1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1. Vessel Entry/Exit Requirements
– Advance notice: Vessels must submit entry/exit notifications to Shiogama Port Authority at least 24 hours prior to arrival/departure (Japan Port Regulations Act Article 56).
– Mandatory documents: Ship registry, crew list, cargo manifest, and safety inspection certificates (SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 11).
– Restricted areas: Designated anchorage zones marked in official nautical charts (JCG Notice No. 12/2021).
1.2. Navigation Rules
– Speed limit: 8 knots within port limits (Shiogama Port Ordinance §3-2).
– Right-of-way: Fishing vessels have priority in operational areas (Maritime Traffic Safety Act Article 18).
– Prohibited actions: Overtaking in channels under 200m width (IMO Resolution A.857(20)).
1.3. Cargo Operations
– Hazardous materials: Requires separate permit from Miyagi Prefecture (Fire Service Act Article 10).
– Grain handling: Dust control measures mandatory (Industrial Safety and Health Ordinance Article 88).
– Crane operations: Maximum wind speed limit of 15m/s (JIS F 8001 standard).
2. Compliance and Enforcement
2.1. Inspection Regime
– Port State Control: Tokyo MOU inspection criteria apply with 15% annual inspection rate (2023 PSC report).
– Safety equipment: Monthly lifeboat drills verified by logbook stamps (SOLAS Chapter III Regulation 19).
– Oil record book: Mandatory entries for all bunkering operations (MARPOL Annex I Regulation 17).
2.2. Penalties
– Navigation violations: Fines up to ¥500,000 for speed limit breaches (Port Regulations Law Article 45).
– Pollution offenses: Criminal prosecution for deliberate discharge (Water Pollution Control Law Article 30).
– Documentation fraud: 3-month port entry ban (Customs Act Article 108-2).
2.3. Emergency Protocols
– Oil spills: Immediate reporting to 118 (Japan Coast Guard emergency line).
– Man overboard: Mandatory VHF Channel 16 alert + flare deployment (COLREG Rule 35).
– Fire response: Port fire brigade activation within 7 minutes (Shiogama Port Safety Plan 2022).
3. Crew Safety Provisions
3.1. Personal Protection
– Hard hats: Required during all cargo operations (ILO Convention C152 Article 16).
– Life jackets: Type I PFDs mandatory on open decks (Ship Safety Act Article 42).
– Gas detectors: Must be carried in enclosed spaces (SOLAS XI-1/7).
3.2. Working Hours
– Maximum 14 hours/day with 10 consecutive rest hours (MLC 2006 Standard A2.3).
– Night work premium: 25% additional pay (Japanese Labor Standards Act Article 37).
3.3. Medical Support
– Port clinic: Available 24/7 with decompression chamber (Shiogama City Health Dept. data).
– Emergency transport: Helicopter medevac coordinated via JRCC Tokyo.
4. Ship Operator Requirements
4.1. Financial Guarantees
– Oil pollution insurance: Minimum ¥1 billion coverage (CLC 1992).
– Port dues deposit: 120% of estimated fees (Ports and Harbors Act Article 22).
4.2. Waste Management
– Garbage logbook: Separate sections for food/plastic/operational waste (MARPOL Annex V).
– Sludge disposal: Only at licensed reception facilities (Waste Management Law Article 6).
4.3. Crew Change Procedures
– Immigration clearance: Must be completed at Sendai Airport immigration office.
– COVID-19 measures: PCR test within 72 hours of arrival (MHLW Notice 0825).
5. Environmental Regulations
5.1. Air Emissions Control
– Sulfur cap: 0.1% sulfur content limit for fuels at berth (Air Pollution Control Act Article 18-2).
– Auxiliary engines: Shore power connection mandatory after 2 hours at dock (Port Regulations Law Amendment 2021).
– NOx monitoring: Continuous emissions recording for vessels >5,000 GT (IMO Tier III requirements).
5.2. Ballast Water Management
– Exchange requirement: Minimum 200nm from shore for mid-ocean exchange (BWM Convention D-1 standard).
– Treatment systems: USCG-type approved systems required for US-bound vessels.
– Sampling ports: Mandatory installation for vessels built after 2020 (Japan BWM Guidelines).
6. Security Measures
6.1. ISPS Code Implementation
– Security levels: MARSEC Level 1 enforced with 24/7 guard patrols (ISPS Code Part A/4.26).
– Restricted areas: Electronic access control for all port facilities (Transport Security Act Article 14).
– Drills: Quarterly security exercises including bomb threat scenarios.
6.2. Cyber Security
– ECDIS updates: Weekly vulnerability patches required (ClassNK Guidelines 2022).
– Network segregation: Operational technology systems must be air-gapped (IEC 61162-460).
7. Special Cargo Handling
7.1. Dangerous Goods
– Class 1 explosives: Requires police escort during transport (Explosives Control Law Article 9).
– Radioactive materials: Prior notification to Nuclear Regulation Authority 72 hours in advance.
– Stowage requirements: Segregation as per IMDG Code Chapter 7.2.
7.2. Refrigerated Containers
– Temperature logs: 1-hour interval recordings during port stay (ATP Agreement Annex 1).
– Emergency power: Backup generators tested monthly (JIS C 8283-1).
8. Port Services
8.1. Pilotage
– Compulsory areas: Entire port waters (Pilotage Law Article 4).
– Tug requirements: Minimum 2 tugs for vessels >20,000 DWT (Shiogama Port Operation Rules).
8.2. Mooring
– Bollard capacity: 150-tonne SWL at main berths (Port Facility Register 2023).
– Line handlers: Certified personnel only (Japan Harbor Transportation Association).
9. Weather Restrictions
– Typhoon procedures: Evacuation order issued when sustained winds exceed 25m/s.
– Tsunami warning: Immediate departure required for Alert Level 3 (JMA Warning System).
– Ice conditions: Anti-icing spray available at Berths 5-7 (December-March).
10. Local Ordinances
– Noise limits: 75 dB(A) during night hours (2200-0600) (Noise Regulation Law).
– Light pollution: Restricted use of floodlights after 2300 hrs.
– Fishing zones: 500m exclusion around active fishing gear (Fisheries Coordination Regulation).
11. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
11.1. Communication Protocols
– Primary channel: VHF Channel 12 for port operations (ITU-R M.1084).
– Reporting points: Mandatory position reports at 38°18’N 141°02’E (Shiogama VTS Circular 2022-4).
– Language: English or Japanese communications required (IALA V-128).
11.2. Traffic Separation
– Inbound/outbound lanes: 200m width maintained (COLREG Rule 10).
– Fishing vessel corridor: 1nm wide zone along 100m depth contour.
– Prohibited anchoring: Within 0.5nm of channel markers (Notice to Mariners No. 35/2023).
12. Port Infrastructure
12.1. Berth Specifications
– Maximum LOA: 250m at Main Wharf (Port Facility Certificate 2023).
– Draft limitations: 13.5m at high tide (Tide Tables Vol. 6).
– Bollard spacing: 25m intervals with 200t capacity (Class NK Hull Rules).
12.2. Utilities
– Potable water: 50t/hour supply capacity at all berths.
– Bunkering: Only licensed providers permitted (Fuel Quality Control Law).
– Waste reception: Fixed piping for oily waste at Berths 3-6.
13. Crew Welfare
13.1. Shore Leave
– Immigration clearance: Required for all crew (Immigration Control Act Article 22).
– Curfew: 0100-0500 hrs for non-officers (Port Security Ordinance).
– Prohibited areas: 500m radius from residential zones.
13.2. Provisions
– Food safety: USDA/FDA equivalent standards enforced (Food Sanitation Act).
– Cash limits: Maximum ¥100,000 per crew member (Foreign Exchange Law).
14. Salvage & Wreck Removal
– Immediate reporting: Within 1 hour of incident (Marine Accident Inquiry Act).
– Liability: Strict liability for obstruction removal (Ports and Harbors Act Article 37).
– Insurance: Minimum ¥500 million coverage required.
15. Ice Navigation (Winter Operations)
– Ice class requirements: JIS IA Super for December-February.
– Escort tugs: Mandatory for vessels without icebreaking capability.
– Speed reduction: 50% normal speed during ice conditions.
16. Dangerous Weather Contingency Plans
16.1. Typhoon Preparedness
– Evacuation order: Issued when sustained winds exceed 30m/s (JMA Typhoon Warning Criteria)
– Mooring arrangements: Double lines + spring lines required for all vessels >5,000GT
– Emergency towage: 2 harbor tugs on standby during typhoon season (July-October)
16.2. Tsunami Response
– Warning levels: Immediate departure required for Level 3 warnings (3m+ wave forecast)
– Safe zones: Designated deep-water holding areas at 38°25’N 141°15’E
– Post-event inspection: Mandatory hull damage assessment before re-entry
17. Port State Control Inspection Focus Areas
17.1. High-Risk Items
– Fire dampers: 100% operability test for vessels >10 years old
– Emergency generator: Must sustain full load for 3 hours (SOLAS II-1/43)
– Bridge equipment: Backup magnetic compass deviation <3°
17.2. Documentation Checks
– Continuous Synopsis Record: Original copy with all amendments
– Garbage Management Plan: Updated to reflect 2023 MEPC resolutions
– Ballast Water Record Book: Complete entries for last 24 months
18. Special Operations
18.1. Heavy Lift Procedures
– Wind limitations: Max 10m/s for lifts >100 tons
– Notifications: 72-hour advance notice to harbor master
– Exclusion zones: 50m radius during load transfers
18.2. Night Navigation
– Lighting requirements: Additional working lights for cargo operations
– Speed restriction: 5 knots in inner harbor after 2000 hrs
– Pilot exemption: Not permitted between 2300-0500 hrs
19. Bunkering Regulations
19.1. Fuel Quality Control
– Sampling: Triple-seal MARPOL samples required
– Documentation: BDN must include sulfur content (0.1% max)
– Contingency plan: SOPEP equipment deployed during operations
19.2. Barge Requirements
– Double hull: Mandatory for all bunker vessels
– Communication: Dedicated VHF channel monitored 24/7
– Spill response: 50m boom deployment capacity
20. Port Dues and Charges
20.1. Fee Structure
– Basic tonnage fee: ¥32.5 per GT (2024 tariff)
– Environmental surcharge: 15% for vessels without scrubbers
– Overtime charges: 200% for holidays (Japanese national calendar)
20.2. Payment Methods
– Advance payment: Required for vessels with prior PSC deficiencies
– Accepted currencies: JPY, USD, EUR (daily BOJ rate)
– Electronic transfer: SWIFT code SHIOJPJT
21. Ship Repair and Maintenance Regulations
21.1. Dry Dock Operations
– Hot work permits: Required for all welding operations (Japan Industrial Safety Standards)
– Environmental containment: 100% impermeable sheeting under repair areas
– Waste disposal: Separate collection for paint chips and blasting media
21.2. Underwater Inspections
– Diver certification: JISF Class 2 minimum for hull inspections
– Current limits: Operations prohibited above 1.5 knot currents
– Reporting: Hull damage findings within 24 hours to ClassNK
22. Crew Training Requirements
22.1. Port-Specific Familiarization
– Emergency exits: Must know all shore-side evacuation routes
– Pollution response: Annual oil spill drill certification required
– Cultural awareness: Basic Japanese port etiquette training
22.2. Specialized Certifications
– Hazardous cargo: IMDG Code refresher every 2 years
– Mooring operations: SAMI Level 1 for deck officers
– Cold weather: Ice navigation course for winter entries
23. Customs and Immigration Procedures
23.1. Clearance Timeline
– Cargo declarations: Submit 48 hours pre-arrival (Customs Law Article 67-2)
– Crew processing: Minimum 4 hours for full crew manifest verification
– Bonded stores: Seals inspected by customs canine unit
23.2. Restricted Items
– Pharmaceuticals: Maximum 30-day supply per crew member
– Cash declarations: Required above ¥1 million equivalent
– Cultural artifacts: Export permits for antique purchases
24. Port Security Levels
24.1. MARSEC Level Implementation
– Level 1: Standard 24/7 patrols with random vehicle checks
– Level 2: Additional 50% security personnel deployment
– Level 3: Armed JCG boarding teams for high-risk vessels
24.2. Access Control
– Biometric screening: Required for all shore personnel
– Vehicle barriers: Crash-rated bollards at terminal entrances
– Waterside patrol: Armed boats during MARSEC Level 2+
25. Anchorage Regulations
25.1. Designated Areas
– Primary anchorage: 38°20.5’N 141°05.0’E (max 15 vessels)
– Emergency anchorage: 38°22.0’N 141°07.5’E (draft <10m)
– Prohibited zones: 1nm radius around submarine cables
25.2. Anchoring Procedures
– Watchkeeping: Continuous bridge watch required
– Drag monitoring: GPS anchor alarm with 0.1nm threshold
– Emergency signals: Red flares for dragging anchor
26. Marine Pollution Prevention
26.1. Oil Spill Response
– Reporting threshold: Immediate notification for spills >100 liters (MARPOL Annex I)
– Containment equipment: Port maintains 800m of boom capacity
– Dispersant use: Requires pre-approval from Miyagi Prefecture
26.2. Sewage Discharge
– Treatment standards: IMO MEPC.227(64) compliant systems only
– No-discharge zone: Within 3nm of port entrance buoys
– Holding tanks: Mandatory for vessels >400GT built after 2010
27. Vessel Equipment Requirements
27.1. Mandatory Gear
– Local charts: ENC cells JP311110 and JP311120 (latest edition)
– Mooring lines: Minimum 8 synthetic ropes for vessels >150m LOA
– Gangways: ISO 5488 compliant with safety nets
27.2. Communication Systems
– Backup power: 6-hour capacity for VHF radios
– NAVTEX receiver: Continuous monitoring on 518 kHz
– AIS: Transponder must remain active at all times
28. Port Health Services
28.1. Medical Facilities
– Quarantine station: 24/7 operations with PCR testing
– Decompression chamber: Available within 90 minutes notice
– Pharmacy: Controlled substances require special permits
28.2. Sanitation Controls
– Vector control: Mandatory insecticide treatment for certain routes
– Food inspection: USDA/FDA equivalent standards enforced
– Waste disposal: Medical waste incinerator on-site
29. Small Craft Regulations
29.1. Pleasure Vessels
– Speed limit: 5 knots within 200m of commercial docks
– Prohibited areas: 100m exclusion around cargo operations
– Safety gear: VHF radio and GPS mandatory >1nm offshore
29.2. Fishing Boats
– Right-of-way: Commercial vessels have priority in channels
– Gear marking: Fluorescent buoys required for nets
– Night operations: All-around white light when stationary
30. Port Authority Contacts
30.1. Emergency Numbers
– Coast Guard: Dial 118 from any ship phone
– Medical Emergency: +81-22-367-0110 (Shiogama Hospital)
– Pollution Reporting: VHF Channel 16/70
31. Cargo Handling Standards
31.1. Container Operations
– Stacking limits: 5 high for 20′, 4 high for 40′ containers (CTU Code 2022)
– Lashing equipment: DIN/ISO standard twistlocks required
– Wind restrictions: Operations cease at sustained 15m/s winds
31.2. Bulk Cargo Procedures
– Dust suppression: Water spray mandatory during loading
– Trim requirements: Max 5° list during operations
– Sampling: Independent surveyor for grade verification
32. Navigation Aids
32.1. Channel Markings
– Light characteristics: Green FL4s 10s for port side marks
– Buoy spacing: 500m intervals in main channel
– AtoN maintenance: Daily verification checks by JCG
32.2. Electronic Navigation
– ECDIS updates: Weekly Notice to Mariners patches
– Radar overlay: Required for entry in visibility <1nm
– DGPS service: MSAS coverage available 24/7
33. Port Entry Requirements
33.1. Pre-Arrival Documentation
– 96-hour notice: Complete e-Declaration (JP-SINGLE WINDOW)
– Crew list: Biometric data for all personnel
– Cargo manifest: Customs-approved format only
33.2. Special Permits
– Oversized loads: Route survey required 7 days prior
– Night entry: Pilot discretion for vessels >200m LOA
– Hazardous materials: Fire department escort mandatory
34. Tug Services
34.1. Assignment Rules
– Minimum power: 60t bollard pull for vessels >50,000 DWT
– Standby position: 1nm NE of breakwater in readiness
– Emergency response: 15-minute deployment capability
34.2. Operational Limits
– Weather thresholds: Max 35kt winds for assist
– Light conditions: Minimum 1 lux for night ops
– Current restrictions: No operations >3 knots
35. Port Facility Maintenance
35.1. Infrastructure Checks
– Fender inspection: Quarterly load testing
– Depth monitoring: Weekly multi-beam surveys
– Lighting systems: LUX measurements at all berths
35.2. Access Systems
– Gangway rating: Minimum 500kg SWL
– Safety nets: Deployed during all transfers
– Fall protection: OSHA-equivalent harnesses
36. Dangerous Goods Handling
36.1. Classification & Storage
– IMDG segregation: Minimum 50m separation for Class 1 materials
– Explosive zones: Designated Area D-12 with blast walls
– Temperature control: Continuous monitoring for Class 4.1
36.2. Emergency Protocols
– Evacuation radius: 500m for UN1202 incidents
– Firefighting foam: Alcohol-resistant type for polar solvents
– Medical response: HAZMAT-trained teams on 10-minute standby
37. Port Lighting Requirements
37.1. Operational Areas
– Minimum illumination: 200 lux at cargo transfer points
– Color temperature: 4000-5000K for color recognition
– Emergency lighting: 1 hour autonomy at 50 lux
37.2. Navigation Lighting
– Leading lights: 15° sector visibility maintained
– Obstruction lights: FAA Type L-864 for cranes
– Backup power: 8-hour battery for critical aids
38. Vessel Speed Limits
38.1. Channel Restrictions
– Inner harbor: 6 knots within 200m of berths
– Turning basins: 4 knots during vessel maneuvers
– Anchorage areas: 3 knots near moored vessels
38.2. Special Conditions
– Low visibility: 5 knots maximum when <500m visibility
– Night operations: 50% normal speed after sunset
– Tidal currents: Speed-over-ground monitoring required
39. Port Communication Protocols
39.1. Standard Procedures
– Initial contact: VHF Ch 12 with vessel particulars
– Status updates: Hourly position reports at anchor
– Emergency channels: Ch 16 primary, Ch 70 DSC
39.2. Digital Systems
– Port MIS: Web-based cargo declarations
– AIS messaging: For berthing instructions
– ETA updates: Automated via XML feeds
40. Environmental Monitoring
40.1. Air Quality
– Continuous sensors: PM2.5, SOx, NOx measurements
– Emission limits: 0.1% sulfur for at-berth operations
– Data reporting: Monthly submissions to PMDA
40.2. Water Quality
– Sampling points: 8 harbor locations
– Test frequency: Bi-weekly for hydrocarbons
– Discharge standards: <5ppm oil content
41. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
41.1. Reporting Points
– Outer approach: 38°18.0’N 141°02.0’E (12nm from port)
– Pilot boarding: 38°20.5’N 141°04.5’E (1nm NE of breakwater)
– Final approach: 38°22.0’N 141°06.0’E (channel entrance)
41.2. Monitoring Requirements
– AIS transponder: Continuous transmission mandatory
– Speed verification: Radar checks at each reporting point
– Draft confirmation: Verified against tide tables
42. Port Facility Security
42.1. Access Control
– Biometric screening: Palm vein authentication for all personnel
– Vehicle inspection: Under-carriage mirrors and x-ray
– Waterside barriers: Floating booms at sensitive areas
42.2. Surveillance Systems
– Camera coverage: 100% of operational areas
– Analytics: AI-based anomaly detection
– Retention period: 90 days for all footage
43. Ice Navigation Procedures
43.1. Winter Operations
– Ice class requirements: JIS Class IC minimum Dec-Mar
– Tug escort: Mandatory for non-ice strengthened vessels
– Speed limits: 5 knots in brash ice conditions
43.2. Icebreaking Services
– Request deadline: 48 hours notice required
– Priority system: Based on vessel ice class
– Convoys: Maximum 3 vessels per breaker
44. Port Waste Reception
44.1. Handling Facilities
– Oily waste: 500m³ daily processing capacity
– Garbage separation: 7-category system
– Hazardous waste: Secure storage with 24/7 monitoring
44.2. Discharge Procedures
– Advance notice: 24 hours for special wastes
– Documentation: Waste manifests in triplicate
– Fees: Based on MARPOL categories
45. Emergency Response Coordination
45.1. Command Structure
– On-scene commander: Port Director or deputy
– Joint operations: Integrated with local fire and police
– Communication: Dedicated UHF network
45.2. Resource Deployment
– Oil spill: 2000m boom within 2 hours
– Firefighting: 4 foam trucks simultaneous operation
– Medical: Mobile decontamination unit
46. Port Meteorological Services
46.1. Weather Monitoring
– Real-time sensors: Wind speed/direction updated every 5 minutes
– Storm warnings: Issued when sustained winds exceed 25 knots
– Visibility reports: Updated hourly via VHF Ch 14
46.2. Tide and Current Data
– Tide tables: Published annually with 10cm accuracy
– Current meters: Ultrasonic sensors at channel entrance
– Storm surge alerts: 3-hour advance notification
47. Bunkering Operations
47.1. Fuel Quality Standards
– ISO 8217 compliance: Mandatory for all suppliers
– Sampling protocol: Triple-seal samples retained 90 days
– Low sulfur verification: Continuous monitoring during transfer
47.2. Safety Procedures
– Fire zones: 30m radius during bunkering
– Spill containment: Double-hose systems with drip trays
– Communication: Dedicated UHF channel for operations
48. Port Dues and Charges
48.1. Fee Structure
– Vessel size categories: Calculated per GT brackets
– Environmental discount: 15% for Tier III engines
– Overtime premiums: 200% for holiday operations
48.2. Payment Methods
– Electronic transfer: SWIFT/JPY only for international
– Guarantees: Bank guarantees accepted >¥10M
– Disputes: Must be filed within 14 calendar days
49. Ship Chandler Services
49.1. Approved Suppliers
– Certification: ISO 28000:2022 security compliance
– Delivery windows: 0600-1800 only at berth
– Contraband screening: 100% x-ray inspection
49.2. Provisioning Standards
– Food safety: HACCP-certified suppliers only
– Cold chain: Temperature-logged transports
– Waste packaging: Returnable containers mandatory
50. Port Infrastructure Specifications
50.1. Berth Characteristics
– Load capacity: 10t/m² uniform deck loading
– Bollard strength: 150t tested capacity
– Depth tolerances: ±0.5m of charted depths
50.2. Utility Connections
– Shore power: 6.6kV/60Hz standard
– Potable water: 100m³/hr flow rate
– Fire mains: 8 bar pressure at all hydrants
51. Port Wildlife Protection
51.1. Marine Species Conservation
– Restricted zones: Seasonal closures for migratory birds (Oct-Mar)
– Speed limits: 5 knots in manatee habitats
– Lighting controls: Turtle-friendly wavelengths during nesting
51.2. Ballast Water Management
– Exchange requirements: Minimum 200nm offshore
– Treatment systems: IMO Type Approved only
– Sampling: Mandatory for high-risk origins
52. Port Cybersecurity Measures
52.1. Network Protection
– Firewalls: Next-gen with intrusion prevention
– Access controls: Multi-factor authentication
– Encryption: TLS 1.3 for all data transfers
52.2. Operational Technology
– SCADA isolation: Air-gapped critical systems
– Patch management: Weekly security updates
– Incident response: 30-minute SLA for breaches
53. Dangerous Cargo Documentation
53.1. Required Certificates
– IMDG declaration: Shipper-signed original
– Emergency instructions: Vessel-specific plans
– Compatibility matrix: Cargo segregation chart
53.2. Special Permits
– Explosives: Ministry of Transport approval
– Radioactive: Dual agency authorization
– Toxic gases: Certified containment systems
54. Port Community System
54.1. Digital Integration
– Single window: 57 data elements standardized
– API connections: RESTful services for EDI
– Blockchain: For bill of lading verification
54.2. User Requirements
– Authentication: PKI digital certificates
– Data validation: Automated schema checks
– Audit trail: Immutable transaction records
55. Vessel Inspection Regime
55.1. Port State Control
– Targeting matrix: 20 risk factors analyzed
– Deficiency codes: 87 inspection items
– Appeal process: 48-hour objection window
55.2. Class Surveys
– Recognized organizations: 12 approved bodies
– Electronic reports: XML format required
– Validity: 3-month grace period
