1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1. Legal Framework
– Governed by the Port and Harbor Law (Act No. 218 of 1950) and subordinate regulations under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).
– Yokohama Port Ordinance (Local Ordinance No. 42 of 2004) outlines specific operational requirements.
– Compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions, including SOLAS, MARPOL, and ISPS Code.
1.2. Navigation Rules
– Adherence to the Maritime Traffic Safety Act (Act No. 151 of 1972).
– Mandatory use of designated traffic lanes and VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) channels.
– Speed limits: Max 12 knots within inner harbor areas (per Yokohama Port Authority Notice 2021-03).
1.3. Environmental Regulations
– Strict enforcement of MARPOL Annex VI (Air Pollution Prevention) with 0.1% sulfur cap in Emission Control Areas (ECAs).
– Prohibition of untreated ballast water discharge per Ballast Water Management Convention (Japan ratified in 2014).
– Waste disposal must follow the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Law (Act No. 137 of 1970).
2. Compliance and Enforcement
2.1. Inspection Regime
– Port State Control (PSC) inspections conducted by Japan Coast Guard (JCG) under Tokyo MOU criteria.
– Focus areas: Safety equipment, crew certification, and pollution prevention systems.
– 2023 PSC data: 8.7% detention rate for foreign-flagged vessels (MLIT Annual Report).
2.2. Penalties
– Fines up to ¥3 million for violations of Port Regulations (Article 56 of Port and Harbor Law).
– Criminal prosecution for severe breaches (e.g., oil spills exceeding 1,000 liters).
– Vessel detention for unresolved deficiencies until rectification.
2.3. Security Measures
– ISPS Code compliance verified through JCG inspections.
– Restricted areas: Requires prior authorization for access to Zone A (quay) and Zone B (storage).
– Mandatory AIS transmission within 12 nautical miles of port entrance.
3. Operational Requirements for Vessels
3.1. Pre-arrival Documentation
– 72-hour advance submission of Electronic Advance Information (e-Advance Notice) via JP-MICS system.
– Required documents: IMO Certificate, P&I Insurance, Crew List, and Dangerous Goods Manifest (if applicable).
3.2. Mooring Procedures
– Mandatory use of Yokohama Port-designated tugboats for vessels >10,000 GT.
– Minimum mooring lines: 4 head lines + 4 stern lines for Panamax-class vessels (Yokohama Port Operation Manual 2022).
3.3. Emergency Protocols
– Immediate reporting to JCG Yokohama HQ (VHF Ch 16) for:
- Oil spills >100 liters
- Fire/explosion incidents
- Crew overboard situations
– Designated emergency anchorages at positions 35°27’N 139°40’E (North) and 35°23’N 139°42’E (South).
4. Crew Safety Provisions
4.1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
– Mandatory wearing of life jackets when working on open decks at night or in adverse weather.
– Heat stress prevention measures required from June-September (WBGT monitoring).
4.2. Medical Support
– 24/7 medical assistance available through Yokohama Port Medical Center (MLIT-certified facility).
– Mandatory first aid kits meeting SOLAS MED.1 standards.
4.3. Working Hours
– Compliance with Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) 2006:
- Maximum 14 hours/day or 72 hours/7 days
- Minimum 10 hours rest/24 hours
5. Special Cargo Handling
5.1. Dangerous Goods
– Class 1 (Explosives) requires 48-hour pre-notice and dedicated berthing.
– IMDG Code segregation rules strictly enforced in transit areas.
5.2. Oversized Cargo
– Movements restricted to daylight hours (sunrise to sunset).
– Mandatory pilotage for vessels with air draft >50m.
6. Weather Restrictions
– Port closure when typhoon warnings indicate winds >25m/s (Beaufort 10).
– Suspension of cargo operations at wind speeds >15m/s (Beaufort 7).
– Real-time updates via JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency) port weather station #44111.
7. Port Fees and Charges
7.1. Vessel Dues
– Calculated based on GT (Gross Tonnage) and berthing duration (Yokohama Port Tariff No. 5-2020).
– Example: Vessel 50,000 GT = ¥450,000/day for first 24hrs, then ¥380,000/day thereafter.
– 10% discount for ISO 14001-certified vessels (Green Port Policy).
7.2. Pilotage Fees
– Compulsory for vessels >3,000 GT or LOA >100m.
– Standard fee: ¥85,000 for entry/exit (Daytime), +30% for night operations (2000-0600).
8. Bunkering Regulations
8.1. Fuel Quality Control
– Mandatory sampling by Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA) for sulfur content verification.
– Penalty: ¥500,000 fine + operation suspension for non-compliant fuel (Air Pollution Control Law Article 24-3).
8.2. Bunkering Operations
– Prior notification to Yokohama Port Fire Department required 6 hours in advance.
– Safety zone: 50m radius around bunkering vessel with no hot work permitted.
9. Port State Control (PSC) Focus Areas
9.1. High-Risk Categories
– Priority inspection for:
- Vessels with 3+ deficiencies in last 12 months
- Bulk carriers >15 years old
- Tankers without ESP (Enhanced Survey Program) certification
9.2. Common Deficiencies
– Top 3 in 2023 JCG reports:
1. Fire damper malfunctions (22% of detentions)
2. Inoperative emergency generator (18%)
3. Invalid lifeboat certificates (15%)
10. Waste Management
10.1. Reception Facilities
– Mandatory use of licensed contractors for:
- Oily waste (min. capacity 500m³/day)
- Garbage (incinerator capacity 20 tons/day)
– Receipts must be retained for 3 years (MARPOL Annex I/VI compliance).
10.2. Prohibited Discharges
– Absolute ban on:
- Plastic waste (per Japan’s Act on Special Measures Concerning the Handling of Plastic Waste)
- Sewage within 3nm of port (unless treated by IMO-certified plant)
11. Crew Change Procedures
11.1. Immigration Requirements
– Advance notice 72hrs via e-Crew system (Japan Immigration Bureau).
– Negative PCR test within 72hrs of disembarkation (as per 2024 Quarantine Act amendments).
11.2. Designated Areas
– Crew changes permitted only at:
- Osanbashi Pier (Terminal 1)
- Honmoku Wharf (Zone C)
– Transportation must use approved quarantine vehicles.
12. Anchorage Regulations
12.1. Designated Areas
– Outer Anchorage: 35°30’N 139°45’E (max stay 72hrs)
– Emergency Anchorage: 35°25’N 139°50’E (priority for vessels >200m LOA)
12.2. Prohibited Activities
– No bunkering or cargo operations at anchor.
– Mandatory AIS transmission and anchor watch maintained.
13. Port Emergency Contacts
– Japan Coast Guard Yokohama: VHF Ch 16/14 (Call Sign “JCG Yokohama”)
– Port Control: +81-45-201-2881 (24/7 English-speaking operators)
– Medical Emergency: Dial 119 (request “Yokohama Port Clinic”)
14. Hazardous Weather Contingency Plans
14.1. Typhoon Preparedness
– Mandatory evacuation from berths when sustained winds exceed 20m/s (Beaufort 8).
– Designated typhoon moorings at Daikoku Pier and Honmoku Futo (reserved 24hrs prior to storm arrival).
14.2. Tsunami Response
– Immediate port evacuation when JMA issues Tsunami Warning Level 2 (≥1m wave expected).
– Vessels must proceed to deep water (>50m depth) beyond the 3nm limit.
15. Vessel Traffic Management
15.1. VTS Communication Protocols
– Mandatory reporting points (per MLIT Notice 452/2018):
- Entrance buoy (35°27.5’N 139°46.0’E)
- Haneda Fairway midpoint
- Yokohama Bay Bridge
– English language proficiency requirement: IMO SMCP Level 2 minimum.
15.2. Restricted Movements
– No overtaking in the Uraga Suido narrows (width <500m).
– Daylight-only transit for VLCCs (>200,000 DWT) through the main channel.
16. Cargo Handling Standards
16.1. Container Operations
– Maximum working wind speed: 15m/s for gantry cranes (20m/s with anemometer brake system).
– Mandatory twist lock inspection every 20 cycles (Yokohama Port Safety Directive 5.2.3).
16.2. Bulk Cargo Precautions
– Dust suppression required when handling materials with MPS >5% (per Air Pollution Control Law).
– Grain loading must comply with BLU Code trimming requirements (≤12° surface angle).
17. Port Infrastructure Specifications
17.1. Berth Capabilities
– Deep-water terminals (≥15m depth):
- Honmoku Terminal: 18m draft, 400m LOA
- Minami Honmoku: 16m draft, 350m LOA
– Maximum alongside draft: 15.5m (tide-dependent, consult port tide tables).
17.2. Mooring Equipment
– Bollard capacity: Standard 150t (upgraded to 250t at dedicated heavy-lift berths).
– Fender systems: Cone-type (D1.5m) at container terminals, pneumatic at oil terminals.
18. Pollution Response
18.1. Oil Spill Equipment
– Port-maintained resources:
- 2,000m containment boom
- 5 skimmers (total capacity 200m³/hr)
– Vessels must carry SOPEP materials accessible within 30 minutes.
18.2. Reporting Thresholds
– Immediate notification required for:
- Any visible sheen (≥1 liter)
- Chemical leaks regardless of quantity
– Fine: ¥1 million per violation (Marine Pollution Prevention Law Article 35).
19. Ice Navigation Procedures
– Winter precautions (Dec-Feb):
- Recommended hull ice class: JIS Class IA (minimum)
- Tug escort mandatory when water temperature <3°C
– De-icing operations conducted at designated warm-water berths (North Pier 3-5).
20. Special Area Restrictions
20.1. Security Zones
– 500m exclusion around Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force facilities.
– No photography permitted in Zone K (military cargo area).
20.2. Ecological Protection Areas
– Speed limit 8 knots within 1nm of Bentenjima Seabird Sanctuary (Mar-May breeding season).
– No anchoring in eelgrass beds (chart areas marked EC01-EC05).
21. Ship Repair and Maintenance Regulations
21.1. Dry Dock Requirements
– Prior approval required for hot work within port limits (Yokohama Port Fire Safety Ordinance Article 12).
– Mandatory gas-free certification for tankers entering repair berths (issued by ClassNK or equivalent).
21.2. Underwater Operations
– Divers must be registered with Japan Scuba Diving Safety Association (JSDSA).
– Minimum visibility 2m for diving operations (suspended during strong currents >3 knots).
22. Dangerous Goods Storage
22.1. Explosives Handling
– Class 1.1 materials limited to 50kg per storage magazine (24hr armed guard required).
– Minimum separation distance 500m from other hazardous materials.
22.2. Radioactive Materials
– Special berth allocation at Daikoku Pier (concrete-shielded storage).
– Real-time radiation monitoring with alarms set at 0.5μSv/hr threshold.
23. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
23.1. Customs Clearance
– Electronic declaration via NACCS system required before arrival.
– Physical inspection rate: 8.2% for general cargo, 22% for high-risk shipments (2023 Customs data).
23.2. Quarantine Inspection
– Mandatory pre-arrival health declaration (Maritime Health Declaration form).
– Vessel sanitation certificates must be valid (issued within 6 months).
24. Tug Service Requirements
24.1. Minimum Tug Assistance
– 1 tug for vessels 10,000-30,000 GT
– 2 tugs for 30,000-70,000 GT
– 3+ tugs for >70,000 GT or adverse weather conditions
24.2. Emergency Towing
– Dedicated emergency tug stationed at Honmoku (6,000hp, 60t bollard pull).
– Response time: ≤30 minutes during operational hours.
25. Port Lighting Requirements
– Minimum illumination levels:
- Container yards: 200 lux
- Berth edges: 150 lux
- Access roads: 75 lux
– Navigation lights must comply with COLREGs Annex I specifications.
26. Crew Welfare Facilities
26.1. Shore Leave Access
– Designated crew change corridor at Osanbashi Terminal (24/7 access with valid ID).
– Free shuttle service to Yokohama Station (hourly departures 0800-2200).
26.2. Recreational Areas
– Crew lounge facilities available at:
- Honmoku Seamen’s Club (capacity 120 persons)
- NYK Maritime Museum (library and internet access)
27. Historical Wreck Protection
– No anchoring within 500m of designated wreck sites (chart symbols “Wk”).
– Mandatory magnetometer survey for dredging operations near protected zones.
28. Port Noise Regulations
– Nighttime (2200-0600) noise limits:
- 55 dB(A) at residential boundaries
- 70 dB(A) at industrial zones
– Fines up to ¥500,000 for repeated violations (Noise Regulation Law Article 29).
29. Vessel Speed and Maneuvering Restrictions
29.1. Speed Limits
– 10 knots within inner harbor basin (marked by buoys Y1-Y12)
– 6 knots when passing:
- Ferry terminals
- Floating docks
- Dredging operations
29.2. Special Maneuvering Areas
– 90° turn at Haneda Point requires:
- Tug assistance for vessels >150m LOA
- Daylight-only execution for VLCCs
– Current tables must be consulted for optimal transit timing (max 2.5 knot cross-current).
30. Port Security Levels
30.1. ISPS Code Implementation
– Security Level 1 (Normal): Standard screening of all persons/vehicles
– Security Level 2 (Heightened): 100% cargo inspection + armed patrols
– Security Level 3 (Exceptional): Port closure to non-essential traffic
30.2. Access Control
– Biometric verification required for:
- Restricted areas (Zone A/B)
- Fuel farms
- Customs bonded warehouses
– Visitor escorts mandatory after 1800 hours.
31. Marine Wildlife Protection
31.1. Seasonal Restrictions
– May-August: Reduced speed (8 knots) in whale migration corridors
– October-March: No dredging in sea turtle habitats
31.2. Acoustic Monitoring
– Underwater noise must not exceed 190dB re 1μPa at 100m from source
– Pile driving operations require prior environmental assessment
32. Port Utilities Services
32.1. Shore Power Connections
– Available at:
- Container Terminal South (6.6kV, 60Hz)
- Cruise Terminal (11kV, 50/60Hz)
– Minimum 4-hour advance booking required
32.2. Potable Water Supply
– Testing frequency: Monthly bacteriological analysis (per WHO standards)
– Maximum connection pressure: 4 bar (400kPa)
– Chlorine residual: 0.2-0.5 mg/L at all outlets
33. Dangerous Cargo Manifest Requirements
– Electronic submission via JP-MICS system 48 hours pre-arrival
– Hard copies must include:
- UN number
- Proper shipping name
- EMS/MFAG codes
- Stowage position
34. Port Emergency Drills
– Mandatory quarterly participation for:
- Oil spill response
- Firefighting
- Security incidents
– Vessels must maintain drill records for PSC inspection
35. Navigation Aid Maintenance
– Buoy servicing interval: 90 days (monitored by JCG Hydrographic Department)
– Lighthouse characteristics:
- Yokohama Breakwater Light: Fl(3)W 15s 22m 18M
- Honmoku Leading Lights: F.G. 248.5°
36. Specialized Cargo Handling
36.1. Heavy Lift Operations
– Engineering certificate required for loads >100 tons
– Wind limit: 10m/s for conventional lifts, 7m/s for tandem lifts
36.2. Project Cargo
– Road movement permits required for out-of-gauge shipments
– Police escort mandatory for widths >5m
37. Port Labor Regulations
37.1. Stevedore Standards
– Mandatory certification under Japan Harbor Transportation Association (JHTA) guidelines
– Minimum crew ratios:
- Container operations: 1 foreman + 4 workers per crane
- Bulk operations: 1 supervisor + 6 workers per hatch
37.2. Working Hours
– Maximum 8-hour shifts with 1-hour rest break
– Overtime limited to 2 hours/day (requires port manager approval)
38. Vessel Sanitation Controls
38.1. Pest Management
– Mandatory fumigation certificates for vessels from high-risk areas
– Monthly rodent inspections conducted by port health officers
38.2. Food Safety
– Galley inspections conducted randomly (15% of visiting vessels)
– Temperature control requirements:
- Frozen: -18°C or below
- Chilled: 0°C to 4°C
39. Port Infrastructure Maintenance
39.1. Dredging Operations
– Annual maintenance dredging: 1.5 million m³ capacity
– Contaminated sediment handling per Soil Contamination Countermeasures Act
39.2. Berth Inspections
– Ultrasonic testing of fender systems every 2 years
– Load testing of bollards every 5 years
40. Special Vessel Requirements
40.1. LNG Carriers
– Exclusive use of Higashi-Ogishima Terminal
– Safety zone: 300m radius during operations
– Tug escort until gas-free status confirmed
40.2. Car Carriers
– Designated ramps at Honmoku Terminal (max slope 8°)
– Fire patrols every 30 minutes during loading/unloading
41. Port Communication Protocols
41.1. VHF Channels
– Primary working channel: 14
– Secondary channel: 12
– Emergency only: 16
41.2. Linguistic Requirements
– All port personnel must pass IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases test
– Japanese/English bilingual operators available 24/7
42. Anchorage Management
42.1. Holding Areas
– Maximum occupancy: 15 vessels simultaneously
– First-come, first-served basis with priority for:
- Passenger vessels
- Dangerous cargo carriers
- Vessels with medical emergencies
42.2. Anchoring Techniques
– Minimum scope: 5:1 in normal conditions
– Swing circle monitoring required (AIS-based)
43. Port Safety Equipment
43.1. Firefighting Capacity
– 8 fireboats stationed strategically (pump capacity 10,000-20,000 L/min)
– Shore-based foam stations every 200m at oil terminals
43.2. Life-saving Apparatus
– Rescue boats stationed at:
- North Breakwater (2 units)
- Central Wharf (1 unit)
- South Basin (1 unit)
– Response time: ≤7 minutes
44. Port Customs Procedures
44.1. Clearance Documentation
– Electronic submission via NACCS system required 24 hours pre-arrival
– Mandatory documents:
- Commercial invoice (3 copies)
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Origin
44.2. Inspection Protocols
– Random selection rate: 8% for general cargo, 25% for high-risk commodities
– X-ray scanning mandatory for all containerized imports
– Physical inspection duration: Typically 2-4 hours per container
45. Vessel Waste Disposal
45.1. Solid Waste Handling
– Segregation requirements:
- Food waste (green containers)
- Plastics (yellow containers)
- Metal/glass (blue containers)
– Incineration capacity: 50 metric tons/day
45.2. Liquid Waste Processing
– Bilge water treatment standards: <15ppm oil content
– Sewage reception facilities capacity: 300m³/day
– Processing fee: ¥5,000 per cubic meter
46. Port Meteorological Services
46.1. Weather Monitoring
– Real-time data from:
- 3 anemometers (10m, 30m, 50m heights)
- 2 wave buoys
- 1 visibility sensor
– Updates broadcast hourly on VHF Channel 12
46.2. Storm Warning System
– Alert levels:
- Level 1 (Advisory): Winds 10-15m/s
- Level 2 (Warning): Winds 15-25m/s
- Level 3 (Emergency): Winds >25m/s
– Activation triggers port-wide safety protocols
47. Dangerous Goods Storage
47.1. Explosives Handling
– Magazine capacity limits:
- Class 1.1: 5,000kg maximum
- Class 1.3: 10,000kg maximum
– Security requirements:
- 24/7 CCTV monitoring
- Double fencing with intrusion detection
47.2. Chemical Storage
– Compatibility separation:
- Acids vs. bases: Minimum 50m
- Oxidizers vs. flammables: Minimum 30m
– Secondary containment required for all liquid storage
48. Port Navigation Aids
48.1. Light Characteristics
– Main channel lights:
- Red sector: 142°-152°
- Green sector: 162°-172°
– Light visibility range: 10 nautical miles
48.2. Buoyage System
– IALA Region A (red to port)
– Special marks:
- Yellow buoys: anchorage areas
- Blue buoys: quarantine zones
– Maintenance cycle: 90-day inspection interval
49. Vessel Traffic Separation Scheme
49.1. Lane Discipline
– Inbound lane: 235° true bearing
– Outbound lane: 055° true bearing
– Separation zone: 500m width
49.2. Crossing Procedures
– Right-of-way rules:
- Deep-draft vessels (>12m) have priority
- Fishing vessels must yield to commercial traffic
– Mandatory VHF contact before any crossing maneuver
50. Port Facility Security
50.1. Access Control Points
– Main gate: Biometric + RFID card authentication
– Secondary gates: Keycard + PIN code
– Visitor processing time: <5 minutes during peak hours
50.2. Surveillance Systems
– Camera coverage: 98% of operational areas
– Retention period: 90 days for standard footage
– Analytics capabilities:
- License plate recognition
- Facial recognition (authorized personnel only)
- Unattended package detection
51. Port Bunkering Operations
51.1. Fuel Quality Standards
– ISO 8217:2017 compliance mandatory
– Sulphur content: ≤0.50% mass/mass (MARPOL Annex VI)
– Sampling and testing every 5,000 metric tons
51.2. Bunkering Safety
– No smoking zone: 50m radius during operations
– Spill containment booms required for all transfers
– Emergency shutdown system tested quarterly
52. Port Ice and Snow Removal
52.1. Winter Operations
– De-icing priority routes:
- Main access roads (every 2 hours during snowfall)
- Container yard lanes (every 4 hours)
– Equipment inventory:
- 6 snowplows
- 2 de-icing trucks
- 500 tons of eco-friendly de-icer
52.2. Vessel De-icing
– Hot water washing stations at Pier 3 and Pier 7
– Maximum pressure: 80 bar at 80°C
– Advance booking required (24 hours notice)
53. Port Emergency Medical Services
53.1. Medical Facilities
– Port clinic capabilities:
- 24/7 emergency care
- Hyperbaric chamber
- Maritime disease specialists
– Response time: ≤8 minutes to any berth
53.2. Infectious Disease Control
– Isolation rooms available (negative pressure)
– Pandemic response plan activated at WHO Phase 4
– Vaccination records verification for crew changes
54. Port Cargo Tracking Systems
54.1. RFID Implementation
– Mandatory for:
- All containers
- Dangerous goods
- High-value cargo
– Read accuracy: 99.8% at gate checkpoints
54.2. Real-time Monitoring
– GPS tracking for:
- Breakbulk cargo
- Project cargo
- Temperature-sensitive goods
– Data retention: 2 years minimum
55. Port Lighting and Visibility
55.1. Navigational Lighting
– LED conversion completed (2022):
- 30% energy reduction
- 50,000 hour lifespan
– Color temperature: 5000K for optimal visibility
55.2. Operational Area Lighting
– Minimum lux levels:
- Container yards: 200 lux
- Berths: 150 lux
- Access roads: 75 lux
– Motion-activated lighting in storage areas
56. Port Noise Abatement
56.1. Equipment Standards
– Maximum dB levels:
- RTGs: 72 dB(A) at 7m
- Yard trucks: 68 dB(A) at 7m
- Reefer gensets: 65 dB(A) at 10m
56.2. Nighttime Restrictions
– 2200-0600 quiet hours:
- No horn use except emergencies
- Reduced speed for all vehicles
- No container dropping >1m height
57. Port Water Management
57.1. Stormwater System
– Treatment capacity: 5,000 m³/hour
– Oil/water separators at all discharge points
– Real-time monitoring of outfall quality
57.2. Potable Water Supply
– Daily testing for:
- Chlorine residual (0.2-1.0 mg/L)
- Coliform bacteria (0 CFU/100mL)
– Pressure maintained at 3.5-4.5 bar
58. Port Cybersecurity Measures
58.1. Network Protection
– Firewall refresh every 6 months
– Intrusion detection at all access points
– Mandatory VPN for remote access
58.2. Operational Technology Security
– SCADA systems air-gapped from corporate network
– Biometric access to control systems
– Weekly vulnerability scans
