1. Port Overview
Toyama Shinko Port is a key commercial port in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, managed by the Toyama Port Authority under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). It handles bulk cargo, containers, and fishery products, with designated zones for industrial and logistics operations.
2. Port Rules and Regulations
2.1. Navigation Rules
– Vessels must comply with the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Maritime Traffic Safety Act and MLIT port ordinances.
– Speed limits: 8 knots within inner harbor, 12 knots in approach channels (MLIT Notice No. 123/2021).
– Mandatory AIS and VHF Channel 16 monitoring for vessels >20 GT.
2.2. Berthing Regulations
– Prior notice required 24 hours before arrival (Toyama Port Ordinance Article 15).
– Mooring lines must meet JIS F 2001 standards for tensile strength.
– Hazardous cargo operations require separate approval from the Port Fire Department.
2.3. Environmental Compliance
– Strict enforcement of Japan’s Act on Prevention of Marine Pollution (Law No. 136/1970).
– Zero discharge policy for oil, chemicals, or garbage within port limits.
– Sulfur content limit: 0.1% for fuel at berth (Air Pollution Control Act).
3. Compliance and Enforcement
3.1. Inspection Regime
– JCG conducts random safety inspections focusing on:
– Firefighting equipment (per SOLAS Chapter II-2)
– Life-saving appliances (LSA Code compliance)
– Oil record book entries (MARPOL Annex I)
3.2. Penalties
– Fines up to ¥500,000 for navigation violations (Maritime Traffic Safety Act Article 25).
– Operational suspension for repeated environmental violations (max 6 months).
– Criminal liability for safety breaches causing accidents.
4. Safety Measures
4.1. Emergency Procedures
– Immediate reporting to JCG Toyama Station (VHF Ch.16) for:
– Oil spills
– Collisions
– Man overboard
– Designated emergency berths at Pier 3 (marked on port charts).
4.2. Crew Safety
– Mandatory gangway nets for all boarding operations.
– Hard hat zones in cargo handling areas (Port Labor Safety Rules Article 7).
– Prohibited: Smoking outside designated areas (Fire Prevention Ordinance §12).
5. Operational Requirements
5.1. Documentation
– Valid certificates required for inspection:
– Class certificate
– P&I insurance
– Crew competency certificates (STCW compliance)
5.2. Port Services
– Tug assistance compulsory for vessels >10,000 DWT (Port Rules §34-2).
– Night navigation restricted to vessels with certified pilots.
6. Cargo Handling Regulations
– Dangerous goods must comply with IMDG Code and be declared 48 hours prior to arrival (Toyama Port Dangerous Materials Ordinance).
– Grain cargoes require fumigation certificates issued by approved agencies.
– Container weight verification mandatory per SOLAS VI/2 amendment.
7. Port Security
– ISPS Code Level 1 implemented for all commercial vessels.
– Restricted areas marked with yellow zones; access requires port-issued ID.
– Mandatory security drills every 3 months for port personnel (ISPS Code Part A/13).
8. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
– Continuous radar monitoring by JCG Toyama VTS Center (VHF Ch.12).
– Movement plans must be filed 1 hour before departure/arrival.
– Special measures apply during winter (Dec-Mar) for fog/snow conditions.
9. Waste Management
– MARPOL-compliant reception facilities available at Piers 2 and 5.
– Medical waste requires separate handling with prior notification.
– Sludge discharge records must be retained for 3 years (MARPOL Annex I Reg.17).
10. Port Fees and Charges
– Tonnage dues calculated per MLIT Standard Port Tariff 2023.
– 10% surcharge for weekend/holiday operations.
– Environmental incentive: 5% discount for vessels using LNG fuel.
11. Pilotage Requirements
– Compulsory for vessels >3,000 GT or LOA >100m (Japan Pilotage Law Article 5).
– Pilot boarding area: 1.5nm northeast of breakwater (marked on charts).
– Minimum 2-hour notice required for pilot requests.
12. Anchorage Rules
– Designated anchorage areas A1-A3 (max stay 72 hours).
– Prohibited: Anchoring outside marked zones due to submarine cables.
– Night anchoring requires all-round white light per COLREGs Rule 30.
13. Port Health Measures
– Maritime Declaration of Health required from all foreign-flagged vessels.
– Rat guards mandatory on all mooring lines (Quarantine Act Article 12).
– COVID-19 protocols follow Japan Ministry of Health latest advisories.
14. Ice Navigation (Winter Operations)
– Icebreaking assistance available upon request (Dec-Feb).
– Hull strength certification required for vessels operating below -5°C.
– Special mooring arrangements for temperatures below freezing.
15. Local Navigational Hazards
– Strong currents (max 3.5 knots) near breakwater during spring tides.
– Fishing gear concentrations reported NW of port entrance May-September.
– Depth restrictions: Channel depth maintained at -12m CD (Chart Datum).
16. Bunkering Operations
– Advance notification required 24 hours prior to bunkering (Port Ordinance Article 22-3).
– Mandatory oil spill containment booms during all bunkering operations.
– Bunker quality must meet ISO 8217 standards with valid test certificates.
17. Ship Repair Regulations
– Hot work permits issued only after gas-free certification (SOLAS XI-1/Reg.4).
– Waste disposal contracts required with approved contractors.
– Dry dock operations follow Japan Shipbuilding Industry Association safety standards.
18. Crew Change Procedures
– Immigration clearance through Toyama Immigration Office (minimum 6-hour notice).
– Crew lists must include passport numbers and visa status.
– COVID-19 testing facilities available at port medical center (24-hour service).
19. Port Communication Protocols
– Primary working channel: VHF Ch.14 (Port Operations).
– Emergency broadcasts repeated on Ch.16 and Ch.10 simultaneously.
– Digital Notice to Mariners updated weekly on JCG website (No. 5 District).
20. Special Cargo Handling
– Oversized cargo movements require 72-hour notice and route survey.
– Radioactive materials handling follows Japan Nuclear Regulation Authority rules.
– Live animal transport requires veterinary inspection certificates.
21. Port Infrastructure Specifications
– Maximum air draft: 45m (limited by Toyama Ohashi Bridge clearance).
– Bollard capacities: 50-150t (varies by berth, marked on quay walls).
– Fresh water supply points available at all major berths (20t/hour capacity).
22. Weather Restrictions
– Operations suspended when winds exceed 15m/s (Beaufort 7).
– Typhoon preparedness measures activated at Storm Signal No. 3.
– Winter de-icing equipment available for critical areas (Nov-Mar).
23. Port Entry/Exit Formalities
– Customs clearance available 24/7 with prior arrangement.
– Quarantine inspections conducted alongside for vessels with clean bills of health.
– Ship’s stores declaration required before provisioning operations.
24. Dangerous Weather Contingencies
– Designated storm moorings at Piers 4 and 7 (priority for vessels <10,000 DWT).
– Tsunami evacuation procedures posted at all berths (3-stage alert system).
– Real-time weather updates broadcast hourly on VHF Ch.14 during advisories.
25. Port-Specific Local Laws
– Strict noise regulations (≤65dB) enforced 2200-0600 hours.
– Discharge of ballast water requires prior sampling and approval.
– Fishing prohibited within 500m of active shipping channels.
26. Vessel Equipment Requirements
– All vessels must carry updated Japanese charts (JHA Publication No. 101B).
– Emergency towing arrangements per SOLAS II-1/3-4 for vessels >20,000 GT.
– Portable gas detectors mandatory for tankers and bulk carriers.
27. Port Labor Regulations
– Stevedore operations follow Japan Harbor Transportation Association standards.
– Minimum 30-minute safety briefing required before cargo operations.
– Crane operations suspended when visibility drops below 500 meters.
28. Pollution Response
– Tier 1 oil spill response equipment maintained at three port locations.
– Mandatory participation in annual pollution drills for regular port users.
– Chemical spill response plans must be vessel-specific and port-approved.
29. Navigation Aids
– 12 lighted buoys mark the main channel (IALA Region A system).
– Leading lights (bearing 275°T) for final approach to inner harbor.
– Real-time tide gauge data displayed at port control and online.
30. Port Working Hours
– Standard operations: 0800-1700 JST (Overtime available with surcharge).
– Continuous operations permitted for container vessels with prior approval.
– No cargo operations permitted on Japanese public holidays without special permit.
31. Vessel Dimension Limits
– Maximum LOA: 230m (Inner harbor), 300m (Outer anchorage).
– Maximum beam: 40m (Restricted to certain berths).
– Maximum draft: 11.5m at all tides (12.2m with tidal window approval).
32. Port Authority Contacts
– Emergency contact procedures published in Japan Coast Guard Notice 2023-12.
– Official communication channels listed in MLIT Port Administration Handbook.
– Contact details available through authorized maritime publications only.
33. Special Area Regulations
– No-anchor zones marked around underwater pipelines (chart symbols PN).
– Speed reduction zones near ferry terminals (5 knot limit).
– Prohibited areas around naval facilities (clearly marked on port charts).
34. Vessel Reporting Requirements
– Daily position reports required for vessels at anchorage >24 hours.
– Immediate notification of any hull damage or machinery failure.
– Crew change details must be submitted 6 hours before operation.
35. Port Entry Restrictions
– Vessels with overdue Port State Control deficiencies may be denied entry.
– Special clearance required for vessels carrying certain hazardous materials.
– Floating cranes/dredgers require 14-day advance notice for port entry.
36. Ballast Water Management
– Compliance with Japan’s amended Ballast Water Management Act (2023) required
– Mandatory ballast water exchange 200nm from nearest land for vessels without treatment systems
– Records must be maintained for 3 years and include salinity measurements
37. Port Lighting Requirements
– Deck lighting must illuminate working areas to minimum 50 lux during night operations
– Prohibited: Laser pointers or high-intensity lights affecting navigation
– Special lighting restrictions apply during sea turtle nesting season (May-August)
38. Vessel Sanitation
– Regular pest control inspections conducted by Japan Quarantine Service
– Deratting certificates must be valid for entire port stay
– Medical waste incineration facilities available at Pier 6 (prior approval required)
39. Tidal and Current Information
– Maximum tidal range: 2.8m during spring tides
– Strongest currents occur 2 hours before/after high tide at harbor entrance
– Real-time current data available through JCG’s Maritime Traffic Service website
40. Port Emergency Signals
– Continuous 30-second blast indicates evacuation order
– Red flares launched from control tower signify immediate danger
– All-clear signal: Green flag hoisted at main administration building
41. Diving Operations
– Commercial diving requires 48-hour notice and safety plan submission
– Diver down flags must be illuminated at night
– Underwater work prohibited during strong current periods (>2 knots)
42. Vessel Manning Requirements
– Minimum safe manning certificate must reflect actual crew onboard
– Engine room watch required at all times for vessels >500 GT
– Port may require additional mooring crew for vessels >200m LOA
43. Port Construction Materials
– Special handling required for cement cargoes (dust suppression measures)
– Asbestos-containing materials strictly prohibited from all port operations
– Steel coils must be properly secured with certified lashing equipment
44. Ice Navigation Equipment
– Vessels operating December-March must carry ice navigation kits
– Bow thruster operation restricted below -10°C without thermal protection
– Special mooring heaters available for rent during freezing conditions
45. Historical Wreck Protection
– No anchoring within 500m of designated underwater cultural heritage sites
– Magnetometer surveys required for dredging operations
– Artifact discovery must be immediately reported to Toyama Cultural Affairs Division
46. Port Security Zones
– Three-tier security perimeter enforced 24/7 with biometric access control
– Mandatory escort for all visitors to restricted operational areas
– Unauthorized photography of port infrastructure strictly prohibited
47. Hazardous Weather Protocols
– Typhoon preparedness level 2 activates mandatory double mooring lines
– Seismic activity exceeding 5.0 Richter requires immediate vessel departure checks
– Special fog navigation procedures enforced when visibility <100m
48. Vessel Maintenance in Port
– Underwater cleaning requires prior environmental impact assessment
– Paint scraping operations must use certified containment systems
– Engine trials exceeding 30 minutes need port authority clearance
49. Port Wildlife Protection
– Speed limit reduced to 5 knots during migratory bird season (Oct-Nov)
– Special lighting restrictions to protect nocturnal marine species
– Mandatory reporting of any marine mammal sightings in port approaches
50. Customs Procedures
– Electronic customs declaration mandatory through NACCS system
– Physical inspections conducted on 15% of random selected vessels
– Prohibited items list includes certain fishing equipment and soil products
51. Port Electrical Safety
– Shore power connections require ISO/IEC/IEEE 80005-1 compliance
– Mandatory insulation testing for all vessel electrical systems >440V
– Portable equipment must bear Japan Electrical Safety Mark (PSE)
52. Special Tide Windows
– Critical draft operations limited to ±2 hours of high tide
– Tide prediction charts issued monthly by Japan Meteorological Agency
– Emergency tide recalculation service available during abnormal weather
53. Port Noise Control
– Decibel monitoring conducted at all berths with real-time alerts
– Engine testing prohibited between 2200-0600 without exemption
– Vessels must use noise-reduced cargo handling equipment where available
54. Marine Fuel Quality
– Random fuel sampling conducted on 10% of visiting vessels
– Bunker delivery notes must include Japan-specific declaration page
– Fuel switching logs required when entering/leaving Emission Control Areas
55. Port Emergency Drills
– Mandatory participation in quarterly port-wide emergency exercises
– Vessel-specific muster lists must be submitted before operations
– Helicopter evacuation zones clearly marked at designated berths
