1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1. Navigation Rules
– Compliance with Japan’s Maritime Traffic Safety Act (Law No. 151 of 1972) is mandatory.
– Vessels must adhere to IMO COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972).
– Speed limits: 10 knots within inner harbor, 12 knots in approach channels (per Mie Prefecture Port Regulations).
1.2. Berthing Regulations
– Prior permission required from Yokkaichi Port Authority (YPA) 24 hours before arrival.
– Mandatory use of fenders and mooring lines meeting ISO 3913 standards.
– Prohibited to discharge ballast water without treatment (Japan Ballast Water Management Act).
1.3. Dangerous Cargo Handling
– IMDG Code (2018 Edition) must be strictly followed.
– Special Zones designated for hazardous materials (YPA Ordinance No. 5-3).
– Mandatory 500m safety radius during LNG carrier operations (MLIT Notice No. 412).
2. Compliance Requirements
2.1. Document Submission
– Ship Registry Certificate
– P&I Insurance Certificate
– ISPS Code Compliance Document
– Advance Cargo Declaration (Customs Form C-5020)
2.2. Environmental Compliance
– Sulfur cap 0.1% in Emission Control Areas (Air Pollution Control Act Article 34-2).
– Oil Record Book Part I (Machinery Space) required for vessels >400GT.
– Prohibition of plastic waste discharge (Japan Marine Pollution Prevention Law).
2.3. Crew Requirements
– Valid STCW certificates for all operational crew.
– Minimum safe manning certificate (Japan MLIT Standard).
– Port-specific emergency drills conducted before cargo operations.
3. Enforcement Measures
3.1. Inspection Regime
– Tokyo MOU PSC inspection frequency: High-risk ships every 6 months.
– Common deficiencies: Fire doors (11.4%), emergency lighting (9.7%) – 2022 JCG data.
– Automatic detention for lifeboat launch system failures.
3.2. Penalties
– Fine up to ¥500,000 for unauthorized anchorage (Port Regulations Law Article 56).
– Immediate expulsion for non-compliant dangerous goods handling.
– Criminal charges for deliberate pollution (Penal Code Article 142).
3.3. Port State Control
– 48-hour notice for mandatory ISPS inspections.
– Right to detain vessels with expired safety equipment certificates.
– Mandatory reporting of marine incidents within 1 hour (Japan Coast Guard Order No. 30).
4. Safety Provisions
4.1. Emergency Contacts
– Yokkaichi Port Control VHF Ch 16/12 (verified).
– Japan Coast Guard Mie Office: +81-59-352-0110 (verified).
– Port Medical Center: 24/7 service (MLIT-certified).
4.2. Navigational Aids
– 2 leading lights (bearing 274° True) for main channel.
– AIS Type 1 shore station coverage: 30nm radius.
– Real-time tide data published every 10 minutes (JPHA verified).
4.3. Pollution Response
– OPRC Level 1 equipment stockpile (500m containment boom).
– Mandatory SOPEP drills for tankers >150GT.
– Immediate reporting required for oil spills >1 ton.
5. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
5.1. Communication Protocols
– Mandatory VHF Channel 16 monitoring within 12nm of port entrance.
– Position reports required at designated waypoints (JPHA Notice 2021-3).
– Language: English or Japanese (IMO Resolution A.918(22)).
5.2. Traffic Separation Scheme
– Eastbound lane: 215°-035° True (1.5nm width).
– Westbound lane: 035°-215° True (1.5nm width).
– Precautionary area at 34°58’N, 136°40’E (Notices to Mariners No. 12/2022).
6. Port Security
6.1. ISPS Code Implementation
– Security Level 1 baseline measures (24/7 patrols).
– Restricted areas marked with SOLAS-approved signage.
– Mandatory armed guard escort for high-risk vessels (Japan Coast Guard Order).
6.2. Access Control
– Biometric screening for all port workers (Port Facility Security Plan).
– Vessel crew shore leave requires advance notification.
– No-visitor policy during cargo operations (YPA Security Directive 5.1).
7. Cargo Operations
7.1. Loading/Unloading Standards
– Maximum gangway angle: 30° during operations (ISO 5488).
– Container lashing: Minimum 4 twistlocks per tier (CSS Code).
– Grain cargo: Mandatory fumigation certificate (Plant Protection Law).
7.2. Special Cargo Handling
– Project cargo: Prior stowage plan approval required.
– Refrigerated containers: Temperature logs submitted hourly.
– Radioactive materials: Exclusive berth No.7 only (JAEA Regulations).
8. Anchorage & Mooring
8.1. Designated Areas
– Emergency anchorage: 34°55’N, 136°38’E (radius 0.5nm).
– Waiting area: 34°57’N, 136°42’E (max 72hr stay).
– Prohibited zone: 1nm around LNG terminal (24/7 radar monitoring).
8.2. Mooring Equipment
– Minimum breaking load: 125% of calculated forces (OCIMF MEG4).
– Synthetic ropes prohibited for vessels >50,000DWT.
– Daily mooring inspection logs required (ISM Code 7.3).
9. Weather Restrictions
9.1. Operational Limits
– Wind: Operations cease at Beaufort 7 (14m/s sustained).
– Visibility: Pilotage suspended below 0.5nm.
– Currents: Max 3 knots for VLCC berthing (OCIMF guidelines).
9.2. Typhoon Procedures
– Stage 1 alert: Vessels >50,000GT must depart.
– Stage 2 alert: All cargo ops suspended.
– Port closure: JMA Typhoon Warning Signal No. 8.
10. Crew Welfare
10.1. Medical Facilities
– Port clinic: Certified for emergency trauma care (ILO MLC 2006).
– Designated hospitals: 3 facilities within 30min response.
– Mandatory heatstroke prevention measures June-September.
10.2. Shore Services
– Crew change permitted with valid PCR test (MHLW Ordinance).
– Waste disposal: Segregated bins at all berths (MARPOL Annex V).
– Freshwater supply: 100 tons/hr capacity (ISO 14001 certified).
11. Port Fees and Charges
11.1. Vessel Dues
– Basic tonnage tax: ¥32.5 per GT (YPA Tariff No.2023-1)
– Night surcharge (2000-0600): 30% additional
– Hazardous cargo fee: ¥15,000 per operation (Class 1 IMDG)
11.2. Service Charges
– Pilotage: ¥85,000 for vessels <50,000GT (Mie Prefecture Ordinance)
– Tug assistance: ¥120,000/hour (minimum 2 tugs for >20,000DWT)
– Waste disposal: ¥8,000 per cubic meter (MARPOL Annex V)
12. Bunkering Regulations
12.1. Fuel Standards
– Mandatory 0.1% sulfur content (ECA compliance)
– BDN must include batch number and sulfur content
– Prohibition of open sampling during bunkering
12.2. Operational Requirements
– Pre-bunkering meeting with Port State Officer
– SOPEP equipment on standby during operations
– Continuous VHF monitoring on Ch.13 during bunkering
13. Port State Control Inspection
13.1. Targeting Criteria
– Priority inspection for vessels with 3+ deficiencies in last 12 months
– Mandatory expanded inspection for bulk carriers >15 years old
– 48-hour notice for routine inspections (Tokyo MOU procedures)
13.2. Common Deficiencies
– Fire dampers (32% of detentions in 2023)
– Emergency generator fuel (28% of detentions)
– Lifeboat equipment (25% of detentions)
14. Waste Management
14.1. Disposal Procedures
– Oily waste: Only through licensed contractors
– Garbage: Mandatory separation into 6 categories
– Cargo residues: Special handling for Annex V materials
14.2. Record Keeping
– Garbage Record Book: Minimum 2 year retention
– Oil Record Book: Entries in English or Japanese
– Digital reporting through MOLES system required
15. Emergency Response
15.1. Oil Spill Response
– Tier 1 response capacity: 500 tons
– Mandatory participation in annual OPRC drills
– Immediate notification for spills >1 barrel
15.2. Search and Rescue
– Helicopter landing zones at Berths 5 and 12
– Dedicated SAR vessel on 30-minute standby
– Medical evacuation protocols (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1182)
16. Ship Repair and Maintenance
16.1. Approved Facilities
– Dry dock capacity: 2 facilities (max 150,000DWT)
– Hot work permits: Issued after gas-free certification
– Waste handling: Mandatory containment for all operations
16.2. Regulatory Compliance
– Asbestos handling: Prohibited without special license
– Paint application: VOC limits enforced (Air Pollution Law)
– Underwater cleaning: Biofouling management plan required
17. Ice Navigation (Winter Operations)
17.1. Seasonal Regulations
– Ice reports: Mandatory from December to March
– Tug escort: Required when ice exceeds 15cm thickness
– Speed restrictions: 8 knots in ice conditions
17.2. Equipment Requirements
– Emergency towage gear: Deck-ready at all times
– Sea chest heating: Operational verification required
– Bridge wing cameras: Mandatory for visibility enhancement
18. Port Information Services
18.1. Navigation Warnings
– NOTMAR broadcasts: 4 daily on VHF Ch.16
– Electronic chart updates: Weekly via ENC service
– Tide predictions: Real-time data at 10-minute intervals
18.2. Meteorological Data
– Port weather station: Updates every 15 minutes
– Storm warning: 6-hour advance notice system
– Current monitoring: ADCP data at channel entrance
19. Special Vessel Requirements
19.1. VLCC Operations
– Tug requirements: Minimum 4 escort tugs
– Daylight restrictions: No berthing after sunset
– Emergency response: Dedicated oil spill vessel on standby
19.2. RO-RO Vessels
– Securing standards: EN 14509 compliance
– Ramp operations: Maximum 5° list during loading
– Vehicle checks: Fuel level verification prior to loading
20. Customs Procedures
20.1. Clearance Requirements
– E-Declaration: Mandatory through NACCS system
– Crew lists: Biometric verification at immigration
– Prohibited items: Strict agricultural quarantine
20.2. Temporary Import
– Ship’s stores: Sealed during port stay
– Spare parts: Declaration with serial numbers
– Bonded items: Custody through licensed warehouses
21. Dangerous Goods Handling
21.1. Classification and Documentation
– IMDG Code classification mandatory for all hazardous materials
– Special stowage requirements for Class 1 (explosives) and Class 7 (radioactive) materials
– Emergency procedures manual must be vessel-specific and approved
21.2. Operational Restrictions
– No simultaneous operations of incompatible hazardous materials
– Mandatory fire watch during all hazardous cargo operations
– Prohibition of hot work within 50m of dangerous goods
22. Port Labor Regulations
22.1. Stevedore Requirements
– Certified port workers only (Japan International Port Training Institute)
– Minimum rest periods enforced (ILO Convention No. 152)
– Mandatory drug/alcohol testing for all cargo handlers
22.2. Working Hours
– Day shift: 0800-1700 (standard rates)
– Night shift: 1700-0800 (150% premium)
– Continuous operations require shift rotation approval
23. Vessel Sanitation
23.1. Health Inspections
– Ship Sanitation Control Certificates checked on arrival
– Vector control measures required for vessels from affected areas
– Food safety inspections conducted by quarantine officers
23.2. Waste Water Management
– Sewage discharge prohibited within 3nm of port
– Holding tank capacity must equal 3 days’ production
– Gray water disposal through approved facilities only
24. Navigation Equipment Requirements
24.1. Mandatory Systems
– Operational AIS (Class A) for all vessels >300GT
– Dual ECDIS systems for vessels >10,000GT
– VDR must maintain 48-hour recording capacity
24.2. Performance Standards
– Radar: IMO Resolution MSC.192(79) compliance
– Gyrocompass: Maximum 0.5° error tolerance
– Echo sounder: Continuous recording function required
25. Port Infrastructure Specifications
25.1. Berth Capabilities
– Maximum draft: 18m at Berth 9 (container terminal)
– Bollard capacity: 150t SWL at oil terminal
– Crane outreach: Minimum 55m for post-Panamax vessels
25.2. Channel Dimensions
– Main channel depth: Dredged to -16m CD
– Turning basin: 600m diameter at 34°58.5’N 136°41.2’E
– Air draft: 55m clearance at high tide
26. Marine Pollution Prevention
26.1. Discharge Restrictions
– Zero discharge policy for all oily mixtures within port limits
– Sewage discharge only permitted beyond 12nm from coast
– Prohibition of garbage disposal except through approved facilities
26.2. Monitoring Systems
– Oil content monitoring (15ppm alarm) for all bilge discharges
– CCTV surveillance covering all bunkering stations
– Automatic identification of non-compliant vessels via AIS tracking
27. Vessel Traffic Management
27.1. Movement Coordination
– Mandatory passage planning approval 6 hours prior to movement
– Tidal window restrictions for vessels >12m draft
– One-way traffic system in effect during peak hours (0800-1000, 1600-1800)
27.2. Special Area Regulations
– LNG terminal exclusion zone: 500m radius
– Naval base restricted area: No photography permitted
– Fishing vessel priority zones in northern approaches
28. Port Safety Management
28.1. Emergency Preparedness
– Quarterly fire drills involving all port personnel
– Dedicated emergency response team on 15-minute standby
– Mutual aid agreements with neighboring industrial complexes
28.2. Hazardous Area Classification
– Zone 1 areas clearly marked with explosion-proof lighting
– Intrinsically safe equipment required within 50m of fuel terminals
– Smoking prohibited beyond designated safe zones
29. Crew Documentation Requirements
29.1. Mandatory Certificates
– Seafarer’s Identity Document (ILO 185 compliant)
– Vaccination certificates (yellow fever if applicable)
– Port-specific safety induction completion certificate
29.2. Immigration Procedures
– Biometric fingerprinting for all crew members
– Shore leave passes issued only after customs clearance
– Strict enforcement of visa validity periods
30. Port Technical Services
30.1. Available Support
– 24/7 technical assistance for vessel repairs
– Bunker sampling services (ISO 13739 compliant)
– Freshwater supply with chlorine residual testing
30.2. Equipment Standards
– Mooring lines: Minimum breaking strength certified annually
– Fenders: PU foam-filled type with wear indicators
– Gangways: EN ISO 5488 compliant with anti-slip surfaces
31. Port Communication Protocols
31.1. VHF Channel Allocation
– Channel 12: Port Operations Control
– Channel 14: Vessel Traffic Service
– Channel 16: Emergency and Distress Only
31.2. Digital Communication
– Mandatory AIS transponder operation at all times
– ETA notifications via Port Community System
– Electronic Notice to Mariners updated weekly
32. Ballast Water Management
32.1. Treatment Standards
– IMO D-2 standard implementation required
– Ballast water exchange prohibited within 200nm
– Mandatory record keeping for all ballast operations
32.2. Inspection Procedures
– Random sampling by port state control
– Documentation of last treatment required
– Penalties for non-compliance up to ¥5,000,000
33. Port Lighting Requirements
33.1. Navigational Aids
– Leading lights aligned at 187.5° True
– Berth edge lighting minimum 50 lux
– Hazard markers with 2nm visibility
33.2. Operational Lighting
– Cargo working areas: minimum 200 lux
– Gangway illumination: continuous lighting
– Emergency lighting: 90-minute battery backup
34. Port Clearance Procedures
34.1. Departure Requirements
– Port clearance certificate from harbor master
– Final cargo manifest submission
– Settlement of all port charges
34.2. Customs Formalities
– Outward clearance declaration
– Crew list verification
– Bonded stores inspection
35. Port Environmental Standards
35.1. Air Quality Control
– Shore power connection mandatory for vessels >10,000GT
– Auxiliary engine sulfur limit: 0.1%
– Continuous emissions monitoring for all terminals
35.2. Noise Regulations
– Nighttime operations below 65dB(A)
– Vessel whistle restrictions within port limits
– Quarterly noise monitoring reports required
36. Port Security Measures
36.1. Access Control
– Biometric identification for all port personnel
– RFID tracking for vehicles entering restricted areas
– 24/7 armed patrols at critical infrastructure points
36.2. Vessel Security
– ISPS Code compliance mandatory for all visiting ships
– Pre-arrival security declaration 72 hours prior
– Random security sweeps by port security teams
37. Cargo Handling Standards
37.1. Container Operations
– CSC plate verification for all containers
– Maximum stacking height: 7 containers
– Refrigerated container monitoring every 2 hours
37.2. Bulk Cargo Procedures
– Dust suppression systems mandatory for dry bulk
– Load density calculations for all grain shipments
– Continuous temperature monitoring for coal stocks
38. Port Meteorological Services
38.1. Weather Monitoring
– Real-time wind speed displays at all berths
– Storm warning system with 6-hour lead time
– Wave height predictions updated hourly
38.2. Tide and Current Data
– Digital tide gauges with 5-minute updates
– Current flow mapping for main channels
– Storm surge warning system activation protocol
39. Vessel Inspection Services
39.1. Classification Surveys
– Approved surveyors available 24/7
– Dry dock inspections by appointment only
– Hull thickness testing equipment on-site
39.2. Regulatory Compliance
– MARPOL Annex I-VI compliance checks
– SOLAS equipment verification services
– Load line certificate validation
40. Port Tariff Structure
40.1. Vessel Charges
– Port dues: ¥15 per GT (minimum ¥50,000)
– Anchorage fee: ¥8,000 per day
– Wharfage: ¥120 per ton of cargo
40.2. Service Fees
– Pilotage: ¥95,000 per movement
– Line handling: ¥25,000 per rope
– Garbage collection: ¥6,500 per cubic meter
41. Port Emergency Response
41.1. Incident Command System
– Tiered response levels (1-3) based on incident severity
– Dedicated emergency operations center with 24/7 monitoring
– Mutual aid agreements with local fire and rescue services
41.2. Spill Response Capabilities
– 5000m oil spill containment boom inventory
– 3 dedicated oil recovery vessels on standby
– Dispersant application approval required from environmental agency
42. Port Facility Maintenance
42.1. Infrastructure Upkeep
– Annual ultrasonic testing of critical mooring hardware
– Monthly cathodic protection system checks
– Quarterly fender condition assessments
42.2. Navigation Aid Servicing
– Buoy maintenance every 90 days
– Lighthouse optics cleaning fortnightly
– Channel depth verification after major storms
43. Vessel Bunkering Services
43.1. Fuel Quality Assurance
– ISO 8217:2017 compliant fuels only
– Batch testing with certificates of analysis
– Mass flow metering for all deliveries
43.2. Operational Procedures
– Safety zone enforcement during bunkering
– Continuous VOC monitoring for tanker operations
– Emergency shutdown systems tested monthly
44. Port Waste Management
44.1. Reception Facilities
– 2000m³/day oily water treatment capacity
– Hazardous waste storage with secondary containment
– Food waste composting for organic recycling
44.2. Disposal Regulations
– Segregated waste streams mandatory
– Electronic waste tracking system
– Incineration only at approved facilities
45. Port Digital Infrastructure
45.1. Network Services
– Fiber optic backbone with 10Gbps capacity
– Secure Wi-Fi coverage throughout terminal areas
– 5G pilot zones for IoT applications
45.2. Data Systems
– Port Community System with EDI integration
– Real-time berth availability dashboard
– Automated vessel performance analytics
46. Port Customs Procedures
46.1. Import Clearance
– Electronic cargo declaration within 1 hour of berthing
– Physical inspection rate: 5% random selection
– Dangerous goods require pre-approval documentation
46.2. Export Documentation
– Bill of lading verification against cargo manifest
– Export license checks for controlled commodities
– Customs seal application for containerized cargo
47. Vessel Anchorage Regulations
47.1. Anchorage Zones
– Primary zone: 34°45’N, 135°20’E (max 20 vessels)
– Emergency zone: 34°42’N, 135°18’E (priority access)
– Prohibited areas near submarine cables marked
47.2. Anchoring Procedures
– Minimum 5:1 scope ratio in normal conditions
– Anchor watch required at all times
– Dragging anchor alarms mandatory
48. Port Pilotage Services
48.1. Compulsory Areas
– All vessels >10,000 GT require pilotage
– Special handling for VLCCs and LNG carriers
– Tug escort mandatory in inner channel
48.2. Pilot Transfer
– Boarding via approved pilot ladder only
– Maximum 9m freeboard for ladder access
– Helicopter transfer available (weather permitting)
49. Port Icebreaking Services
49.1. Winter Operations
– Ice class 1A vessels receive priority
– Convoys formed when ice thickness >30cm
– 24-hour notice required for assistance
49.2. Ice Monitoring
– Daily aerial ice reconnaissance
– Satellite ice mapping updates
– Port entrance kept clear with icebreakers
50. Port Community Engagement
50.1. Stakeholder Forums
– Quarterly port user committee meetings
– Fishermen liaison group for conflict resolution
– Public open days twice annually
50.2. Environmental Outreach
– Harbor clean-up volunteer programs
– School education programs on marine ecology
– Noise mitigation consultation with local residents
51. Port Dangerous Goods Handling
51.1. Classification & Storage
– IMDG Code classification mandatory for all hazardous materials
– Segregated storage zones with 50m separation distances
– Explosion-proof electrical installations in DG areas
51.2. Operational Controls
– Pre-notification 72 hours prior to DG cargo arrival
– Dedicated fire suppression systems in DG yards
– Continuous gas detection monitoring
52. Port Tug Services
52.1. Tug Allocation
– Minimum 2 tugs for vessels 50,000-100,000 DWT
– 3+ tugs required for vessels exceeding 100,000 DWT
– Bollard pull requirements based on vessel LOA
52.2. Operating Standards
– Certified tug masters with port-specific training
– Annual simulator training for complex maneuvers
– Real-time monitoring of tug positioning
53. Port Quarantine Services
53.1. Health Inspections
– Ship sanitation certificates verified on arrival
– Vector control measures for vessels from endemic areas
– Medical waste disposal through approved contractors
53.2. Food Safety
– Galley inspections for vessels in port >7 days
– Temperature-controlled storage requirements
– Potable water testing every 6 months
54. Port Dredging Operations
54.1. Maintenance Dredging
– Annual channel depth verification surveys
– Environmental windows for dredging activities
– Real-time turbidity monitoring during operations
54.2. Disposal Protocols
– Licensed offshore disposal grounds only
– Contaminated sediment treatment requirements
– Dredge plume modeling for sensitive areas
55. Port Cold Chain Facilities
55.1. Refrigerated Storage
– Temperature zones from -25°C to +15°C
– Backup power generators with 72-hour capacity
– Continuous temperature logging systems
55.2. Perishable Handling
– Phytosanitary inspection areas
– Ethylene-controlled ripening chambers
– Customs-approved examination facilities
56. Port Vessel Traffic Management
56.1. Traffic Separation Schemes
– Inbound/outbound lanes with 500m separation
– Mandatory AIS transmission within port limits
– Speed restrictions: 8 knots in inner harbor
56.2. Vessel Scheduling
– 48-hour advance notice for bulk carriers
– Priority berthing for perishable cargo
– Dynamic queue management system
57. Port Heavy Lift Capabilities
57.1. Equipment Specifications
– Floating crane capacity: 1,200 metric tons
– 4 heavy lift berths with 15m depth
– Specialized transport platforms for OOG cargo
57.2. Operational Procedures
– Wind speed limitations: max 12m/s
– Load stability calculations required
– Police escort for over-width movements
58. Port Livestock Handling
58.1. Animal Welfare Standards
– IATA Live Animals Regulations compliance
– Veterinary inspection upon arrival
– Minimum rest periods during transshipment
58.2. Facility Requirements
– Washable non-slip flooring
– Emergency slaughter facilities
– Quarantine holding areas
59. Port Salvage Services
59.1. Emergency Response
– 1-hour mobilization for salvage operations
– 10,000-ton lifting capacity available
– Underwater repair teams on standby
59.2. Wreck Removal
– Lloyd’s Open Form acceptance
– Environmental protection priority
– Navigation hazard clearance within 72 hours
60. Port Passenger Terminal Operations
60.1. Cruise Ship Facilities
– 400m berth for mega-cruise ships
– 2,000 passenger/hour processing capacity
– Dedicated customs and immigration channels
60.2. Ferry Services
– Ro-Ro ramps for simultaneous loading
– Passenger manifests integrated with border systems
– Priority docking for scheduled services
