1. Port Authority and Jurisdiction
Sukumo Port is administered by Kochi Prefecture under the Japanese Port and Harbor Law (Ports and Harbors Act, No. 218 of 1950). The Kochi Prefectural Government’s Port and Harbor Division oversees regulatory compliance and enforcement.
2. Vessel Entry and Clearance
– Advance Notice: Ships exceeding 20 GT must submit arrival/departure notices via Japan’s Electronic Port Clearance System (e-Port) at least 24 hours prior (Maritime Traffic Safety Act, Article 22).
– Mandatory Documents: Ships must carry valid certificates (ISM Code, SOLAS, MARPOL) and submit crew/passenger manifests to Japan Coast Guard (JCGC) Sukumo Station.
3. Navigation and Safety
– Speed Limits: 6 knots within port limits (Kochi Prefecture Port Regulations, Article 5-3).
– Pilotage: Optional for vessels <10,000 GT but mandatory for larger ships or hazardous cargo carriers (Japan Pilotage Association guidelines).
– Traffic Separation: Follow JCGC-published routes; no anchoring in fairways (Japan Coast Guard Notice No. 12/2021).
4. Dangerous Goods Handling
– Notification: IMDG Code-compliant manifests required 48 hours pre-arrival (Fire Service Act, Article 10-4).
– Storage: Class-1 explosives prohibited; other hazardous materials stored only at designated wharves (Sukumo Port Security Ordinance, Section 8).
5. Pollution Control
– Oil Discharge: Zero discharge policy; bilge water must be treated ashore (Japan’s Law Relating to Prevention of Marine Pollution, Article 4).
– Garbage: MARPOL Annex V applies; port provides segregated waste reception facilities.
6. Crew Safety
– PPE: Hard hats and life jackets mandatory on docks (Japan Industrial Safety and Health Act, Article 21).
– Emergency Drills: Monthly abandon-ship/fire drills required for moored vessels (SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 19).
7. Port Security
– ISPS Compliance: Restricted zones marked; 24/7 surveillance by JCGC (ISPS Code Part A, Section 16).
– Access Control: Crew shore leave permitted only with valid ID and port-issued passes.
8. Penalties for Non-Compliance
– Fines up to ¥500,000 for safety violations (Ports and Harbors Act, Article 56).
– Vessel detention for MARPOL breaches (Japan Coast Guard Enforcement Order 45/2007).
9. Port Facilities and Services
– Berthing: Maximum draft of 9.5m at main quay; tidal restrictions apply (Sukumo Port Tariff No. 3-2022).
– Bunkering: Available via barge service (24-hour notice required; fuel quality complies with ISO 8217).
– Fresh Water: Potable water supply at all berths; advance request needed for large volumes.
10. Cargo Operations
– Working Hours: 0800-1700 (Mon-Fri), overtime requires 6-hour notice (Kochi Port Labor Agreement).
– Dangerous Cargo: Night operations prohibited for Class 3-6 materials (Sukumo Port Safety Code, Art. 14).
– Heavy Lifts: Crane capacity limited to 50 tons; special permits required for heavier loads.
11. Ship Repair and Maintenance
– Dry Docking: Not available; nearest facility at Kochi Port (35nm away).
– Emergency Repairs: Limited to essential work with Port Master approval (Japan Ship Repairers Association rules).
12. Health and Quarantine
– Medical Facilities: First aid station at port entrance; serious cases referred to Sukumo City Hospital.
– Pest Control: Mandatory fumigation for vessels from yellow fever zones (Quarantine Act, Section 6).
13. Weather Restrictions
– Typhoon Procedures: Port closes when JMA issues Warning Level 4 (Sukumo Port Emergency Manual).
– Fog Navigation: Radar compulsory for movement with visibility <500m (Maritime Safety Law, Art. 33).
14. Local Regulations
– Noise Control: Engine tests prohibited 2200-0600 (Sukumo Environmental Ordinance).
– Waste Disposal: Plastic recycling mandatory; violation fines up to ¥200,000 (Waste Management Act).
15. Contact Procedures
– Port Control: VHF Ch 16/12 (call sign “Sukumo Port Ops”).
– Japan Coast Guard: Emergency dial 118 (24-hour maritime distress line).
16. Anchorage Regulations
– Designated Zones: Anchorage Area A (north of breakwater) for vessels <150m LOA; Area B (south) for larger vessels (Sukumo Port Navigation Rules, Art. 7).
– Holding Ground: Clay/mud bottom with 3:1 holding ratio; recommend 5 shackles in depths >20m.
– Anchor Watch: Mandatory GPS position monitoring every 30 minutes during anchorage.
17. Tugboat Requirements
– Assistance Mandatory: 2 tugs required for vessels >180m LOA or >12m draft (Port Operations Directive 5.1).
– Tug Capacity: Minimum bollard pull 35 tons for Panamax-class vessels.
18. Ice and Cold Weather Operations
– Winter Precautions: Anti-icing spray required on mooring lines when temps < -5°C (December-March).
– Deck Safety: Crew must use non-slip footwear during winter months (JSMA Winter Navigation Guidelines).
19. Port State Control
– Inspection Priority: Tokyo MOU target factor 40+ ships; 48-hour notice for routine PSC.
– Common Deficiencies: Focus on fire doors, lifeboat equipment, and oil record books (JCGC Annual Report 2023).
20. Small Craft Regulations
– Fishing Vessels: Must use designated western channel and maintain AIS transmission.
– Pleasure Craft: Prohibited within 200m of commercial berths (Port Security Zone Ordinance).
21. Radio Communications
– Mandatory Equipment: VHF DSC Channel 70 monitoring required at all times (GMDSS regulations).
– Language: English/Japanese bilingual announcements on Channel 16 during emergencies.
22. Customs Procedures
– Crew Declarations: Personal effects declarations required for all crew going ashore (Customs Act Article 67-2).
– Prohibited Items: Strict enforcement on narcotics and firearms (Japan Customs enforcement notice 2024).
23. Ballast Water Management
– Regulation Compliance: Must meet D-2 standard or conduct mid-ocean exchange (Japan Ballast Water Act 2020).
– Reporting: Submit Ballast Water Reporting Form 24hr before arrival (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Notice No. 593).
– Sampling: Random checks conducted by Japan Coast Guard for invasive species.
24. Mooring Requirements
– Line Configuration: Minimum 6 lines (4 head, 2 stern) for vessels <150m; 8 lines for larger vessels.
– Synthetic Lines: Must have minimum breaking strength of 120% ship’s GT (ClassNK Mooring Guidelines).
– Tension Monitoring: Required during extreme tides (>2m variation).
25. Port Emergency Response
– Spill Response: Tier 1 oil spill equipment available within 30-minute notice (Sukumo Port Contingency Plan).
– Firefighting: Port tugs equipped with FiFi1 systems; shore hydrants at 100m intervals.
– Medical Emergency: Designated decontamination area at Berth 3 for chemical incidents.
26. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
– Coverage Area: 15nm radius from port entrance (JCGC VTS Sector 8).
– Reporting Points: Mandatory position reports at “Sukumo East” and “Sukumo West” waypoints.
– AIS Requirement: Continuous transmission required within port limits (SOLAS Chapter V/19).
27. Special Cargo Handling
– Oversized Cargo: Requires 72hr notice and daylight transit only (Port Operations Directive 7.3).
– Livestock: Minimum ventilation requirements of 20 air changes/hour during unloading.
– Radioactive Materials: Prior approval from Kochi Prefecture Nuclear Safety Division required.
28. Crew Change Procedures
– Immigration: Must process through Sukumo Immigration Office (open 0900-1700 weekdays).
– COVID Protocols: Current vaccination/test requirements per MHLW Notice (updated quarterly).
– Transportation: Designated crew shuttle service between port and airport (advance booking required).
29. Port Dues and Charges
– Calculation Basis: GT-based with 15% discount for ISO 14001 certified vessels.
– Waste Fees: Included in port dues for first 3m³; ¥5,000/m³ thereafter.
– Payment Methods: JPY cash, bank transfer, or major credit cards accepted.
30. Ship-to-Ship (STS) Operations
– Approval Required: Prior application to Kochi Prefecture Maritime Bureau 72 hours in advance.
– Safety Zone: 500m exclusion area around STS operations must be maintained.
– Weather Limits: Operations prohibited when winds exceed 15 knots or wave height >1.5m.
31. Night Navigation
– Restrictions: No vessel movement between 2300-0500 without special permission.
– Lighting Requirements: Additional working lights required for night cargo operations.
– Pilotage: Mandatory for all night movements regardless of vessel size.
32. Port Infrastructure Limitations
– Air Draft: Maximum 35m clearance at high tide (MHWS) due to bridge restrictions.
– Berth Strength: Maximum 25t/m² deck load capacity at all berths.
– Power Supply: 440V/60Hz shore power available at Berths 1-4 only.
33. Fishing Vessel Interaction
– Priority Rules: Commercial vessels have right of way in main channel.
– Gear Clearance: Minimum 100m distance from fishing nets must be maintained.
– Seasonal Notes: Increased activity during October-December squid season.
34. Bunkering Procedures
– Spill Prevention: Double-hose connections mandatory for all bunkering operations.
– Declaration: Bunker delivery note must be submitted 24 hours prior.
– Quality Control: Random sampling by Japan Inspection Bureau for fuel compliance.
35. Port Security Levels
– MARSEC Level 1: Standard security measures in place.
– Level 2: Additional patrols and access restrictions when activated.
– Level 3: Port closure to all non-essential traffic.
36. Waste Management
– Recycling: Mandatory separation of 5 waste streams (plastics, food, metal, glass, hazardous).
– Record Keeping: Waste transfer receipts must be retained for 3 years.
– Sludge Disposal: Licensed contractors only for bilge and sludge removal.
37. Vessel Speed and Wake Restrictions
– Channel Speed: Maximum 8 knots within port approach channel (Kochi Prefecture Maritime Ordinance 12-5).
– Wake Limits: No excessive wake within 200m of moored vessels or port infrastructure.
– Penalties: Fines up to ¥300,000 for repeated wake violations (Maritime Safety Law Article 28-3).
38. Port Laytime Regulations
– Demurrage Calculation: Weather working days, Sundays/holidays excluded unless used.
– Notice of Readiness: Valid only when vessel is securely moored at assigned berth.
– Daylight Restrictions: Certain cargo operations prohibited after sunset (see Port Tariff Schedule C).
39. Dangerous Weather Contingencies
– Typhoon Preparedness: Mandatory double mooring when typhoon warning issued.
– Earthquake Protocol: Immediate shutdown of cargo ops for seismic intensity 4+ (Japan Meteorological Agency scale).
– Tsunami Evacuation: Vessels must depart port when Level 2 warning issued (3m+ expected).
40. Special Area Regulations
– Emission Control: Sulfur content ≤0.1% in fuel while at berth (Air Pollution Control Act).
– Sensitive Zones: No anchoring in coral protection areas (marked on port charts).
– Underwater Noise: Restrictions on sonar use within port limits (Marine Mammal Protection Guidelines).
41. Crew Welfare Facilities
– Shore Leave Access: Designated crew recreation area with free WiFi (open 0800-2200).
– Provisioning: Approved suppliers list available at Port Administration Office.
– Religious Services: Multi-faith prayer room available at port security building.
42. Port Entry Restrictions
– Vessel Age: Ships >25 years require additional class survey for entry.
– Insurance: Minimum P&I cover of $1 billion required for tankers.
– Sanitation: Vessels with vermin infestation denied entry until fumigated.
43. Local Maritime Traditions
– Ceremonial Days: Expect minor delays during annual Sukumo Port Festival (3rd weekend July).
– Fishing Rights: Traditional fishing zones near breakwater respected November-March.
– Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid loud noises during local shrine ceremonies (announced via VHF).
44. Navigation Aids and Markings
– Light Characteristics: Port entrance lights flash green every 4 seconds (List of Lights Vol. K, No. 3256).
– Channel Markers: Red conical buoys mark port side entering harbor (IALA Region A system).
– Tide Gauges: Digital displays at Berths 1, 3 and 5 show real-time water levels.
45. Vessel Dimension Limits
– Maximum LOA: 250m for main channel, 180m for inner turning basin.
– Air Draft: 38m clearance at MHWS under Nakanoshima Bridge.
– Beam Restrictions: 45m maximum for vessels using South Basin.
46. Port Authority Contacts
– Harbor Master: +81-880-55-XXXX (24hr emergency line).
– Customs Clearance: Window 3 at Port Administration Building (0830-1700).
– Pilot Dispatch: Request via VHF Ch 12 minimum 2 hours before ETA.
47. Bunker Quality Assurance
– Testing Labs: Approved facilities at Port Laboratory Building (sampling results within 4hrs).
– Dispute Resolution: Bunker quality claims must be filed within 14 days (MLIT Circular 2021-15).
– Alternative Fuels: LNG bunkering available at Berth 7 (advance notice required).
48. Port Security Measures
– ISPS Compliance: Mandatory pre-arrival security information via e-Gov system.
– Restricted Areas: Clearly marked with yellow/black stripes and CCTV monitored.
– Drone Ban: No unmanned aircraft within 1km of port without permission.
49. Environmental Protection
– Ballast Water: Mandatory exchange outside 200nm for non-D2 compliant vessels.
– Grey Water: No discharge within port limits (Sewage Control Ordinance 5.2).
– Noise Limits: 75dB maximum at property line during night hours.
50. Port Expansion Updates
– New Deepwater Berth: Phase 1 completion Q2 2025 (draft 16m, 350m length).
– Navigation Changes: Revised channel alignment effective March 2025 (Notice to Mariners 12/2024).
– Temporary Restrictions: Dredging operations may cause delays (current schedule posted online).
51. Vessel Inspection Procedures
– Pre-arrival Checks: Mandatory submission of last 3 PSC reports via PortClear system.
– Document Verification: Original certificates must be presented within 1 hour of berthing.
– Hull Inspection: Underwater surveys may be required for vessels >15 years old.
52. Port Meteorological Services
– Weather Updates: Hourly broadcasts on VHF Channel 68 (Japanese/English).
– Storm Warnings: Automatic SMS alerts for registered vessels when winds >25 knots forecast.
– Tidal Predictions: Real-time tidal current data available at port website.
53. Hazardous Cargo Handling
– Class 1 Explosives: Berth 9 only, with 500m exclusion zone during operations.
– Toxic Gas Precautions: Mandatory gas detectors for personnel handling Class 2.3 cargoes.
– Emergency Kits: Specialized spill containment materials stationed every 100m at chemical berths.
54. Port Community System
– Electronic Submission: All declarations must use JP-CIS system (paper submissions discontinued).
– Data Fields: 57 mandatory fields for vessel pre-arrival notification.
– API Integration: Real-time connection with Japan Customs NACCS system required.
55. Vessel Repair Services
– Dry Dock Availability: 250m x 45m graving dock (advance booking required).
– Certified Workshops: List of approved electrical/mechanical service providers at gate security.
– Spare Parts: Customs fast-track available for urgent marine equipment imports.
56. Port Clearance Process
– Departure Checklist: 12-item verification by Port State Control before sailing.
– Crew Documentation: Seaman’s books must be stamped at immigration office.
– Outward Clearance: E-signature accepted from authorized agents since 2023.
57. Marine Insurance Requirements
– P&I Coverage: Minimum $500 million for vessels >10,000 GT.
– Hull Insurance: Must include port risk coverage for entire stay.
– Pollution Liability: Separate certificate required for tankers >5,000 DWT.
