1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1. Jurisdiction: Tokyo Port is governed by the Ports and Harbors Act (Act No. 218 of 1950) and regulations under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Port and Harbor.
1.2. Navigation Rules: Vessels must comply with the Maritime Traffic Safety Act (Act No. 151 of 1972), including speed limits (max 12 knots in inner harbor) and right-of-way protocols.
1.3. Anchorage Zones: Designated anchorage areas (e.g., Keihin Anchorage) are enforced by Tokyo Wan Coast Guard Office. Unauthorized anchoring is prohibited.
1.4. Dangerous Cargo: IMDG Code compliance is mandatory for hazardous materials. Pre-arrival notification must be submitted 24 hours prior to handling.
1.5. Waste Disposal: Strict adherence to MARPOL Annex V. Discharge of plastics is prohibited; other waste requires port reception facilities.
2. Compliance and Enforcement
2.1. Inspections: Conducted by Japan Coast Guard (JCG) under the Ship Safety Act (Act No. 11 of 1933). Focus areas include:
– Life-saving appliances (SOLAS Chapter III)
– Firefighting systems (SOLAS Chapter II-2)
– Navigation equipment (COLREG compliance)
2.2. Penalties: Non-compliance may result in:
– Detention orders under ISPS Code
– Fines up to ¥3 million for pollution violations (Water Pollution Control Law)
– Criminal prosecution for severe safety breaches
2.3. Port State Control: Tokyo MOU inspection regime applies, with 25% annual inspection rate for high-risk vessels.
2.4. Reporting Requirements: Immediate notification to JCG for:
– Oil spills (over 200 liters)
– Navigation accidents
– Security threats (ISPS Code Part A/4)
3. Crew Safety Provisions
3.1. Working Hours: Must comply with MLC 2006 standards (max 14 hours/24h period).
3.2. Emergency Response: Mandatory participation in quarterly port emergency drills coordinated by Tokyo Fire Department.
3.3. Medical Facilities: Designated port clinics (e.g., Tokyo Port Health Center) provide 24/7 emergency services.
3.4. Personal Protective Equipment: Hard hats, life jackets, and anti-slip footwear required in operational areas.
4. Vessel Operational Requirements
4.1. Mooring: Double mooring lines mandatory for vessels >10,000 GT during typhoon season (June-October).
4.2. Pilotage: Compulsory for:
– Vessels >200 GT in inner harbor
– All tankers regardless of size
4.3. AIS: Continuous transmission required within port limits (IALA Guideline 1088).
4.4. Bunkering: Only at designated zones with spill containment systems deployed.
5. Environmental Compliance
5.1. Air Emissions: Sulfur content limit 0.1% in ECA zones (Act on Prevention of Marine Pollution).
5.2. Ballast Water: Must treat according to BWM Convention standards before discharge.
5.3. Noise Control: Night operations (2200-0600) limited to 75 dB at property boundary.
6. Security Measures
6.1. ISPS Level 1: Minimum security posture requires:
– Gangway watch
– Access control logs
– 30m restricted zone around vessels
6.2. Prohibited Items: Weapons, explosives, and unauthorized drones within 500m of port facilities.
7. Legal References
7.1. Primary Legislation:
– Port Regulation Law (Law No. 174 of 1948)
– Ship Safety Law (Law No. 11 of 1933)
7.2. International Conventions:
– SOLAS 1974 (as amended)
– MARPOL 73/78
– MLC 2006
8. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
8.1. Coverage Area: Tokyo VTS monitors all waters within port limits (35°36’N to 35°40’N, 139°45’E to 139°52’E).
8.2. Mandatory Reporting: Vessels >300 GT must submit movement plans via VHF Ch.12 (Tokyo MARTIS).
8.3. Speed Controls: Dynamic speed restrictions apply during:
– Heavy traffic periods (0700-0900, 1700-1900)
– Low visibility (<1 nautical mile) 9. Port Entry Requirements
9.1. Pre-arrival Documentation:
– 72-hour advance notice (Port Entry Application Form No.3)
– Crew list with passport copies
– Dangerous cargo manifest (if applicable)
9.2. Quarantine Procedures:
– Health declaration submission 24h prior
– Medical waste disposal certificates required
10. Cargo Handling Regulations
10.1. Container Weight: Verified Gross Mass (VGM) declaration mandatory per SOLAS VI/2.
10.2. Heavy Lifts: >100-ton loads require harbor master approval 48h in advance.
10.3. Grain Cargo: Must meet IMO Grain Code stability requirements.
11. Emergency Procedures
11.1. Oil Spill Response:
– Tier 1 spills (<10 tons): Vessel's SOPEP plan activation
– Tier 2 spills (10-100 tons): Tokyo Marine Disaster Prevention Center mobilization
11.2. Man Overboard: Immediate VHF Ch.16 alert with position broadcast.
11.3. Fire Emergency: Port fireboats deploy within 15-minute response time.
12. Special Area Restrictions
12.1. Security Zones: 500m radius around naval facilities (Odaiba area).
12.2. Fishing Prohibitions: No fishing within 200m of commercial berths.
12.3. Dredging Activities: Requires prior environmental impact assessment.
13. Port Fee Structure
13.1. Tonnage Dues: ¥32 per GT for first 10,000 GT, ¥26/GT thereafter.
13.2. Pilotage Fees: ¥18,000 base fee + ¥85 per GT.
13.3. Waste Disposal: ¥5,000 flat fee + ¥120/ton for non-recyclables.
14. Weather Restrictions
14.1. Typhoon Protocol: Port closes when sustained winds exceed 25m/s.
14.2. Fog Procedures: Vessels must maintain 500m separation when visibility <1km.
14.3. Tsunami Warning: Immediate evacuation to open sea when alert level 3 issued.
15. Crew Change Regulations
15.1. Immigration Requirements: Seaman’s book + letter of guarantee from agent.
15.2. COVID-19 Protocols: Currently no testing requirements (as per MHLW Notice 2023-12).
15.3. Shore Leave: Permitted except during ISPS Level 2 or higher.
16. Dangerous Goods Handling
16.1. Class 1 (Explosives): Requires special berth allocation at Aomi Terminal with 500m exclusion zone.
16.2. LNG Operations: Mandatory gas detection systems with 0% LEL tolerance during transfer.
16.3. Radioactive Materials: Prior approval from Nuclear Regulation Authority required (min 14 days notice).
17. Port Infrastructure Specifications
17.1. Berth Dimensions:
– South Terminal: 350m LOA, 14m draft
– Central Breakwater: 500m LOA, 16m draft
17.2. Crane Capacity: Post-Panamax cranes available (50-ton SWL, 22-container outreach).
17.3. Depth Maintenance: Guaranteed 15m depth at all commercial berths (dredged quarterly).
18. Tugboat Requirements
18.1. Minimum Escort:
– 1 tug for vessels 20,000-50,000 GT
– 2 tugs for vessels >50,000 GT
18.2. Bollard Pull: Minimum 60-ton BP for VLCC operations.
18.3. Emergency Standby: 2 tugs on 30-minute notice during oil tanker operations.
19. Customs Procedures
19.1. Clearance Timeline: 4-hour standard processing for complete documentation.
19.2. Prohibited Imports:
– Certain agricultural products (Plant Protection Act)
– Counterfeit goods (Trademark Act)
19.3. Temporary Admission: Bonded warehouse available for 30-day storage maximum.
20. Port Communication Protocols
20.1. VHF Channels:
– Ch.16: Emergency
– Ch.12: Port Operations
– Ch.14: Pilot Coordination
20.2. Linguistic Requirements: English/Japanese mandatory for bridge communications.
20.3. Digital Reporting: E-Navigation system integration required for vessels >500 GT.
21. Ice Navigation Measures
21.1. Winter Preparedness: Anti-icing systems operational December-March.
21.2. Icebreaker Support: Available upon request when water temperature <3°C.
21.3. Hull Inspections: Mandatory for vessels arriving from sub-zero regions.
22. Port Security Levels
22.1. Level 1: Standard patrols (4 boats/12h).
22.2. Level 2: Additional armed guards + waterside barriers.
22.3. Level 3: Full port closure except for essential traffic.
23. Marine Pollution Fines
23.1. Oil Pollution: ¥500,000 – ¥10 million depending on volume (Water Pollution Control Law Article 29).
23.2. Garbage Violations: ¥300,000 fixed penalty for improper disposal.
23.3. Air Emissions: ¥200,000 per violation hour for non-compliant fuel use.
24. Port Lighting and Visibility Standards
24.1. Navigational Lights: IALA-compliant lighting system with 3nm minimum visibility range.
24.2. Berth Illumination: Minimum 200 lux maintained at all operational berths 24/7.
24.3. Emergency Lighting: Battery-backed systems with 90-minute autonomy required at terminals.
25. Ship Repair Regulations
25.1. Hot Work Permits: Mandatory fire watch during all welding operations.
25.2. Dry Dock Requirements: Class-approved facilities only for structural repairs.
25.3. Waste Management: Separate containment for paint chips and blasting media.
26. Bunkering Operations
26.1. Fuel Quality: Must meet ISO 8217:2017 standards with certificate of analysis.
26.2. Transfer Rates: Maximum 1,000m³/hour for vessels under 50,000 DWT.
26.3. Contingency Plans: Double-hulled barges required for transfers >500m³.
27. Passenger Ship Requirements
27.1. Terminal Facilities: Separate customs and immigration channels for cruise vessels.
27.2. Safety Drills: Mandatory crew training every 2 weeks while in port.
27.3. Medical Clearance: Port health inspection prior to disembarkation.
28. Port Laytime Regulations
28.1. Demurrage Rates: ¥150,000 per day for general cargo after 72 free hours.
28.2. Dispatch Money: 50% of demurrage rate for early completion.
28.3. Force Majeure: Weather delays exceeding 8 hours exempt from penalties.
29. Anchorage Management
29.1. Holding Areas: Designated zones with 500m minimum spacing between vessels.
29.2. Emergency Anchors: Must be ready to drop within 3 minutes in congested areas.
29.3. Holding Time: Maximum 96 hours without special permission.
30. Port Safety Zones
30.1. Exclusion Areas: 200m radius around active dredging operations.
30.2. Construction Zones: Marked with yellow buoys and AIS transponders.
30.3. Swimming Prohibition: Entire commercial port area designated no-swim zone.
31. Vessel Dimension Limits
31.1. Maximum LOA: 400m for container vessels (special permission required beyond).
31.2. Air Draft: 55m clearance under Rainbow Bridge.
31.3. Beam Restrictions: 60m maximum for inner harbor transit.
32. Port Labor Regulations
32.1. Stevedore Licensing: All cargo handlers must hold valid Tokyo Port Operator License.
32.2. Work Hours: Maximum 8-hour shifts with mandatory 1-hour breaks for hazardous operations.
32.3. Union Requirements: Dockworkers must be registered with Japan Harbor Transport Association.
33. Navigation Equipment Requirements
33.1. ECDIS: Mandatory for vessels >10,000 GT (SOLAS Chapter V/19).
33.2. Radar: Dual X-band and S-band systems required in poor visibility conditions.
33.3. VDR: Voyage Data Recorders must be operational at all times in port waters.
34. Port Meteorological Services
34.1. Weather Updates: Hourly broadcasts on VHF Ch. 23 from Port Meteorological Office.
34.2. Storm Warnings: Red flag signals at all port entry points for winds >28m/s.
34.3. Tide Information: Real-time tidal data available via Tokyo Port Authority website.
35. Special Cargo Handling
35.1. Oversized Loads: Requires 72-hour notice and special route planning.
35.2. Project Cargo: Must submit stability calculations for non-standard loads.
35.3. Livestock Transport: Veterinary inspection mandatory before unloading.
36. Port Entry Restrictions
36.1. Vessel Age: Ships >25 years require additional class certification.
36.2. Flag State: Vessels from blacklisted registries subject to enhanced inspection.
36.3. PSC Deficiencies: Vessels with >5 deficiencies in last inspection denied entry.
37. Port Sanitation Controls
37.1. Pest Control: Mandatory fumigation certificates for vessels from high-risk areas.
37.2. Food Safety: All ship provisions subject to quarantine inspection.
37.3. Waste Water: No discharge within 12nm of port (MARPOL Annex IV).
38. Emergency Contact Protocols
38.1. Coast Guard: Dial 118 for maritime emergencies.
38.2. Port Control: VHF Ch. 12 continuous monitoring.
38.3. Medical Emergency: Designated port clinic contact via VHF Ch. 16.
39. Vessel Speed Limits
39.1. Main Channel: 10 knots maximum for vessels >200m LOA.
39.2. Turning Basins: 5 knots when making course alterations >30 degrees.
39.3. Restricted Visibility: Speed reduced to safe maneuvering speed (typically <7 knots).
40. Port Facility Security
40.1. Access Control: Biometric verification required for all port personnel.
40.2. Surveillance Systems: CCTV coverage of 100% operational areas with 30-day retention.
40.3. Security Drills: Quarterly anti-terrorism exercises mandated for terminal operators.
41. Dangerous Liquid Handling
41.1. Chemical Transfers: Double-valve isolation systems required for Class 3-8 cargoes.
41.2. Spill Containment: Secondary barriers with 110% capacity of largest tank.
41.3. Vapor Recovery: Mandatory for benzene and other VOC cargoes.
42. Port Navigation Aids
42.1. Buoyage System: IALA Region A (red port side) marking all channels.
42.2. DGPS Service: Available 24/7 with 10m accuracy guarantee.
42.3. AtoN Maintenance: Lighted aids checked daily during darkness periods.
43. Vessel Manning Requirements
43.1. Bridge Team: Minimum certified officer and lookout during port transit.
43.2. Engine Room: Duty engineer required while alongside.
43.3. Mooring Crew: Minimum 4 trained personnel for berthing operations.
44. Port Fire Safety
44.1. Hydrant Pressure: Minimum 7 bar maintained at all berths.
44.2. Foam Systems: Available within 5 minutes for tanker berths.
44.3. Fire Patrols: Hourly rounds during high-risk operations.
45. Special Area Operations
45.1. LNG Terminal: Exclusion zone of 300m during transfer operations.
45.2. Naval Base: No photography within 500m of military facilities.
45.3. Cruise Terminal: Dedicated security screening for passengers.
46. Port Noise Regulations
46.1. Night Operations: No horn signals between 2200-0600 except emergencies.
46.2. Cargo Handling: Noise barriers required for operations near residential areas.
46.3. Vessel Repairs: No hammering or grinding between 2000-0700.
47. Barge Operations
47.1. Certification: All barges must have valid Tokyo Port Registry.
47.2. Lighting: Additional deck lights required for night operations.
47.3. Stability: Daily load calculations submitted to Port Authority.
48. Port Water Quality
48.1. Discharge Limits: 15ppm maximum for oily water separators.
48.2. Sampling: Random bilge water testing conducted by port inspectors.
48.3. Ballast Exchange: Required for vessels from foreign ports before entry.
49. Port Radio Communications
49.1. Mandatory Equipment: VHF radios with DSC capability for all vessels >300GT.
49.2. Language Protocol: Standard marine communication phrases in English required.
49.3. Silence Periods: Three-minute radio silence enforced hourly on Ch.16 for distress monitoring.
50. Hazardous Material Storage
50.1. Segregation: Class 1 explosives stored minimum 500m from other dangerous goods.
50.2. Monitoring: Continuous temperature surveillance for Class 4.1 materials.
50.3. Documentation: SDS must be available in Japanese and English for all stored chemicals.
51. Port Mooring Systems
51.1. Bollard Strength: Minimum SWL 150 tons for VLCC berths.
51.2. Line Handling: Synthetic ropes prohibited for vessels >50,000DWT.
51.3. Tension Monitoring: Automated sensors required at all container terminal berths.
52. Vessel Waste Management
52.1. Reception Facilities: Available at all terminals for MARPOL Annex I-V wastes.
52.2. Record Keeping: Waste transfer notes retained for 3 years minimum.
52.3. Special Wastes: Asbestos and ozone-depleting substances require prior notification.
53. Port Traffic Separation
53.1. Lane Discipline: Westbound traffic restricted to northern channel.
53.2. Crossing Zones: Designated areas with speed limit of 8 knots.
53.3. Fishing Vessels: Prohibited from main shipping lanes during daylight hours.
54. Port Authority Inspections
54.1. Routine Checks: 10% random inspection rate for all visiting vessels.
54.2. Documentation Review: Certificates verified against IHS Maritime database.
54.3. Deficiency Grading: Rectification timeframe based on ISM Code severity classification.
55. Special Vessel Handling
55.1. RO-RO Operations: Stern ramp operations require additional fender protection.
55.2. Heavy Lift Vessels: Dynamic positioning systems mandatory during cargo operations.
55.3. Nuclear Ships: Prior approval from Japanese Nuclear Safety Commission required.
56. Port Lighting Standards
56.1. Color Coding: Blue lights designate emergency equipment locations.
56.2. Intensity: Minimum 50 lux maintained at all pedestrian walkways.
56.3. Emergency Lighting: Self-contained units with 3-hour battery backup.
57. Port Security Levels
57.1. Level 1: Standard identification checks at all entry points.
57.2. Level 2: 100% container inspection rate implemented.
57.3. Level 3: Armed police patrols and waterborne security perimeter.
