1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1. Legal Framework: Tsu Port operates under Japan’s Port Regulations Law (港湾法) and Mie Prefecture ordinances. Compliance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, ISPS) is mandatory.
1.2. Navigation Rules: Vessels must adhere to the Maritime Traffic Safety Act (海上交通安全法). Speed limits are enforced within port waters (max 8 knots in inner harbor, 12 knots in approach channels).
1.3. Berthing Requirements: Prior notification via Japan’s Electronic Port Clearance System (e-Port) is mandatory 24 hours before arrival. Mooring must follow ISO 3913 standards.
1.4. Dangerous Cargo: Handling regulated by Fire Service Act (消防法) and IMDG Code. Class-1 explosives require special permits from Mie Prefecture Governor.
2. Compliance and Enforcement
2.1. Inspections: Conducted by Tsu Port Authority and Japan Coast Guard (JCG). 100% inspection rate for vessels with prior deficiencies or high-risk flags.
2.2. Penalties: Non-compliance may result in fines up to ¥500,000 under Port Regulations Law Article 56. Serious violations can lead to vessel detention.
2.3. Environmental Compliance: Strict enforcement of MARPOL Annex VI. Sulfur content in fuel must not exceed 0.1% while at berth (Air Pollution Control Law 大気汚染防止法).
2.4. Security Measures: ISPS Code Level 1 implemented. Unauthorized access to restricted areas may incur criminal charges under Immigration Control Act.
3. Safety Requirements
3.1. Crew Safety: Life-saving appliances must meet SOLAS Chapter III standards. Monthly drills are mandatory with records kept onboard.
3.2. Fire Prevention: Compliance with Fire Protection Law (消防法). All vessels must carry CO2 system certification valid within 5 years.
3.3. Emergency Procedures: Port contingency plans align with IMO Resolution A.852(20). Vessels must maintain VHF Ch16/12 monitoring 24/7.
3.4. Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels >10,000 GT or carrying hazardous materials (Tsu Port Ordinance No.12).
4. Operational Guidelines
4.1. Port Hours: 24/7 operations with prior arrangement. Night navigation requires JCG approval.
4.2. Waste Disposal: Port reception facilities comply with MARPOL Annex V. Discharge fees apply per Waste Management Law (廃棄物処理法).
4.3. Bunkering: Only licensed suppliers permitted. Spill response equipment must be deployed during operations.
4.4. Weather Restrictions: Operations suspended when typhoon warnings issued (wind speed >15m/s).
5. Regulatory Authorities
5.1. Tsu Port Authority: Oversees port operations and infrastructure maintenance.
5.2. Japan Coast Guard: Enforces maritime laws and conducts safety inspections.
5.3. Mie Prefecture Government: Issues local permits and environmental clearances.
6. Vessel Traffic Management
6.1. VTS Coverage: Mandatory participation in Tsu Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) for vessels >300 GT. Monitoring frequency: VHF Ch. 71 (primary), Ch. 12 (secondary).
6.2. Reporting Points: Vessels must report at “Tsu Approach Point” (34°28’N, 136°30’E) and “Inner Harbor Entry” (34°29’N, 136°32’E).
6.3. Traffic Separation: Designated inbound/outbound lanes enforced per COLREGs Rule 10. Minimum 500m separation required between large vessels (>200m LOA).
7. Cargo Operations
7.1. Loading/Unloading: Maximum permissible working load for cranes must not exceed 85% of SWL (Japan Industrial Standard JIS B 8801).
7.2. Container Stowage: Compliance with CSS Code (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1352). Hatch covers must withstand 3.5t/m² load for stacked containers.
7.3. Bulk Cargo: Dust suppression measures mandatory for coal/ore operations (Air Pollution Control Law Article 18-2).
8. Port Fees and Charges
8.1. Tonnage Dues: Calculated per GRT based on Mie Prefecture Port Tariff (No. 5-2021): ¥32/GRT for first 10,000t, ¥28/GRT thereafter.
8.2. Pilotage Fees: ¥18,500 for vessels <5,000 GT, ¥24,300 for 5,001-10,000 GT (Tsu Port Tariff Schedule 2023).
8.3. Waste Handling: ¥5,200/ton for general waste, ¥8,700/ton for hazardous waste (Mie Environmental Ordinance 142).
9. Crew Welfare Provisions
9.1. Shore Leave: Permitted for crew with valid seaman’s books, subject to immigration clearance. Curfew: 2300-0500 hrs for non-essential movement.
9.2. Medical Facilities: Designated port clinic (Tsu Seamen’s Hospital) available 24/7 for emergencies (ISO 9001:2015 certified).
9.3. Provisions Delivery: Only licensed suppliers allowed within port area. All deliveries require prior port security clearance.
10. Special Operations
10.1. Heavy Lift: Movements exceeding 100t require 72-hour notice and JCG escort. Maximum permissible draft during operations: 12.5m.
10.2. Night Navigation: Restricted to vessels with ClassNK/NK equivalent night operation certification. Minimum lighting: 2x 500W floodlights on deck.
10.3. Bunkering Operations: Mandatory spill boom deployment. Maximum transfer rate: 500m³/hr with emergency shutdown system tested monthly.
11. Port Infrastructure Specifications
11.1. Berth Dimensions: Main commercial berths (No.1-5) have total length of 1,250m with minimum depth of 12m (Chart Datum).
11.2. Mooring Equipment: All bollards rated for 150t breaking load (JIS F 2001 standard). Quick-release hooks installed at hazardous cargo berths.
11.3. Fendering System: Dock fenders comply with PIANC WG33 standards, energy absorption capacity minimum 200kNm per unit.
12. Hazardous Materials Handling
12.1. Classified Storage: Explosives (Class 1) restricted to North Terminal only. Minimum 500m separation from other vessels required.
12.2. Gas-Free Certification: Mandatory for tankers before hot work, issued by approved inspection agencies (JISHA registered).
12.3. Emergency Equipment: Dedicated foam monitors (5,000L/min capacity) installed at all oil berths. Response time <3 minutes.
13. Environmental Protection Measures
13.1. Ballast Water: Management must comply with Japan’s Ship Ballast Water Control Act (2004). Exchange must occur >200nm from coast.
13.2. Air Emissions: Continuous monitoring for SOx/NOx at terminal boundaries. Exceedance of 50μg/m³ triggers operational review.
13.3. Oil Spill Response: Port maintains Tier 2 response capability (500-ton containment). Drills conducted quarterly with JCG participation.
14. Port State Control
14.1. Inspection Criteria: Tokyo MOU targeting factors applied with 15% minimum annual inspection rate for foreign vessels.
14.2. Deficiency Codes: 70-point checklist used based on IMO Res.A.1052(27). Priority given to life-saving/firefighting systems.
14.3. Detention Standards: Vessels with >5 deficiencies or 1 major deficiency (affecting seaworthiness) may be detained.
15. Local Navigation Restrictions
15.1. Channel Usage: One-way traffic enforced for vessels >180m LOA. Passing prohibited in curves (Channel Markers C3-C7).
15.2. Tidal Constraints: Maximum allowable draft variation ±0.5m from published tide tables during entry/exit.
15.3. Special Areas: No-anchor zones established around submarine cables (marked on JCG Chart No. 1123).
16. Ship Repair and Maintenance
16.1. Dry Dock Facilities: Two graving docks available (Dock A: 250m x 40m, Dock B: 180m x 30m) with 50,000 DWT capacity.
16.2. Hot Work Permits: Required for all welding/grinding operations. Validity limited to 8-hour periods with fire watch mandatory.
16.3. Waste Disposal: Shipyard waste must be segregated into 6 categories (metals, plastics, etc.) per Mie Prefecture Recycling Ordinance.
17. Port Security Measures
17.1. Access Control: Biometric identification required for all port personnel. Restricted areas have dual authentication systems.
17.2. Surveillance: 24/7 CCTV coverage with 30-day data retention. Thermal cameras installed at perimeter fences.
17.3. Drills: Quarterly ISPS security drills including anti-piracy scenarios. Mandatory participation for all berthed vessels.
18. Ice and Weather Operations
18.1. Winter Preparedness: Anti-icing systems operational from December-March. Glycol-based de-icer used on critical walkways.
18.2. Typhoon Procedures: Stage 1 alert activated when winds exceed 10m/s. All gantry cranes must be secured in park position.
18.3. Visibility Restrictions: Pilotage suspended when visibility drops below 500m. VHF announcements made every 15 minutes during fog.
19. Port Communication Protocols
19.1. Emergency Channels: VHF Ch 16 (distress), Ch 12 (port operations), Ch 09 (ship-to-ship). Digital SELCAL system available.
19.2. Linguistic Requirements: All port control communications in English (IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases mandatory).
19.3. Automated Systems: NAVTEX warnings automatically broadcast (518kHz) for local navigational hazards.
20. Special Vessel Requirements
20.1. LNG Carriers: Must maintain 300m exclusion zone during transfer operations. Gas detection systems required at all times.
20.2. RO-RO Vessels: Additional stability calculations required before loading. Maximum ramp angle of 7 degrees enforced.
20.3. Cruise Ships: Medical waste handling plans must be submitted 72 hours prior to arrival. Gangway watch maintained 24/7.
21. Port Lighting and Visibility Standards
21.1. Navigational Aids: All channel markers equipped with LED lights (luminous intensity ≥100cd) and radar reflectors.
21.2. Dock Illumination: Minimum maintained illuminance of 50 lux at working areas (CIE Standard S 015/E:2005).
21.3. Emergency Lighting: Battery-backed systems with 3-hour minimum duration at all passenger terminals and hazardous zones.
22. Dangerous Goods Documentation
22.1. Declaration Requirements: IMDG manifests must be submitted 48 hours prior to arrival for Class 1-9 cargoes.
22.2. Segregation Plans: Detailed stowage diagrams required for mixed dangerous goods (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1216 compliance).
22.3. Emergency Data: Ships carrying hazardous materials must provide chemical datasheets in English and Japanese.
23. Tugboat Assistance Requirements
23.1. Minimum Power: 2 tugboats required for vessels >50,000 GT (aggregate bollard pull ≥60 tons).
23.2. Standby Protocol: Tugs must maintain station within 500m during cargo operations on gas carriers.
23.3. Emergency Response: Dedicated rescue tug available 24/7 with 15-minute response time (IMO Resolution MSC.65(68)).
24. Port Health Regulations
24.1. Quarantine Procedures: Medical declarations required via Maritime Declaration of Health (WHO International Health Regulations).
24.2. Pest Control: Mandatory deratting certificates or inspections for vessels from affected areas (Port Sanitation Act).
24.3. Food Safety: Ship provisions inspection conducted randomly (5% of vessels) per Food Sanitation Law requirements.
25. Anchorage Regulations
25.1. Designated Areas: Outer anchorage (34°27’N 136°28’E) for vessels awaiting berth. Maximum stay 72 hours.
25.2. Holding Requirements: Minimum 3:1 scope for all-chain rode. Vessels >200m must maintain auxiliary engine readiness.
25.3. Emergency Anchoring: Prohibited within 500m of submarine cables. Violations subject to ¥1,000,000 fine.
26. Vessel Manning Requirements
26.1. Minimum Crew: Bridge team must maintain 2 licensed officers + 1 lookout during port transit (STCW Regulation VIII/2).
26.2. Emergency Stations: Full complement must be available within 5 minutes during cargo operations (SOLAS Chapter III).
26.3. Language Proficiency: Deck officers must demonstrate English proficiency Level 3 (IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases).
27. Port Fire Safety Standards
27.1. Equipment Certification: All portable extinguishers must have JIS certification with annual inspection tags.
27.2. Hydrant Pressure: Maintain minimum 3.5kg/cm² at all dock hydrants (Fire Service Act Article 17-3).
27.3. Training Requirements: Quarterly fire drills mandatory for port workers (NFPA 1403 standard).
28. Cargo Securing Regulations
28.1. Container Lashing: Minimum 4 twist locks per 20′ container (CSC Plate compliance required).
28.2. Bulk Cargo Stability: Angle of repose monitoring mandatory for grain shipments (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1395).
28.3. Heavy Lift Lashing: SWL must be clearly marked on all securing points (ISO 3874:2017).
29. Port Waterway Management
29.1. Dredging Cycle: Main channel dredged biannually to maintain -14m CD (Port and Harbor Law Article 56).
29.2. Underwater Obstructions: Monthly side-scan sonar surveys conducted (IALA Recommendation O-139).
29.3. Current Restrictions: Berthing prohibited when cross-current exceeds 1.5 knots at Ro-Ro ramps.
30. Special Cargo Handling
30.1. Project Cargo: Advance stowage plans required 7 days prior for loads exceeding 12m width.
30.2. Reefer Monitoring: Temperature logs must be maintained hourly for perishable goods (ATP Agreement standards).
30.3. Livestock Transport: Veterinary clearance certificates required 24 hours before discharge (OIE Terrestrial Code).
31. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
31.1. Advance Notice: Vessels must submit ETA 72 hours prior via JP-MAREC system with updates at 24h and 12h intervals.
31.2. Documentation Check: Original certificates (including PSC inspection records) must be presented within 1 hour of berthing.
31.3. Departure Clearance: Granted only after all port charges settled and waste manifests submitted electronically.
32. Mooring Operations
32.1. Line Handling: Minimum 8 mooring lines required for vessels >200m LOA (4 headlines, 4 stern lines).
32.2. Tension Monitoring: Automatic tension sensors mandatory for LNG carriers with audible alarms at 60% MBL.
32.3. Storm Preparation: Additional breast lines must be rigged when wind warnings exceed Beaufort scale 6.
33. Port Emergency Response
33.1. Incident Classification: Tier 1 (ship-level) to Tier 3 (national-level) response protocols activated as appropriate.
33.2. Emergency Assembly: Designated muster points marked every 100m along quays with bilingual signage (JIS Z 9101).
33.3. Mutual Aid: Pre-established agreements with neighboring ports for equipment sharing during major incidents.
34. Bunkering Regulations
34.1. Fuel Sampling: Triple samples (ship/terminal/independent) required for each bunker delivery (ISO 13739).
34.2. Contingency Plans: Dedicated spill response vessels on standby during all bunkering operations.
34.3. Quality Disputes: Must be reported within 4 hours using MEPC.1/Circ.875 procedures.
35. Port Infrastructure Access
35.1. Utility Connections: Standardized shore power receptacles (IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005-1) at all container berths.
35.2. Water Supply: Potable water stations every 200m with backflow prevention devices (JWWA Standard).
35.3. Road Access: Dedicated truck routes with 5m vertical clearance and 40t axle load capacity.
36. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
36.1. Coverage Area: 25nm radius from port control tower with radar overlap zones (IALA V-128 compliant).
36.2. Reporting Points: Mandatory position reports at Waypoints Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie (JCG Notice 12/2023).
36.3. Non-compliance: Automatic AIS alerts generated for vessels deviating >0.5nm from assigned routes.
37. Port Waste Reception
37.1. Garbage Categories: 7-type separation system with color-coded bins (MARPOL Annex V implementation).
37.2. Hazardous Waste: Special containment areas for oily rags/chemicals with 24h surveillance.
37.3. Sludge Disposal: Licensed contractors only, with real-time volume tracking via RFID tags.
38. Navigation Equipment Requirements
38.1. ECDIS Standards: ENC updates must be less than 28 days old (IHO S-57 Edition 4.0).
38.2. Backup Systems: Dual GNSS receivers required for vessels >3000GT (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1503).
38.3. Testing Protocol: Daily position verification against terrestrial benchmarks required in port.
39. Port Meteorological Services
39.1. Local Forecasts: Updated hourly via NAVTEX and VHF Ch 16 (WMO Code FM 94-XII).
39.2. Storm Alerts: Visual signal flags displayed at control towers (Beaufort scale 8+ conditions).
39.3. Current Data: Real-time tidal stream maps available through port website (UTC+9 updates).
40. Special Area Regulations
40.1. Emission Control: 0.1% sulfur limit within 12nm of port boundaries (MARPOL Annex VI).
40.2. Ballast Exchange: Prohibited within territorial waters – must use treatment systems instead.
40.3. Underwater Noise: Mandatory mitigation measures for pile driving (JIS Z 8731 monitoring).
41. Port Facility Security Levels
41.1. Security Level 1: Standard operating procedures with 15% random container inspections.
41.2. Security Level 2: Additional patrols and 100% ID verification for all port access.
41.3. Security Level 3: Full lockdown with armed guards and vessel movement restrictions.
42. Dangerous Goods Storage
42.1. Class 1 Explosives: Isolated bunkers with 50m blast radius clearance.
42.2. Flammable Liquids: Underground tanks with double-walled containment.
42.3. Toxic Substances: Negative pressure storage with HEPA filtration.
43. Port Communication Systems
43.1. Primary Network: Fiber-optic backbone with 99.99% uptime guarantee.
43.2. Backup Systems: Satellite and HF radio redundant links.
43.3. Emergency Channels: Dedicated encrypted VHF frequencies for crisis coordination.
44. Vessel Inspection Protocols
44.1. Pre-arrival Checks: Electronic submission of 12 key documents 48h prior.
44.2. Port State Control: 3-tier risk assessment matrix for inspection priority.
44.3. Deficiency Grading: Class I (critical) to Class III (minor) categorization system.
45. Port Environmental Monitoring
45.1. Air Quality: Continuous PM2.5 and SOx sensors at 8 strategic locations.
45.2. Water Quality: Automated sampling stations testing hourly for hydrocarbons.
45.3. Noise Levels: 24/7 monitoring with 55dB night-time operational limit.
46. Port Access Control
46.1. Biometric Verification: Mandatory fingerprint/retina scans for all personnel entering restricted zones.
46.2. Vehicle Screening: X-ray and explosive detection for all trucks entering terminal areas.
46.3. Temporary Passes: Issued with GPS tracking and 4-hour validity for contractors.
47. Cargo Handling Equipment
47.1. Crane Certification: Annual load testing to 110% SWL with third-party verification.
47.2. Fuel Standards: Tier 4 Final engines required for all new equipment purchases.
47.3. Maintenance Logs: Digital records with blockchain timestamping for audit purposes.
48. Port Cybersecurity Measures
48.1. Network Segmentation: Critical OT systems isolated from business networks.
48.2. Threat Monitoring: SIEM systems with AI-based anomaly detection 24/7.
48.3. Incident Response: Mandatory reporting within 30 minutes of detection.
49. Vessel Traffic Separation
49.1. Lane Discipline: 500m separation minimum for vessels >200m LOA.
49.2. Speed Zones: 6-knot limit within 2nm of port entrance during peak hours.
49.3. Crossing Protocols: Mandatory VHF confirmation before intersecting traffic lanes.
50. Port Contingency Planning
50.1. Spill Response: Pre-positioned equipment for 500-ton oil recovery capacity.
50.2. Storm Preparedness: Hurricane-rated mooring systems for all permanent structures.
50.3. Pandemic Protocols: Isolation wards and decontamination stations at all terminals.
51. Port Lighting Standards
51.1. Illumination Levels: Minimum 50 lux maintained at all operational areas (EN 12464-2 compliance).
51.2. Emergency Lighting: 90-minute battery backup with automatic activation.
51.3. Navigational Aids: LED marine lanterns with 5-mile visibility range.
52. Berth Allocation System
52.1. Priority Criteria: Vessels ranked by ETA accuracy, cargo type, and agent performance.
52.2. Dynamic Scheduling: AI-based algorithm updates every 15 minutes.
52.3. Contingency Berths: 2 always kept vacant for emergency situations.
53. Port Sanitation Procedures
53.1. Vector Control: Biweekly fumigation of all warehouses and containers.
53.2. Wastewater Treatment: Membrane bioreactor systems for all terminal effluents.
53.3. Food Safety: NSF-certified kitchens for all port catering services.
54. Heavy Weather Operations
54.1. Wind Thresholds: Cargo ops cease at sustained 25-knot winds.
54.2. Securing Protocol: Triple lashing required when gale warnings issued.
54.3. Vessel Holding: Designated deepwater anchorage with 360° protection.
55. Port Community System
55.1. Data Standards: UN/EDIFACT messaging for all stakeholder communications.
55.2. API Integration: Real-time connectivity with customs and border systems.
55.3. Blockchain Use: Smart contracts for automated demurrage calculations.
