Safe Navigation in the Kanmon Kaikyo

The Maritime Human Resource Institute, Japan
http://mhrij.or.jp/

Safe Navigation in the Kanmon Kaikyo
This document provides navigation information, safe navigation guidance, and associated relevant information for
navigation in the Kanmon Kaikyo. The navigation regulations noted in this document are current as of July 2012. Visit
the Kanmon-Kaikyo Vessel Traffic Service Center (Kanmon MARTIS) website.（http://www6.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/kanmon/)for the most recent updates.

1. Navigation in the Kanmon Kaikyo

The Kanmon Kaikyo is bordered north and south by Kanmon Port and vessels passing through the port are subject
to the Act on Port Regulations established to ensure the safety of marine traffic, and good order, within the port.
Since the Act on Port Regulations is a special set of regulations under the Act on Preventing Collision at Sea, which
determines general requirements for marine traffic, this general law of Act on Preventing Collision at Sea applies
unless otherwise provided for by special navigational regulations in the Act on Port Regulations.

1.1 Passage Navigation Obligations

Vessels other than miscellaneous vessels* entering or leaving, or passing through, Kanmon Port are required tofollow the specified passage. However, this restriction does not apply if deviation from the passage is unavoidable(e.g. to avoid an accident).
* Miscellaneous vessels are defined as steam launches (small, steam-powered vessels), barges, small boats, andany craft propelled wholly or primarily by oars and paddles.

1.2 Prohibition on Anchoring in the Passage

Vessels shall not anchor, or release towed vessels, in the passage except under the following circumstances.

1 To avoid an accident.
2 When operation is no longer controlled.
3 To assist vessels in an emergency or when life is in danger.
4 When a vessel engages constraction or work with a permission of the Harber Master.
1.3 Navigating on the right side in the Kanmon Passage and No.2 Kanmon Passage

Vessels navigating in the Kanmon Passage or No.2 Kanmon Passage are required to keep as near to the outer
limit of the passage which lies on their starboard side as is safe and practicable. (This requirement does not apply
to vessels with a gross tonnage of less than 100 tonnes proceeding westward through Hayatomo Seto Waterway.)

1.4 Overtaking in the Kanmon Passage

A vessel may overtake another vessel in the Kanmon Passage, after considering surrounding situation and only
all conditions described below are met.(Except Hayatomo Seto Waterway)

1 When a vessel being overtaken does not need to take any cooperation movement in order for an overtaking
vessel to pass safely.

2 When an overtaking vessel can keep out of the way of any other vessels safely.
When overtaking on the starboard side, a single long whistle or siren is sounded, followed by a single shortwhistle or siren. When overtaking on the port side, a single long whistle or siren is sounded, followed by two
short whistles or sirens.

Overtaking
on the starboard side

Overtaking
on the port side-1-

1.5 Specific Rules for Navigation in Hayatomo Seto
1.5.1 Maintaining Speed
Vessels proceeding against the tide in Hayatomo Seto are required to maintain a speed of at least 4 knots overthe ground above the speed of the tidal flow. It is essential to be aware of one’ s speed, and to pass through thewaterway as quickly as possible. Furthermore, if it is anticipated that it will be difficult to maintain speed due toa strong tidal flow, the vessels may be required by Kanmon MARTIS to wait outside the passage.
1.5.2 Prohibition on Overtaking
Overtaking is prohibited in the Hayatomo Seto Waterway.

Overtaking Prohibited Area
Hinoyamashita
Tidal Current
Signal Station

N33-58-06 E130-57-41

130°Hayatomo
Seto
Waterway

Ka

nm

on

Br

idg

e

1.5.3 Areas of Prohibited Entry
The line between Mojisaki lighthouse and Kanmon Passage No.32 light buoy must not be crossed to enter thepassage. This requirement does not apply to vessels of less than 100 G/T navigating westward throughHayatomo Seto Waterway.
Vessels of less than 100 G/T may approach Moji Saki. When doing so, these vessels are required to keep
other vessels on their starboard side.

33

SHIMONOSEKI CITY

31

35

32

SHIMONOSEKI CITY

37

36

39

TANOURA Dist.

40
MOJI SAKILight HouseKANMON PASSEGE

31

SHIMONOSEKI
LEADING LIGHTS

32

MOJI SAKILights House

PORT SIDE BUOY

MOJI Dist.

KITAKYUSHU CITYSTARBOARD SIDE BUOYPORT LIMIT
A vessel of 100GT or moreis prohibited from entering
the passage-2-

KITAKYUSHU CITY

1.6 Specific Rules for Navigation at Junctions of Passages
1.6.1 Right of Way at Junctions of Kanmon Passage and Other Passages(Sunatsu Passage, Tobata Passage, Wakamatsu Passage, No.2 Kanmon Passage)
When there is a possibility of vessels passing through the Kanmon Passage and other passages meeting,vessels in the Kanmon Passage have right of way over vessels in all other passages.

N
O
M
AN
K GE
.2 A
No ASS
P

AGE
PASS
ANSE

ON
NM
KA
A
AT GE
B
A
TO SS
PA

E
AG
SS
PA

AGE
PASS
U
S
T
AMA
WAK

Kanmon Passage and No.2 Kanmon Passage

KA
NM
ON

PA
SS
AG
E

U
TS E
N AG
S U ASSP
A

Kanmon Passage and Sunatsu Passage-3-1.6.2 Right of Way for Vessels Underway in No.2 Kanmon Passage and Anse Passage
When there is a possibility of vessels passing through the No.2 Kanmon Passage meeting vessels passing
through the Anse Passage, vessels in the No.2 Kanmon Passage have right of way.

N
O
M
AN
K E
2 AG
o.
N ASS
P

AGE
PASS
E
S
N
A

ON
NM
KA

TA E
BA AG
O
S
T S
PA

E
AG
SS
PA

AGE
PASS
U
S
T
AMA
WAK

1.6.3 Right of Way for Vessels Underway in No.2 Kanmon Passage and Wakamatsu Passage Meeting in Kanmon Passage
When there is a possibilty of vessels passing through the No.2 Kanmon Passage meeting vessels passing
through the Wakamatsu Passage in the Kanmon Passage, vessels in the No.2 Kanmon Passage have right of way.

N
O
M
AN
K E
2 AG
o.
N ASS
P

AGE
PASS
E
S
N
A

ON
NM
KA

TA
BA AGE
O
T SS
PA

-4-

E
AG
SS
PA

E
SSAG
U PA
S
T
A
AM
WAK

1.6.4 Right of Way for Vessels Underway in Tobata Passage and Wakamatsu Passage Meeting in
Kanmon Passage
When there is a possibility of vessels passing through the Tobata Passage meeting vessels passing through the
Wakamatsu Passage in the Kanmon Passage, vessels in the Tobata Passage have right of way.

N
O
M
AN
K E
2 AG
o.
N ASS
P

GE
ASSA
P
E
ANS

K

E
AG E
SS AG
PA ASS
ON N PNM MO
K A AN

GE
ASSA
P
U
TS
AMA
WAK
TA E
BA AG
O
T SS

PA

1.7 Other Rules for Navigation(1) V e s s e l s i n a p o r t , o r n e a r t h e b o u n d a r i e s o f a p o r t , a r e r e q u i r e d t o p r o c e e d a t a s p e e dwhich does not pose danger to other vessels.
(2) Within Kanmon Port (except Hibiki Shinko District) , vessels of more than 300 G/T have right of way
over vessels of 300 G/T or less. (Vessels of over 300 G/T underway within Kanmon Port are required
to fly the numeral pennant '1' (one) specified in the International Code of Signals on the mast where it
can best be seen.)

2. Advance Reporting
The Hayatomo Seto Waterway is a particularly narrow location within the Kanmon Kaikyo. Furthermore, it is curved
and subject to the effects of tidal currents. Meeting of large vessels, and vessels carrying dangerous goods, in thewaterway is therefore problematic, with high risk. For this reason, the following advance reports are obligatory.

2.1 Vessels Subject to Reporting Requirements
Vessels of 10,000 G/T or more (3,000 G/T or more in the case of oil tankers) intending to enter the Hayatomo
Seto Waterway.

2.2 Timing of Reports
Kanmon Kaikyo Vessel Traffic Service Center must be notified of scheduled passage through the Hayatomo
Seto Waterway by noon on the day prior to the intended passage. The format for advance report may be
downloaded from http://www6.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/kanmon/toukei/jizen/jizen.pdf, and faxed to Kanmon Kaikyo
Vessel Traffic Service Center(093 381 4499) once all relevant details are entered.

-5-2.3 Report Format(1) Name of vessel(2) Gross tonnage and length(3) Estimated time of arrival at entrance to Hayatomo Seto Waterway(4) Method of communication(5) Place of anchorage in Kanmon Port (required only if anchorage used)(6) Call sign(7) MMS I(8) Vessel type(9) Name of berth prior to departure, or the name of the reporting line through which the vessel will
pass, and estimated time of passing the line.
(10) Maximum draft during passage(11) Type and quantity of dangerous goods carried(12) Pilot on board (Y/N)

3. Position Reporting to Kanmon Kaikyo Vessel Traffic Service Center and Maintaining
Communication
Kanmon Kaikyo Vessel Traffic Service Center employs radar to identify each vessel to assist in the provision of theappropriate information, and therefore requires the reporting of position to Kanmon Kaikyo Vessel Traffic Service
Center by each vessel as follows. Furthermore, it is a strict requirement that VHF (channel 16) be monitored from prior
to passing the initial position reporting line (from the commencement of passage for vessels leaving Kanmon Port) until
leaving the radar service area. Vessels fitted with AIS are required to use AIS in the correct manner.
Under the Act on Port Regulations, vessels in the Kanmon Passage, No.2 Kanmon Passage, or in the vicinity of thepassages are obliged to monitor information provided by Kanmon Kaikyo Vessel Traffic Service Center(refer to 6. Specific Vessels Obliged to Monitor Information Provided).

3.1 Position Reporting
3.1.1 Reporting Vessels and Report Format(1)Vessels of 10,000 G/T (3,000 G/T in the case of oil tankers) or more intending to enter the Kanmon Passage
or No.2 Kanmon Passage from the area outside Kanmon Port are required to report the following information
when the initial position reporting line is passed (refer to the diagram showing position of reporting lines andareas in which information is provided).
a. Name of vesselb. Call signc. Name of position reporting line passed(2) Vessels other than controlled vessels (excluding vessels fitted with AIS and operated appropriately) of 300
G/T or more entering the Kanmon Passage and the No.2 Kanmon Passage from the area outside the Kanmon
Port are required to report the following information in a position report at the time of passing the initial
position reporting line.
a. Name of vesselb. Call signc. Position reporting line passedd. Gross tonnage
e. Draftf. Destination(3) Vessels of 300 G/T or more leaving the Kanmon Port (excluding Hibiki Shin Ko Ditrict and Shin Moji
District) are required to report the following information in a position report at the time of departure. Vessels
leaving port from the area west of the WA line for the Wakamatsu Passage are required to report thefollowing information in a position report at the time of passing the WA line. Vessels leaving port at Chofu
District are required to report the following information in a position report at the time of passing the CS line.
a. Name of vesselb. Call signc. Position reporting line passedd. Gross tonnage
e. Draftf. Destination-6-

(4)Vessels (excluding vessels fitted with AIS and operated appropriately) towing other vessels(including pushing, and towage in parallel) entering the Kanmon Passage and the No.2 Kanmon
Passage are required to report the following information in a position report at the time of passing
the position reporting line. Vessels leaving port from the area west of the WA line for the
Wakamatsu Passage are required to report the following information in a position report at the timeof passing the WA line. Vessels leaving port at Chofu District are required to report the following
information in a position report at the time of passing the CS line.
a. Name of vesselb. Call signc. Position reporting line passedd. Gross tonnage
e. Draftf. Destination
g. Total combined length of tug and tow
3.1.2 Reporting Methods(1) By VHF radiotelephone, call sign: Kanmon MARTIS
Channel: Channel 16 or channel 13(2) By telephone, telephone number 093 372 0099 or 093 372 0090

Yamaguchi Prefecture

Asa

MN

CS
Hinoyama

AS
SS

OW

DaibahanaWA
Matsubara
Kanmon Kaikyo
Vessel Traffic
Service Center

HS

SN
SE

Fukuoka Prefecture

Legend：Passages in Kanmon Port
：Reporting Line

Symbol ：Name of Reporting Line

-7-

Kanmon Kaikyo Vessel Traffic： Service Center： Radar station

4. Signal Flags
Vessels underway within Kanmon Port are required to fly signal flags, where they can best be seen, indicating theircourse.
1．A vessel transiting or leaving Kanmon Port must fly, where it can best be seen, International Maritime Signal Flag
First substitute over the direction flag.
2．A vessel entering Kanmon Port must fly, where it can best be seen, International Maritime Signal Flag Second
substitute over the district code over berth designation code.

Within Kanmon Port, vessels over 300 GT (except miscellaneous vessels), shall exhibit
the numeral pennant “1”.
Numeral Pennant “1”Destination Indicating Signal at the time of passing through and leaving Kanmon Port Number

Meaning of Signal

Flags

Number

1st Substitute・W・M

123

Vessels leaving/passing for the western entrance of Kanmon Passage (except
Hibiki Shinko Dsit. & Shin Moji Dsit.), and proceeding to the east of Mutsure Shima.

1st Substitute・W・S

Vessels transiting the western entrance of Kanmon Port (except Hibiki Shinko Dsit.
& Shin Moji Dsit.), and westward Uma Shima to the south of Shira su/Shira Shima.

1st Substitute・W・A

Vessels transiting the western entrance of Kanmon Port (except Hibiki Shinko Dsit.
& Shin Moji Dsit.), and westward Uma Shima to the east of Aino Shima.

1st Substitute・E

4Vessels leaving/passing for the eastern entrance of Kanmon Passage (except
Hibiki)

1

Aino
Shima

Destination indicating signals
and port erntry signals

Chofu

3

2

Mutsure
Shima
Uma
Shima

Artifical
IslandShimonoseki
HesakiAnse？
Nishiyama

Tanoura ？
Tachinoura
Moji
LegendTobata？
Wakamatsu？
Sakaigawa4

Harbour Limit
Passages in Kanmon Port？

？ Kokura-8-

BerthDesignation
Flag

5. AIS Destination Ports and Course Entry, and Navigational Support
5.1 AIS Destination Information
Vessels fitted with AIS are required to enter the following destination information into the AIS as follows.
Refer to the AIS Entry Code Table for entry codes.
The following shows the AIS destination information fields.

1

2

3

1

Port of destination (a combination of codes indicating country and port).

2

Course within the port (indicates anchorage etc.)

3

Other required information (indicates transit route etc.)

5.2 Navigational Support
Kanmon Kaikyo Vessel Traffic Service Center provides the following navigational support through AIS.
(1) Provision of Information
Provision of the necessary information for safe navigation in the Kanmon Kaikyo (information on marine
accidents, status of restrictions on navigation, movement of transiting vessels, weather information,
malfunctioning navigation aids, status of fishing vessels etc.) to vessels in the AIS service area.
(2) Warnings
Provision of information for emergency avoidance when a vessel is determined to be in danger (e.g.
proceeding towards shallows) within the AIS service area.

KANMON KAIKYOVESSEL TRAFFICSERVICE CENTER
AIS service area
Kamiagata
AIS
StationYagauraAIS
StationHinoyama
AIS
StationMokkoku
AIS
StationMaeharaAIS
Station
KANMON KAIKYOVESSEL TRAFFICSERVICE CENTER

Fukue
AIS
Station

Seto
AIS
StationUnzen
AIS
StationAIS service area-9-

6. Obligations to Monitor Information Provided
6.1 Specific Vessels Obliged to Monitor Information Provided
Vessels of more than 300 G/T underway in Kanmon Port within the Information Monitoring Area shown
below are required to use international VHF to monitor information provided by Kanmon Kaikyo Vessel Traffic
Service Center.

Information Monitoring Area

Information Monitoring Area:
Both area of orange color and passages
surrounded by orange color

Passages in Kanmon PortKANMON KAIKYOVESSEL TRAFFICSERVICE CENTER

6.2 Provision of Information, Warnings, Advice and Instructions Via VHF Radiotelephone
Information, warnings, advice, and instructions issued by Kanmon Kaikyo Vessel Traffic Service Center via
VHF radiotelephone is, as much as is possible, preceded by, or includes, communications codes(INFORMATION, WARNING, ADVICE, INSTRUCTION) to indicate the nature of the information. The codesused are in accordance with IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases. These terms are explained below.
(1) INFORMATION
Information from radar observations, and on conditions within the area, for use in navigation. The manner inwhich the information is used is at the discretion of the operator of the vessel.
(2) WARNING
A warning of circumstances which may affect safe navigation of the vessel. The operator is required to pay
immediate attention to such circumstances, however measures taken are at the discretion of the operator of thevessel.
(3) ADVICE
Advice to take measures in accordance with the Act on Port Regulations (e.g. a change in course) in order toobserve strictly modes of navigation in passages, or to avoid hazardous circumstances which may hinder safe
navigation of vessels. The operator of the vessel is required to take such warnings with all caution and to operate
the vessel accordingly, however the final decision as to measures taken is at the discretion of the operator of thevessel.
(4) INSTRUCTIONSInstructions which restrict navigation of vessels based on the Act on Port Regulations. Provided there are no
problems with safety, the operator of the vessel is required to follow such instructions.

-10-6.3 Advice from Kanmon Kaikyo Vessel Traffic Service Center
1 Issue of Advice

If there is a possibility that a specific vessel may not follow modes of navigation applicable in Kanmon Port, if
there is a possibility that the vessel is extremely close to other vessels or obstructions, or if navigation of thespecific vessel is likely to result in danger to navigation, in accordance with the Act on Port Regulations,Kanmon Kaikyo Vessel Traffic Service Center may issue advice to follow strictly the modes of navigation, or totake measures (e.g. a change in course) within the necessary restrictions, when risk is apparent. In addition to theuse of VHF radiotelephone, such advice may also be issued by telephone.

2 Response by Vessels Receiving Advice

Vessels are required to consider such advice, and after understanding the circumstances of one’s own vessel,and determining that there are no circumstances contrary to the advice, are required to take measures to follow
strictly the modes of navigation or to avoid danger.

3 Monitoring of Reports of Measures Based on Advice

When recognized as necessary, Kanmon Kaikyo Vessel Traffic Service Center may require a vessel receiving
advice to submit a report on measures taken in accordance with the advice.

7. Restrictions on Navigation
When visibility in the Kanmon Passage is 500m or less, and it becomes necessary to prevent risks to shipping, theCaptain of the Kanmon Port implements the following restrictions on navigation in the form of instructions to waitoutside the Kanmon Passage.
Passages in Kanmon Port

1 Area subject to restrictions on navigation

The entire area of the Kanmon Passage (seediagram below). However, this restriction is lifted
partially in areas verified as not being affected by
restricted visibility.

2 Vessels subject to restrictions on navigation

All vessels intending to pass through the
Kanmon Passage.

3 Details of restrictions on navigation

Vessels intending to enter the Kanmon Passage
in order to pass through the relevant area are
required to cease entry and move to the nearest safe area as rapidly as
possible, and wait.
Vessels underway in the Kanmon Passage are required to proceed withdue care, or to wait in a safe area outside the passage and report thevessel name and the position where it is waiting, to Kanmon Kaikyo
Vessel Traffic Service Center.
.

4 Notification

1) Notification from Kanmon Kaikyo Vessel Traffic Service Center (Kanmon MARTIS)
・VHF radiotelephone (International VHF)
・AIS
・Radio broadcasts (Japanese: 1,651kHz / English: 2,019 kHz)・Website・Telephone service
・Electronic signboards2) Notifications from 7th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters Command Operation Centre(Moji Coast Guard Radio/JNR)
Navigation warnings issued by VHF radiotelephone (International VHF) as safety communications
3) Notifications from patrol vessels
Notifications by patrol vessels stationed in the vicinity of the passage.

-11-

8. Guidance for Safety in Navigation
8.1 Coordinating Head-on Situations in the Hayatomo Seto Waterway
Vessels which shall not meet head-on in the Hayatomo Seto
Waterway (the Kanmon Passage between a line to the west of the
Kanmon Bridge and a line at 130° from the Hinoyamashita Tidal
Current Signal Station):

Hayatomo Seto Waterway
Hinoyamashita
Tidal Current
Signal Station

N33-58-06 E130-57-41

13
0°

1 Neither vessel is an oil tanker

Each vessels of 10,000 G/T or more

Hayatomo
Seto
Waterway

2 Both vessels are oil tankers

Kanm

Both vessels of 3,000 G/T or more.

on

Br

idg

e

3 Oil tanker and non-oil tanker

Non-oil tanker of 10,000 G/T or more and oil tanker of 3,000 G/T or more.

8.2 Tidal Characteristics in the Hayatomo Seto Waterway
As shown below, the effects on the Shimonoseki side in the Hayatomo Seto Waterway are considerable duringstrong tidal flows, and it is generally considered that vessels are easily set off towards Shimonoseki by the tide. On
the other hand, the flow becomes very complex depending on the weather conditions, and the affected areas cannot
be predicted. It is therefore necessary to check the signboards at the tidal stations (at Hesaki, Daibahana), maintainsufficient distance between vessels, and avoid the need for overtaking in the Hayatomo Seto Waterway.

Strongest Current Area
te

rly

s
Ea

cu

About 1200m

rly

cu

rr
en

t

Shimonoseki

t

n
rre

W

es

te

Moji Saki

About 2000m-12-

Examples of the tidal flow chart at Hayatomo Seto
Shimonoseki

Shimonoseki
Dannoura

Dannoura

Moji Saki

Moji SakiAt 9 knots easterly flow

At 9 knots westerly flow

Easterly flow(favourable current) ⇒ Ships can be set off towards the centre of thepassage in the eastern area of Moji Saki
Set off towards the centreof the passage in theeastern area of Moji Saki

Shimonoseki

DannouraE
flo astw erly

Moji Saki

Offshore
setStrong tidal current forces
the starboard bow andcaution is required whenturning to starboard!
Dannoura
Low speed vessels areaffected more strongly

ShimonosekiEflo astw erly

Moji Saki
In order to avoid such influence,
vessels tend to take centre courseof the passage.
Other vessels should use caution.

1 Tidal flow influence: Regardless of a vessel's course or type, the effect will bestronger at low speed.

2 Pattern: When a vessel goes through this area close to Moji Saki at low speed,

it can easily lose its course and uncontrollably be set towards the centre of thepassage in which tidal streams are the strongest.
-13-

Westerly flow(adverse current) ⇒ Ships can be set off set towards the centre of
the passage in the eastern area of Moji Saki
East bound vessel set tothe centre of the passage
at Moji Saki

y

rl
ste
We w
flo

Shimonoseki

Dannoura
Offshoreset
Moji Saki

Tidal flow on the starboard
bow makes it difficult for thevessel to turn to starboard

Shimonoseki

Dannoura

y

rl
ste
We w
flo

Low speed vessels areaffected more strongly

Moji Saki
Ships can be set off towards
the Hayatomo Seto where
the current is strongest.
Other vessels should use
caution.

1 Tidal flow influence: Low speed vessels passing close to Moji Saki will feelgreater offshore current influence.

2 Pattern: When a vessel goes through this area close to Moji Saki at low speed,

she can be set off towards the centre of the passage where the current isstrongest.

-14-8.3 Control Signals in the Hayatomo Seto Waterway
Electronic signboards in the Hayatomo Seto Waterway display signals for vessels of 10,000 G/T ( 3,000 G/T
in the case of oil tankers) or more (hereafter referred to as ‘large vessels’ ) between a point 3 nautical miles
before entry to the Hayatomo Seto Waterway to the point of leaving the area. When H and T are flashedalternately at the Hayatomo signal station, large vessels may reduce speed to avoid head-on situations in the
Hayatomo Seto Waterway. Maneuverability of large vessels is much reduced at low-speed, and cooperation of
all vessels underway in this area is required for safe navigation.

TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS IN HAYATOMO SETO WATERWAY
SignalMeaning

Blinking H

Flashing of letter “H”

HESAKIAs there is an eastboundvessel of 10,000 GT (Oiltanker of 3,000 GT) or
more, westbound vessels
should navigate withcaution.

Blinking T

As there is a westboundvessel of 10,000 GT (Oiltanker of 3,000 GT) or
more, eastbound vessels
should navigate withcaution.

Flashing of letter “T”
TAKENOKO

Alternately Blinking T&H

Flashing of letter “H” nad “T” alternately
TAKENOKOHESAKI-15-

As there are both an
eastbound vessel and awestbound vessel of
10,000 GT (Oil tanker of
3,000 GT) or more,
westbound vessels andeastbound vessels should
navigate with caution.

8.4 Temporary Berths in the Vicinity of Mutsure Shima Island
The following temporary berths are available in thevicinity of Mutsure Shima Island for vessels having a
draft of 10m or more, or of 30,000 G/T or more, while
awaiting the tide or a pilot before entering or transiting
Kanmon Port.
(1) Between sunrise and sunset
The area north of a line extending to a point 2,900m
at 90° from Koshikiiwa (latitude 33° 59’ 17” , longitude
130° 50’ 7” ), and a line at 44° from the same point.
(2) Between sunset and sunrise(In case of continuing anchoring after sunset)
The area west of a line at 0° from the Mutsure Shimalighthouse and north of a line extending for 2,600m
from 0° to 310° from the same point.

0°

Recommended
temporary nachorage
area at night for vesselsof deep draft over 10m
or greater than
30,000GT

310°

N

Recommended
temporary nachorage
area at day for vesselsof deep draft over 10m
or greater than
30,000GT

44°

KanmonNo.1 buoy

About 2,600m at 0 degree from
Mutsure-shima Light house

About 2,900m at 90 degrees
from Koshiki Iwa
Matsu Se North

Koshiki Iwa
Aino Shima

Mutsure-shima
Lighthouse
Uma Shima

8.5 Prevention of Accidents in the Vicinity of Daibahana in Kanmon Port
(1) Vessels entering Kanmon Passage from No.2 Kanmon Passage, or vice versa, are required to take appropriate
measures (e.g. reducing speed) ahead of time to ensure that vessels in the Kanmon Passage can be avoided.
(2) Overtaking is prohibited in the vicinity of Daibahana, particularly in the area between the Kanmon Passage
light buoys No.7 and No.10 .
(3) Vessels approaching the vicinity of Daibahana are required to obtain prior information from Kanmon Vessel
Traffic Service Center on vessels underway in the passage, and to take particular care not to meet special
vessels. If this cannot be avoided, information is to be obtained from Kanmon Vessel Traffic Service Center, andmovement undertaken only after movement of special vessels has been determined.

Kan

mon

Uma-shima

Kanmon Passage
No.8 light buoy
Passe

ge

m
an
Ke
.2 ag
N oa s sP

Anse

Kanmon Passage
No.7 light buoy

SHIMONOSEKI SITY

DaibahanaKanmon Passage
No.9 light buoyon

Area in vivinityof Daibahana

sag

Pas

Mutsure-shimae(4) Special vessels are required to provide Kanmon Vessel Traffic Service Center with information on their
movement, to maintain close communication, and to pay due attention to movement of other vessels.
Additionally, sufficient attention is required with measures such as dispatch of patrol boats etc. Special vessels
are large vessels with a draft such that they are unable to move temporarily to starboard in the passage due towater depth, and tugboats with reduced maneuverability and a total combined length of tug and tow in excess of
200m.

Kanmon Passage
No.10 light buoy
su Pa

ssege

HIKO SHIMA

eag
e

amat

To

ba

ta

Pa

ss

Wak

KITAKYUSHU CITY

Kanmon Passage
No.14 light buoy-16-

9. Navigation Control in Wakamatsu District
9.1 Wakamatsu Waterway and Okudoukai Passage
Navigation control employs time zones for entry and exit.
The method of control is as shown in ‘Operation of Control Signals in Wakamatsu Waterway and Okudoukai
Passage’ below. Navigation control employs time zones for entry and exit. The standard morning switchover
time differs by 30 minutes between summer (April 1st – September 30th) and winter (October 1st – March 31st).
Since the standard time may be brought forward by up to 30 minutes as necessary depending on entry and exit
conditions, care is required.

9.2 Advance Reporting
Vessels of 300 G/T or more transiting the Wakamatsu Waterway (to the west of Wakamatsu Passage on a line
extending from 1,335m at 184° 30’ from the Wakamatsu Port entrance signal station to 349° ), or the Okudoukai
Passage, are required to submit an advance report to the Wakamatsu Port Traffic Control Office.

9.3 Report Details* The estimated time of arrival at which the vessel will enter the Wakamatsu Waterway.
* The estimated time of commencing operations for the vessel to transit and exit the Wakamatsu Waterway or
Okudoukai Passage, or to move in Wakamatsu.

9.4 Timing of Report Release* Please report the anticipated entry date or start date before noon on the previous day.
* Please report the new time immediately if the reported time changes.

9.5 Destination for Reports
Wakamatsu Port Traffic Control Office: Tel 093 871 2482, Fax 093 881 6094
VHF call sign: ‘Wakamatsu Port Security’Electronic submission: http://www.naccs.jp/aboutnaccs/reference.html* Submission to Sea-NACCS Centre requires an ID and password.

9.6 Cautions* Please notify the Wakamatsu Port Traffic Control Office when entering Wakamatsu Waterway, andimmediately prior to commencing operations.
* Vessels are required to monitor international VHF channel 16 at all times while underway or at anchor.

Operation of Control Signals
Wakamatsu waterway and Okudoukai passage(4/1~9/30）
00 00

01 30

04 00

Summer
05 30

07 30

11 00

13 00

15 00

16 30

18 30

20 00

2130

24 00

IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT(10/1~3/31）
00 00

01 30

04 00

Winter
05 30

08 00

11 00

13 00

15 00

16 30

18 30

20 00

2130

24 00

IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT IN OUT
Depending on circumstances, both in summer and winter time signals can beswitched earlier than the regular times . (Possibly MAX 30min in advane)-17-10. References for Kanmon Strait Navigation
Japanese
EnglishChineseKoreanhttp://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/07kanku/moji/link%20menu/anzen/koukouzu1.pdf
http://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/07kanku/moji/link%20menu/anzen/koukouzu1-eng.pdf
http://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/07kanku/moji/link%20menu/anzen/koukouzu1-chn.pdf
http://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/07kanku/moji/link%20menu/anzen/koukouzu1-kor.pdf

Bibliography
The following sources were employed in preparation of this document.
(1) Kanmon Kaikyo Marine Guide, 2012. 7th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters(2) “Kanmon MARTIS” User Manual, Kanmon MARTIS
http://www6.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/kanmon/user_guide/ja.pdf(3) New Rules for Maritime Traffic Safety, Japan Coast Guard, 2011
(4) Recommendation of the Road in Tokyo Bay and Other Bays and Straits in Japanese
Waters, 30th Revised Edition, Japan Coast Guard, October 2010(5) Seto Inland Sea Waterway Pilot-18-