1. General Port Rules and Regulations
1.1 Jurisdiction: Yawatahama Port is administered by the Ehime Prefectural Government under Japan’s Port and Harbor Law (Port Regulations Act No. 174 of 1948).
1.2 Designated Areas: The port is classified as a “Major Port” under Japan’s Port Regulations, with specific zones for cargo, fishing, and passenger vessels.
1.3 Navigation Restrictions: Vessels over 10,000 GT must obtain prior permission from the Yawatahama Port Authority (YPA) 24 hours before entry.
2. Vessel Entry and Departure Procedures
2.1 Mandatory Notifications: Submit ETA/ETD via Japan’s Electronic Port Clearance System (e-Port) at least 12 hours in advance.
2.2 Documents Required:
– Ship Registry Certificate
– Port State Control (PSC) inspection records
– Crew list (verified by Japanese immigration)
2.3 Restricted Entry: Vessels with unresolved PSC deficiencies or lacking valid ISM certification are prohibited from entering.
3. Safety and Navigation
3.1 Speed Limits:
– Inner harbor: 5 knots
– Approach channels: 8 knots
3.2 Anchorage Rules:
– Designated anchorage areas (Zone A: 33°27’N, 132°25’E; Zone B: 33°26’N, 132°24’E)
– Prohibited within 500m of fishing nets
3.3 Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels >200 GT between sunset and sunrise.
4. Cargo Operations
4.1 Hazardous Materials:
– Class 1 explosives require 48-hour prior notice
– IMDG Code compliance mandatory
4.2 Loading/Unloading:
– Crane operations prohibited during winds exceeding 15 m/s
– Oil tankers must deploy spill containment booms during transfers
5. Environmental Compliance
5.1 Waste Disposal:
– MARPOL Annex V strictly enforced
– Port reception facilities available at Pier 3 (operating 0800-1700 JST)
5.2 Air Emissions:
– Sulfur content limit: 0.1% at berth (per Japan’s Air Pollution Control Law)
6. Enforcement and Penalties
6.1 Inspection Authority:
– Japan Coast Guard conducts random PSC inspections
– Ehime Prefecture Environmental Department monitors compliance
6.2 Violation Penalties:
– Up to ¥500,000 for unauthorized discharges
– Vessel detention for safety violations (SOLAS non-compliance)
7. Emergency Procedures
7.1 Distress Signals:
– VHF Channel 16 monitored 24/7
– Emergency contact: Japan Coast Guard Yawatahama Station (official frequency 2182 kHz)
7.2 Oil Spill Response:
– Immediate reporting required (within 15 minutes of detection)
– Designated containment equipment at Pier 2 and 4
8. Crew Regulations
8.1 Shore Leave:
– Valid seafarer’s passport required
– Curfew: 2300-0500 for non-officers (unless with written permission)
8.2 Medical Emergencies:
– Designated port clinic: Yawatahama Port Medical Center (open 24/7 for maritime emergencies)
9. Port Services
9.1 Bunkering:
– Only licensed providers permitted (list available at port administration office)
– Advance notice: 6 hours for fuel quantities >100 tons
9.2 Provisions:
– All food deliveries must comply with Japan’s Food Sanitation Act
10. Port Security Measures
10.1 ISPS Compliance:
– Security Level 1 (normal) requires gangway watch
– Security Level 2 (heightened) mandates additional patrols and access control
10.2 Restricted Areas:
– No unauthorized access to container storage zones (marked with yellow lines)
– Photography prohibited in fuel terminal areas
11. Vessel Traffic Management
11.1 VTS Coverage:
– Operates on VHF Channel 12 (156.600 MHz)
– Mandatory reporting at waypoints:
– WP1: 33°28’N, 132°26’E
– WP2: 33°27’N, 132°25’E
11.2 Traffic Separation:
– Inbound vessels use eastern channel
– Outbound vessels use western channel
12. Dangerous Goods Handling
12.1 Storage Requirements:
– Class 3 flammable liquids: maximum 48-hour storage
– Explosives: separate storage bunkers (minimum 500m from other cargo)
12.2 Handling Protocols:
– Radio silence within 200m of explosive handling
– Mandatory fire watch during hazardous cargo operations
13. Port Fees and Charges
13.1 Calculation Basis:
– Tonnage fees: ¥32 per GT for first 24 hours
– Wharfage: ¥850 per linear meter/day
13.2 Exemptions:
– Vessels under 100 GT engaged in local trade
– Government vessels on official duty
14. Weather Restrictions
14.1 Operational Limits:
– All operations cease when typhoon warning issued (wind >25 m/s)
– Small vessels (<500 GT) prohibited from entering during storm alerts
14.2 Visibility Requirements:
– Minimum 0.5 nautical miles for vessel movement
– Pilotage mandatory when visibility <1 nautical mile
15. Crew Health Protocols
15.1 Infectious Disease Control:
– Mandatory temperature checks for shore leave applicants
– Quarantine procedures per Japan’s Quarantine Act
15.2 Medical Waste:
– Special containers at all piers for biohazard disposal
– Incineration facility available at Pier 5
16. Port Infrastructure Specifications
16.1 Berth Capacities:
– Main Wharf: 200m LOA, draft 10.5m
– Container Terminal: 300m LOA, draft 12m
16.2 Load Limits:
– Maximum 5 tons/m² for general cargo areas
– Tank farm area: 3 tons/m²
17. Fishing Vessel Regulations
17.1 Designated Areas:
– North Basin reserved for fishing vessels >20m
– Night fishing prohibited within port limits
17.2 Catch Handling:
– Fish waste must be containerized
– Offloading times: 0600-1800 only
18. Passenger Vessel Requirements
18.1 Safety Inspections:
– Monthly lifeboat drills verified by port authorities
– Maximum occupancy strictly enforced
18.2 Disembarkation:
– Passenger manifests submitted 2 hours before arrival
– Immigration clearance at dedicated facility (Pier 6)
19. Tugboat and Mooring Services
19.1 Compulsory Assistance:
– Vessels >150m LOA require 2 tugboats for berthing
– Minimum bollard pull requirement: 40 tons for Panamax vessels
19.2 Mooring Lines:
– Minimum 8 lines for vessels >200m LOA
– Synthetic lines must have ≥12% elongation capacity
20. Port Communication Protocols
20.1 Language Requirements:
– All VHF communications in English or Japanese
– Pilot orders given in standard IMO phraseology
20.2 Emergency Channels:
– Primary: VHF Channel 16
– Secondary: VHF Channel 10 (Port Operations)
21. Bunkering Regulations
21.1 Fuel Quality Standards:
– Must meet Japan’s Fuel Oil Quality Control Law
– Random sampling by port authorities permitted
21.2 Bunker Survey:
– Mandatory before/after fueling for vessels >500 GT
– Surveyor must be JIS-certified
22. Ballast Water Management
22.1 Exchange Requirements:
– Must be conducted ≥200nm from shore
– Full documentation required for inspection
22.2 Treatment Systems:
– Only IMO-approved systems permitted
– Calibration certificates must be valid
23. Port Lighting Requirements
23.1 Navigation Lights:
– All vessels must display proper lights from sunset to sunrise
– Special lighting for dangerous cargo (red lights)
23.2 Dock Illumination:
– Minimum 50 lux at cargo working areas
– Emergency lighting tested weekly
24. Winter Operations
24.1 Ice Prevention:
– Mandatory de-icing for cranes and loading equipment
– Heat tracing required for exposed pipelines
24.2 Cold Weather Gear:
– Crew working decks must have anti-slip footwear
– Emergency shelters maintained at all piers
25. Port Sanitation Standards
25.1 Food Handling:
– Galley inspections conducted quarterly
– Pest control certificates required for provisions
25.2 Water Quality:
– Potable water tested monthly
– No discharge of gray water within port limits
26. Special Cargo Handling
26.1 Oversized Loads:
– Advance notice 72 hours for items >50 tons
– Route survey required for abnormal dimensions
26.2 Project Cargo:
– Special permits needed for modular transports
– Maximum road axle load: 12 tons
27. Port Emergency Equipment
27.1 Firefighting Capacity:
– 4 fireboats stationed at strategic points
– Foam stations every 200m at oil berths
27.2 Rescue Gear:
– SOLAS-approved life rafts at each pier
– First aid kits inspected monthly
28. Port Entry Restrictions
28.1 Vessel Age Limits:
– Tankers >20 years require additional class certification
– Bulk carriers >25 years subject to enhanced inspections
28.2 Banned Substances:
– Asbestos-containing materials prohibited
– Ozone-depleting substances require special disposal
29. Port Working Hours
29.1 Standard Operations:
– Cargo handling: 0700-2200 (extended with permit)
– Administrative offices: 0830-1730 weekdays
29.2 Holiday Restrictions:
– No hazardous cargo operations on national holidays
– Reduced staff on Emperor’s Birthday (Feb 23)
30. Vessel Repair Regulations
30.1 Hot Work Permits:
– Required for all welding/grinding operations
– Fire watch must be maintained for 2 hours post-work
30.2 Underwater Operations:
– Divers must be JIS-certified
– Minimum visibility of 1m required
31. Port Noise Control
31.1 Decibel Limits:
– 75 dB(A) daytime (0700-1900)
– 65 dB(A) nighttime (1900-0700)
31.2 Equipment Restrictions:
– No reverse alarms after 2200
– Soundproofing required for generators
32. Navigation Aid Maintenance
32.1 Light Characteristics:
– All buoys serviced quarterly
– Failure reporting within 1 hour of detection
32.2 Channel Markers:
– Lateral system conforms to IALA Region A
– Spacing not exceeding 500m
33. Port Customs Procedures
33.1 Clearance Timeline:
– Standard cargo: 4 working hours
– Dangerous goods: 8 working hours
33.2 Bonded Areas:
– Designated storage at Pier 7 West
– Maximum 30-day storage period
34. Dredging Operations
34.1 Permit Requirements:
– Environmental impact assessment mandatory
– Dredge spoil disposal at designated site (33°30’N, 132°28’E)
34.2 Equipment Standards:
– GPS-tracked dredgers only
– Oil containment required for floating plant
35. Port Wildlife Protection
35.1 Restricted Areas:
– No anchoring in seagrass beds (marked zones)
– Speed limits in marine mammal corridors
35.2 Lighting Controls:
– Turtle nesting season (May-Aug): shielded lights required
– No spotlights directed seaward after 2100
36. Port Labor Regulations
36.1 Working Conditions:
– Maximum 12-hour shifts for stevedores
– Mandatory 30-minute breaks every 4 hours
36.2 Safety Training:
– Monthly drills for terminal operators
– Special certification for hazardous material handlers
37. Vessel Cleaning Procedures
37.1 Hull Cleaning:
– Prohibited within port limits
– Required advance notice for underwater cleaning
37.2 Tank Cleaning:
– Only at designated berths (Pier 8 North)
– Vapor control systems mandatory
38. Port Electrical Safety
38.1 Shore Power:
– 440V/60Hz standard supply
– Mandatory grounding checks before connection
38.2 Equipment Standards:
– Explosion-proof fittings in hazardous zones
– Annual certification for all port electrical systems
39. Dangerous Weather Protocols
39.1 Typhoon Preparedness:
– Stage 1 alert: Secure all loose equipment
– Stage 2 alert: Evacuate non-essential personnel
39.2 Tsunami Response:
– Designated evacuation routes marked
– Height threshold: 1m wave warning triggers shutdown
40. Port Vehicle Operations
40.1 Speed Limits:
– 20 km/h in cargo areas
– 10 km/h near personnel
40.2 Fueling Restrictions:
– No refueling within 15m of cargo operations
– Spill kits required on all fuel trucks
41. Waste Management Procedures
41.1 Segregation Requirements:
– Five-stream separation (plastics, metal, etc.)
– Hazardous waste stored separately
41.2 Recycling Mandates:
– 70% minimum recycling rate for port operations
– Special handling for oily rags/absorbents
42. Port Security Drills
42.1 Frequency:
– Quarterly anti-terrorism exercises
– Annual full-scale emergency simulation
42.2 Participation:
– Mandatory for all port employees
– Vessels in port must conduct parallel drills
43. Navigation in Restricted Visibility
43.1 Radar Requirements:
– Dual radar systems mandatory for entry
– Continuous monitoring while underway
43.2 Communication:
– 15-minute position reports to VTS
– No overtaking in main channel
44. Port Facility Maintenance
44.1 Infrastructure Inspections:
– Daily visual checks of berthing facilities
– Structural surveys conducted biannually by certified engineers
44.2 Repair Protocols:
– Immediate reporting of any structural damage
– Temporary closures for repairs exceeding 48 hours
45. Vessel Traffic Monitoring
45.1 AIS Requirements:
– Continuous transmission mandatory within port limits
– Vessels without functioning AIS require escort
45.2 Movement Records:
– Automatic logging of all vessel movements
– Data retention period: 3 years
46. Port Lighting and Marking
46.1 Channel Markers:
– Red buoys mark port side of channel
– Green buoys mark starboard side of channel
46.2 Berth Identification:
– Illuminated signs at each berth
– Reflective markings on all fenders
47. Dangerous Cargo Documentation
47.1 Required Forms:
– Dangerous Goods Declaration (IMO format)
– Emergency response contact list
47.2 Storage Records:
– Temperature logs for refrigerated hazardous materials
– Inventory checks every 6 hours
48. Port Waterfront Operations
48.1 Safety Zones:
– 5m clearance around all operating cranes
– Restricted access during heavy lift operations
48.2 Material Handling:
– Maximum stacking height: 4 containers
– Ground pressure limits strictly enforced
49. Vessel Maintenance in Port
49.1 Engine Tests:
– Prior notification required for main engine trials
– No testing during cargo operations
49.2 Painting Restrictions:
– Airless spray methods only
– Wind speed limits: below 15 knots
50. Port Emergency Response
50.1 Fire Categories:
– Class A: General materials
– Class B: Flammable liquids
– Class C: Electrical fires
50.2 Response Times:
– First responders: 5 minutes maximum
– Full team deployment: 15 minutes maximum
51. Port Access Control
51.1 Identification Requirements:
– Biometric verification for high-security areas
– Temporary passes valid for 7 days maximum
51.2 Vehicle Screening:
– 100% inspection of inbound trucks
– Radiation detection at all gates
52. Port Environmental Protection
52.1 Spill Response:
– Immediate containment required for all hydrocarbon spills
– Dedicated spill response team on 24/7 standby
52.2 Air Quality:
– Real-time monitoring of particulate matter
– Vessel auxiliary engines must use low-sulfur fuel (max 0.1%)
53. Vessel Mooring Requirements
53.1 Line Configuration:
– Minimum 6 lines for vessels 100-200m LOA
– Spring lines must be doubled for vessels >50,000 DWT
53.2 Tension Monitoring:
– Automated sensors on all bollards
– Alarms for >10% tension variation
54. Port Crane Operations
54.1 Load Limits:
– 90% of SWL for single lift operations
– 75% of SWL for tandem lifts
54.2 Wind Restrictions:
– Operations cease at sustained winds >25 knots
– Reduced capacity at winds 15-25 knots
55. Port Pilotage Services
55.1 Compulsory Areas:
– All vessels >10,000 GT require pilots
– Special requirements for LNG carriers
55.2 Transfer Procedures:
– Pilot boarding at designated zone (33°29’N, 132°27’E)
– Helicopter transfer approved for emergency situations
56. Port Ice Navigation
56.1 Icebreaker Assistance:
– Mandatory for vessels without ice class
– Priority given to essential supplies
56.2 Winter Markings:
– Special buoys with radar reflectors
– Ice thickness reported twice daily
57. Port Telecommunications
57.1 Radio Channels:
– Primary working channel: VHF 14
– Emergency backup: VHF 67
57.2 Data Reporting:
– Automated berth status updates every 15 minutes
– Digital notice to mariners system
58. Port Security Zones
58.1 Access Levels:
– Zone A: Restricted to authorized personnel only
– Zone B: Escorted access permitted
58.2 Surveillance:
– Thermal cameras at all perimeter points
– 24/7 monitoring center
59. Port Bunkering Operations
59.1 Safety Checks:
– Bonding cables required before transfer
– Static electricity monitoring during fueling
59.2 Quality Control:
– Random sampling of delivered fuel
– Mandatory testing for sulfur content
