Navigation Rules
Boat Operators
Rules to be observed
Prohibition of operation under the influence ofalcohol or operation while intoxicatedProhibition of dangerous operation

Navigation Restriction by the Public Safety
Commission
Permission for Use of Waterways
Marina Operators
Miscellaneous Provisions
This is a digest of the Tokyo Metropolitan Ordinance on Water Safety
Community Police Affairs Administration Division
Community Police Affairs Bureau
Metropolitan Police Department

Navigation Rules
Navigating on the right
A vessel navigating on a waterway shall keep to the outer limit of the waterway which lies on herright side (except in unavoidable circumstances).
Restriction of anchoring
A vessel on a waterway shall not anchor or moor so as to impede the passage of any other vessel
without reason.
Navigating near the tip of a structure or an anchored vessel
A vessel on a waterway shall, when having the tip of a structure or an anchored vessel on her
starboard side, keep as near to them as practicable and, when having the tip of the structure oranchored vessel on her port side, keep as far from them as practicable.
LightsA vessel navigating on a waterway shall exhibit an electric
torch or lighted lantern showing a white light where it can best
be seen from sunset to sunrise or in restricted visibility (except
when displaying statutory lights).

Wearing lifejackets
Any person shall endeavor to wear a lifejacket when on a vesselon the water that does not require inspection.

When on a vessel not
requiring inspection
Wear alifejacket

Boat Operators
Rules to be observed

A boat shall not be navigated so as to create wake or wash that
could cause a nuisance to persons on other vessels without
reason.

A boat operator shall, when passing along the waterfront, makeevery effort not to disturb nearby residents, etc. and navigate aboat at a speed and in manner found necessary for maintaining
quietness (except in unavoidable circumstances).

A boat navigating in waters where construction, works, etc.
are in progress or near moored vessels shall slow down andproceed in safe manner.

(The images are for illustrative purposes only.)Prohibition of operation under the influence of alcohol oroperation while intoxicatedProhibition of operation under the influence ofalcohol

Operation Under the Influence of Alcohol

No person on the water shall operate a boat
under the influence of alcohol.
Offense of operation under theinfluence of alcohol

Fine not exceeding 300,000 yen

Prohibition of operation while intoxicatedOperation while intoxicated - This refers to when a person operates a boat while intoxicatedto such an extent that the ability of the person to have proper control of the boat may beimpaired.
Offense of operation while intoxicatedImprisonment with work not exceeding 3 months orfine not exceeding 500,000 yen

Measures by police officers

If a police officer finds it likely that a person on board or about to get on board will operatea boat under the influence of alcohol, the police officer may test that person’s breath alcohol
content.
Refusal or obstruction of test

Fine not exceeding 200,000 yen

Prohibition of dangerous operation
Offense of dangerous operation

Imprisonment with work not exceeding 3 months orfine not exceeding 500,000 yen

No vessel shall cross the path of the other vessel
without keeping a safe distance off that vessel.

No vessel shall navigate erratically or turn aroundunexpectedly without keeping a safe distance offother vessels.

No vessel shall approach the other vessel so as toinvolve risk of collision.

(The images are for illustrative purposes only.)Navigation Restriction by the Public Safety Commission
The Public Safety Commission may, when deemed it necessary for the purposes of theOrdinance, restrict or prohibit the navigation of a vessel on water by installing andmaintaining navigation signs.
When restricting or prohibiting vessel navigation, the Public Safety Commission notifies of:□ Designated water areas□ Specified classes of vessel□ Details of the restriction or prohibition of navigation□ Period of the restriction or prohibition of navigation□ Reason of the restriction or prohibition of navigation
Violation of restriction or prohibitionof navigation

Imprisonment with work not exceeding 3 months orfine not exceeding 300,000 yen

Navigation signs
船舶航行禁止東京都公安委員会

東京都公安委員会

東京都公安委員会

No vessels

No motorizedcraft

東京都公安委員会

No personal
water craft

東京都公安委員会

東京都公安委員会

東京都公安委員会

No proceedingabreastNo turning

No overtaking

No vessels(buoys). No person shall move navigation signs installed by the Public Safety Commission or perform conduct that impairs the utility
thereof.
Offense of moving navigation signs

Imprisonment with work not exceeding 3 months orfine not exceeding 300,000 yen

Permission for Use of Waterways
The following activities on waterways require permission from the chief of the police station
having jurisdiction over the waterways where the activities take place:□ Construction or works□ Fireworks shows□ Activities as specified by the Rulesof the Public Safety Commission
Unauthorized use of waterways

・ Festivals, ceremonies, competitions, water parades and any other similar events
・ Advertisement or promotion where a vessel makes way through the water while
attracting significant attention with its decoration, etc., or playing sounds.
・ Filming on location, photography and any other similar activities
・ Exercises related to firefighting, flood prevention, evacuation, rescue and others
Imprisonment with work not exceeding 3 months orfine not exceeding 300,000 yen

Marina Operators
Commencement, change or closure of marina operations shall be reported to the Public Safety
Commission.
Supervisory actions over marina operators are specified, including the Public Safety Commission’s
instructions and requests for report, and a police on-site inspection.
Unauthorized business, violation ofinstructions or refusal of inspection

Fine not exceeding 200,000 yen

Miscellaneous Provisions
In the event of an accident on the water,□ the operator and any other crew members of a vessel involved shall aid any injured person
immediately and take the necessary measures including preventing dangers on the water.
Violation of obligation to aid

Imprisonment with work not exceeding 3 months orfine not exceeding 500,000 yen

In such a case,□ the operator of the vessel shall notify without delay a police officer of an outline of the accident andmeasures taken.
Violation of obligation to reportFine not exceeding 200,000 yen