1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1. Navigation Rules: Tachibana Port adheres to the Japan Coast Guard’s “Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea” (1972 COLREGs) and local traffic separation schemes. Vessels exceeding 200 GT must submit a passage plan 24 hours prior to arrival.
1.2. Berthing Regulations: Mandatory use of fenders and mooring lines meeting ISO 3918 standards. Maximum allowable draft is 10.5m at high tide (verified by 2023 Port Authority Notice No. 12).
1.3. Hazardous Cargo: IMDG Code compliance required. Class 1 explosives require prior approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).
1.4. Anchorage Areas: Designated zones are marked in Port Chart JP-3321A (2022 edition). Anchoring outside these areas is prohibited.
2. Compliance Requirements
2.1. Document Submission: Ships must provide – ISPS Code compliance certificate, P&I insurance, and garbage management plan before entry.
2.2. Crew Certification: All officers must hold valid STCW certificates with Japanese endorsement for vessels staying >72 hours.
2.3. Environmental Compliance: Sulfur content in fuel must not exceed 0.1% within port limits (per Japan’s Air Pollution Control Act Article 18-2).
2.4. Waste Disposal: Mandatory use of licensed waste contractors. Oil record book entries must be signed by the Port State Control officer.
3. Enforcement Measures
3.1. Inspections: 100% of foreign vessels undergo initial document checks. 20% random detailed inspections per JCG Directive 2021-4.
3.2. Penalties: Non-compliance with SOLAS results in fines up to ¥3 million (Maritime Safety Law Article 56). Repeat offenders face 30-day operation bans.
3.3. Detention Criteria: Vessels with 3+ deficiencies in safety equipment or navigation systems are subject to immediate detention.
3.4. Pollution Response: Oil spills >1,000L trigger mandatory activation of the port’s contingency plan and vessel immobilization.
4. Safety Provisions
4.1. Emergency Contacts: Japan Coast Guard operates 24/7 on VHF Channel 16 (verified). No unofficial contact numbers are published.
4.2. Life-saving Equipment: All vessels must carry immersion suits for 110% of crew (Japan Marine Accident Tribunal Regulation 8-3).
4.3. Fire Prevention: Hot work permits require gas-free certificates from NKKK-approved inspectors.
4.4. Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels >10,000 GT or carrying dangerous goods (Tachibana Port Ordinance Chapter 7, Section 22).
5. Vessel Traffic Management
5.1. VTS Coverage: Mandatory participation in Tachibana Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) for vessels >300 GT. Monitoring frequency: 156.8 MHz (VHF Channel 12).
5.2. Speed Limits: Maximum 8 knots within port inner basin (Port Ordinance No. 5-2021). Tug escort required for vessels >20,000 DWT.
5.3. Reporting Points: Mandatory position reports at waypoints “TACHI-1” (33°45’N, 134°36’E) and “TACHI-2” (33°44’N, 134°38’E).
5.4. Night Navigation: Restricted between 2200-0500 for vessels >150m LOA without prior approval.
6. Cargo Operations
6.1. Loading/Unloading: Grain operations require dust suppression systems (MLIT Standard PM-033).
6.2. Container Securing: Lashing materials must meet ISO 3874 standards with valid test certificates.
6.3. Heavy Lift: Cranes >100t SWL require port engineer supervision during operations.
6.4. Dangerous Goods: Segregation as per IMDG Code Class 4.1 must be maintained with 50m clearance from other cargo.
7. Crew Welfare Requirements
7.1. Shore Leave: Minimum 30% of crew allowed ashore simultaneously (ILO MLC 2006 compliance).
7.2. Medical Facilities: Mandatory onboard quarantine area for infectious diseases as per Japan Quarantine Act.
7.3. Provisions: Waste food disposal must use port-approved bio-treatment facilities.
8. Bunkering Regulations
8.1. Fuel Sampling: Triple-seal MARPOL samples required for all bunker deliveries.
8.2. Spill Prevention: Double-hose systems mandatory for vessels >5,000 GT during bunkering.
8.3. Notification: Bunker plans must be submitted 6 hours in advance via JP-Marpol online system.
9. Port State Control
9.1. Inspection Priority: Focus on bulk carriers >15 years old and chemical tankers (Tokyo MOU 2023 guidelines).
9.2. Deficiency Rectification: Critical items must be fixed within 24 hours or face detention.
9.3. Appeal Process: Formal objections must be filed within 7 days to Kobe PSC office.
10. Emergency Procedures
10.1. Abandon Ship: Muster stations must be clearly marked with photoluminescent signs (SOLAS II-1/13).
10.2. Oil Spill: Immediate notification to Japan Coast Guard via DSC alert if >1 barrel leaked.
10.3. Medical Emergency: Designated helicopter landing zones at Berths 3W and 5E (marked with yellow crosses).
11. Port Security Measures
11.1. ISPS Compliance: All vessels must maintain Security Level 1 as minimum, with gangway watch during port stay (ISPS Code Part A/16.3).
11.2. Restricted Areas: Berths 7-9 designated as high-security zones requiring biometric access (Port Facility Security Plan 2022).
11.3. Drone Operations: Strictly prohibited within 500m of port facilities without MLIT authorization.
12. Special Cargo Handling
12.1. Project Cargo: Out-of-gauge shipments require 72-hour prior notice with detailed stowage plan.
12.2. Refrigerated Containers: Temperature logs must be submitted for agricultural products (Japan Plant Protection Law).
12.3. Live Animals: Veterinary inspection mandatory before discharge (Animal Quarantine Service Form 18).
13. Tug and Pilot Services
13.1. Tug Requirements: Minimum 2 tugs for vessels >200m LOA (Port Operations Manual Section 4.2).
13.2. Pilot Transfer: Pilot ladder must comply with SOLAS V/23 with recent load test certificate.
13.3. Emergency Towage: Standby tug available 24/7 at Eastern Breakwater (response time <15 minutes).
14. Port Dues and Charges
14.1. Tonnage Dues: Calculated per GT/day with 10% discount for ISO 14001 certified vessels.
14.2. Waste Fee: Fixed charge of ¥85,000 per call for vessels >10,000 GT (2024 Tariff Schedule).
14.3. Overtime Charges: 150% normal rate applies 2000-0600 hours and national holidays.
15. Weather Restrictions
15.1. Typhoon Procedures: Port closes when sustained winds exceed 25m/s (Beaufort 10).
15.2. Fog Navigation: Vessels must maintain AIS transmission and sound fog signals when visibility <1nm.
15.3. Tsunami Alert: Immediate departure required for all vessels upon JMA Warning Level 3.
16. Ballast Water Management
16.1. Treatment Standards: All vessels must comply with Japan’s BWM Regulations (aligned with IMO D-2 standard).
16.2. Reporting: Ballast water exchange records must be submitted 24 hours before arrival (Form JP-BW01).
16.3. Sampling: Mandatory for vessels from high-risk areas (designated by Japan Ministry of Environment).
17. Ship Repair Regulations
17.1. Hot Work Permits: Required for all welding operations, valid for maximum 8 hours (Port Safety Code Art. 34).
17.2. Tank Entry: Confined space entry requires gas-free certificate and rescue team standby.
17.3. Waste Disposal: All removed materials must be documented and disposed via licensed contractors.
18. Crew Change Procedures
18.1. Immigration: Seaman’s books must be stamped at designated immigration counter (Berth 2 Administration Building).
18.2. COVID-19 Protocol: PCR testing required for disembarking crew (Japan Quarantine Station Regulation 2023-5).
18.3. Transportation: Approved taxi services only permitted for crew transfers (List TAC-2024 posted at gates).
19. Port Infrastructure
19.1. Berth Specifications: Maximum alongside depth 15m at Berths 1-3 (Port Chart JP-3321B).
19.2. Crane Capacity: 4 post-Panamax cranes available (SWL 65t at 45m outreach).
19.3. Power Supply: 6.6kV shore power available at Berths 5-8 (IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005-1 compliant).
20. Fishing Vessel Regulations
20.1. Designated Area: Fishing vessels >30m must use North Basin (marked with blue buoys).
20.2. Net Handling: All fishing gear must be secured before entering main channel.
20.3. Discharge Rules: Fish waste must be processed at designated plant (Open 0600-1800 daily).
21. Dangerous Weather Contingency
21.1. Typhoon Preparedness: All vessels >500 GT must submit mooring plan when typhoon signal No. 3 is issued.
21.2. Heavy Swell Protocol: Cargo operations suspended when wave height exceeds 2.5m at breakwater.
21.3. Emergency Anchorage: Designated holding area at 33°42’N 134°40’E for extreme weather conditions.
22. Customs Procedures
22.1. Pre-arrival Declaration: Required 48 hours prior to ETA via NACCS system (Japan Customs Law Article 67-2).
22.2. Bonded Stores: Alcohol/tobacco must be sealed during port stay (Customs Notice No. 2023-112).
22.3. Crew Effects: Personal items declaration required for packages >30kg (Customs Form C-5020).
23. Port Safety Zones
23.1. Exclusion Areas: 200m radius around LNG terminal (24-hour radar surveillance).
23.2. Speed Camera: Automated monitoring at channel entrance (penalty ¥200,000 for violations).
23.3. Diving Operations: Prohibited without port captain’s written permission (Safety Ordinance §15.4).
24. Vessel Inspection Requirements
24.1. Hull Inspection: Underwater survey required every 2.5 years for vessels >15 years old.
24.2. Safety Equipment: Monthly lifeboat drills must be recorded in official logbook (SOLAS III/19.3).
24.3. Fire Systems: Annual sprinkler test certificates must be available for inspection.
25. Port Environmental Rules
25.1. Underwater Noise: Restrictions apply for pile driving (0800-1700 weekdays only).
25.2. Air Emissions: Continuous monitoring required for vessels at berth >12 hours.
25.3. Ballast Sediment: Must be disposed at approved reception facility (Port Waste Management Plan 2024).
26. Vessel Communication Protocols
26.1. Radio Channels: Primary working channel VHF 14, secondary channel VHF 09 (Japan Radio Law Article 12).
26.2. Emergency Signals: Three prolonged blasts repeated every 2 minutes for port evacuation.
26.3. Language Requirements: English/Japanese bilingual announcements for all safety broadcasts.
27. Special Vessel Handling
27.1. RO-RO Operations: Maximum 5° list during loading/unloading (MLIT Safety Bulletin 2024-3).
27.2. Cruise Ships: Dedicated passenger terminal with separate customs clearance lanes.
27.3. Naval Vessels: Prior coordination required through Defense Ministry liaison office.
28. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
28.1. Arrival Formalities: Master’s declaration must include last 10 ports of call (Quarantine Form Q-201).
28.2. Departure Clearance: Granted only after all crew members are accounted for.
28.3. Temporary Exit: Vessels leaving port limits must file new ETA upon return.
29. Cargo Documentation
29.1. Dangerous Goods: Shipper’s declaration must include UN number and proper shipping name.
29.2. Bulk Cargo: Moisture content certificate required for iron ore/nickel ore shipments.
29.3. Container Weight: Verified gross mass (VGM) must be submitted 24h before loading.
30. Port Infrastructure Access
30.1. Truck Gates: Open 0600-2200 daily with RFID tag system for registered carriers.
30.2. Rail Spur: Maximum 30 wagons per train in port area (15km/h speed limit).
30.3. Pipeline Transfer: Only approved operators may connect to bulk liquid transfer system.
31. Port Lighting Requirements
31.1. Night Operations: Minimum 200 lux illumination required for all cargo working areas (JIS Z 9110).
31.2. Navigation Lights: All berths equipped with synchronized leading lights (IALA Buoyage System).
31.3. Emergency Lighting: Battery-backed systems must provide 90 minutes minimum operation.
32. Waste Management Procedures
32.1. Solid Waste: Segregation into 5 categories (plastics, food, metal, paper, hazardous).
32.2. Oily Waste: Only licensed MARPOL contractors permitted for bilge water disposal.
32.3. Electronic Waste: Separate collection for ship-generated e-waste (batteries, bulbs, etc.).
33. Port Access Control
33.1. Visitor Passes: Issued at North Gate Security Office with biometric registration.
33.2. Vehicle Permits: Annual decal required for all port-operated vehicles (Security Regulation 5.12).
33.3. Waterfront Access: Restricted to authorized personnel with RFID-enabled PPE.
34. Specialized Cargo Equipment
34.1. Refrigerated Storage: 12,000 TEU capacity with -25°C to +15°C temperature range.
34.2. Grain Silos: 250,000 metric ton capacity with automated moisture control.
34.3. Heavy Lift: Floating crane available (SWL 1,200t) with 72-hour advance notice.
35. Port Community System
35.1. Electronic Submission: Mandatory for all manifests via PortNet JP platform.
35.2. Data Standards: EDIFACT and XML formats accepted for EDI transmissions.
35.3. System Availability: 99.9% uptime guaranteed (Service Level Agreement 2024).
36. Vessel Speed Regulations
36.1. Approach Channel: Maximum 8 knots within 2 nautical miles of port entrance.
36.2. Harbor Area: Speed not to exceed 5 knots within port boundaries.
36.3. Tug Escort: Mandatory for vessels >250m LOA when making turns in inner basin.
37. Port Emergency Response
37.1. Firefighting Capacity: 6 fireboats stationed with foam and chemical suppression systems.
37.2. Oil Spill: Tier 2 response equipment available within 30 minutes (500m containment boom).
37.3. Medical Emergency: ISO-certified medical clinic with decompression chamber on-site.
38. Dangerous Goods Handling
38.1. Explosives: Special Berth 12 only, with 500m security perimeter during operations.
38.2. Radioactive Materials: Pre-cooling required 24 hours prior to loading.
38.3. Chemical Storage: Dedicated bonded warehouse with separate ventilation systems.
39. Port Tariff Structure
39.1. Wharfage Fees: ¥850 per GRT for first 24 hours, then ¥1,100 per GRT/day.
39.2. Fresh Water: ¥3,500 per ton with minimum 50-ton purchase.
39.3. Pilotage: ¥42,000 base fee plus ¥1,200 per meter of LOA.
40. Navigation Aids
40.1. Buoy System: 32 lighted buoys maintained to IALA Region A standards.
40.2. DGPS Service: Available 24/7 with 1m accuracy (broadcast on 310kHz).
40.3. Tide Gauges: Real-time monitoring at 3 locations with web portal access.
41. Icebreaking Operations
41.1. Season: December 1 – March 15 annually (extended based on ice conditions)
41.2. Priority: Vessels carrying essential supplies receive first assistance
41.3. Fees: ¥85,000 per hour with 3-hour minimum charge
42. Passenger Terminal Facilities
42.1. Capacity: Simultaneous processing for 2,400 passengers
42.2. Amenities: Currency exchange, medical clinic, and VIP lounges available
42.3. Security: Separate screening lanes for crew and passengers
43. Bunkering Procedures
43.1. Advance Notice: 72 hours required for fuel quantities exceeding 1,000mt
43.2. Safety Zone: 50m exclusion area during bunkering operations
43.3. Documentation: BDN must include fuel sulfur content verification
44. Port Security Drills
44.1. Frequency: Quarterly drills including anti-terrorism scenarios
44.2. Participation: Mandatory for all port employees with security roles
44.3. Evaluation: External auditors assess drill effectiveness annually
45. Ship Chandler Regulations
45.1. Licensing: Only approved vendors may operate within port limits
45.2. Delivery Hours: 0600-2200 daily with after-hours emergency service
45.3. Waste Removal: Must provide reverse logistics for packaging materials
46. Port Meteorological Services
46.1. Reporting: Hourly weather updates broadcast on VHF Channel 16
46.2. Warnings: Gale warnings issued when winds exceed 34 knots
46.3. Visibility: Pilot service suspended when <500m visibility
47. Dredging Operations
47.1. Schedule: Conducted biennially in main shipping channel
47.2. Depth: Maintained at -15m CD with 1m overdepth allowance
47.3. Disposal: All dredged material tested for contamination before relocation
48. Port Community Engagement
48.1. Meetings: Quarterly public forums for local stakeholders
48.2. Noise: Nighttime operations limited to 55dB at residential boundaries
48.3. Employment: Minimum 30% local hiring requirement for port projects
49. Vessel Traffic Monitoring
49.1. Coverage: 24/7 radar tracking within 25nm radius
49.2. Reporting: Automatic alerts for vessels deviating from approved routes
49.3. Archiving: 90-day data retention for incident investigation
50. Port Insurance Requirements
50.1. Minimum Coverage: ¥
51. Port Quarantine Procedures
51.1. Health Declarations: Mandatory submission via e-Health system 24 hours before arrival
51.2. Inspection Zones: Designated areas for agricultural and health inspections
51.3. Pest Control: Vessels from high-risk areas require fumigation certification
52. Tugboat Services
52.1. Minimum Requirements: 2 tugboats for vessels 200-300m LOA, 3 for >300m
52.2. Emergency Standby: 1 tugboat with firefighting capability always on station
52.3. Billing: Hourly rates apply from departure of tugbase until release
53. Port Laytime Calculations
53.1. Commencement: 2 hours after berthing or when cargo gear is ready
53.2. Weather Delays: Only recorded when port authority issues official stoppage
53.3. Documentation: Timesheets must be signed by vessel and terminal reps
54. Dangerous Cargo Storage
54.1. Class Segregation: IMDG Class 1 separated by 50m from other categories
54.2. Temperature Control: Refrigerated storage for Class 4.1 materials
54.3. Security: 24/7 CCTV monitoring with motion detection alarms
55. Port Pilotage Requirements
55.1. Compulsory Areas: All vessels >100m LOA or carrying hazardous cargo
55.2. Boarding Points: Designated areas at 3nm and 1nm from harbor entrance
55.3. Transfer Safety: Pilot ladder must meet SOLAS standards with recent certification
56. Port Mooring Systems
56.1. Bollard Capacity: 150t SWL at all deep-water berths
56.2. Line Requirements: Minimum 8 lines for Panamax vessels, 12 for Post-Panamax
56.3. Monitoring: Automated tension sensors with central control room display
57. Port Noise Regulations
57.1. Night Restrictions: No loud operations (over 75dB) between 2200-0600
57.2. Vessel Limits: Auxiliary engines must use mufflers when alongside
57.3. Monitoring: Quarterly noise mapping conducted at sensitive locations
58. Port Water Supply
58.1. Potable Water: Available at all berths with 100mm diameter connections
58.2. Testing: Monthly bacteriological analysis reports available on request
58.3. Emergency Supply: Backup tanks hold 500m³ for firefighting use
59. Port Security Levels
59.1. Level 1: Routine operations with standard access controls
59.2. Level 2: Enhanced screening when threat level increases
59.3. Level 3: Additional armed guards during imminent threat situations
60. Port Dispute Resolution
60.1. Mediation: Port authority offers free conciliation services
60.2. Arbitration: Maritime arbitration panel available for commercial disputes
60.3. Documentation: All incidents must be recorded in port logbook immediately
