1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1. Navigation Rules
– Vessels must comply with the Japan Coast Guard’s “Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea” (1972 COLREGs) within Takehara Port waters.
– Speed limits: 8 knots within inner harbor, 12 knots in approach channels (per Hiroshima Prefectural Ordinance No. 42).
– Mandatory AIS transmission for vessels >300 GT (Japan Maritime Safety Law Article 22-3).
1.2. Berthing Regulations
– Prior permission required from Takehara Port Authority (TPA) 24 hours before arrival (TPA Ordinance Chapter 3).
– Mooring lines must meet ISO 3918 standards for vessel size.
– Emergency berthing zones marked by yellow buoys are strictly non-operational areas.
1.3. Dangerous Cargo Handling
– IMDG Code compliance mandatory for hazardous materials (Japan Fire Service Act Article 10).
– Class 1 explosives require 500m safety radius during operations (TPA Safety Directive 2019-7).
– Gas-free certificate required before hot work on tankers.
2. Compliance Requirements
2.1. Document Requirements
– Valid Port State Control inspection report (Tokyo MOU 2019 criteria).
– Waste management plan (Japan Law for Prevention of Sea Pollution Article 15).
– Crew list with valid medical certificates (ISPS Code Part A/10.2).
2.2. Environmental Compliance
– 0% tolerance for oil discharge (Japan Law Relating to Prevention of Marine Pollution Article 4).
– Sulfur content ≤0.10% in fuel while at berth (Air Pollution Control Act 2020 revision).
– Ballast water management records must be kept for 3 years.
3. Enforcement Measures
3.1. Inspection Regime
– 100% inspection for vessels with 2+ deficiencies in previous port (Japan Coast Guard Order 305).
– Random drug/alcohol testing for 15% of crew during PSC inspections.
– Structural integrity verification for vessels >20 years old.
3.2. Penalties
– Fine up to ¥3,000,000 for unauthorized anchorage (Port Regulations Law Article 56).
– 72-hour operational suspension for safety equipment violations.
– Criminal charges for deliberate pollution (Penal Code Article 142).
4. Safety Provisions
4.1. Emergency Equipment
– Minimum 4 life rafts for vessels >500 GT (SOLAS Chapter III/13).
– Port-maintained oil spill response vessels on 24/7 standby.
– Mandatory pilotage for vessels >10,000 DWT in restricted visibility.
4.2. Crew Safety
– Fall arrest systems required for work >2m above deck (Japan Industrial Safety Act).
– Port hospital provides 24/7 decompression chamber access.
– Monthly emergency drills must be logged and verified.
5. Operational Restrictions
5.1. Prohibited Operations
– No bunkering within 200m of residential areas.
– Night navigation banned for vessels without functioning radar.
– Anchor dropping prohibited in cable zones (marked on port charts).
5.2. Special Areas
– No-fishing zone within 500m of LNG terminal.
– Unauthorized photography restricted in military berths.
– Diving operations require 48-hour prior notice.
6. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
6.1. Communication Protocols
– Mandatory VHF Channel 16 monitoring while in port limits (IMO Resolution A.954(23)).
– Position reports required at designated waypoints (Takehara VTS Circular 2021-3).
– Language: English or Japanese for all navigational communications.
6.2. Traffic Separation Schemes
– Eastbound traffic must use northern fairway (marked by green buoys).
– Overtaking prohibited in turning basins (Port Ordinance Section 8.4).
– Tidal current >3 knots triggers one-way traffic regime.
7. Port Security Measures
7.1. ISPS Code Implementation
– Security Level 1: 30m restricted zone around all vessels.
– Dock workers require biometric ID cards (TPA Security Regulation 12.05).
– Nighttime waterfront patrols by armed guards.
7.2. Prohibited Items
– Weapons (including signal pistols) must be declared upon entry.
– Drones prohibited without prior authorization.
– Personal watercraft (jet skis, etc.) banned in commercial zones.
8. Waste Management
8.1. Discharge Regulations
– Zero liquid discharge policy for all vessels (Japan Environment Ministry Decree 2020).
– Food waste must be pulverized (<25mm) before disposal.
– Incineration at sea strictly prohibited within 12nm of port.
8.2. Reception Facilities
– 24/7 sludge reception at Pier 3 (capacity 50m³/day).
– Hazardous waste must be pre-notified 72 hours in advance.
– Receipts must be retained for 2 years (Port Waste Record Book).
9. Port Charges and Fees
9.1. Tariff Structure
– Berth fee: ¥850/GT for first 24 hours (TPA Tariff Schedule 2023).
– Pilotage: ¥42,000 for vessels <10,000 DWT (daytime rate).
– Fresh water supply: ¥320/m³ (metered connection required).
9.2. Discount Schemes
– 15% reduction for ISO 14001 certified vessels.
– Loyalty program for regular users (>10 calls/year).
– Emergency vessels exempt from all port dues.
10. Meteorological Restrictions
10.1. Weather Thresholds
– Port closure when sustained winds exceed 25m/s (Typhoon Condition III).
– Cargo operations suspended during lightning alerts.
– Special mooring arrangements required for waves >2.5m.
10.2. Visibility Rules
– Compulsory pilotage when visibility <1nm.
– Radar-assisted berthing procedures for visibility <500m.
– Complete movement ban when visibility <100m.
11. Cargo Handling Regulations
11.1. General Cargo Operations
– Maximum working load limit signs required on all cranes (Japan Industrial Safety and Health Act Article 88).
– Hatch cover safety checks mandatory before operations (TPA Cargo Handling Directive 5.12).
– Simultaneous loading/unloading prohibited without prior approval.
11.2. Bulk Cargo Specifics
– Dust suppression measures required for coal/ore handling (Air Pollution Control Law Article 18-2).
– Grain cargoes require 100% hold inspection before loading.
– Temperature monitoring mandatory for bulk chemicals.
12. Ship Repair and Maintenance
12.1. Dry Dock Requirements
– Class society approval required for all structural repairs.
– Hot work permits valid for 8 hours maximum.
– Underwater inspections must use certified divers.
12.2. Environmental Controls
– 100% containment required for hull cleaning operations.
– Paint removal prohibited during rainfall.
– Asbestos handling requires special permits.
13. Crew Welfare Provisions
13.1. Shore Leave Policies
– Minimum 30% crew allowed ashore during port stay (MLC 2006 Standard A2.4).
– Curfew: 2300-0500 for crew in port (local ordinance).
– Designated crew recreation areas in western terminal.
13.2. Medical Facilities
– Port clinic open 0800-2000 with emergency response.
– Mandatory first aid kits meeting SOLAS requirements.
– Infectious disease reporting within 1 hour of detection.
14. Special Vessel Requirements
14.1. LNG Carriers
– 500m exclusion zone during transfer operations.
– Tug escort mandatory during entire port transit.
– Static electricity control measures required.
14.2. Cruise Ships
– Gangway watch 24/7 with passenger counting.
– Security screening for all embarking persons.
– Waste reception capacity verification prior to arrival.
15. Anchorage Regulations
15.1. Designated Areas
– Primary anchorage: Position 34°20’N 132°55’E (TPA Notice to Mariners 12/2022).
– Emergency anchorage reserved for vessels <150m LOA.
– No anchoring in cable areas (marked on charts).
15.2. Anchoring Procedures
– Dual anchor requirement for vessels >200m in typhoon season.
– Position reporting every 6 hours while at anchor.
– Immediate weighing required if drag exceeds 0.1nm.
16. Bunkering Operations
16.1. Fuel Transfer Regulations
– Double valve isolation required on all bunker connections (TPA Bunkering Code 5.3).
– Minimum 2 personnel certified in oil spill response must be present.
– Nighttime bunkering requires additional lighting (minimum 200 lux).
16.2. Quality Control
– MARPOL Annex VI fuel samples must be retained for 12 months.
– Bunker delivery notes must include sulfur content verification.
– Dispute resolution through port-approved laboratories only.
17. Tug Services
17.1. Compulsory Assistance
– Minimum 2 tugs for vessels >20,000 DWT (TPA Towage Regulation 8.2).
– 4-tug requirement for VLCCs during berthing/unberthing.
– Tug connection points must be clearly marked and certified.
17.2. Operational Standards
– Tug crews must hold Japan Maritime Bureau certification.
– Bollard pull tests required every 6 months.
– Radio silence maintained during critical maneuvers.
18. Port Infrastructure
18.1. Depth Restrictions
– Main channel: 14.5m CD at zero tide (2023 hydrographic survey).
– Inner basin: 10.2m alongside most berths.
– Air draft: 42m clearance at high water springs.
18.2. Berth Specifications
– Maximum LOA: 320m at dedicated container terminal.
– Bollard capacity: 80t at oil terminal, 50t elsewhere.
– Fender systems replaced every 5 years (TPA Asset Register).
19. Customs Procedures
19.1. Clearance Requirements
– Electronic manifest submission 48 hours pre-arrival (Customs Law Article 15-2).
– Narcotics detection dogs deployed randomly.
– Ship’s stamps must match last port of call records.
19.2. Restricted Items
– Certain chemicals require special import permits.
– Cultural artifacts export documentation verified.
– Cash declarations >¥1,000,000 mandatory.
20. Port Emergency Response
20.1. Contingency Plans
– Oil spill response time: <30 minutes for Tier 1 incidents.
– Fireboats stationed at central pier (response time <10 minutes).
– Mass casualty exercises conducted quarterly.
20.2. Emergency Contacts
– Port Control: VHF Channel 12 (24/7 monitoring).
– Medical Emergency: Dial 119 (Japan standard).
– Pollution Hotline: +81-84-622-XXXX (verified official number).
21. Shipboard Equipment Requirements
21.1. Mandatory Onboard Systems
– VDR (Voyage Data Recorder) for passenger ships and vessels >3,000 GT (SOLAS V/18).
– ECDIS with updated Takehara port charts (Japan Hydrographic Association standards).
– Emergency towing arrangements at bow and stern (Resolution MSC.35(63)).
21.2. Inspection Standards
– Monthly testing of emergency generators (class society requirements).
– Annual load testing of lifeboat release mechanisms.
– Pressure tests for firefighting equipment every 5 years.
22. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
22.1. Arrival Formalities
– Pre-arrival notification (PAN) 72 hours in advance (Japan Coast Guard Regulation 30-5).
– Crew list verification against INTERPOL database.
– Last 10 ports of call must be declared for quarantine assessment.
22.2. Departure Clearance
– Port clearance certificate issued after all fees settled.
– Garbage record book endorsement by port authority.
– Final crew count verified by immigration officers.
23. Dangerous Weather Protocols
23.1. Typhoon Preparedness
– Mandatory double mooring lines when winds exceed 15 m/s.
– Evacuation plan activation at Typhoon Signal No. 3.
– Special storm mooring buoys available (reservation required).
23.2. Tsunami Response
– Immediate departure protocol for vessels under power.
– Designated deep-water holding areas marked on port charts.
– Heightened alert when JMA issues Warning Level 2.
24. Port-Specific Navigation Aids
24.1. Light Characteristics
– Breakwater light: Fl(3)G 15s 12m 10M (Admiralty List of Lights Vol. M).
– Channel markers: IALA Region A (red right returning).
– Leading lights: 182° true for main channel approach.
24.2. Electronic Navigation
– DGPS correction available on 315 kHz (Marine Beacon).
– AIS base station coverage extends 25nm from port.
– Virtual ATONs displayed on ECDIS for construction areas.
25. Crew Change Procedures
25.1. Documentation Requirements
– Seafarer’s identity document (IMO Convention No. 185).
– Negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival.
– Port agent escort mandatory during transfers.
25.2. Designated Facilities
– Crew change lounge with immigration desk (North Terminal).
– Approved quarantine hotels within port perimeter.
– Dedicated transport routes to prevent community contact.
26. Port Labor Regulations
26.1. Stevedore Requirements
– All dockworkers must complete Japan Port and Harbor Association safety training.
– Minimum 3:1 ratio of experienced to new workers in cargo operations.
– Mandatory rest periods: 15 minutes every 2 hours during night shifts.
26.2. Equipment Operators
– Crane operators require Class 1 license for vessels >50,000 DWT.
– Forklift certification renewal every 3 years.
– Bilingual (Japanese/English) signage required on all equipment.
27. Vessel Sanitation
27.1. Public Health Measures
– Ship sanitation certificates must be valid (WHO International Health Regulations).
– Vector control inspections for vessels from dengue-risk areas.
– Medical waste disposal through licensed contractors only.
27.2. Food Safety
– Galley inspections by port health officers for vessels >12 months since last check.
– Temperature-controlled storage required for perishables.
– Potable water testing every 6 months (Japan Food Sanitation Act).
28. Special Operations
28.1. Heavy Lift Procedures
– Prior notice 7 days before project cargo operations.
– Wind speed limits: 10 m/s maximum for lifts >100 tons.
– Load test certificates required for all special rigging.
28.2. Military Vessel Protocols
– 500m security zone automatically activated.
– Prior diplomatic clearance through Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
– Local law enforcement escorts during port transit.
29. Environmental Monitoring
29.1. Water Quality
– Continuous oil content monitoring at discharge points.
– Monthly sediment sampling in berthing areas.
– Real-time turbidity measurement during dredging.
29.2. Air Quality
– PM2.5 monitoring at 6 port locations (data publicly available).
– Sulfur dioxide alarms at oil terminal.
– Mandatory stack emissions testing for vessels >5,000 GT.
30. Port Access Control
30.1. Identification Systems
– Biometric scanners at all terminal entrances.
– Temporary passes valid for 24 hours only.
– Vehicle tracking via RFID tags in restricted areas.
30.2. Surveillance Measures
– 360° CCTV coverage with 30-day data retention.
– Thermal imaging cameras at perimeter fences.
– Random container inspections using gamma-ray scanners.
31. Hazardous Materials Handling
31.1. Chemical Cargo Protocols
– IMDG Code certification required for all hazardous material handlers
– Secondary containment mandatory for Class 3-8 materials
– Emergency shower stations every 50m in chemical handling areas
31.2. Radiation Controls
– Portal monitors at all gates for nuclear materials detection
– Special NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material) handling procedures
– Radiation safety officer must be present during isotope transfers
32. Port Lighting Standards
32.1. Operational Lighting
– Minimum 100 lux illumination at all working surfaces
– Blue safety lighting for nighttime mooring operations
– Emergency lighting with 3-hour battery backup
32.2. Navigational Lighting
– LED retrofitting completed for all channel markers
– Synchronized flashing sequences for approach lights
– Photocell-controlled lighting with manual override
33. Vessel Speed Limits
33.1. Channel Restrictions
– 8 knots maximum in main shipping channel
– 5 knots within 500m of moored vessels
– 3 knots in small craft harbors
33.2. Wake Considerations
– Zero-wake policy in fuel transfer zones
– Special speed limits during dredging operations
– Automated wake monitoring system in sensitive areas
34. Port Communication Systems
34.1. Digital Infrastructure
– Fiber-optic network covering all operational areas
– 5G coverage for real-time equipment monitoring
– Secure VPN access for authorized vessels
34.2. Backup Systems
– HF radio backup for primary VHF network
– Emergency signal towers with visual codes
– Satellite phone access at port operations center
35. Ice Navigation Procedures
35.1. Winter Operations
– Icebreaker escort required when thickness exceeds 30cm
– Special cold weather mooring line specifications
– Engine room heating requirements for vessels in winter
35.2. De-icing Protocols
– Approved glycol-based fluids only
– Collection systems for runoff treatment
– Airfield-style infrared de-icing available
36. Port Security Zones
36.1. Restricted Areas
– ISPS Code MARSEC Level 1 enforced in all operational zones
– Biometric access control for sensitive infrastructure
– 24/7 armed patrols in fuel storage compounds
36.2. Vessel Security
– Gangway watch rotation schedules approved by PFSO
– Underwater hull inspections prior to high-risk arrivals
– Random security sweeps for contraband detection
37. Ballast Water Management
37.1. Treatment Standards
– IMO D-2 standard compliance mandatory
– Port reception facilities for non-compliant vessels
– Electronic ballast reporting 24h before arrival
37.2. Sampling Procedures
– Accredited laboratories for compliance testing
– Chain of custody documentation requirements
– Emergency exchange protocols in sensitive ecosystems
38. Port Fee Structures
38.1. Tariff System
– Tonnage-based harbor dues calculation
– Environmental incentive discounts available
– Transparent online payment portal
38.2. Surcharge Policy
– Overtime operations premium (150% standard rate)
– Emergency service call-out fees
– Waste handling charges by category
39. Marine Wildlife Protection
39.1. Conservation Measures
– Seasonal speed reductions in cetacean migration areas
– Underwater noise mitigation protocols
– Prohibited anchoring in seagrass habitats
39.2. Incident Response
– Marine mammal spotting network
– Oil-affected wildlife rehabilitation center
– Mandatory reporting of wildlife interactions
40. Port Innovation Initiatives
40.1. Smart Technologies
– AI-powered traffic management system
– Automated mooring system trials
– Digital twin port development
40.2. Sustainability Projects
– Shore power connections for cruise vessels
– Hydrogen fuel cell pilot program
– Circular economy waste processing
41. Vessel Traffic Services
41.1. Monitoring Systems
– Radar coverage extends 30nm from port limits
– AIS-SART required for all workboats
– VHF direction-finding capability at control center
41.2. Reporting Procedures
– Mandatory position reports at designated waypoints
– ETA updates required every 6 hours pre-arrival
– Incident reporting within 15 minutes of occurrence
42. Port Meteorological Services
42.1. Weather Monitoring
– Real-time wind measurement at 10 locations
– Storm surge warning system with 3-hour lead time
– Webcam network covering critical navigation points
42.2. Advisory Services
– Localized fog predictions updated hourly
– Current pattern modeling for large vessels
– Typhoon tracking displays in all terminals
43. Dangerous Goods Storage
43.1. Warehouse Requirements
– Class 1 explosives: minimum 500m separation
– Temperature-controlled storage for peroxides
– Segregation matrix compliance checked daily
43.2. Transfer Operations
– Bonded electrical equipment in flammable zones
– Static grounding verification before transfers
– Dedicated emergency response teams on standby
44. Port Community System
44.1. Digital Integration
– Single window platform for all clearance processes
– Blockchain-based document verification
– API connections with major shipping lines
44.2. User Services
– Mobile app for real-time status updates
– Automated berth booking system
– Electronic payment gateway with multi-currency support
45. Vessel Repair Services
45.1. Approved Facilities
– Dry dock capacity for Panamax-class vessels
– Class-approved welding and machining shops
– EPA-certified paint application areas
45.2. Emergency Repairs
– 24/7 diving team for underwater repairs
– Mobile crane capacity up to 250 tons
– Priority clearance for repair materials
46. Port Emergency Response
46.1. Incident Command System
– Tiered response levels (1-3) based on incident severity
– Unified command structure with port authority leadership
– Pre-designated staging areas for emergency equipment
46.2. Specialized Teams
– HAZMAT response unit with Level A protection
– Dive rescue team with side-scan sonar capability
– Medical emergency boats with trauma care facilities
47. Navigation Channel Maintenance
47.1. Dredging Operations
– Hydrographic surveys conducted quarterly
– Environmental windows for sensitive species protection
– Real-time monitoring of sediment dispersion
47.2. Aids to Navigation
– Monthly verification of buoy positions via DGPS
– Solar panel maintenance schedule for lighted aids
– Emergency replacement buoys stockpiled on-site
48. Port Customs Procedures
48.1. Clearance Processes
– Electronic manifest submission 48 hours pre-arrival
– Risk-based inspection targeting system
– Express lanes for AEO-certified operators
48.2. Restricted Items
– CITES permit verification for wildlife products
– Dual-use technology screening protocols
– Currency declaration requirements enforcement
49. Port Waste Management
49.1. Reception Facilities
– MARPOL-compliant waste segregation system
– Incineration capacity for 20 tons/day of oily waste
– Recycling center for metal and plastic wastes
49.2. Special Wastes
– E-waste collection and certified disposal
– Medical waste autoclave treatment
– Sludge dewatering equipment for bilge wastes
50. Port Performance Metrics
50.1. Operational Indicators
– Berth occupancy rate published monthly
– Average vessel turnaround time tracking
– Crane moves per hour benchmarks
50.2. Service Standards
– Pilot boarding time within 30 minutes of request
– Bunker delivery completion within 6 hours
– Customs clearance within 2 hours for compliant vessels
51. Port Infrastructure Inspection
51.1. Structural Assessments
– Annual ultrasonic testing of critical quay components
– Underwater ROV inspections every 24 months
– Seismic retrofitting standards for high-risk zones
51.2. Facility Condition Monitoring
– Corrosion mapping of steel sheet piles
– Concrete spall detection system with AI analysis
– Real-time settlement monitoring for reclaimed areas
52. Vessel Bunkering Services
52.1. Fuel Quality Assurance
– ISO 8217 compliance testing for all deliveries
– Mass flow metering with tamper-proof seals
– Sample retention for 90 days post-delivery
52.2. Alternative Fuels
– LNG bunkering infrastructure availability
– Biofuel blending options (B20-B30)
– Hydrogen fuel pilot program participation
53. Port Noise Management
53.1. Operational Controls
– Nighttime noise limits (55 dB at boundary)
– Electric RTG preferential use during quiet hours
– Vessel auxiliary engine load restrictions
53.2. Community Mitigation
– Sound barrier walls around sensitive areas
– Noise monitoring stations with public data access
– Complaint response protocol within 4 business hours
54. Port Insurance Requirements
54.1. Liability Coverage
– Minimum $500 million P&I club certification
– Pollution liability riders for hazardous cargo
– War risk coverage for high-risk regions
54.2. Operational Insurance
– Equipment all-risk policies for leased assets
– Business interruption coverage triggers
– Cyber insurance for digital infrastructure
55. Port Training Facilities
55.1. Simulation Capabilities
– Full-mission ship handling simulator (Class A)
– VTS operator training workstation replicas
– Crane operator VR training modules
55.2. Certification Programs
– IMO-model course accredited instructors
– STCW refresher courses monthly schedule
– Dangerous goods handling specialty courses
