1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1. Jurisdiction and Authority: Yanai Port operates under the Ports and Harbors Act (Act No. 218 of 1950) and local ordinances of Yamaguchi Prefecture. The port is managed by the Yanai Port Authority (YPA), which enforces compliance with national and regional maritime laws.
1.2. Navigation Rules: Vessels must adhere to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and Japan’s Maritime Traffic Safety Act (Act No. 62 of 1972). Speed limits within the port are restricted to 5 knots in inner harbor areas.
1.3. Berthing and Mooring: Prior permission from YPA is required for all berthing operations. Vessels exceeding 200 GT must submit a berthing plan 24 hours in advance. Mooring lines must comply with ISO 3913 standards.
1.4. Dangerous Goods: Handling of hazardous materials follows the Fire Service Act (Act No. 186 of 1948) and IMDG Code. Class 1 explosives require 72-hour pre-notification to YPA and local fire departments.
1.5. Waste Disposal: Strict compliance with the Law Relating to the Prevention of Marine Pollution and Maritime Disaster (Act No. 136 of 1970). Discharge of oily mixtures (≥15 ppm) is prohibited within 12 nautical miles of the port.
2. Compliance and Enforcement
2.1. Inspections: The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) conducts random inspections under Article 15 of the Port Regulations Law. Vessels may be inspected for:
– Valid certificates (ISM, SOLAS, MARPOL)
– Navigation equipment functionality
– Oil Record Book entries
2.2. Penalties: Non-compliance may result in:
– Fines up to ¥3,000,000 for pollution violations (Article 55 of Marine Pollution Prevention Law)
– Suspension of port entry privileges for repeated safety violations
– Criminal charges for deliberate falsification of logbooks
2.3. Port State Control (PSC): Tokyo MOU inspection regime applies. Priority inspection criteria include:
– Vessels with previous detentions
– Bulk carriers older than 12 years
– Tankers without valid ESP certification
2.4. Emergency Procedures: Mandatory reporting within 30 minutes for:
– Oil spills exceeding 1,000 liters
– Collisions causing structural damage
– Man overboard incidents
3. Crew Safety Requirements
3.1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All crew working on deck must wear:
– ISO 20471-compliant high-visibility vests
– EN 397-certified helmets during cargo operations
– Non-slip footwear meeting ISO 20345:2021 standards
3.2. Training Requirements: Crew must complete:
– STCW-required safety familiarization
– Port-specific emergency drills (conducted annually)
– Japanese-language basic emergency instructions (per Maritime Safety Agency Notice No. 500)
3.3. Working Hours: Compliance with MLC 2006 regulations:
– Maximum 14 hours in any 24-hour period
– Minimum 10 hours rest in any 24-hour period
– Records must be maintained for 3 years
4. Vessel Operational Requirements
4.1. Documentation: Vessels must carry:
– Updated nautical charts (JHA Chart No. 1123 for Yanai approaches)
– Japanese-translated Ship Security Plan (SSP)
– Certificate of Financial Responsibility (COFR) for vessels > 100 GT
4.2. Communication Protocols: Mandatory VHF channels:
– Channel 16 for distress calls
– Channel 12 for port operations
– Channel 70 for DSC alerts
4.3. Anchorage Restrictions: Prohibited areas:
– Within 500m of the breakwater (marked by JP-001 buoys)
– Cable zones indicated on JHA Chart 1123
4.4. Bunkering Procedures: Requires:
– Pre-operation meeting with YPA representative
– SOPEP equipment deployment
– Continuous monitoring by certified personnel
5. Environmental Protection Measures
5.1. Air Emissions: Compliance with the Air Pollution Control Act (Act No. 97 of 1968):
– Sulfur content in fuel must not exceed 0.1% within Emission Control Areas (ECAs)
– Mandatory use of shore power for vessels berthing longer than 2 hours (where available)
– NOx Tier III standards apply to vessels built after 2016 (MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 13)
5.2. Ballast Water Management:
– Must comply with the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM Convention)
– Vessels must maintain a Ballast Water Record Book and treatment system certification
– Exchange operations prohibited within 12 nautical miles of the port
5.3. Anti-fouling Systems:
– Prohibition of organotin compounds (AFS Convention 2001)
– Coating must be certified under IMO Resolution MEPC.207(62)
6. Security Regulations
6.1. ISPS Code Compliance:
– Security Level 1 (normal) requires:
– Gangway watch maintained 24/7
– Restricted access points with logbook control
– Security Level 2 (heightened) adds:
– Additional patrols
– Pre-screening of all deliveries
6.2. Restricted Areas:
– No unauthorized access within 50m of LNG terminals
– Mandatory escort for all visitors in cargo handling zones
6.3. Drone Operations:
– Prohibited within port limits without prior YPA authorization
– Violations subject to penalties under the Civil Aeronautics Act
7. Special Cargo Handling
7.1. Oversized Cargo:
– Requires 72-hour notice with detailed stowage plan
– Daylight hours only for movements exceeding 5m width
7.2. Cold Chain Cargo:
– Temperature monitoring records must be available for inspection
– Emergency power backup verification required for reefer containers
7.3. Livestock Transport:
– Compliance with OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Standards
– Mandatory veterinary inspection prior to discharge
8. Port Services and Fees
8.1. Tariff Structure:
– Berth fees calculated per GT/day (¥15/GT for first 24 hours)
– Pilotage compulsory for vessels >10,000 GT (¥8,000 per movement)
8.2. Waste Reception:
– Oily waste: ¥200/liter (minimum charge ¥50,000)
– Garbage: ¥5,000/ton (segregated per MARPOL categories)
8.3. Fresh Water Supply:
– Potable water testing certificate required prior to bunkering
– Flow rate limited to 50m³/hour unless prior approval obtained
9. Emergency Contacts
9.1. Official Channels:
– Japan Coast Guard (Yanai Station): VHF Channel 16
– Port Medical Emergency:
9.2. Pollution Response:
– Spills exceeding 1 barrel must immediately contact Marine Disaster Prevention Center
– 24-hour pollution hotline available through JCG regional headquarters
10. Vessel Traffic Management
10.1. VTS Requirements:
– Mandatory participation in Yanai VTS for vessels >300 GT
– AIS must remain operational within port limits (SOLAS Chapter V)
– Movement plans must be filed 1 hour prior to arrival/departure
10.2. Tug Assistance:
– Compulsory for vessels >150m LOA or >50,000 DWT
– Minimum 2 tugs required during adverse weather (Beaufort 6+)
– Tug connection points must comply with OCIMF standards
11. Port Infrastructure Specifications
11.1. Berth Capabilities:
– Main Wharf: 250m LOA, 12m draft
– Oil Terminal: 180m LOA, 10m draft
– Maximum alongside depth: 15m at spring tide
11.2. Load Restrictions:
– Quayside maximum: 5t/m²
– Mobile crane limit: 150t SWL
– Container stack height limit: 4 high
12. Meteorological Restrictions
12.1. Operational Limits:
– All operations cease at sustained winds >25m/s
– Bulk cargo handling stops at precipitation >50mm/hour
– Visibility minimum: 0.5nm for vessel movements
12.2. Typhoon Procedures:
– Phase 1 alert: Secure all cargo handling equipment
– Phase 2 alert: Vessels must depart or move to designated safe anchorages
– Mandatory evacuation for all personnel at Typhoon Signal No. 8
13. Crew Welfare Provisions
13.1. Shore Leave:
– No restrictions for vessels from green-list countries
– Crew change permitted with valid seaman’s book and PCR test
– Designated crew recreation areas within port perimeter
13.2. Medical Facilities:
– Port clinic available for emergency treatment
– 24-hour medical evacuation coordination
– Mandatory reporting of infectious diseases within 1 hour
14. Customs and Immigration
14.1. Clearance Procedures:
– Advance cargo declaration required 48 hours pre-arrival
– Crew list submission through e-Seal system
– Prohibited items include certain fishing equipment and soil samples
14.2. Bonded Areas:
– Designated zones for transshipment cargo
– Maximum storage period: 30 days without extension
– Armed guards required for high-value goods
15. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
15.1. Arrival Requirements:
– 96 hours notice for vessels from pest-risk countries
– Last 10 ports of call must be declared
– Valid fumigation certificate for grain carriers
15.2. Departure Clearance:
– All port fees settled
– Outbound inspection certificate issued by JCG
– Navigation plan approval from harbor master
16. Special Area Regulations
16.1. Sensitive Zones:
– No-anchoring areas near coral reefs (marked by JP-112 buoys)
– Speed limit 3 knots within 500m of aquaculture zones
– Night lighting restrictions near turtle nesting areas
16.2. Research Vessels:
– Additional permits required for sampling activities
– Scientific equipment must be declared
– Marine observer may be assigned
17. Dangerous Goods Handling
17.1. Classification and Storage:
– IMDG Code Class 1-9 materials require segregated storage zones
– Explosives (Class 1) must be stored minimum 500m from residential areas
– Radioactive materials (Class 7) require lead-shielded containers
17.2. Transfer Operations:
– Bonded hoses required for flammable liquid transfer
– Static electricity grounding mandatory before operations
– Emergency shutdown systems tested every 6 months
18. Port Safety Management
18.1. Fire Prevention:
– Hydrant pressure maintained at 7kg/cm² minimum
– Quarterly fire drills involving all port personnel
– Hot work permits valid for maximum 8 hours
18.2. Electrical Safety:
– Explosion-proof lighting in hazardous zones
– Portable equipment must be intrinsically safe
– Annual thermographic inspection of high-voltage systems
19. Navigation Aids
19.1. Channel Markings:
– Main channel buoys spaced at 200m intervals
– Leading lights aligned at 182° True for approach
– No.3 buoy marks the turning basin (flashing green every 4s)
19.2. Depth Information:
– Chart Datum: 1.2m below MSL
– Dredged channel maintained at -12m CD
– Shoal area (NW sector) marked by danger buoys
20. Cargo Handling Equipment
20.1. Certification Requirements:
– Annual load testing of all cranes (JIS B 8801 standard)
– Wire rope replacement after 2,000 operating hours
– Container spreaders must have valid LOLER certificates
20.2. Operational Limits:
– Maximum wind speed for gantry operations: 15m/s
– Rain stops all bulk grain operations
– Temperature below -10°C requires special procedures
21. Port Entry Restrictions
21.1. Vessel Conditions:
– Minimum freeboard: 1m for vessels >10,000 DWT
– Maximum list: 3° during cargo operations
– Tugs on standby for vessels with single screw propulsion
21.2. Banned Substances:
– Tributyltin (TBT) based paints
– Asbestos-containing materials
– Ozone-depleting substances (Montreal Protocol)
22. Ice Navigation Procedures
22.1. Winter Operations:
– Icebreaker assistance required when ice exceeds 30cm
– Bow thrusters must be operational December-March
– Special hull coatings recommended November-April
22.2. Cold Weather Precautions:
– Steam lines for mooring ropes when below -5°C
– Anti-icing additives in fire protection systems
– Engine room heating maintained at minimum 10°C
23. Port State Control Focus Areas
23.1. Inspection Priorities:
– Lifeboat launch systems (SOLAS III/20)
– Fuel oil sampling points (MARPOL Annex VI)
– Bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS)
23.2. Common Deficiencies:
– Inaccurate oil record book entries
– Expired pyrotechnics
– Inoperative quick-closing valves
24. Port Emergency Response
24.1. Oil Spill Contingency:
– Tier 1 response capacity: 50 tons of spill containment
– Boom deployment within 60 minutes of notification
– Approved dispersant list maintained by JCG
24.2. Search and Rescue:
– Dedicated SAR boat stationed at Pier 3
– Helicopter landing zone marked on Wharf 2
– MOB recovery drills quarterly with port vessels
25. Ship Repair Regulations
25.1. Dry Dock Requirements:
– Underwater inspections require JCG approval
– Hot work permits valid for 4 hours maximum
– Confined space entry procedures per JSMA standards
25.2. Environmental Compliance:
– Paint removal must use containment systems
– Bilge water treatment before discharge
– Asbestos removal by licensed contractors only
26. Port Lighting Standards
26.1. Operational Areas:
– Minimum 50 lux at container handling zones
– 200 lux at hazardous cargo transfer points
– Red lighting near astronomical observation areas
26.2. Navigation Lighting:
– Leading lights visible from 5 nautical miles
– Obstruction lights on cranes (red, flashing)
– Emergency lighting autonomy: 3 hours minimum
27. Bunkering Operations
27.1. Fuel Quality Control:
– Sampling per ISO 13739 procedures
– MARPOL Annex VI fuel samples retained 12 months
– Sulphur content verification before transfer
27.2. Safety Measures:
– Double valve isolation at manifold
– Dedicated communication channel (VHF 13)
– Fire patrol during entire operation
28. Port Sanitation Controls
28.1. Vector Control:
– Mandatory rodent inspection for grain vessels
– Mosquito fogging during summer months
– Ship sanitation certificates valid 6 months
28.2. Waste Management:
– Medical waste incineration only
– Food waste pasteurization before disposal
– Sewage reception facilities at Berth 5
29. Special Vessel Requirements
29.1. LNG Carriers:
– Exclusion zone radius 250m during transfer
– Gas detection systems mandatory
– Tug escort until 5nm from port
29.2. Ro-Ro Vessels:
– Securing certificates for all vehicle lashings
– CO2 system testing before loading
– Special ramp angle restrictions
30. Port Communication Protocols
30.1. Digital Systems:
– ETA submission via JP-MOSS system
– Electronic bills of lading accepted
– Customs clearance through NACCS
30.2. Language Requirements:
– Japanese/English bilingual manifests
– Port control commands in standardized marine phrases
– Emergency instructions in pictogram format
31. Port Entry Documentation
31.1. Mandatory Ship Papers:
– Certificate of Registry (original)
– Tonnage Certificate (validated)
– P&I Club Certificate of Entry
31.2. Pre-arrival Submissions:
– Maritime Declaration of Health (48 hours prior)
– Cargo Securing Manual (for applicable vessels)
– Garbage Management Plan
32. Vessel Manning Requirements
32.1. Minimum Crew:
– Bridge team: OOW + lookout at all times
– Engine room: Duty engineer when underway
– Cargo watch: 1 officer + 1 rating during ops
32.2. Certification Checks:
– STCW endorsements verified against IMO database
– Medical certificates not expired
– Flag state endorsements present
33. Port Construction Standards
33.1. Infrastructure Specifications:
– Quay wall design load: 25kN/m²
– Bollard pull capacity: 80 tons minimum
– Fender systems: 500kJ energy absorption
33.2. Maintenance Cycles:
– Underwater inspections: biennial
– Cathodic protection checks: annual
– Pavement resurfacing: every 5 years
34. Hazardous Weather Protocols
34.1. Typhoon Preparedness:
– Stage 1: Secure loose equipment (winds >15m/s)
– Stage 2: Cease cargo ops (winds >20m/s)
– Stage 3: Evacuate non-essential personnel
34.2. Tsunami Response:
– Vertical evacuation to designated shelters
– Vessel departure protocol activated
– Post-event damage assessment required
35. Port Security Zones
35.1. Restricted Areas:
– Fuel storage compound (24/7 CCTV)
– Customs inspection area (biometric access)
– Port operations center (escorted entry only)
35.2. Surveillance Measures:
– AIS monitoring of all vessels
– Perimeter intrusion detection system
– Night vision cameras on all piers
36. Special Cargo Oversight
36.1. Project Cargo:
– Route survey required for >100 ton units
– Temporary road closures coordinated
– Load spreading calculations verified
36.2. Temperature Controlled:
– Data loggers for perishables
– Backup power contingency plans
– Temperature mapping validation
37. Port Environmental Monitoring
37.1. Water Quality:
– Weekly sampling at 5 designated points
– Real-time oil detection sensors
– Dissolved oxygen minimum 4mg/L
37.2. Air Quality:
– Continuous PM2.5 monitoring
– SO2 levels recorded hourly
– Noise pollution limits enforced
38. Port Operational Hours
38.1. General Operations:
– Main gates: 0600-2200 daily
– Customs clearance: 0800-1700 weekdays
– Pilotage services: 24/7 with advance notice
38.2. Special Arrangements:
– Overtime operations: 50% surcharge
– Holiday operations: Prior approval required
– Emergency services: No time restrictions
39. Vessel Speed Limits
39.1. Navigation Channels:
– Main channel: 8 knots maximum
– Turning basin: 5 knots
– Near berths: 3 knots
39.2. Special Conditions:
– Reduced speed in poor visibility
– Tug escort speed: Match towed vessel
– No wake zones near small craft
40. Port Tariff Structure
40.1. Vessel Charges:
– Port dues: ¥0.25 per GT
– Berth hire: ¥10,000 per 12 hours
– Anchorage fee: ¥5,000 daily
40.2. Service Fees:
– Pilotage: ¥8,000 per movement
– Tug assistance: ¥15,000 per hour
– Garbage disposal: ¥3,000 per m³
41. Dangerous Goods Notification
41.1. Submission Requirements:
– DG list 72 hours pre-arrival
– Emergency procedures in English/Japanese
– MSDS for all hazardous materials
41.2. Special Handling:
– Night transfers prohibited
– Dedicated storage areas
– Fire watch during operations
42. Port Waste Reception
42.1. Categories:
– Oily waste: ¥200 per liter
– Food waste: ¥1,500 per ton
– Operational waste: ¥800 per m³
42.2. Documentation:
– Waste delivery receipts
– MARPOL compliance certificates
– Disposal tracking records
43. Vessel Inspection Regime
43.1. Routine Checks:
– Safety equipment verification
– Crew certification audit
– Pollution prevention inspection
43.2. Special Inspections:
– PSC deficiency follow-up
– Incident investigation
– Random drug/alcohol testing
44. Port Community System
44.1. Electronic Services:
– ETA/ETD notifications
– Cargo declarations
– Billing and payments
44.2. User Requirements:
– Registered accounts
– Digital certificates
– System training completion
45. Port Navigation Equipment
45.1. Mandatory Systems:
– AIS Class A transponders for vessels >300GT
– Operational radar with 24nm range
– Dual GPS receivers with differential correction
45.2. Performance Standards:
– Compass deviation <3°
– Echo sounder accuracy ±0.1m
– VHF radio coverage to 25nm
46. Mooring Operations
46.1. Line Requirements:
– Minimum 8 lines for vessels >200m LOA
– Synthetic lines must have UV protection
– Winch brake capacity 60% of MBL
46.2. Safety Procedures:
– Snap-back zones clearly marked
– Hard hats and steel-toe boots mandatory
– Tension monitoring during cargo ops
47. Port Fuel Services
47.1. Bunker Quality:
– ISO 8217 compliant fuels
– Mass flow meters for all deliveries
– Sampling point at vessel manifold
47.2. Delivery Procedures:
– Pre-transfer safety meeting
– Continuous gas monitoring
– Emergency shutdown drills quarterly
48. Vessel Traffic Services
48.1. Reporting Points:
– Outer pilot station: 12nm NE
– Inner harbor limit: Breakwater light
– Final approach: Channel buoy #5
48.2. Communication Protocol:
– Initial contact on VHF Ch.16
– Working channel Ch.12
– Emergency channel Ch.06
49. Port Labor Regulations
49.1. Working Conditions:
– Maximum 12-hour shifts
– Mandatory 30-minute breaks
– Overtime premium after 8 hours
49.2. Safety Training:
– Monthly toolbox meetings
– Annual refresher courses
– Specialized equipment certification
50. Anchorage Procedures
50.1. Designated Areas:
– North anchorage: vessels <150m
– South anchorage: vessels >150m
– Emergency anchorage: marked by yellow buoys
50.2. Holding Requirements:
– Minimum scope 5:1
– Anchor watch maintained
– Position verified hourly
51. Port Clearance Process
51.1. Documentation:
– Outward clearance form
– Port dues receipt
– Crew list updates
51.2. Final Checks:
– No outstanding notices
– Navigation lights tested
– Last gangway secured
52. Port Facility Security
52.1. Access Control:
– Biometric verification for restricted areas
– Vehicle inspection at all entry points
– Visitor escorts required after hours
52.2. Surveillance Systems:
– 360° PTZ cameras at critical infrastructure
– Motion detection perimeter alarms
– Night vision capability for all cameras
53. Dangerous Cargo Storage
53.1. Segregation Requirements:
– Class 1 explosives: 500m isolation radius
– Class 3 flammables: fireproof containment
– Class 8 corrosives: acid-resistant flooring
53.2. Monitoring Systems:
– Continuous temperature monitoring
– Gas detection alarms
– Emergency deluge systems
54. Vessel Repair Services
54.1. Approved Contractors:
– Hull cleaning: 3 licensed providers
– Electrical work: certified marine electricians
– Engine repairs: OEM-certified technicians
54.2. Environmental Compliance:
– Containment for all underwater work
– Asbestos abatement procedures
– Waste oil recycling mandatory
55. Port Meteorological Services
55.1. Weather Monitoring:
– Real-time wind speed displays
– Storm warning sirens
– Tide prediction charts
55.2. Reporting Requirements:
– Hourly observations to JMA
– Special reports for gusts >25m/s
– Visibility updates every 30 minutes
56. Customs Procedures
56.1. Clearance Documentation:
– Commercial invoice (3 copies)
– Packing list with HS codes
– Certificate of origin
56.2. Special Cargo:
– Temporary import bonds
– Carnet for transshipments
– ATA for exhibition goods
57. Port Pilotage Requirements
57.1. Compulsory Areas:
– Main channel entrance
– Turning basin
– All berthing operations
57.2. Exemptions:
– Harbor tugs with local knowledge
– Government vessels
– Emergency response craft
58. Port Firefighting Capabilities
58.1. Equipment Standards:
– Foam trucks with 10,000L capacity
– Fireboats with monitor cannons
– Mobile pumps for pier access
58.2. Response Times:
– 5 minutes to any berth
– 15 minutes to anchorage
– 30 minutes for full deployment
