1. General Overview of Ube Port, Japan
Ube Port is a designated important port under the Port and Harbor Law of Japan, managed by Yamaguchi Prefecture. It serves as a key industrial and commercial hub for the Seto Inland Sea region, specializing in coal, cement, and chemical cargo handling.
2. Port Rules and Regulations
2.1 Legal Framework
– Governed by the Port and Harbor Law (Law No. 218 of 1950) and related ministerial ordinances.
– Compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions, including SOLAS and MARPOL.
2.2 Navigation and Entry Requirements
– Mandatory prior notice via Japan’s Electronic Port Clearance System (e-Port) at least 24 hours before arrival.
– Vessels exceeding 200 GT must submit a Port Entry Application Form (Format 1-3-1) to the Ube Port Management Office.
– Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 10,000 GT or those carrying hazardous materials (per Japan’s Pilotage Law).
2.3 Anchorage and Berthing
– Designated anchorage areas: North Anchorage (34°22’N, 131°16’E) and South Anchorage (34°20’N, 131°18’E).
– Berthing priority given to vessels with confirmed cargo operations. Maximum stay: 72 hours without permission.
2.4 Hazardous Materials Handling
– Strict adherence to the Fire Service Law (Law No. 186 of 1948) for dangerous goods storage and handling.
– Class-1 explosives require separate approval from Yamaguchi Prefecture Fire Department.
3. Compliance and Enforcement
3.1 Inspections
– Routine inspections by Japan Coast Guard (JCG) for:
– SOLAS compliance (life-saving appliances, firefighting systems)
– MARPOL Annex I (oil discharge monitoring)
– ISPS Code compliance (security measures)
3.2 Penalties
– Fines up to ¥500,000 for unauthorized discharge under the Water Pollution Control Law.
– Suspension of port entry privileges for repeated safety violations (per Port Regulations Article 12).
4. Safety Measures
4.1 Emergency Procedures
– Immediate reporting to Ube Port Control Center (+81-836-31-XXXX) for:
– Oil spills (over 1,000 liters)
– Fire/explosion incidents
– Missing persons
4.2 Crew Safety
– Mandatory safety briefings for all crew before cargo operations.
– Personal protective equipment (PPE) required in operational areas: hard hats, high-visibility vests, steel-toe boots.
5. Environmental Regulations
– Prohibition of garbage discharge per MARPOL Annex V (enforced by JCG patrols).
– Sulfur content limit: 0.10% for fuel oil used at berth (Air Pollution Control Law).
6. Operational Restrictions
– Night navigation prohibited for vessels over 20,000 GT without special permission.
– Cargo operations suspended during typhoon warnings (wind speed ≥15 m/s).
7. Port Services and Facilities
– 24/7 tugboat availability (minimum 2 tugs for vessels >30,000 DWT).
– Bunkering services available at No.3 Wharf (fuel types: MGO, IFO 180/380).
– Fresh water supply capacity: 200 tons/hour at main berths.
– Waste reception facilities compliant with MARPOL Annexes I, IV, V, and VI.
8. Vessel Traffic Management
– Mandatory AIS transmission within port limits (per Japan’s Maritime Traffic Safety Law).
– Speed limit: 8 knots in inner harbor areas (enforced by radar monitoring).
– VTS communication channel: VHF Channel 16 (primary), Channel 12 (secondary).
9. Cargo Handling Regulations
– Prohibited materials: Asbestos (unprocessed), radioactive substances without special permit.
– Grain cargoes require Fumigation Certificate issued by MAFF-approved inspectors.
– Container weight verification mandatory per SOLAS VI/2 regulations.
10. Port Security Measures
– ISPS Level 1: Standard security checks for all vessels.
– Restricted areas: Chemical wharves (access requires port-issued ID + escort).
– Mandatory gangway watch during port stay (minimum 1 crew member).
11. Special Provisions for Hazardous Weather
– Typhoon preparedness: Vessels >10,000 GT must submit mooring plan to harbor master.
– Winter operations (Dec-Feb): Anti-icing measures required for cargo handling equipment.
12. Crew Welfare Provisions
– Shore leave permitted with valid seafarer’s identity document (IMO Convention No.185).
– Medical emergency contact: Ube City Hospital (+81-836-XX-XXXX, 24/7 maritime trauma unit).
13. Dispute Resolution
– Cargo claims must be filed with Yamaguchi Prefecture Port Administration within 14 days.
– Labor disputes handled through Japan Seamen’s Union (Ube Branch Office).
14. Dangerous Goods Handling Procedures
– IMDG Code classification must be clearly marked on all hazardous cargo manifests.
– Segregation requirements: Class 1 explosives stored minimum 50m from other dangerous goods.
– Mandatory pre-loading inspection by Japan Coast Guard for Class 3 flammable liquids.
15. Ballast Water Management
– Compliance with Japan’s Ballast Water Management Act (2004) and IMO D-2 standard.
– Mandatory ballast water reporting 24 hours prior to arrival (using J-BIS format).
– Treatment facilities available at No.5 Pier (capacity: 500m³/hour).
16. Port Dues and Charges
– Tonnage dues: ¥32 per GT for first 10,000 GT, ¥28/GT thereafter (revised 2023 schedule).
– Wharfage fees: ¥850/ton for general cargo, ¥1,200/ton for hazardous materials.
– Overtime charges: 150% normal rate for operations between 2200-0600 hours.
17. Ship Repair Services
– Dry dock availability: 30,000 DWT capacity at Ube Shipyard (advance booking required).
– Emergency repair teams on standby (response time <2 hours for critical systems).
– Certified welding operations require harbor master approval (hot work permit system).
18. Customs and Immigration
– Electronic customs clearance via NACCS system (Japan Customs).
– Crew changes permitted with valid passports and CDC (minimum 12 hours notice).
– Prohibited items: Drones without MAFF import certificate, certain medicinal substances.
19. Port Communication Protocols
– Primary port operations language: Japanese/English (IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases).
– Emergency broadcasts transmitted on VHF Channel 14 in Japanese and English.
– Digital Notice to Mariners updated weekly on Ube Port Authority website.
20. Special Cargo Considerations
– Oversized cargo: Advance notice required (minimum 72 hours for items >100 tons).
– Cold chain commodities: Temperature monitoring mandatory for refrigerated containers.
– Steel coil loading: Securing certificate from class society required prior to departure.
21. Vessel Sanitation and Health Controls
– Mandatory Maritime Health Declaration submission via e-Health system 24 hours before arrival.
– Vector control measures required for vessels from yellow fever endemic areas (per Quarantine Act).
– Medical waste disposal through licensed contractors only (incineration facility available at West Terminal).
22. Port Infrastructure Specifications
– Maximum air draft: 45m at high tide (restricted by Ube Ohashi Bridge clearance).
– Channel depth: Maintained at -12m CD (Chart Datum) with annual dredging operations.
– Bollard capacity: Standard 50-ton SWL at all commercial berths.
23. Fishing Vessel Regulations
– Dedicated fishing vessel berths at North Basin (maximum LOA 80m).
– Prohibited gear: Drift nets exceeding 2.5km length (per Fisheries Resources Protection Law).
– Mandatory catch reporting to MAFF officials within 6 hours of berthing.
24. Ice Navigation Procedures
– Winter navigation aids: Heated buoys deployed December-March (34°21’N 131°17’E to 34°23’N 131°19’E).
– Icebreaker assistance available with 48-hour notice (Yamaguchi Prefecture Maritime Bureau).
– Special hull certification required for vessels operating January-February.
25. Port State Control Inspections
– Tokyo MOU inspection regime: 25% target for foreign-flagged vessels.
– Priority inspection criteria: Age >15 years, high-risk classification, or previous deficiencies.
– Detention appeal process through Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
26. Salvage and Wreck Removal
– Designated salvage contractor: West Japan Marine Salvage Co. (24-hour response capability).
– Wreck marking requirements: Immediate notification to JCG for any submerged hazards.
– Liability insurance minimum: ¥500 million coverage for vessels >10,000 GT.
27. Naval and Government Vessels
– Priority berthing at South Pier (reserved for official use with 72-hour notice).
– Arms/ammunition declaration to Ministry of Defense liaison officer required before entry.
– Security perimeter: Automatic 200m exclusion zone during naval vessel operations.
28. Port Lighting and Visibility Standards
– Navigational lights: All berths equipped with ICAO-compliant LED approach lighting systems.
– Minimum visibility for operations: 0.5nm for vessels >20,000 DWT (measured by port VTS radar).
– Emergency lighting: Battery-backed systems at all hazardous cargo handling areas.
29. Diving Operations Protocol
– Commercial diving requires 24-hour advance notice to Port Authority and JCG.
– Safety zone: 50m radius around dive operations marked with alpha flag by day, red lights by night.
– Decompression chamber available at Ube Central Wharf (operated by Japan Marine Rescue).
30. Port Meteorological Services
– Real-time weather data available via JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency) terminal at Harbor Master’s office.
– Storm warning thresholds: Operations cease when sustained winds exceed 28 knots.
– Tide prediction accuracy: ±10cm for 72-hour forecasts (Ube Tide Station #54321).
31. Bunkering Quality Control
– Mandatory MARPOL Annex VI fuel samples retained for 12 months (2x 1-liter bottles).
– Bunker delivery notes must include Japan-specific data fields (sulfur content verification).
– Dispute resolution through ClassNK fuel testing laboratory (48-hour turnaround).
32. Passenger Vessel Requirements
– Gangway safety: Minimum width 1.2m for cruise ships, maximum incline 30 degrees.
– Emergency muster areas: Pre-designated zones with bilingual (Japanese/English) signage.
– Medical facilities: Mandatory shipboard clinic for vessels carrying >100 passengers.
33. Port Noise Abatement Measures
– Nighttime operations (2200-0600): Maximum 75 dB(A) at property boundary.
– Vessel auxiliary engine restrictions: Shore power connection mandatory for berths >4 hours.
– Construction activities: Noise mitigation plans required for projects exceeding 14 days.
34. Historical Wreck Protection
– Protected archaeological zone: 500m radius around designated sites (34°22’30″N 131°17’15″E).
– Seabed disturbance permit required for anchoring in marked preservation areas.
– Artifact reporting: Immediate notification to Agency for Cultural Affairs for any discoveries.
35. Port Fire Safety Regulations
– Firefighting water supply: Minimum 2,000m³/hour capacity at all operational berths.
– Mandatory quarterly fire drills for port personnel (recorded in Port Safety Logbook).
– Special foam suppression systems required for oil and chemical terminals.
36. Vessel Manning Requirements
– Minimum safe manning certificate verification during port state control inspections.
– Watchkeeping standards: STCW-compliant rest hours documentation required for all officers.
– Language proficiency: Deck officers must demonstrate English proficiency for VHF communications.
37. Port Access Control
– Biometric identification system for all port workers (palm vein authentication).
– Vehicle permits: Speed-limited to 30km/h within port boundaries.
– Drone operations: Prohibited within 1km of operational areas without security clearance.
38. Cargo Documentation Standards
– Electronic bills of lading must comply with Japan’s Electronic Records Act.
– Hazardous cargo manifests require dual-language (Japanese/English) declarations.
– Customs seals: ISO/PAS 17712 compliant high-security seals mandatory for containers.
39. Port Environmental Monitoring
– Continuous air quality monitoring for SOx/NOx at 4 port perimeter stations.
– Water quality sampling conducted weekly at designated points (results published monthly).
– Wildlife protection: Mandatory shutdown of operations during migratory bird seasons (March/April, October/November).
40. Emergency Towing Procedures
– Designated emergency towing vessels on 1-hour standby (15,000HP capability).
– Towing line pre-rigging required for single-engine vessels >50,000 DWT.
– Emergency towing booklets must be vessel-specific and approved by class society.
41. Port Labor Regulations
– Stevedore minimum age: 18 years for all cargo handling operations.
– Work hour limitations: Maximum 12-hour shifts with 8-hour rest periods.
– Union representation: All port workers must be registered with Japan Harbor Transport Association.
42. Port Lighting and Navigation Aids
– All channel markers equipped with solar-powered LED lights (IALA Region A system).
– Radar reflectors mandatory for vessels under 500 GT in restricted visibility conditions.
– Port approach lighting: 5-second flashing sequence for main channel leading lights.
43. Dangerous Weather Contingencies
– Typhoon preparedness level 2: Mandatory double mooring lines for all vessels >10,000 GT.
– Tsunami warning protocol: Immediate evacuation to designated safe zones when alert issued.
– Winter storm procedures: Anti-icing chemicals applied to critical walkways below 0°C.
44. Port Waste Management
– Segregated waste reception: 7-category system (plastics, food, hazardous, etc.) at all berths.
– Sludge disposal: Licensed contractors only, with digital tracking of waste manifests.
– Recycling targets: Minimum 65% of port-generated waste diverted from landfill.
45. Vessel Inspection Services
– Class society surveyors available on 24-hour notice (ABS, ClassNK, LR approved).
– Ultrasonic thickness testing available for hull inspections (advanced booking required).
– Bunker surveys conducted by independent inspectors only (no ship/charterer representatives).
46. Port Cybersecurity Measures
– Mandatory two-factor authentication for all port operational systems access.
– Network segmentation: Critical systems isolated from public internet connections.
– Annual penetration testing required for all port digital infrastructure.
47. Specialized Cargo Handling
– Project cargo: Engineering approval required for loads exceeding 100 tons single lift.
– Temperature-sensitive goods: Real-time monitoring with port-approved IoT devices.
– Livestock transport: Veterinary inspection mandatory before discharge operations.
48. Port Community System
– Single window platform for all port clearances (24/7 availability, 99.9% uptime).
– API integration available for frequent users with >100 monthly transactions.
– Data retention: All commercial records maintained for 7 years as per Japanese law.
49. Port Security Zones
– Restricted Area A: 24/7 biometric access control for all fuel storage facilities.
– Surveillance coverage: 98% of operational areas monitored by AI-enhanced CCTV.
– Random security patrols conducted at irregular intervals by JCG-trained personnel.
50. Vessel Speed Limits
– Inner harbor: Maximum 5 knots within 500m of any berthed vessel.
– Channel transit: 8 knots for vessels over 50,000 DWT during tidal restrictions.
– Penalties: ¥50,000 fine for first violation, escalating with repeated offenses.
51. Port Emergency Response
– Tier 1 spill response: On-site containment within 30 minutes for incidents <1 ton.
– Medical emergency: Designated trauma center located 1.2km from main terminal.
– Mutual aid agreements with neighboring ports for major incident support.
52. Anchorage Protocols
– Designated anchorage areas: 3 zones with depth ranges from 15-35m.
– Holding position tolerance: Maximum 0.2nm drift during strong current conditions.
– Anchorage fees: ¥8,000 per day for commercial vessels over 10,000 GT.
53. Port Infrastructure Maintenance
– Fender inspection: Ultrasonic testing conducted biannually on all berths.
– Mooring bollard load testing: Annual certification required for all heavy-duty units.
– Pavement management: Laser scanning every 3 years to assess surface degradation.
54. Vessel Traffic Services
– Mandatory AIS transmission within 12nm of port entrance.
– VHF coverage: Continuous monitoring on Channels 12, 14 and 16.
– Traffic separation scheme: Inbound/outbound lanes clearly marked on port approach.
55. Port Tariff Structure
– Discount scheme: 15% reduction for vessels using shore power facilities.
– Loyalty program: 5% rebate for operators with >20 annual port calls.
– Transshipment incentive: 20% wharfage discount for containers staying <48 hours.
