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Pre Arrival:  Charts | ISPS
Arrival:  Pilotage
Communications:  Pratique | Pre-Arrival | VTS/Radar
Pollution:  Pollution
Facilities:  Medical
Security:  Emergency
Local Info:  Time | Holidays | Weather
Shore:  Consuls | Telephones | Banks | Customs
Crew:  Leave | Repatriation | ID Cards
Misc:  Authority
Report:  Report
General Information for Japan
Geo-political:
Capital City: Tokyo.
Nationality: (noun) Japanese, (adjective) Japanese.
Population: 127,078,679.
Communications:
International Direct Dial Code: 81.
Number of Internal Airports: 144.
Major Languages Spoken: Japanese.
Economy:
Currency: 1 Yen (JPY) of 100 Sen.
Main Industries: Among world's largest and technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles and processed foods.
Environment:
Territorial Sea: 12 n.m.
Other Maritime Claims: Contiguous Zone: 24 n.m. Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 n.m.
Coastline Extent: 29,751 km.
Climate: Varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north.
Natural Resources: Negligible mineral resources and fish.
Natural Hazards: Many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic occurrences (mostly tremors) every year; tsunamis; typhoons.
Terrain: Mostly rugged and mountainous.
Average Temperatures: 
Month High Low
January 8° C 1° C
June 25° C 18° C
September 25° C 18° C
CHARTS:  Navigational charts and nautical publications published by the Japan Hydrographic Association (JHA).
Notices to Mariners issued by the Japan Coast Guard. www1.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/TUHO/nme.html/
ISPS COMPLIANCE:  ISPS & Financial Security Information Reports:  Vessels arriving from foreign ports must submit reports on ISPS, and Financial Security Information (Liability for Oil Pollution Damage), required by Japanese Law, to the following authorities, before entering Japanese waters, with one day's notice, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
  1. local Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Office by 24 hours before entry
  2. district Transport Bureau by noon of one day before entry
These reports should be submitted by using a Pre-Arrival Procedure Format form, pages 1 and 2.
Master may forward this document to the authorities directly via email or fax, however the best way is to submit through Agent, who is familiar with the formalities and is able to forward it directly to JCG and Transport Bureau offices by the Nippon Automated Cargo & Port Consolidated System (NACCS).
Particular attention should be paid to the fact that, unless the Pre-Arrival Procedure Format is accepted in time by both the authorities, vessels are not allowed to enter Japanese waters (including sea pilot stations). Furthermore it should be noted that the district Transport Bureau offices are only available on weekdays from 0900–1700 hrs. Except in an emergency case no waiver is allowed by those offices, therefore if a vessel does not submit the form by Friday 1200 hrs. Japan Standard Time, the document will be accepted on Monday morning, the earliest possible time for the vessel to be able to enter Japanese waters will then be Tuesday 0001 hrs. JST even if the original ETA is over a weekend.
Also see Pre-Arrival Information.
PILOTAGE:  Passage of Tokyo Bay, Ise Bay and Osaka Bay requires the services of a bay pilot, while passage of Seto Naikai (Inland Sea) requires an Inland Sea pilot. Other major ports provide harbour pilots. It is therefore strongly advised that Masters of vessels proceeding in not only compulsory but also non-compulsory pilotage areas should take advantage of the service of a pilot to prevent casualties at sea.
Pilotage is arranged via Agent.
Compulsory Pilotage:  Presently, there are ten compulsory pilotage districts, and they are set in port areas and water areas as follows:
District Remarks
Compulsory District Set in Port Area: 
Yokosuka, Sasebo, Naha Foreign ships of 300 g.t. or more, Japanese ships with 300 g.t. or more engaged in international voyage, Japanese ships with 1,000 g.t. or more not engaged in international voyage
Yokohama-Kawasaki Ships ≤3,000 g.t., ships <3,000  g.t. loaded with dangerous goods
Kanmon (Kanmon Strait) Ships of 10,000 g.t. or more, ships from 3,000 to 10,000 g.t. that do not pass Kanmon District area, ships less than 3000 g.t. loaded with dangerous goods
Compulsory District Set in Water Area: 
Tokyo Bay, Ise-Mikawa Bay, Osaka Bay, Bisan-Seto (including Mizushima port), Kurushima Strait Ships of 10,000 g.t. or more.
Seto Naikai (Inland Sea):  Pilotage is provided for vessels entering and navigating in the Inland Sea as follows:
  1. Seto Naikai (Inland Sea) Pilots, Moji for vessels entering from the west, replacing Kanmon Kaikyo Pilots, or entering from the south through Bungo Suido
  2. Seto Naikai (Inland Sea) Pilots, Kobe for vessels proceeding westward from Kobe
  3. Osaka Wan Pilots for vessels entering from the south and east through Kii Suido.
Notification:  Vessels should send request at least 24 hours in advance of entering Inland Sea to Moji or Kobe stating:
  1. ETA at, and name of, pilot station
  2. destination
  3. speed
  4. draft
  5. cargo
  6. LOA
  7. any other relevant information.
Details should be repeated 6 hours in advance of ETA. Any changes should be notified immediately.
Vessels should establish continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16 when entering the range of Shimonoseki, Oita or Kobe Port radios and, when in range, should confirm ETA.
Boarding: 
  1. Seto Naikai (Inland Sea) Pilots, Moji for vessels entering from the west, replacing Kanmon Kaikyo Pilots, in position 33° 57.00′ E, 131° 03.00′ E
  2. Seto Naikai (Inland Sea) Pilots, Moji for vessels entering from the south through Bungo Suido, in position 33° 13.00′ N, 131° 55.63′ E
  3. Seto Naikai (Inland Sea) Pilots, Kobe in position 34° 35.00′ N, 135′ 08.40′ E
  4. Osaka Wan Pilots in position 34′ 10.00′ N, 135° 00.00′ E.
Contact:  Inland Sea Pilots Association. T: +81 (78) 391 7193 (Eastern). T: +81 (78) 391 7192 (Western). F: +81 (78) 391 7180 (Eastern). F: +81 (78) 391 7181 (Western). www.ispa.or.jp
Moji Port Radio T: +81 (93) 321 1067. VHF Channel 16.
Oita Port Radio T: +81 (97) 528 9521. VHF Channel 16.
Kobe Port Radio (for Kobe Pilots). T: +81 (78) 303 1731. VHF Channel 16.
Osaka Wan Pilot T: +81 (78) 321 2200. [email protected] VHF Channel 16.
PRATIQUE:  Master should send the following to Agent after departure from last port and within 24 hours of arrival in Japan:
  1. RPM (Radio Pratique Message)
  2. ship’s name/flag
  3. name of Master
  4. port and ETA
  5. name of departure port with date and time
  6. authority and date of issue of Ship Sanitation Control (Exemption) Certificate, and requirement on re-examination
  7. advise if vessel visited an affected area identified by the World Health Organization
  8. last ports of call from commencement of voyage with dates within the last 30 days
  9. number of crew and passengers
  10. advise any deaths on board during the voyage other than as a result of an accident
  11. advise if there is any case of disease on board suspected to be of an infectious nature
  12. advise the total number of ill passengers during the voyage more than normal. In the case of a passenger vessel, has any case of outbreak occurred on board?
  13. advise if there is any ill person on board vessel now
  14. advise if a medical practitioner was consulted
  15. advise any conditions which may lead to infection or spread of disease within 30 days of arrival
  16. advise any sanitary measure being applied on board
  17. number of stowaways on board
  18. any sick animal or pet on board
  19. advise if any person and/or goods have transferred from another ship within 30 days before arrival
  20. advise if there is a doctor on board.
Note:  In case ``None'' is applicable for items j–s or j–t, Master may state ``j–s  None. Al'' or ``j–t  None''.
As a result of H 5N1-influenza-infected birds, vessel to advise Quarantine Officer of the answers to the following:
  1. Is there any person with a temperature of more than 38°C and acute respiratory symptoms on board?
  2. Is there any person with pneumonia and dyspnea on board?
  3. Is there any unidentified death on board?
  4. Is there any person who has had contact with dead birds or H 5N1-influenza-infected birds (including suspected), including chicken, duck, turkey, quail within the last 10 days?
  5. Is there any person who has had contact with H 5N1-influenza patients (including suspected) on board within the last 10 days.
PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION:  The Master of the vessel is responsible for the advance filing of cargo, crew and passenger information; however, such actions may be done by the owner or the administrator of the vessel, or by an agent of the owner or the administrator or of the Master of the vessel. Details of filing deadlines and information elements available from the Japan Customs website at www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/index.htm
Single Window System:  To strengthen the global competitiveness of Japan's port and harbours, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) has been promoting the Single Window System for import/export procedures and port-related procedures in cooperation with related government offices, such as the Ministry of Finance.
With the realisation of the Single Window System for import/export procedures and port-related procedures, Japan has created a simplified system from a procedures perspective that is easy for users to apply, and inexpensive to operate, while also taking international standards into consideration.
Specifically, this system has made it possible to complete the procedures for multiple administrative agencies of the relevant ministries through one-time input and transmission, by mutually linking and operating various systems including the Port EDI system, the Nippon Automated Cargo Clearance System (NACCS) and the Crew Landing Permit Support System.
The Single Window System for import/export procedures and port-related procedures was implemented in July 2003. Currently the Ports and Harbors Bureau of MLIT is working to achieve further simplifications, corresponding to the reduction in the number of application items made possible by the signing of the FAL Convention (1965 Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic) in November 2005.
The bureau believes these changes will result in improving the convenience of Japan's ports and harbours and strengthening their global competitiveness. The following systems will form the Integrated NACCS:
  1. Nippon Automated Cargo & Port Consolidated System (NACCS)
  2. Crew Immigration Support System
  3. Port EDI
  4. Japan Electronic Open Network Trade Control System (JETRAS)
  5. Food Automated Import Notification & Inspection Network System (FAINS)
  6. Plant Quarantine Network Systems (PQ-Network)
  7. Animal Quarantine Inspection Procedure Automated System (ANIPAS).
User registration can be made on the NACCS website selecting the Reporter ID Issuance Systemtab.
Nippon Automated Cargo Clearance System bbs.naccscenter.com/naccs/dfw/web/afr
MICS:  Maritime Information and Communication System (MICS). In order to prevent maritime accidents caused by lack of information and to allow easy and constant open access to necessary real-time data across the nation, the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) provides ocean safety information, such as meteorological and hydrographic data, construction work notices, the status of stationary net installations, etc. Such information is available on the internet (accessible both by PC and mobile phone) and by phone to those who require it through the Maritime Information and Communication System (MICS). The JCG also provides registered email addresses with emergency information such as tsunami warnings, notices when lights of aids to navigation have extinguished, etc.
Maritime Information and Communication System (MICS). www6.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/index_en.html
Pre-arrival Notification:  The following information should be submitted to Agent, at least 24 hours before arrival, for entry into the Single Window System in order to assist with port clearance procedures. Alternatively, pdf version of Pre-arrival Procedure Form (Page 1) and (Page 2) is available to download at:
www.mlit.go.jp/seisakutokatsu/freight/fal_nyuukoumaeyoushiki_eigo.pdf
  1. name of ship
  2. IMO number
  3. type of vessel
  4. flag state
  5. port of registry
  6. g.t., international g.t., d.w.t., LOA
  7. communication system, call sign
  8. name, address and contact details of ship’s owner
  9. name, address and contact details of ship’s operator
  10. name, address and contact details of ship’s Agent
  11. port of arrival and ETA
  12. purpose to berth
  13. anchorage ground desired
  14. period of anchorage
  15. moorings of arrival
  16. ETD
  17. details of berth change, if any, during port stay
  18. maximum draft
  19. name of line (service)
  20. port of provenance, last port, next port and port of destination
  21. entry position into specific area (listed on form), and ETA
  22. cargo information
  23. dangerous goods information
  24. dangerous goods handling information
  25. financial security information.
In addition to the above, the following security information must be declared:
  1. name of ship
  2. IMO number
  3. ship’s operating security level
  4. date, time and position of report
  5. name if ISSC and name of issuing authority
  6. name of company security officer
  7. name and rank of SSO
  8. date, ETA and berth name at all ports of call in Japan
  9. entry position into specific area (listed on form), and ETA
  10. last 10 ports of call (country, name of port, date of arrival and date of departure, ship security level at these ports)
  11. Crew List
  12. Passenger List.
VTS/RADAR:  Japanese Ship Reporting System (JASREP):  Participation in this system is not compulsory but is voluntary. No charge whatsoever is applied to communications to Japan Coast Guard which pass through coastal radio stations designated by Japan Coast Guard. All information of ship's position and others reported to Japan Coast Guard will be kept strictly confidential and protected and will never be used for any purposes other than those for search and rescue operations in the event of marine casualty and for the prevention thereof.
Purpose:  The JASREP System provides up-to-date information on the movements of vessels in order, in the event of a distress incident:
  1. to reduce the interval between the loss of contact with a vessel and the initiation of search and rescue operations in cases where no distress signal has been received
  2. to permit rapid determination of vessels which may be called upon to provide assistance
  3. to permit delineation of the size of a search area in case the position of a vessel in distress is unknown or uncertain; and
  4. to facilitate the provision of urgent medical assistance or advice to vessels not carrying a doctor.
Service Area:  The approximate service area covered by the JASREP System is the sea enclosed by the parallel of Lat. 17° 00′ N and the meridian of Long. 165° 00′ E.
Participating Ships:  Any ship regardless of tonnage, flag or type is welcome in the JASREP System as far as she is within the service area of the system.
Types of Reports and Timing:  There are four types of JASREP Reports:
Sailing Plan
Position Report
Deviation Report
Final Report.
Sailing Plan:  Sailing Plan is the basic information to estimate ship's position, and it should be sent at the time when a ship participates in this system. Reports should therefore be made when the ship departs from a port within the service area or when the ship enters the area.
Note: When Sailing Plan is sent after departure from a port or after entering the service area, such reporting should be made as soon as practicable. When Sailing Plan is to be sent before departure from a port, such a report may be sent in a written document.
Position Report:  Position Report is the information to verify if ship's position input according to the Sailing Plan is correct. The first report should therefore be sent at an optional time within 24 hours of departure from a port or entering the service area, and then the reports should be sent subsequently no less frequently than every 24 hours until Final Report.
Note 1: In case where delayed reporting is anticipated due to change of radio operator's duty hours or otherwise, reports should be sent earlier than the scheduled time of reporting as far as practicable.
Note 2: Reports should be sent more frequently than the above schedule, when the ship is in heavy weather or under other adverse conditions.
Note 3: In the JASREP service area, no co-ordination with weather reporting service is made.
Deviation Report:  Deviation Report is the information to be used for necessary correction of pre-reported Sailing Plan when a ship deviates from the intended course due to change in Sailing Plan. Reports should be sent whenever the ship's position deviates 25 miles or more from the original track, or the port of destination is changed, or other changes occur with resultant change in Sailing Plan.
Final Report:  Final Report is the information to terminate participation in the system. Accordingly, reports should be sent before or on arrival at port, or when a ship departs from the service area of the system.
Note: When Final Report is intended to be sent after departing from the service area, such a report should be sent as soon as practicable. If report is sent after arrival at port, such a report may be sent in a written document.
Reporting Procedure to Participate in Both JASREP and AMVER Systems:  Any ship desiring to participate in both the JASREP and AMVER systems should enter JASREP on the system name line and AMVER on the Y line when the ship sends a report to one of the coastal stations designated by Japan Coast Guard, and enter AMVER on the system name line and JASREP on the Y line when the ship sends report to one of the costal stations designated by the United States Coast Guard. Hereby above, the information will be transferred mutually between Japan Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard (if you fail to follow this procedure you have to pay charges).
Special Reporting Procedure to Link with JASREP and Weather Report:  Any ship which sends weather report to Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) can omit Position Report of JASREP. If you enter OBS on the X line of Sailing Plan, JMSA will obtain your position information from JMA.
How to Participate:  Participation in this system initiates when a ship sends her Sailing Plan and terminates when the ship sends her Final Report to Japan Coast Guard.
Note: If any non-participating ship, on departure from a port or on entering the JASREP service area, has a desire of participation halfway, it is possible to join the JASREP System by sending a Sailing Plan whenever decision is made. If, on the contrary, any ship desires to terminate her participation in the system, it is possible to terminate the participation simply by sending Final Report at any time. If no Position Report or Final Report is received from a participant in no less than 24 hours subsequent to the previous report, Japan Coast Guard will verify the safety and whereabouts of the ship through radiotelegraphic calls and inquiries addressed to the relevant coastal stations, ship owners, agents and ships proceeding in the vicinity. Depending on circumstances, search and rescue operations will be initiated, and hence Position Reports and Final Reports must be sent without fail.
Reporting Instructions:  As far as practicable, report should be sent by shortwave radiotelegraphy to the shortwave coastal radio station designated by Japan Coast Guard (in an unavoidable case, report may be received by any participating coastal stations). Reporting will be free of charge. JASREP reports may be sent by other means of communication such as telex addressed to Japan Coast Guard, submission of documents or reporting by telegram or telephone (including cases where reporting is made via ship owners, agencies, etc.) to 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, a coast guard office or station, or district communications centre.
Note: However, expenses incurred by these other means of communication are to be borne by the participants concerned.
Addressee for telex communication: Operations Centre Administration Division of Guard and Rescue Department of Japan Coast Guard, Tlx: 720-222-5193 JMSAHQJ.
Communication from Japan Coast Guard:  For the purpose of verifying the safety and whereabouts of a ship due to her delayed reporting or to address request to the ships for rescue operations of the ship in distress, Japan Coast Guard calls through its radio coastal station on the following frequencies, therefore all ships are requested to watch these frequencies as far as practicable: Fl B (DSC) 2177, 4219.5, 6331, 8436.5, 12657, 16903, 19703.5 and 22444 kHz. F3E VHF Channel 16: 156.8 MHz.
Inquiries on JASREP:  Inquiries on JASREP contact: Guard & Rescue Department of Japan Coast Guard, 1-3 Kasumigasake 2 chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8989, Japan. Tel: +81 (3) 3591 6361 (ext. 5920 (Search and Rescue Division) or ext. 5323 (Administration Division Operations Centre)).
For full details and JASREP User Manual see www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/info/jasrep/english.htm
Kanmon Martis/Wakamatsu/Okudokai:  Kanmon Kaikyo Traffic Advisory Service covers the Kanmon Kaikyo area and its approaches.
Kanmon Martis, call sign ``Kanmon Martis'' listens on VHF Channel 16 and works on VHF Channels 13, 14 and 22.
Kanmon Martis, Tel: +81 (93) 372 0099. Fax: +81 (93) 381 4499. www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/kanmon
Wakamatsu Traffic, call sign ``Wakamatsu Traffic Security'', listens on VHF Channel 16 and works on VHF Channel 12.
Wakamatsu Traffic, Tel: +81 (93) 871 2482. Fax: +81 (93) 881 6094.
Hayatomo Seto:  Vessels 10,000 g.t. and over, and tankers 3,000 g.t. and over, passing through the Hayatoma Seto fairway, should contact Kanmon Martis by noon the day before entry, providing the following:
  1. vessel's name, call sign, MMSI
  2. g.t. and LOA
  3. ETA at the Hayatomo Seto
  4. vessel's contact details
  5. berth name (if applicable)
  6. type of vessel
  7. name of departure berth, ETD
  8. name of reporting line vessel will pass, ETA
  9. max. draft for transiting the Hayatomo Seto
  10. dangerous goods on board
  11. pilot on board (yes/no).
Any changes to those declared, and if ETA changes by 15 minutes or more entering the Hayatomo Seto shall be notified immediately.
Wakamatsu Passage/Okudokai Passage:  Vessels of 300 g.t. and over intending to berth or depart a berth via the Wakamatsu passage or Okudokai passage should contact Wakamatsu Traffic Security by noon the day before entry, providing the following:
  1. vessel's name, type, flag
  2. g.t. and LOA
  3. port of origin, destination
  4. ETA entrance of the Wakamatsu passage
  5. name of departure berth, ETD
  6. vessel's contact details
  7. max. draft for entry into Wakamatsu passage
  8. dangerous goods on board
  9. pilot on board (yes/no).
Position Reports:  Vessels 10,000 g.t. and over and tankers 3,000 g.t. and over navigating the Kanmon passage or Kanmon passage 2 from outside Kanmon port limits, shall report to Kanmon Martis when crossing any reporting line, providing the following:
  1. vessel's name
  2. call sign
  3. reporting line code
Vessels 300 g.t. and above but less than 10,000 g.t., tankers of 300 g.t. and above but less than 3,000 g.t. intending to navigate the Kanmon passage or Kanmon passage 2 from outside of Kanmon port limits, (other than those equipped with operational AIS), shall report to Kanmon Martis when crossing any reporting line and provide the following information:
  1. vessel's name
  2. call sign
  3. reporting line code
  4. g.t.
  5. draft
  6. destination
Vessels 300 g.t. and above departing from Kanmon port, excluding Hibiki Shinko-Ku and Shin-Moji-Ku, shall report to Kanmon Martis on leaving the berth providing the following:
  1. vessel's name
  2. call sign
  3. reporting line code
  4. g.t.
  5. draft
  6. destination
Vessels departing Wakamatsu passage from the west of reporting line WA should report when the vessel passes reporting line WA. Vessels departing Chofu Ku should report when the vessel passes reporting line CS.
Vessels towing, pushing or carrying cargo athwartship navigating in Kanmon passage or Kanmon passage 2 (other than those equipped with operational AIS), shall report to Kanmon Martis when crossing any reporting line. Vessels departing a berth in Kanmon port shall report when departing the berth. The following information shall be provided:
  1. vessel's name
  2. vessel's call sign
  3. reporting line code
  4. g.t.
  5. draft
  6. destination
  7. length of tow (if applicable)
Vessels departing the Wakamatsu passage from the west of the reporting line WA, shall report when passing reporting line WA, and vessels departing the Chofu Ku should report when the vessel passes the reporting line CS.
Vessels shall monitor VHF Channels 13 and 16 when within the sea routes, passages leading to the sea routes and in the surrounding areas.
Reporting Points: 
Reporting Line Code Description
North of Mutsure Shima MN Line bearing 000°(T) × 6,930 m from Mutsure Shima Lt (33° 58′ 30″ N, 130° 52′ 06″ E) thence 90°(T) to Kurumi-no-Se light beacon (34° 02′ 26″ N, 130° 53′ 35″ E)
South of Ai-no-Shima AS Line joining the south point of Ai-no-Shima (33° 59′ 08″ N, 130° 49′ 16″ E) with north point of Kata Shima (33° 58′ 09″ N, 130° 50′ 44″ E)
South of Shira Su SN Line 180°(T) from Shira Su Light (33° 59′ 01″ N, 130° 47′ 30″ E) to the shore
North Shin Moji SN Line from Takeno Hana (33° 54′ 20″ N, 131° 00′ 22″ E) to a point 90°(T) × 2,150 m from Shin Moji Hakuchi Breakwater Light (33° 52′ 38″ N, 131° 00′ 36″ E)
East of Shin Moji SE A line from a point 90° × 2,150 m to a point 90°(T) × 8,150 m from Shin Moji Hakuchi Breakwater Light (33° 52′ 23″ N, 131° 00′ 36″ E)
South East of He Saki HS Line from a point 90°(T) × 8,150 m from Shin Moji Hakuchi Breakwater Light to a point 215°(T) × 3,950 m from Ryuo San Triangulation Point (33° 57′ 23″ N, 131° 10′ 04″ E)
West of Onoda OW Line from a point 215°(T) × 3,950 m, to a point 240°(T) × 4,350 m from Ryuo San Triangulation Point
South of Chofu CS Line joining Manju Shima Light (33° 59′ 41″ N, 131° 01′ 35″ E) and the south point of Kanju Shima (33° 59′ 38″ N, 131° 00′ 30″ E)
Wakamatsukita WA Line joining a point 1,630 m from Wakamatsu Dokai Bay entrance Lt bearing 232°(T) to a point 1,710 m from Wakamatsu Dokai Bay entrance Light bearing 222.75°(T)
Information Broadcasts:  On 1,651 kHz in Japanese every H+00 to H+15 and H+30 to H+45, and on 2,019 kHz in English every H+15 to H+30 and H+45 to H+00, providing information on transits of large and other vessels, weather warnings, meteorological information, fishing vessels, alterations to aids to navigation and construction work.
Special Broadcasts are also made in the event of a maritime accident or other restriction to navigation within the area. Navigational information: Tel: +81 (93) 381 3399, Fax: +81 (93) 372 2741.
Passage information is provided via VHF to vessels that have already made a Position Report.
Radar Service Area:  Covers the whole of Kanmon Kaikyo, including the west and east approaches, together with the area north and east of Mutsure Shima.
Radar Assistance:  Available on request from the Traffic Advisory Centre:
  • Own vessel's position. Report vessel's approx. position to the Traffic Advisory Centre. Position of vessel will be given by bearing and distance from radar conspicuous objects within the area.
  • Position of another vessel. Vessel should report own position and approx. bearing and distance of vessel for which information is requested. Information provided comprises relative position, course and speed, and, if known name, tonnage and destination. If vessel is involved in construction work, details will be given.
During periods of limited visibility, information on the relative positions of other vessels, their course and speed, is provided.
Warning Service:  Traffic Advisory Centre provides information via VHF to vessels which have previously submitted a Position Report, in the event of any of the following:
  1. to prevent collision. If there appears to be a danger of collision vessels will receive the following details:
    i. approx position
    ii. name, type, gt and destination of other vessel
    iii. estimated time and location of possible collision
  2. to warn a vessel proceeding with incorrect course and/or speed
  3. to warn a vessel approaching a dangerous area e.g. shoal water, site of a recent accident etc.
Advice will also be provided from the centre for those vessels anchoring in the area east of Mutsure Shima.
POLLUTION:  The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) is the lead government agency in Japan for salvage and spill response but looks to the tanker owner to undertake clean-up operations.
Japan is divided into 11 Coast Guard regions, with a total of 66 Coast Guard offices and 51 Coast Guard stations. Contingency plans for a maximum spill of 810,000 tonnes have been prepared for the three sea areas at most risk: Tokyo Bay; Ise Bay; Seto Inland Sea. Joint government/industry oil spill control committees have been formed in 95 oil ports, where local harbour authorities are legally responsible for controlling pollution within port limits but usually have little or no spill response capability.
After notification of a major potential or actual spill, the JCG will dispatch vessels and aircraft to assess the situation. The ship's owner is required to take emergency or damage control measures and to clean up the spill. If the incident exceeds his capability, Maritime Disaster Prevention Centre (MPDC) will respond, either under the direction of JCG under direct contract to the owner.
Maritime Disaster Prevention Center (MDPC):  The Maritime Disaster Prevention Centre (MDPC) was established to respond to oil spills and is funded jointly by government and industry. In addition to the 40 equipment bases established by MDPC, agreements for rapid response to spills have been made with a total of 143 private clean-up contractors in 83 ports. In the event of a major oil spill, coordination within the various government agencies will be established by the National Land Agency. Vessels with g.t. of 150 tons or more carrying specific oil (black oils) must carry on board sufficient quantities of material for oil spill removal when such vessels navigate in the waters designated by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), harbour regulations and other rules. Vessel (owners) may however, contract the Maritime Disaster Prevention Center (MDPC) for use of stockpiled materials available at its depots (e.g. oil booms, oil dispersant, and oil absorbent) on a voyage, semi-annual, or annual basis.
When such tankers with g.t. of 5,000 tons or more navigate in Tokyo Bay, Ise Bay, and Seto Inland Sea, vessel/owners must contract MDPC for additional use of its oil recovery devices (e.g. oil recovery boats) available at its bases.
Since 2008, tankers carrying hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) (clean oils, chemicals, etc., exclusive of gas cargoes) are also required to carry anti-oil pollution materials according to revised Japanese domestic law based on accession to the Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Co-ordination to Pollution Incidents from Hazardous and Noxious Substances, 2000 (OPRC-HNS Protocol).
Also see Emergency Response Centre.
MEDICAL:  Medical facilities are good, but the cost of treatment is high. Hospitals and clinics are well equipped and staff highly trained, some Japanese doctors may speak English. You will be expected to pay the whole cost of any treatment you receive. Make sure you have adequate health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your stay in Japan, dial 119 and ask for an ambulance.
Medication:  The use or possession of some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines are banned under Japan’s strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law. This includes Vicks inhalers, medicines for allergies and sinus problems and even some mild painkillers like those containing codeine. Customs officials may not be sympathetic if you claim ignorance. If you need prescription medication for long term use, you may need to provide extra paperwork, such as an import licence.
If in any doubt, check with the nearest Japanese Embassy of Consulate before arrival in Japan.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE CENTRE:  The Japan Coast Guard (JSC) is charged with the duty of ensuring security and safety at sea. Its activities include maritime safety operations, search and rescue operations, criminal investigations, marine environmental preservation, disaster mitigation and marine research.
Headquartered in Tokyo, the JSC is divided into 11 regions in order to facilitate its coast guard operations. Each region has a Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, under which there are various Coast Guard offices, Coast Guard stations, air stations, Hydrographic Observatory and Traffic Advisory Service Centers.
Address Tel: +81
1st Regional Coast Guard Headquarters 5-3, Minato-machi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-8560 (134) 270118
2nd Regional Coast Guard Headquarters 3-4-1, Teizandori, Shiogama, Miyagi 985-8507 (22) 363 0111
3rd Regional Coast Guard Headquarters 5-57, Kitanakadori, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-8818 (45) 211 1118
4th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters 2-3-12, Irifune, Minato-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 455-8528 (52) 661 1611
5th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters 1-1, Hatoba-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-8551 (78) 391 6551
6th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters 3-10-17, Ujinakaigan, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima 734-8560 (82) 251 5111
7th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters 1-3-10, Nishikaigan, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 801-8507 (93) 321 2931
8th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters 901, Aza Shimofukui, Maizuru, Kyoto 624-8686 (773) 764100
9th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters 2-2-1, Bandai, Chuo-ku, Niigata, Niigata 950-8643 (25) 245 0118
10th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters 4-1, Higashikoorimoto-cho, Kagoshima, Kagoshima, 890-8510 (99) 250 9800
11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters 2-11-1, Minato-machi, Naha, Okinawa 900-8547 (98) 867 0118
TIME:  GMT plus 9 hours.
HOLIDAYS:  1 January (New Year's Day); 2nd Monday (Adult Day); 11 February (National Foundation Day); 24 February (State Funeral of the Sowa Emperor); around 21 March (Vernal Equinox Day); 10 April (Marriage of Crown Prince Akihito); 29 April (Showa Day); 3 May (Constitution Commemoration Day); 4 May Green Day; 5 May (Children's Day); 9 June (Marriage of Crown Prince Naruhito); 3rd Monday July (Maritime Day); 3rd Monday September (Respect-for-Age Day); around 23 September (Autumnal Equinox Day); 2nd Monday (Physical Education Day); 3 November (Culture Day); 12 November (Official Enthronement Ceremony of Emperor Akihito); 23 November (Labour Thanksgiving Day) and 23 December (Emperor's Birthday).
WEATHER/TIDES:  Natural Disasters:  Earthquakes and Tsunamis:  As Japan is in a major earthquake zone you should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake or tsunami, and take note of instructions in hotel rooms. Tsunami warnings are published by the Japan Meteorological Agency. www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/
Typhoons:  The typhoon season runs from June to December with most activity between July and September. Southern parts of the country are particularly at risk. You should monitor the progress of approaching storms on the Japan Meteorological Agency website. www.jma.go.jp/en/typh/
Typhoons that hit Japan are often accompanied by damaging high tides. People living in coastal areas are particularly at risk. Landslides can occur anywhere. The dangers increase when an earthquake occurs shortly after a typhoon has saturated an area.
CONSULS:  Contact details of foreign missions in Japan, and Japanese embassies and consulates worldwide, are available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website. www.mofa.go.jp/
TELEPHONES:  Only 3G and 4G capable handsets will work in Japan. GSM-only phones don’t work, as there’s no GSM network. If you plan to make lots of calls or use mobile data in Japan, SIM cards are available to hire online or in-store. WiFi zones are also increasingly available in coffee shops, hotels and other public spaces.
BANKS:  Japan is mainly a cash society. You may have difficulty using credit and debit cards issued outside Japan. Cirrus, Maestro, Link and Delta cash cards are not widely accepted. Japanese post offices, 7-Eleven stores, Citi Bank and HSBC have cash machines, which will accept some foreign cards during business hours. Cash machines at banks and post offices generally close at 2100 hours or earlier and may not operate at the weekends, however, ATMs in convenience stores and some shopping centres are available 24 hours a day. Check with your bank before travelling and take sufficient alternative sources of money for the duration of your stay.
CUSTOMS:  Japan Customs, Information Management Office, Customs and Tariff Bureau, Ministry of Finance, 3-1-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 1008940. T: +81 (3) 3581 4111 ext. 2961. F: +81 (3) 5251 2122. www.customs.go.jp/english/
NACCS:  Nippon Automatic Cargo and Port Consolidated System (NACCS) is a system dedicated to electronic processing of air/sea cargo. It enables faster and more efficient Customs clearance and movement of freight, and is available to registered users.
Nippon Automatic Cargo and Port Consolidated System www.naccscenter.com/afr/
Also see Pre-Arrival Information.
SHORE LEAVE:  Most Japanese people are very friendly and welcoming but can be reserved. Loud, boisterous behaviour is not as acceptable as it may be in your home country.
In regard to sexual conduct in private, Japan is a tolerant society. However, public displays of affection are not common.
Drinks and meals are paid for at the end of your visit to a Japanese bar. Tipping is not necessary. In some places, prices can be high. Disputes over bills can lead to arrest.
Crime levels are low. It is generally safe to walk about at night and to travel on public transport, but you should maintain the same level of vigilance as you would at home and take sensible precautions.
Reports of inappropriate touching or ‘chikan’ of female passengers on commuter trains are fairly common. The police advise that you shout at the perpetrator to attract attention and ask a fellow passenger to call the train staff.
The Roppongi entertainment district of Tokyo is considered a higher risk area for crime. Foreign nationals have been arrested following disputes with bar staff and doormen. There have also been reports of drink spiking with drugs like Rohypnol. Victims have described loss of consciousness for several hours, during which time large amounts have been fraudulently billed to their credit card.
If your passport is lost or stolen, you should report this at a police station and get a police report.
Also see Repatriation.
REPATRIATION:  If crew/passengers of a ship land at a seaport in Japan wish to enter Japan temporarily (shore leave/repatriation), they can receive special landing permission from the Immigration authority at the port of arrival even if they do not possess a visa.
In principle, applications for such special landing permission are made not by the foreigners wishing to enter Japan themselves but by the Master of the ship or by an appointed agent.
When special landing permission is granted, the foreigners concerned are not given any status of residence or period of stay, but restrictions on landing time and scope of movement are stipulated as conditions for permission. Also, special landing permission is not granted if the applicant will be returning to his or her place of departure (for example, coming from Hawaii and then returning to Hawaii). Please note that these permits are for very short stays, they cannot be extended, and the route to be followed in transit, etc. is subject to restrictions. If foreigners wish to travel in Japan, they are recommended to acquire a transit visa or a short-term visa before coming to Japan.
For more details concerning special landing permission, inquire at the nearest immigration authority.
Permission for Landing at Port of Call:  Special dispensation, called a shore pass, may be granted to foreign crew/passengers on board a ship that is proceeding to another destination via Japan who wish to enter Japan temporarily for shore leave. A shore pass permits such foreigners to enter Japan as long as they remain in the vicinity of their port of call (in principle, the municipality in which the port of call is located) and for a period of less than 72 hours.
Permission for Landing in Transit:  This dispensation is called a transit pass. There are two types:
  1. Permission for landing in transit for sightseeing: permission is granted to the foreign crew members/passengers of a ship arriving at a Japanese port of entry who wish to travel in Japan for sightseeing purposes and then rejoin the same ship at another port of entry in Japan. This permission is valid for up to 15 days.
  2. Permission for landing in transit for departure at a neighbouring port (including airport): permission is granted to foreign crew members/passengers of a ship proceeding to another country via Japan who wish to enter Japan from their first port of call and then move to another port of call in a nearby area for departure. This permission is granted when a foreign crew member/passenger wishes to depart Japan within three days.
In principle, another port of call in a nearby area is regarded as a port that is under the jurisdiction of the same regional immigration bureau, or the immigration bureau of a neighbouring region, for example, Narita Airport to Haneda Airport or Narita to Nagoya Airport are acceptable, but Narita Airport to Kansai Airport is not allowed.
Visas:  The Consular Services section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan provides information regarding visa requirements and entry into Japan. www.mofa.go.jp/
IDENTIFICATION CARDS:  You must carry your passport/ Seaman's Book/ Shore Leave Pass at all times.
AUTHORITY:  Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport (MLIT), Maritime Bureau, 2-1-3 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku 100-8918, Tokyo, Japan. T: +81 (3) 5253 8111. www.mlit.go.jp