50 lux minimum during power failures.
28.2. Navigation Lights: All port structures marked with ICAO-compliant obstruction lighting. Light failure reporting required within 30 minutes.
28.3. Visual Signals: Standard day shapes and light signals as per COLREGs. Port control tower visible from 10nm in clear conditions.
29. Cargo Documentation and Verification
29.1. Bill of Lading: Original documents must match electronic submissions. Discrepancies exceeding 5% trigger full cargo inspection.
29.2. Dangerous Goods Declaration: Separate signed declaration required for each IMDG class. Inaccurate declarations subject to ¥500,000 fine.
29.3. Weight Verification: All containers subject to weight checks. Tolerance of ±3% allowed for declared gross mass.
30. Port Access and Security Zones
30.1. Access Control: Biometric verification at all entry points. Visitor passes valid for maximum 8 hours.
30.2. Security Patrols: Armed guards conduct random checks of vessels at berth. Minimum 3 patrols per 24-hour period.
30.3. Restricted Areas: Clearly marked with multilingual signs. Unauthorized entry punishable by 6 months imprisonment.
31. Port Tug and Pilotage Services
31.1. Tug Requirements: Minimum 2 tugs for vessels >20,000 GT, 3 tugs for vessels >50,000 GT. Bollard pull capacity must exceed 10% of vessel’s GT.
31.2. Pilotage Zones: Compulsory pilotage extends 5nm from port entrance. Pilot transfer occurs at designated boarding area (LAT 38°54.2’N, LONG 139°50.1’E).
31.3. Tug Assistance Fees: Calculated based on vessel LOA and GT with 25% surcharge for night operations (2000-0600 hours).
32. Port Storage and Warehousing
32.1. Bonded Areas: 5 secure warehouses totaling 25,000m². Maximum storage period 90 days before customs clearance required.
32.2. Temperature Control: 3 refrigerated warehouses maintain -25°C to +15°C. Temperature logging required every 30 minutes.
32.3. Hazardous Materials Storage: Class 1-9 materials segregated in 8 specialized bunkers with 24/7 monitoring and fire suppression systems.
33. Vessel Inspection Regime
33.1. Port State Control: Tokyo MOU inspections conducted on 15% of visiting vessels. Priority given to high-risk vessels and repeat offenders.
33.2. Safety Equipment Checks: Life-saving appliances and fire systems verified against SOLAS requirements during each port call.
33.3. Cargo Securing Inspections: Mandatory for all breakbulk and Ro-Ro vessels prior to departure. Non-compliant lashing requires immediate rectification.
34. Port Communications Infrastructure
34.1. VHF Coverage: 5 repeater stations ensure continuous coverage within 25nm radius. Backup power maintains operation for 72 hours.
34.2. AIS Requirements: All vessels must maintain operational AIS within port limits. Port AIS network updates every 2 seconds.
34.3. Digital Navigation: ECDIS-compatible port charts available for download. Notices to Mariners issued weekly via NAVTEX and email alerts.
35. Port Administrative Procedures
35.1. Berth Applications: Required 72 hours in advance for commercial vessels, 24 hours for fishing vessels. Priority given to scheduled liner services.
35.2. Port Dues Calculation: Based on GT × days in port, with 10% discount for vessels using shore power and 15% for LNG-fueled vessels.
35.3. Dispute Resolution: Maritime arbitration panel convenes monthly. Decisions binding for claims under ¥50 million.
36. Port Fuel and Bunkering Services
36.1. Fuel Quality Standards: All marine fuels must meet ISO 8217 specifications with sulfur content ≤0.50% m/m. Random sampling conducted on 10% of deliveries.
36.2. Bunkering Procedures: Advance notice of 24 hours required. Simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) permitted with prior approval and additional safety measures.
36.3. Emergency Cut-off: All bunker stations equipped with remotely activated emergency shutdown systems tested weekly.
37. Port Waste Reception Facilities
37.1. Reception Capacity: 500m³/day for oily waste, 200m³/day for sewage, 50 tonnes/day for solid waste. No discharge fees for MARPOL wastes.
37.2. Waste Tracking: Digital manifest system records all waste transfers. Receipts must be retained for 3 years for PSC inspections.
37.3. Special Wastes: Asbestos and ozone-depleting substances require pre-arranged disposal with licensed contractors only.
38. Port Security Measures
38.1. Access Control: ISPS Level 1: Single checkpoint. Level 2: Dual authentication. Level 3: Armed escort required for all movements.
38.2. Waterside Security: Patrol boats monitor restricted areas 24/7. Automatic intrusion detection on all perimeter fences.
38.3. Cybersecurity: Port operating systems protected by Class 3 firewalls. Mandatory antivirus updates for all connected vessel systems.
39. Port Meteorological Services
39.1. Weather Monitoring: 6 automated stations provide real-time data (wind, visibility, sea state) updated every 10 minutes.
39.2. Storm Warnings: Three-tier alert system (Advisory/Warning/Critical) broadcast on VHF Ch16 and digital displays throughout port.
39.3. Tide Information: Real-time tide gauges with 1cm accuracy. Predictions available for 7 days via port website and NAVTEX.
40. Port Customs Procedures
40.1. Electronic Declarations: Mandatory use of NACCS system for all imports/exports. Paper submissions only accepted during system outages.
40.2. Examination Rates: 5% random physical inspections, 100% for high-risk cargo. Non-intrusive scanning available for 90% of containers.
40.3. Temporary Admissions: Carnet goods permitted for maximum 6 months. Security deposit equal to 110% of duties required.
41. Port Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
41.1. Coverage Area: 25nm radius from port control center with radar overlap zones ensuring 100% surveillance coverage.
41.2. Reporting Points: 5 mandatory position reports required for inbound vessels (Waypoints Alpha through Echo).
41.3. Traffic Separation: 3 designated lanes with 0.5nm separation. Speed limit 12 knots in approach channels.
42. Port Cargo Handling Equipment
42.1. Container Cranes: 8 post-Panamax cranes with 65-ton capacity. Twin-lift capability for 40′ containers.
42.2. Bulk Handling: 3 pneumatic unloaders with 1,200 ton/hour capacity. Dust suppression systems mandatory during operations.
42.3. Heavy Lift: Floating crane available (500-ton capacity) with 72-hour advance booking required.
43. Port Mooring Requirements
43.1. Line Configuration: Minimum 6 headlines, 4 breastlines, and 4 sternlines for vessels >200m LOA.
43.2. Synthetic Lines: Only approved polyamide/polyester ropes permitted. Minimum breaking strength 150% of calculated requirements.
43.3. Mooring Inspections: Daily visual checks required. Load testing every 6 months with certification records maintained.
44. Port Dangerous Areas Classification
44.1. Zone 0: Permanent explosive atmospheres (e.g., fuel bunkering stations) – ATEX Category 1 equipment required.
44.2. Zone 1: Occasional explosive risk areas – All equipment must be intrinsically safe.
44.3. Zone 2: Temporary risk areas – Regular gas monitoring mandatory during operations.
45. Port Emergency Drills
45.1. Frequency: Quarterly for fire, biannually for oil spill, annual full-scale port emergency exercise.
45.2. Participation: Mandatory for all port employees, optional for vessel crews (recommended attendance 80%).
45.3. Evaluation: Drill effectiveness scored using IMO guidelines with corrective actions implemented within 30 days.
46. Port Anchorage Regulations
46.1. Designated Areas: 3 anchorage zones (A, B, C) with depths from 15-30m. Holding ground tested annually for anchor reliability.
46.2. Anchoring Procedures: Minimum scope 5:1 in normal conditions, 7:1 during storms. Vessels must maintain 360° radar watch at anchor.
46.3. Emergency Anchorage: Reserved for vessels in distress only. Maximum stay 48 hours unless authorized by port authorities.
47. Port Ice Navigation Procedures
47.1. Ice Class Requirements: Vessels without ice strengthening limited to operations when ice thickness <15cm.
47.2. Icebreaker Assistance: Available with 24-hour notice. Priority given to essential supply vessels and passenger ships.
47.3. Winter Navigation: Mandatory use of heated mooring lines when temperatures below -10°C. Bow thruster continuous operation in icy conditions.
48. Port Ballast Water Management
48.1. Exchange Requirements: Must be conducted >200nm from shore in >200m depth or treated using approved systems.
48.2. Sampling Protocol: 3 samples taken per tank during PSC inspections. Testing for invasive species conducted monthly.
48.3. Record Keeping: Ballast water logs must be maintained for 3 years with entries signed by master and chief engineer.
49. Port Layberth Operations
49.1. Allocation Priority: Vessels undergoing repairs take precedence over commercial lay-ups. Maximum stay 30 days without extension.
49.2. Safety Requirements: Minimum manning of 3 officers and 5 crew required. Emergency generator must be operational at all times.
49.3. Utility Connections: Potable water and 440V power available at all layberths. Charges apply after first 72 hours.
50. Port Small Craft Regulations
50.1. Speed Limits: 5 knots within 500m of commercial vessels, 10 knots in main channels, 15 knots in outer areas.
50.2. Traffic Lanes: Dedicated small craft channels marked with yellow buoys. Crossing commercial lanes at 90° angle only.
50.3. Safety Equipment: Mandatory carriage of VHF radio, GPS and 2 approved life jackets per person for all craft >4m length.
51. Port Ship Repair Services
51.1. Dry Dock Availability: 2 graving docks (300m and 150m length) with 15-day advance booking required for major repairs.
51.2. Certified Workshops: 12 approved service providers for electrical, mechanical and hull repairs meeting class society standards.
51.3. Hot Work Permits: Issued after gas-free certification and fire watch deployment. Validity 8 hours for daylight operations only.
52. Port Fresh Water Supply
52.1. Potable Water Standards: Meets WHO guidelines with monthly bacteriological testing. Chlorine residual maintained at 0.2-0.5 ppm.
52.2. Bunkering Rates: Minimum 50-ton delivery with 4-hour notice. Emergency supply available at 150% standard rate.
52.3. Conservation Measures: Flow restrictors mandatory on all shore connections. Unauthorized deck washing prohibited.
53. Port Crew Change Procedures
53.1. Immigration Processing: Dedicated facility handles up to 200 crew daily. E-visas processed within 4 working hours.
53.2. Health Screening: Mandatory temperature checks and health declaration for all embarking/disembarking personnel.
53.3. Transportation: Approved shuttle services between port and airport with disinfection protocols between trips.
54. Port Dangerous Goods Handling
54.1. Segregation Requirements: IMDG Class 1 separated by 50m from other explosives, 25m from combustibles.
54.2. Emergency Equipment: Dedicated foam tenders stationed within 2 minutes of DG storage areas. Quarterly foam tests conducted.
54.3. Documentation: Multilingual dangerous goods manifests required 48 hours prior to loading operations.
55. Port Noise Abatement Measures
55.1. Nighttime Restrictions: No container handling between 2200-0600 within 500m of residential areas.
55.2. Vessel Operations: Auxiliary engines must use sound shields when alongside. Maximum 75 dB at property boundary.
55.3. Construction Activities: Noise mitigation plans required for all projects exceeding 8 continuous hours.
