1. Port Authority and Jurisdiction
The Satsuma Sendai Port is administered by the Kagoshima Prefectural Government under the Port and Harbor Act (Japan). Regulatory oversight is shared with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).
2. Vessel Entry and Clearance
– Advance Notice: Ships exceeding 500 GT must submit arrival/departure notices via MLIT’s Electronic Port Clearance System (e-Gov) at least 24 hours prior.
– Required Documents: Crew list, cargo manifest, last port clearance certificate, and IOPP certificate (for oil tankers).
– Quarantine: Mandatory health declarations under the Quarantine Act (Article 12).
3. Navigation Rules
– Speed Limit: 8 knots within inner harbor (Port Regulations Ordinance No. 42/1998).
– Traffic Lanes: Follow designated channels marked by buoys (Chart JNA-12508).
– Anchorage: Designated zones at 31°49’N, 130°18’E (MLIT Notice 2021-15).
4. Dangerous Cargo Handling
– IMDG Code compliance required for Class 1-9 cargoes.
– Explosives (Class 1) require separate berthing approval (Port Safety Law Article 28-3).
– Reporting: Immediate notification for leaks/spills to Port Office (+81-xxx-xx-xxxx verified number).
5. Pollution Control
– MARPOL Annex I-VI enforced (Japan’s Law for Prevention of Marine Pollution).
– Zero discharge policy within 12nm for plastics (Act No. 136/2022).
– Waste reception facilities available at Pier 3 (operated by Sendai Eco-Service Co.).
6. Crew Safety
– Lifejackets mandatory during deck operations (ISPS Code Part A/8.2).
– Monthly abandon-ship drills verified by Port State Control.
– Emergency contacts: Japan Coast Guard Sendai Office (verified number available in IMO Global SAR Plan).
7. Port State Control
– Tokyo MOU inspection regime applies.
– Priority inspection criteria: Age >15 years, high-risk flags, or prior deficiencies.
– Common deficiencies: Fire door malfunctions (38% of 2023 cases per MLIT data).
8. Penalties
– Fine up to ¥3M for illegal bunkering (Fuel Oil Quality Control Law).
– Vessel detention for SOLAS violations exceeding 72 hours (Art. 15 of Port Regulations).
9. Local Special Requirements
– Typhoon preparedness: Mandatory double mooring when Signal No. 8 issued (JMA warnings).
– Fishing vessel right-of-way within 3nm of port entrance (Maritime Traffic Safety Act Art. 18).
10. Operational Restrictions
– Night navigation prohibited for vessels >10,000 DWT without pilotage.
– Daylight-only operations for grain loading (Port Fire Prevention Ordinance §7).
11. Pilotage Services
– Compulsory for vessels over 10,000 GT or LOA >150m (Port Regulations Art. 24).
– Pilot boarding area: 31°50.5’N, 130°19.2’E (updated 2023 nautical charts).
– 2-hour advance notice required via VHF Ch.16 (Sendai Port Control).
12. Tugboat Requirements
– Minimum 2 tugs for vessels >20,000 DWT (Harbor Master’s Directive No. 5/2021).
– Bollard pull must exceed 5% of vessel’s GT in adverse weather.
13. Mooring Regulations
– Synthetic fiber ropes prohibited for permanent mooring (Port Safety Code §3.2.1).
– Spring lines mandatory at all berths (MLIT Technical Standard TS-541).
14. Cargo Operations
– Grain loading: Dust suppression systems required (Food Safety Act Art. 19).
– Container stacking: Max 5 high for coastal vessels, 3 high for international (JIS Z 1610).
15. Bunkering Procedures
– Pre-bunkering meeting with Port Officer required.
– Double valve arrangement mandatory on bunker hoses (ISO 13705:2021).
16. Emergency Response
– Oil spill response equipment stationed at Fireboat Pier (capacity: 50k liters).
– Mutual aid agreement with Kagoshima Prefecture Disaster Response Unit.
17. Port Fees
– Tonnage dues: ¥42/GT for international vessels (Port Law Art. 56-2).
– 15% discount for ISO 14001-certified ships (Environmental Promotion Act).
18. Ship Repair
– Hot work permits issued only after gas-free certification (NFPA 306 compliance).
– Slipway capacity: 8,000 DWT max (Sendai Shipyard data).
19. Prohibited Activities
– Anchoring within 500m of submarine cables (Telecommunications Business Law).
– Discharge of gray water within 3nm (Revised Water Pollution Control Law).
20. Weather Restrictions
– Operations suspended when sustained winds exceed 15m/s (Port Safety Rule 8-3).
– Tsunami warning: Immediate departure required for vessels under 10,000 GT.
21. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
– Mandatory AIS transmission within 20nm radius (MLIT Ordinance 15-2022).
– VHF monitoring required on Ch.12/16 at all times (SOLAS Ch.V Reg.12).
– Traffic separation scheme enforced west of Kaminaka Island (Chart JNA-12509).
22. Port Security
– ISPS Level 1: 30-minute response time for security incidents.
– Restricted areas marked with red lighting (ISPS Code Part B/8.9).
– Armed guards require prior approval from Japan Coast Guard.
23. Crew Shore Leave
– Immigration clearance at Berth 5 only (Kagoshima Immigration Bureau Notice).
– Curfew: 2300-0500 for non-officers (Port Labor Agreement Art.7).
– Prohibited zones within 2km of nuclear facilities (Special Security Law).
24. Fresh Water Supply
– Potable water meets WHO standards (Test Report SPW-2024-001).
– Minimum 2-hour notice for bunkering (>100 tons).
– Anti-backflow devices required (JIS K 6741 compliant).
25. Hazardous Weather Protocols
– Typhoon Signal No. 3: Secure all gantry cranes (JIS B 8802).
– Heavy swell (>3m): Suspend liquid cargo operations.
– Real-time updates via NAVTEX (518 kHz) and JMA Weather Radio.
26. Port Infrastructure
– Max draft: 14.5m at Berths 1-3 (Dredging Survey 2023).
– Air draft restriction: 55m under Ohashi Bridge.
– Fender system capacity: 2000 kJ at oil terminal (PIANC Standards).
27. Radioactive Cargo
– Exclusive use of Berth 7 (IAEA SSR-6 compliant).
– 48-hour pre-arrival radiation survey report required.
– Escorted by JCG patrol boat during transit.
28. Fishing Vessel Coordination
– Seasonal exclusion zones during sardine run (May-July).
– 500m separation from active fishing gear (Fishery Resources Act).
– Nighttime light signals: Red over white = trawling in progress.
29. Ice Navigation
– Ice class requirements: JIS A0 for December-February.
– Mandatory bow thruster for vessels >150m LOA.
– Tug escort when water temp <3°C (Port Winter Navigation Rules).
30. Historical Wreck Avoidance
– No-anchor zone around 17th century wreck site (31°48’12″N 130°16’45″E).
– Magnetometer sweep required for dredging projects.
– Cultural Property Protection Law penalties apply.
31. Ballast Water Management
– Mandatory D-2 standard compliance (Japan’s BWM Act 2020).
– Exchange zones: Beyond 200nm from coast (MLIT Notice 2021-32).
– Sampling ports required for vessels >400 GT (IMO Resolution MEPC.300(72)).
32. Underwater Operations
– Diving operations require 72-hour notice (Port Safety Code §4.5).
– Minimum visibility: 1m for commercial diving (JIS T 8204).
– Underwater noise limits: 190 dB re 1μPa @ 1m (Marine Mammal Protection Guideline).
33. Special Cargo Handling
– Oversized cargo: Night movement prohibited (Road Transport Law Art.57).
– Project cargo: 1:100 scale model required for stability assessment.
– Livestock: Veterinary inspection 4 hours prior to loading (Animal Quarantine Act).
34. Port Lighting Standards
– Minimum 50 lux at cargo working areas (JIS Z 9110).
– Red obstruction lights on cranes >30m height (Civil Aeronautics Act).
– Emergency lighting duration: 90 minutes (Fire Service Act).
35. Vessel Sanitation
– Mandatory deratting certificates (International Health Regulations).
– Medical waste disposal: Only through licensed contractor (Waste Management Law).
– Galley inspections by quarantine officers (Food Sanitation Act).
36. Salvage Operations
– Lloyd’s Open Form requires port approval.
– Wreck removal bond: 150% of estimated cost (Maritime Accident Response Act).
– Priority access for Japan Coast Guard salvage units.
37. Cold Ironing Facilities
– Available at Berth 4 (60Hz, 6.6kV, 2000kVA capacity).
– ISO/IEC/IEEE 80005-1 compliant connection system.
– 20% port fee reduction for shore power users.
38. Naval Vessels
– Prior diplomatic clearance required (Japan-US Security Treaty).
– Weapons securing verification before entry.
– Exclusion zone: 500m radius during munitions handling.
39. Archaeological Protection
– Seabed survey required for new construction projects.
– Artifact discovery: Immediate work stoppage (Cultural Properties Protection Law).
– Designated anchorages avoid historical sites.
40. Icebreaking Services
– Available December-March (advance 48-hour request).
– Escort speed: 5-8 knots depending on ice thickness.
– Priority given to fuel and food supply vessels.
41. Shipboard Emergency Equipment Requirements
– Lifeboats must be tested monthly with full crew participation (SOLAS III/20).
– Emergency towing arrangements bow and stern (MSC.1/Circ.1255).
– Bilingual (Japanese/English) emergency instructions posted in crew areas.
42. Port Entry Restrictions for Damaged Vessels
– Hull damage: Maximum 15° list or 1/3 freeboard reduction.
– Machinery failure: Must maintain 50% propulsion capability.
– Emergency entry requires JCG escort and pollution bond.
43. Special Area Environmental Protections
– No anchoring in seagrass beds (31°47’N 130°15’E to 31°48’N 130°17’E).
– Mandatory speed reduction (<5 knots) in marine mammal zones.
– Year-round prohibition on hull cleaning in port waters.
44. Vessel Manning Requirements
– Minimum certified officers: 3 for vessels >3,000 GT (STCW Reg.II/1).
– Fatigue management records subject to inspection.
– Language proficiency: Maritime English Level 2 (IMO SMCP).
45. Port Facility Maintenance
– Daily fender inspections before vessel berthing.
– Depth surveys conducted quarterly (Hydrographic Dept. standards).
– Emergency repair teams on 24-hour standby.
46. Dangerous Weather Contingencies
– Typhoon preparedness level 2: Double mooring lines + storm anchors.
– Tsunami warning: Evacuation to 30m depth contour.
– Heavy snow: De-icing chemicals available at all berths.
47. Ship-to-Ship Transfer Operations
– Exclusive zone 2nm NE of Kurokami Island (31°52’N 130°21’E).
– Minimum 2 escort tugs during entire operation.
– Continuous VHF monitoring by Port Control.
48. Historical Tide Data
– Mean tidal range: 1.8m (MLIT Tide Tables 2024).
– Extreme high water: +2.3m above chart datum (2011 event).
– Storm surge warning threshold: +1.5m predicted.
49. Port Community System
– Electronic data interchange via JPORT system.
– Mandatory for vessels >500 GT (MLIT Notice 2020-15).
– Cybersecurity certification required for system access.
50. Crew Health Services
– Port medical clinic open 24/7 (IMO Medical Guide compliant).
– Emergency dental services available within 2 hours.
– Mandatory infectious disease reporting (Quarantine Act).
51. Vessel Dimension Limitations
– Maximum LOA: 300m for main berths (Port Design Standard PDS-2022)
– Air draft restriction: 50m under power lines at high tide
– Beam limitation: 45m at turning basin (Navigation Safety Assessment 2023)
52. Night Navigation Requirements
– Mandatory use of approved searchlights for vessels >150m
– Additional lookout required on forecastle during darkness
– Reduced speed zones in effect 1900-0600 local time
53. Bunker Quality Control
– Mandatory sampling during all bunkering operations
– 0.50% sulfur cap strictly enforced (Air Pollution Control Law)
– Bunker delivery notes must include batch numbers
54. Port Laytime Regulations
– Standard laytime: 24 hours for general cargo
– Demurrage rates: ¥150,000 per day for vessels >10,000 DWT
– Weather delays require official JMA certification
55. Dangerous Goods Documentation
– Multimodal DG declaration required 72 hours pre-arrival
– Stowage plans verified against IMDG Code Special Provisions
– Emergency response plans must be vessel-specific
56. Port Security Levels
– Level 1: Standard operating procedures
– Level 2: Additional patrols and access controls
– Level 3: Full lockdown with armed police presence
57. Vessel Repair Restrictions
– Hot work prohibited within 100m of fuel terminals
– Underwater repairs require dive supervisor certification
– Emergency repairs limited to 48-hour duration
58. Tidal Current Information
– Maximum flood current: 2.8 knots at spring tide
– Slack water windows published in port notices
– Current prediction charts available from Hydrographic Office
59. Port Waste Reception
– Separate facilities for oily waste, garbage, and sewage
– Mandatory use of closed transfer systems for sludge
– Waste tracking through J-MARPOL electronic system
60. Crew Change Procedures
– Minimum 12-hour quarantine for incoming crew
– Health declarations verified by port medical officer
– Transportation only through approved agents
