1. General Port Rules and Regulations
Shirashima Port operates under the jurisdiction of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). Compliance with the Ports and Harbors Act (Act No. 218 of 1950) and local ordinances is mandatory. Key regulations include:
– Vessels exceeding 500 GT must submit advance notice 24 hours before arrival.
– Anchorage zones are designated by the Port Authority; unauthorized anchoring is prohibited.
– Discharge of oil, hazardous substances, or untreated sewage is strictly forbidden under the Marine Pollution Prevention Act (Act No. 136 of 1970).
2. Navigation and Safety
– Speed limits: 10 knots within inner harbor areas, 5 knots near berths.
– Mandatory AIS and VHF Channel 16 monitoring for vessels over 300 GT.
– Pilotage is compulsory for vessels exceeding 10,000 GT or 200m LOA.
– Night navigation requires prior approval and use of designated lighting per COLREGs.
3. Port Entry and Clearance
– Submit the following to Shirashima Port Authority via electronic data interchange (EDI):
– Maritime Declaration of Health (WHO template)
– Crew/passenger manifests (ISPS Code compliant)
– Cargo manifests (Customs-approved format)
– Quarantine inspections are conducted for vessels from high-risk areas per Japan Quarantine Act.
4. Dangerous Goods Handling
– IMDG Code compliance is enforced for all hazardous cargo.
– Class 1 explosives require 48-hour pre-arrival notice and dedicated berthing.
– Gas carriers must provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in Japanese/English.
5. Environmental Compliance
– Ballast water management per Japan’s 2024 BWM Regulations (aligned with IMO D-2 standard).
– 0% tolerance for visible oil sheen during bunkering operations.
– Waste delivery receipts must be retained for 3 years (MARPOL Annex V).
6. Enforcement Measures
– Non-compliance penalties range from ¥500,000 to ¥10 million under the Port Regulations Law.
– Vessels may be detained for:
– Missing safety certificates
– Unreported crew changes
– Improper garbage segregation
– Repeat offenders face port access restrictions.
7. Emergency Procedures
– Immediate VHF Channel 14 contact required for:
– Oil spills >1 ton
– Fire/explosion incidents
– Man overboard
– Port emergency response team activation time: ≤15 minutes.
– Hospital access is available within 8km for medical emergencies.
8. Crew Welfare Requirements
– Minimum 10 hours rest in 24-hour period (MLIT Ordinance No. 28).
– Shore leave permitted with valid seafarer’s ID and immigration clearance.
– Mandatory provision of potable water (≥50 liters/crew/day).
9. Port-Specific Operational Notes
– Tidal range: 3.2m (max), current tables published quarterly by MLIT.
– No.3 Berth has 15m depth restrictions during spring tides.
– Container cranes have maximum SWL of 65 tons (certification displayed on equipment).
10. Cargo Operations Regulations
– All cargo handling equipment must undergo annual MLIT certification.
– Hazardous cargo segregation zones are strictly enforced (IMDG Class-wise separation).
– Grain cargo operations require dust suppression systems per Japan Agricultural Standards.
– Breakbulk cargo exceeding 20 tons requires special lifting plan approval.
11. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
– Mandatory VTS reporting points at 34°15’N 132°30’E and 34°20’N 132°35’E.
– Radar surveillance coverage extends 25nm from port entrance.
– Non-compliance with VTS instructions may result in navigation suspension.
12. Bunkering Procedures
– Bunker delivery notes must include sulfur content (max 0.50% per IMO 2020).
– Simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) require Port Authority approval.
– Dedicated spill containment booms mandatory during bunkering.
13. Port Security Measures
– ISPS Level 1: 100% ID checks for all personnel boarding vessels.
– Restricted areas marked with yellow/black stripes (ISPS Code compliant).
– Unattended vessels must maintain anchor watch with VHF monitoring.
14. Special Vessel Requirements
– LNG carriers: Required Q88 form submission 72 hours pre-arrival.
– Ro-Ro vessels: Securing certificates for all vehicle lashings.
– Cruise ships: Medical waste disposal contracts with licensed providers.
15. Weather Restrictions
– All operations cease when typhoon warning Signal No. 8 is issued.
– Vessels >50,000 DWT must depart outer anchorage if winds exceed 25 knots.
– Real-time weather updates broadcast on VHF Channel 12 hourly.
16. Port Dues and Charges
– Calculated based on GT and cargo volume (published in MLIT Tariff No. 2023-4).
– Environmental incentive: 15% discount for vessels with Tier III engines.
– Late payment incurs 1.5% monthly interest (Civil Code Article 404).
17. Crew Change Procedures
– Immigration clearance required at designated port office (open 0800-1700).
– On-signing crew must present valid medical certificates (MLIT Form 30).
– Off-signing crew baggage subject to customs inspection.
18. Port Infrastructure Specifications
– Main breakwater: 2,150m length, 12m crest elevation (Tokyo Peil).
– Turning basin diameter: 550m (adequate for Panamax vessels).
– Shore power available at Berths 5-8 (440V/60Hz).
19. Salvage and Wreck Removal
– Mandatory wreck marking within 24 hours of incident.
– Removal deadline: 90 days for vessels obstructing navigation.
– Salvage operations require Japan Coast Guard supervision.
20. Port State Control Inspections
– Tokyo MOU inspection regime applies with priority targeting:
– Vessels with 3+ deficiencies in last 12 months
– Bulk carriers >15 years old
– Oil tankers without Condition Assessment Program (CAP) certification
– Inspection frequency: High-risk vessels every 6 months
21. Ship Repair Regulations
– Hot work permits require gas-free certificates (Japan Industrial Standard JIS F 0801)
– Underwater repairs must notify Japan Coast Guard 48 hours in advance
– Waste disposal from shipyards regulated under Waste Management Act (Act No. 137 of 1970)
22. Fishing Vessel Operations
– Designated fishing vessel berths at North Pier (maximum LOA 50m)
– Prohibited within commercial vessel channels during 0600-1800
– Mandatory separation of fishing gear from cargo operations areas
23. Ice Navigation Procedures
– Winter navigation (Dec-Mar) requires:
– Ice class certification
– Double hull construction for tankers
– Emergency towage arrangements
– Port icebreaking services available with 12-hour notice
24. Customs Clearance Requirements
– Electronic customs declaration (NACCS system) mandatory for all cargo
– Prohibited items include:
– Certain agricultural products (Plant Protection Act)
– Counterfeit goods (Trademark Act)
– Unapproved pharmaceuticals
– Clearance processing time: 4 working hours for standard shipments
25. Port Labor Regulations
– Stevedores must hold valid port worker licenses (MLIT Certification)
– Minimum gang sizes:
– Container vessels: 1 gang per 100 TEU/hr
– Bulk carriers: 1 gang per 10,000 tons/day
– Work stoppages during typhoon warnings (Signal No. 3 or above)
26. Vessel Sanitation Requirements
– Medical waste must be incinerated at approved facilities
– Rat guards mandatory for all mooring lines
– Freshwater supply points meet WHO drinking water standards
27. Port Communication Protocols
– Primary working channel: VHF 14 (English/Japanese)
– Emergency broadcasts precede with “SECURITE” repetition
– Digital Notice to Mariners updated weekly on MLIT website
28. Anchorage Management
– Outer anchorage depth: 25-30m (sandy bottom)
– Maximum stay: 72 hours without Port Authority extension
– Anchoring prohibited within 500m of submarine cables
29. Port Lighting and Marking
– Leading lights: White sector marks approach channel
– Berth numbering illuminated at night (yellow lights)
– Special marks for LNG terminal (red flashing lights)
30. Tugboat Assistance Requirements
– Compulsory for vessels >20,000 DWT: minimum 2 tugboats
– Bollard pull requirements:
– 50 tons for Panamax vessels
– 80 tons for Capesize vessels
– Tugboat operators must hold Class A Harbor Pilot License
31. Dredging Operations
– Maintenance dredging conducted March-June annually
– Contaminated sediment disposal requires MLIT special permit
– Navigation restrictions during dredging: 500m safety zone
32. Port Fire Safety Standards
– Firefighting water supply: 5,000m³/hr capacity
– Emergency foam stations at all oil berths (Type B foam concentrate)
– Monthly fire drills mandatory for port workers
33. Ship Chandler Services
– Licensed providers only (Port Authority registration required)
– Prohibited items delivery: alcohol after 2200 hours
– Waste oil collection requires separate hazardous waste permit
34. Navigation in Poor Visibility
– Pilotage mandatory when visibility <1 nautical mile
– Radar-assisted berthing procedures apply <500m visibility
– Port closure when visibility <200m persists >2 hours
35. Port Wildlife Protection
– Speed reduction zones for marine mammals (May-November)
– Prohibited discharge areas near seabird nesting sites
– 24-hour hotline for oiled wildlife response
36. Vessel Lay-up Procedures
– Minimum safe manning requirements apply during lay-up
– Weekly inspection reports to Port Authority required
– Emergency generator testing every 7 days mandatory
37. Port Noise Regulations
– Night operations (2200-0600) noise limit: 65 dB at boundary
– Vessel whistle use restricted to emergency situations
– Complaint response time: within 2 working hours
38. Naval Vessel Protocols
– Prior diplomatic clearance required for foreign warships
– Weapons discharge prohibited within port limits
– Special security zones enforced during visits
39. Historical Wreck Protection
– No anchoring within 200m of designated archaeological sites
– Mandatory magnetometer survey for dredging projects
– Artifact reporting requirement within 24 hours of discovery
40. Dangerous Cargo Documentation
– IMDG Declaration must include UN numbers in Japanese characters
– Radiation monitoring required for Class 7 cargo (IAEA standards)
– Emergency response plans must be vessel-specific (not generic templates)
41. Port Mooring Systems
– Quick-release hooks mandatory for all tanker berths
– Synthetic mooring lines require annual strength certification
– Maximum allowable mooring load: 55% of MBL (Minimum Breaking Load)
42. Vessel Air Emissions Control
– Continuous opacity monitoring for vessels >5,000 GT
– Shore power connection mandatory for cruise ships >4 hours at berth
– NOx Technical File verification during PSC inspections
43. Port Measurement Standards
– Certified draft surveyors required for bulk cargo disputes
– Bunker surveys follow ISO 13739 procedures
– Official tide gauges calibrated to Tokyo Peil (TP) datum
44. Salvage and Towage Contracts
– Lloyd’s Open Form (LOF) not recognized – Japan Standard Towing Agreement applies
– Emergency response vessels on 30-minute standby
– Wreck removal bond required for vessels >500 GT
45. Port Lighting Requirements
– Minimum 200 lux illumination at all working berths
– Emergency lighting must sustain 3 hours operation
– Navigational lights checked daily by port security
46. Cold Ironing Procedures
– 6.6kV/60Hz shore connection system available at 3 berths
– Connection/disconnection by certified port electricians only
– Real-time power monitoring displays in wheelhouse
47. Port Cybersecurity Measures
– ECDIS updates via approved USB devices only
– Mandatory network segmentation for ship-shore data transfer
– Monthly penetration testing for critical systems
48. Special Cargo Handling
– Project cargo requires 14-day advance stability calculations
– Heavy lift operations limited to daylight hours
– Helicopter operations need 48-hour notice to air traffic control
49. Port Waste Reception
– Separate reception for:
– Food waste (compulsory incineration)
– Plastic (recycling only)
– Sludge (certified disposal facilities)
– Digital waste manifests integrated with MEPC.1/Circ.834
50. Vessel Stability Requirements
– Minimum GM of 0.15m required during cargo operations
– Critical stability booklet amendments must be approved by Class
– Free surface effect calculations mandatory for partial tank loads
51. Port Access Control
– Biometric identification for all port personnel since 2023
– Vessel access logs retained for 5 years (ISPS requirement)
– Drone flights prohibited within 1km of port facilities
52. Bunker Quality Assurance
– Mandatory sampling by independent surveyor during bunkering
– MARPOL Annex VI fuel samples retained for 12 months
– Real-time viscosity monitoring for HFO deliveries
53. Emergency Towing Arrangements
– Fore and aft towing bridles ready for immediate deployment
– Annual load testing of emergency towing equipment
– Towing point markings according to MSC.1/Circ.1255
54. Port Meteorological Services
– Real-time weather station data available on VHF Channel 68
– Typhoon warning updates every 30 minutes during alerts
– Wave height restrictions: max 2.5m for Ro-Ro operations
55. Vessel Layberth Regulations
– Maximum 10 vessels at layberth simultaneously
– Weekly fire patrols conducted by port security
– Emergency diesel supply available for auxiliary engines
56. Port Cargo Securing
– Container lashing equipment inspected every 6 months
– Timber deck cargo requires additional 15% securing force
– Breakbulk cargo must be secured for 30° roll conditions
57. Navigation Equipment Checks
– Radar performance verified against port reflectors
– AIS static data validation during each port call
– Magnetic compass deviation records up-to-date
58. Port Water Conservation
– Ballast water exchange prohibited within 12nm of port
– High-pressure washing systems with water recycling
– Mandatory flow meters on all potable water connections
59. Special Area Regulations
– Strict compliance with IMO SOx Emission Control Area
– Special ballast water restrictions in aquaculture zones
– No-anchor zones around submarine cable crossings
