1. General Port Rules and Regulations
Yokosuka Port operates under Japan’s Port Regulations Law (港湾法) and local ordinances. Key regulations include:
– Mandatory compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions ratified by Japan.
– Strict adherence to the Ports and Harbors Act (港湾則) for vessel operations.
– Vessels over 500 GT must submit advance notice 24 hours before arrival (per Maritime Traffic Safety Act).
2. Navigation and Traffic Control
– Speed limit: 8 knots within port limits (Yokosuka Port Ordinance No. 42).
– Vessel traffic managed by Yokosuka Coast Guard Office via VHF Channel 16 (primary) and 12 (secondary).
– Special zones: Military restricted areas near US Naval Base require 500m clearance unless authorized.
3. Environmental Compliance
– MARPOL Annex VI enforced: 0.1% sulfur limit in Emission Control Areas.
– Ballast water management per Japan’s 2020 revised regulations (aligned with IMO BWM Convention).
– Waste disposal through licensed contractors only (Yokosuka Port Waste Management Bylaw).
4. Safety and Security
– ISPS Code fully implemented: Security Level 1 (normal) requires Ship Security Officer on duty.
– Mandatory life-saving equipment inspections every 3 months (Japan Coast Guard Circular No. 305).
– Prohibited areas clearly marked with buoys and coastal signage.
5. Dangerous Goods Handling
– Class 1 explosives require 72-hour pre-notification (Japan Fire Service Act).
– Oil tankers must deploy oil booms during transfer operations (Petroleum Association Japan guidelines).
– Hazardous materials storage limited to designated zones in Honmoku Pier.
6. Enforcement and Penalties
– Japan Coast Guard conducts random inspections (average 15% of vessels).
– Fines up to ¥3 million for pollution violations (Water Pollution Control Law).
– Vessel detention possible for critical safety deficiencies (Ship Safety Act Article 28).
7. Emergency Procedures
– Immediate reporting to Yokosuka Marine Rescue Center (JMCC Yokosuka) via VHF 16 for incidents.
– Oil spill response teams must mobilize within 30 minutes (Japan’s National Contingency Plan).
– Designated emergency shelters at Osaki and Kurihama piers.
8. Crew Welfare Requirements
– MLC 2006 compliance mandatory for all foreign vessels.
– Minimum 10 hours rest in 24-hour period (Japan Labor Standards Act).
– Medical facilities: Yokosuka City Hospital (designated port medical center).
9. Anchorage and Mooring Regulations
– Designated anchorage areas: Area A (commercial vessels) and Area B (fishing vessels).
– Maximum stay: 72 hours without special permission (Yokosuka Port Authority Notice 2021-5).
– Mooring lines must be inspected every 6 months (ClassNK or equivalent certification required).
10. Port Facility Requirements
– All port facilities must maintain ISO 28000:2007 security certification.
– Gangways must have safety nets installed when in use (Japan Industrial Standard JIS F 2001).
– Night operations require 200 lux minimum illumination at work areas.
11. Pilotage and Towage
– Compulsory pilotage for vessels over 10,000 GT or LOA exceeding 200m.
– Tug escort required for tankers over 20,000 DWT (Yokosuka Port Operations Manual Section 4.3).
– Pilot boarding area: 2 nautical miles northeast of Sarushima Island.
12. Customs and Immigration
– Advance cargo declaration required 48 hours before arrival (Japan Customs Law Article 67-2).
– Crew changes permitted only at designated terminals after immigration clearance.
– Prohibited items include certain agricultural products (Plant Protection Act restrictions).
13. Port Charges and Fees
– Tonnage dues calculated per GT (0.15 JPY/GT for first 24 hours).
– Waste disposal fee: ¥8,000 per cubic meter (revised 2023 tariff).
– Overtime charges apply for services outside 0800-1700 working hours.
14. Special Cargo Operations
– Oversized cargo requires 14-day prior notice with route survey report.
– Radioactive materials handling limited to first Wednesday of each month.
– Heavy lift operations (over 100 tons) require port engineer supervision.
15. Weather Restrictions
– All operations cease when typhoon warning Signal No. 8 is issued.
– Wind speed limits: 15 m/s for container ops, 12 m/s for bulk cargo.
– Wave height over 2.5m triggers automatic suspension of small craft movements.
16. Port State Control
– Tokyo MOU inspection regime applies with 15% target inspection rate.
– Priority inspection criteria include vessels with 3+ deficiencies in last 12 months.
– Detention grounds include critical deficiencies in propulsion or lifesaving equipment.
17. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
– Mandatory VHF radio contact required when entering 5nm radius of port entrance.
– VTS operating hours: 24/7 with English/Japanese language support.
– Movement reporting points at: Entrance Buoy, No.3 Fairway Buoy, and Breakwater Head.
18. Bunkering Regulations
– Bunker delivery notes must comply with MARPOL Annex VI Appendix V.
– Fuel sampling required for all vessels taking over 100 tons of fuel.
– Bunkering operations prohibited during cargo handling of flammable materials.
19. Port Security Measures
– Restricted areas marked with yellow/black striped boundaries.
– Mandatory crew identification badges when going ashore in port facilities.
– Random security patrols conducted by Kanagawa Prefectural Police Marine Division.
20. Ship Repair Regulations
– Hot work permits require fire watch personnel on standby.
– Dry docking operations must notify port authority 72 hours in advance.
– Underwater repairs limited to daylight hours with diver safety boat deployed.
21. Small Craft Operations
– Speed limit: 5 knots within 200m of moored vessels.
– Mandatory lifejacket use for all personnel in open workboats.
– Workboat operators must hold Japan Maritime Bureau Class 2 license minimum.
22. Port Emergency Contacts
– Yokosuka Coast Guard: +81 46-822-0119 (24-hour emergency line).
– Port Medical Emergency: Dial 119 (Japan standard emergency number).
– Pollution Reporting: JMCC Yokosuka VHF Channel 16/70.
23. Fishing Vessel Regulations
– Separate berthing area at Kurihama Fishing Port.
– Prohibited from commercial port areas during 0600-1800 working hours.
– Mandatory AIS transponder use for vessels over 20 tons.
24. Night Navigation Rules
– Additional navigation lights required when moving within congested areas.
– No vessel movements in inner harbor between 2300-0500 without prior approval.
– Mandatory use of searchlight when approaching berths after sunset.
25. Cargo Handling Equipment Standards
– All cranes must undergo annual load testing (certified by Japan Cargo Handling Association).
– Container spreaders require monthly inspection for twist lock mechanisms.
– Maximum wind speed for gantry crane operations: 20 m/s (Beaufort scale 8).
26. Dangerous Weather Protocols
– Typhoon preparedness level 3 requires all vessels to leave commercial berths.
– Earthquake response: Immediate shutdown of cargo ops at seismic intensity 5+ (Japan scale).
– Tsunami warning triggers mandatory evacuation to deep water (>50m depth).
27. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
– Arrival/departure forms must be submitted electronically via Japan’s e-Gov system.
– Vessels with last port in epidemic areas require quarantine clearance first.
– Mandatory hull inspection for invasive species if arriving from high-risk regions.
28. Crew Shore Leave Regulations
– Shore passes issued only after completion of immigration procedures.
– Curfew: Crew must return to vessel by 2300 unless special permission granted.
– Prohibited areas: 500m radius around military installations marked with red signage.
29. Port Communication Systems
– Primary port operations frequency: VHF Channel 14 (Yokosuka Port Control).
– Emergency backup system: UHF 450MHz band for critical communications.
– Digital Notice to Mariners updated weekly on Japan Coast Guard website.
30. Special Vessel Requirements
– LNG carriers require additional 2 escort tugs during entire port stay.
– Nuclear-powered vessels prohibited except US Navy with prior diplomatic notice.
– Research vessels must declare all scientific equipment to customs.
31. Port Infrastructure Limitations
– Maximum air draft: 55m at high tide (restricted by Yokosuka Bay Bridge).
– Deepest berth: No.5 Container Terminal with 16m charted depth.
– No floating dry dock facilities available for vessels over 30,000 DWT.
32. Waste Reception Facilities
– Oily waste processing capacity: 200m³/day at Honmoku Reception Facility.
– Separate collection systems for food waste, plastics, and hazardous materials.
– Mandatory garbage logbook inspection during port state control exams.
33. Vessel Manning Requirements
– Minimum bridge team: 2 licensed officers during port maneuvers.
– Engine room must maintain watchkeeping staff at all times while in port.
– Special requirements for gas carriers: additional certified gas safety officer.
34. Port Lighting Requirements
– Working decks must maintain minimum 100 lux illumination during night ops.
– Navigation lights must be visible from all approaches (tested daily).
– Emergency lighting systems with 2-hour battery backup mandatory on all berths.
35. Ice Navigation Procedures
– Winter season (Dec-Mar) requires certified ice navigation equipment.
– Port icebreaking services available with 12-hour advance notice.
– Special hull inspections required for vessels arriving from icebound areas.
36. Port Fire Safety Regulations
– Fire patrols every 30 minutes for vessels carrying Class A dangerous goods.
– Shore-based fire pumps must maintain 7kg/cm² pressure at all hydrants.
– Mandatory fire drill within 24 hours of berthing for all vessels.
37. Dredging Operations Rules
– Dredging permits valid for maximum 90 days (renewable after inspection).
– Environmental monitoring required for all capital dredging projects.
– Nighttime dredging prohibited in areas within 500m of residential zones.
38. Port Noise Restrictions
– Nighttime (2200-0600) noise limit: 55 dB at residential boundaries.
– Vessel auxiliary engines must use sound shields when alongside.
– Special permission required for pile driving or impact hammer operations.
39. Naval Vessel Priority Rules
– US Navy vessels have right of way in main channel during movements.
– Commercial traffic must maintain 1000m clearance during naval exercises.
– No photography permitted of naval facilities from commercial vessels.
40. Port Sanitation Standards
– Monthly pest control inspections mandatory for all port facilities.
– Ship’s galley inspections conducted by quarantine officers upon request.
– Medical waste must be disposed through licensed biohazard contractors.
41. Vessel Documentation Requirements
– Original certificates must be available for inspection at all times (including Class, SOLAS, MARPOL).
– Crew list must be submitted in Japan Immigration format within 2 hours of berthing.
– Electronic version of cargo manifest required before cargo operations commence.
42. Tidal and Current Restrictions
– Maximum current for safe berthing: 1.5 knots at container terminals.
– Tide tables must be verified against Japan Coast Guard published data.
– Special precautions during spring tides (over 2.0m range) for ro-ro operations.
43. Port Labor Regulations
– Stevedores must hold valid Japan Port Transport Association certification.
– Minimum rest periods: 30 minutes every 4 hours for cargo handlers.
– Bilingual (Japanese/English) foreman required for foreign vessel operations.
44. Hazardous Area Classification
– Zone 1 areas clearly marked within 3m of fuel manifold connections.
– Intrinsically safe equipment required in all hazardous zones.
– No smoking areas extend 15m from any dangerous goods operations.
45. Vessel Maintenance in Port
– Hull cleaning prohibited without prior environmental approval.
– Stack emissions testing required for vessels conducting funnel repairs.
– Underwater inspections must use Japan-certified diving contractors.
46. Port Access Control
– Biometric identification required for all port workers since 2022.
– Vehicle speed limit: 20 km/h in all operational areas.
– Unauthorized drones prohibited within 1km of port facilities.
47. Marine Pollution Compensation
– Mandatory insurance coverage: ¥500 million minimum for oil tankers.
– Pollution fines calculated based on Japan Environment Agency formulas.
– Strict liability for cleanup costs regardless of fault determination.
48. Port Meteorological Services
– Real-time weather data available from Yokosuka Port Authority website.
– Storm warning signals displayed at all major berths (color-coded system).
– Wave height measurements taken hourly at breakwater monitoring station.
49. Ballast Water Management
– Mandatory ballast water exchange 200nm from nearest land for vessels without treatment systems
– Ballast water reporting forms must be submitted 24 hours before arrival
– Port-approved ballast water sampling available upon request (¥25,000 per test)
50. Port Layberth Regulations
– Maximum layberth duration: 14 days without special permission
– Minimum watchkeeping requirements: 1 officer + 2 crew on board at all times
– Shore power connection mandatory for layberth exceeding 48 hours
51. Vessel Speed Limits
– Harbor approach channel: 8 knots maximum speed
– Inner harbor basin: 5 knots within 500m of any moored vessel
– Tug escort zones: Speed to be determined by pilot’s instructions
52. Port Wildlife Protection
– Designated marine sanctuary areas marked with special buoys (no anchoring)
– Seasonal restrictions on operations near migratory bird habitats (Oct-Mar)
– Mandatory reporting of any marine mammal sightings in port approaches
53. Heavy Weather Mooring
– Additional storm moorings required when wind forecast exceeds 25 knots
– Synthetic mooring lines must have minimum 5:1 safety factor
– Port storm warning level 2 requires double line handlers on duty
54. Port Utility Services
– Potable water supply available at all major berths (JIS K 0101 standard)
– 440V/60Hz shore power connections compliant with IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005-1
– Waste oil reception capacity: 150m³ per day at dedicated facility
55. Special Event Restrictions
– Annual port festival (3rd weekend in July) closes commercial operations for 36 hours
– Fireworks displays require 500m safety zone for vessel traffic
– Diplomatic visits may temporarily restrict access to certain areas
56. Port Infrastructure Projects
– Current dredging operations: West Channel deepening to 18m (2024-2026)
– New container terminal construction: Berths 8-9 scheduled completion Q3 2025
– Temporary navigation restrictions published via Notices to Mariners weekly
