Japan Coast Guard Law

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Japan Coast Guard Laws And Regulations


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I. Maritime Traffic Laws and Regulations

1. Law for Preventing Collisions at Sea (Extracts)

(Law No. 62 of 1977, as ammended through Law No. 30 of

Apr. 1995)

(Definitions)

Article 3.

4. The term "vessel engaged in fishing" in this Law means any vessel (except a vessel which falls

under "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver") fishing with nets, lines or other fishing

apparatus which restrict maneuverability.

10. The word "length" in this Law means length overall of a vessel.

(Narrow Channels, etc.)

Article 9.

A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway (herefter referred to as

"narrow channel, etc.") shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel, etc. which lies on her

starboard side as is safe and practicable. However, this shall not apply to the cases where the

Paragraph 2 of Article 10 is applicable.

2. A power-driven vessel underway (except a vessel engaged in fishing; the same in the Paragraph

6 of Article 10 and the Paragraph 1 of Article 18) shall keep out of the way of a sailing vessel in a

narrow channel, etc. Howerer, this does not mean that the sailing vessel may impede the passage

of a power-driven vessel which can navigate only within the narrow channel, etc..

3. A vessel underway (except a vessel engaged in fishing; the same in the Paragraph 7 of Article

10) shall keep out of the way of a vessel engaged in fishing in a narrow channel, etc. However,

this does not mean that the vessel engaged in fishing may impede the passage of any other vessel

navigating within the narrow channel, etc..

4. In a narrow channel, etc., when overtaking can take place only if the vessel to be overtaken has


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to take action to permit safe passing, the overtaking vessel under the Paragraph 2 or 3 of Article 13

shall indicate her intention of overtaking by sounding the appropriate signal on the whistle. In this

case, the vessel to be overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound the appropriate signal on the whistle

to indicate the agreement and take steps to permit safe passing of the overtaking vessel.

(Sailing Vessels)

Article 12.

When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to involve risk of collision, one of

them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows: However, this shall not apply to the cases

where the Paragraph 3 of Article 9, the Paragraph 7 of Article 10 or the Paragraph 2 or 3 of Article

18 is applicable.

(1) when each has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall

keep out of the way of the other;

(2) when both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the

way of the vessel which is to leeward;

(3) if a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with

certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or on the starboard side, she shall keep

out of the way of the other.

(Overtaking)

Article 13.

Notwithstanding other provisions of this Law, any vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of

the way of the vessel being overtaken until she is finally past and clear.

2. A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a direction

more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam (at night, in such a position that she would be able to see

neither of the sidelights under the Paragraph 2 of Article 21 of the vessel).

3. When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether she is overtaking another, she shall assume that she

is overtaking.


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(Head-on Situation)

Article 14.

When two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to

involve risk of collision, each shall alter her course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port

side of the other. However, this shall not apply to the cases where the Paragraph 3 of Article 9, the

Paragraph 7 of Article 10 or the Paragraph 1 or the Paragraph 3 of Article 18 shall be applicable.

2. Such a situation as provided in the preceding Paragraph shall be deemed to exist when a

power-driven vessel sees the other power-driven vessel ahead or nearly ahead and by night she

could see the two masthead lights under the item (1) of Paragraph 1 of Article 23 of the other in a

line or nearly in a line or both sidelights under the item (2) of the same Paragraph and by day she

observes the corresponding aspect of the other vessel.

3. When a power-driven vessel is in any doubt as to whether such a situation as provided in the

Paragraph 1 exists, she shall assume that it does exist.

(Crossing Situation)

Article 15.

When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which

has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of

the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.

2. The proviso of the Paragraph 1 of the preceding Article shall mutatis mutandis apply to the

cases where two power-driven vessels under preceding Paragraph are crossing.

(Responsibilities between Vessels)

Article 18.

Except where the Paragraph 2 and the Paragraph 3 of Article 9, and the Paragraph 6 and the

Paragraph 7 of Article 10 otherwise require, a power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the

way of the following vessels:

(1) a vessel not under command;

(2) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;


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(3) a vessel engaged in fishing;

(4) a sailing vessel.

2. Except where the Paragraph 3 of Article 9 and the Paragraph 7 of Article 10 otherwise require, a

sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of the following vessels:


(2) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;

(3) a vessel engaged in fishing;

3. A vessel engaged in fishing when underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of the way of the

following vessels:


(2) a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.

(Sailing Vessels Underway, etc.)

Article 25.

2. A sailing vessel of less than 7 meters in length when underway shall, if practicable, exhibit

sidelights and in addition exhibit a stern-light as nearly as practicable at the stern, but if she does

not exhibit these lights or the three-color lantern under the following Paragraph, she shall have

ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in

sufficient time to prevent collision.

3. A sailing vessel of less than 20 meters in length when underway may exhibit, instead of

sidelights and a stern light, a three-color lantern (a light consists of red, green and white sectors,

whose red and green sectors have the same characteristics as those of the sidelights and white

sector has the same chatracteristics as those of the stern-light, to be placed over the center line of

the vessel) at or near the top of the mast where it can best be seen.

5. A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights for the sailing vessels under each of the preceding

paragraphs, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern

showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collisions.

(Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Their Ability to


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Maneuver)

Article 27.

A vessel not under command (except the vessels to which the Paragraph 4 or the Paragraph 7 of

Article 24 are applicable; hereafter the same in this Paragraph) shall exhibit lights or shapes in

accordance with the following; however, a vessel not under command of less than 12 meters in

lengh when underway needs not exhibit the lights and shapes:

(1) two all-round red lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen;

(2) when making way through the water; sidelights (for a vessel of less than 20 meters in length,

sidelights or a two-color light) and a sternlight as neraly as practicable at the stern;

(3) two balls or similar shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen.

(Definitions)

Article 32.

The word "whistle" in this Law means any sound signalling appliance capable of producing the

short blasts and prolonged blasts prescribed in this Law.

(Maneuvering and Warning Signals)

Article 34.

6. A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel, etc. where other vessels may be

obscured by an intervening obstruction shall sound one prolonged blast on her whistle. Such

signal shall be answered with a prolonged blast by any approaching vessel that may be within

hearing around the bend or behind the intervening obstruction.

(Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility)

Article 35.

In or near an area of restricted visibility, signals shall be used by vessels in accordance with the

following eleven paragraphs:

4. A sailing vessel, a vessel engaged in fishing, a vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in


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her ability to maneuver, a vessel constrained by her draft (except a vessel being towed by another

power-driven vessel) and a power-driven vessel engaged in towing or pushing another vessel shall,

when underway, sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes one prolonged blast followed by

two short blasts.

(Exceptions to the Provisions of this Law)

Article 41.

Steering and sailing rules to be observed concerning the prevention of collisions between vessels,

exhibition of lights and shapes, signaling and other matters relating to vessel operations which are

provided for by the Port Regulations Law (Law No. 174 of 1948) or the Maritime Traffic Safety

Law (Law No. 115 of 1972) shall conform to the provisions of the Laws.

2. Steering and sailing rules to be observed concerning the prevention of collisions of seaplanes,

exhibition of lights and shapes, signalling and other matters relating to operations in the waters

fixed by the Cabinet Order may be subject to exceptional rules to be provided by the Cabinet

Order.

3. The station or signal lights, shapes or whistle signals under (c) of Rule 1 of the International

Regulations; or the number, position, range or arc of visibility of lights or shapes, or the

disposition and characteristics of sound - signalling appliances under (e) of the Rule (referred to as

"special matters" in the following Paragraph) may be subject to exceptional rules provided by the

Ministry of LIT Ordinance.

4. In a case where a foreign state which is a contracting party to the Convention has made special

rules on special matters and a vessel of the foreign nationality under (c) or (e) of Rule 1 of the

International Regulations conforms to the special rules, the provisions of this Law or orders under

this Law corresponding to the special rules shall not apply to the vessel.

2. Maritime Traffic Safety Law

(1) Maritime Traffic Safety Law (Law No. 115 of 1972 as amended

through Law No. 90 of 1995)

Chapter I. General Provisions


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(Purpose of The Law and Applicable Sea Areas)

Article 1.

The purpose of this Law is to ensure the safety of ships' traffic by prescribing special modes of

navigation and by effecting control for preventing danger to ships' traffic in the traffic congested

areas.

2. This Law shall apply to the sea areas of Tokyo Wan, Ise Wan (Including the sea areas adjacent

to the mouth of Ise Wan and those portions of Mikawa Wan which are adjacent to Ise Wan) and

Seto Naikai, except such areas as are listed below, and the boundaries between these sea areas and

other sea areas (excluding the areas listed below) shall be fixed by the Cabinet Order.

(1) Port areas under the Port Regulations Law (Law No. 174 of 1948);

(2) Port and harbor areas prescribed in Article 2 Paragraph 3 of the Port and Harbor Law (Law No.

218 of 1950) which are other than those under the Port Regulations Law;

(3) Sea areas within fishing ports designated by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

under Article 5 Paragraph 1 of the Fishing Port Law (Law No. 137 of 1950);

(4) Sea areas along the coast, specified by the Cabinet Order as areas not normally navigated by

vessels other than fishing vessels.

(Definitions)

Article 2.

The term "traffic route" as used in this Law shall mean the sea area specified by the Cabinet Order

as a route to be used by vessels in the sea areas listed in the annexed table, and the names of the

traffic routes are as shown in the same table.

2. For the purpose of this Law, the terms in the following items shall have such meanings as are

defined in each item:

(1) The word "vessel" shall mean any water craft used as a means of transportation on water;

(2) The term "huge vessel" shall mean any vessel of two hundred meters or more in length;

(3) The term "vessel engaged in fishing or other operations" shall mean any vessel specified in each

of the following sub-items:

a. A vessel engaged in fishing;


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b. A vessel which is specified by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance as that not in a position to keep out

of the way of an approaching vessel with ease because it is engaged in construction or similar

operations and which carries the lights or markings required by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance.

3. The meanings of the terms "vessel engaged in fishing", "length" and "whistle" as used in this

Law shall be those of the same terms provided for in Article 3 Paragraph 4 and Paragraph 10 and

Article 32 Paragraph 1 of the Law for Preventing Collisions at Sea (Law No. 62 of 1977).

Chapter II. Modes of Navigation

Section 1. General Steering and Sailing Rules in Traffic Routes

(Keeping Out of The Way of Other vessels, etc.)

Article 3.

Any vessel (other than a vessel engaged in fishing or other operations) intending to enter a traffic

route from outside of the traffic route or go outside from the traffic route, or cross the traffic route,

or any vessel (other than a vessel engaged in fishing or other operations) navigating the traffic

route not along the course of such route, so as to involve risk of collision with another vessel

which is navigating the traffic route along the course of such route, shall keep out of the way of

the other vessel. In such case, the provisions of Article 9 Paragraph 2, Article 12 Paragraph 1,

Article 13 Paragraph 1, Article 14 Paragraph 1, the first portion of Article 15 Paragraph 1 and

Article 18 Paragraph 1 (only such cases as related to item (4)) of the Law for Preventing

Collisions at Sea shall not apply to the other vessel.

2. Any vessel engaged in fishing or other operations, intending to enter a traffic route from outside

of the traffic route, or go outside from the traffic route or cross the traffic route or navigating the

traffic route not along the course of such route or any vessel staying in the traffic route, so as to

involve risk of collision with a huge vessel navigating the traffic route along the course of the

route, shall keep out of the way of such huge vessel. In such case, Article 9 Paragraph 2 and

Paragraph 3, Article 13 Paragraph 1, Article 14 Paragraph 1, the first portion of Article 15

Paragraph 1 and Article 18 Paragraph 1 (only such cases as related to item (3) and item (4)) of the

Law for Preventing Collisions at Sea shall not apply to the huge vessel.


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3. For the application of the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, vessels described in each

of the following items shall not be deemed as navigating the traffic route along the course of such

route:

(1) Vessels which are navigating the traffic route along the course of such route but not in conformity

with the modes of navigation prescribed in Article 11, Article 13, Article 15, Article 16, Article 18

(excluding Paragraph 4) or Article 20 Paragraph 1 of this Law;

(2) Vessels which are navigating the traffic route along the course of such route but not in conformity

with the modes of navigation which are different from those specified in the preceding item (1) if

such different modes have been provided for under Article 26 Paragraph 2 or Paragraph 3 of this

Law.

(Obligation to Navigate Traffic Routes)

Article 4.

When a vessel whose length is that prescribed by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance or more, intends

to navigate between the two points in the vicinity of a traffic route, which are defined in the

Ministry of LIT Ordinance, the vessel shall navigate the traffic route along the course of the route

or navigate the section of such traffic route along the course of the route, in accordance with the

provisions of the Ministry of LIT Ordinance: Provided that this shall not apply to the case where

there are unavoidable reasons for the prevention of marine accident or the rescue of human life or

other vessels.

(Restrictions on the Speed of a Vessel)Article 5.

Within the sections of traffic routes, prescribed by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance, a vessel shall

not navigate at a speed exceeding that specified by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance for each of such

sections concerned, except when the vessel crosses the traffic route: Provided that this shall not

apply to the case where there are unavoidable reasons for the prevention of marine accident or the

rescue of human life or other vessels.


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(Signalling in the Case of Overtaking Any Other Vessel)

Article 6.

An overtaking vessel (which falls under Article 13 Paragraph 2 or Paragraph 3 of the Law for

Preventing Collisions at Sea) equipped with a whistle, shall, when intending to overtake any other

vessel in a traffic route, give the signal as specified by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance: Provided

that this shall not apply to the case where the overtaking vessel gives the whistle signal under the

first portion of Article 9 Paragraph 4 of the Law.

(Indication of Destination)

Article 7.

Vessels (other than those not equipped with a whistle and those prescribed by the Ministry of LIT

Ordinance) which intend to enter a traffic route from outside of the traffic route or go outside from

the traffic route, or cross such traffic route, shall indicate their destination by giving the signal as

specified in the Ministry of LIT Ordinance.

(Modes of Crossing Traffic Routes)

Article 8.

Any vessel intending to cross a traffic route shall cross the route promptly at angles as close as

possible to the right angles with the traffic route.

2. The provisions of the preceding paragraph shall not apply to the case where the vessel

navigating the traffic route along the course of such route comes to cross another traffic route that

intersects the former route.

(Restrictions on Entering or Leaving or Crossing the Traffic Route)

Article 9.

Within the sections of traffic routes, specified in the Ministry of LIT Ordinance, no vessel is

allowed to enter the traffic route from outside of such route or go outside from or cross the traffic

route as specifically provided for in the Ministry of LIT Ordinance for each of such sections:


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Provided that this shall not apply to the case where there are unavoidable reasons for the

prevention of marine accident or the rescue of human life or other vessels.

(Prohibition of Anchorage)

Article 10.

Within the traffic routes, no vessel is allowed to anchor (the words "to anchor" shall include any

moorage to the vessel lying at anchor; hereafter the same): Provided that this shall not apply to the

case where there are unavoidable reasons for the prevention of marine accident or the rescue of

human life or other vessels.

Chapter III Prevention of Danger

(Construction Works, etc. in Traffic Routes and Adjacent Sea Areas

Thereof)

Article 30.

Any person coming under any of the items enumerated below shall obtain permission of the

Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard for the works referred to in each of the items: Provided

that this shall not apply to ordinary maintenance work, minor work or other works prescribed in

the Ministry of LIT Ordinance.

(1) A person who intends to carry out construction or similar operations in the traffic routes or

adjacent sea areas thereof specified in the Cabinet Order;

(2) A person who intends to set up structures (including alteration of size, shape or location of the

existing structures; hereafter the same) in the sea areas referred to in the preceding item (excluding

such sea areas as duplicated with the port and harbor areas prescribed in the Port and Harbor

Law).

2. The Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard shall grant the permission of the preceding

paragraph when an application is made for the permission and when the works involved in the

application comes under any of the following items:

(1) The works for which the application has been made are not deemed to involve risk of constituting

an obstacle to ships' traffic;


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(2) The works for which the application has been made are deemed to eliminate the risk of

constituting an obstacle to ships' traffic if the works are carried out in conformity with the

conditions attached to the permission;

(3) The works for which the application has been made are deemed to be such as are carried out

unavoidably for public benefit such as relief of disaster, and for just a temporary period of time.

3. The Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard may, when he deems it necessary in granting

permission under Paragraph 1 of this Article, fix the effective period of time of the permission

(this shall apply only to provisional or temporary structures, with respect to the works mentioned

in item (2) of the same paragraph), and may attach to the permission such conditions as are

necessary for preventing obstacles to ships' traffic excluding a case under the item (1) of the

preceding paragraph.

4. The Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard may, when particular need has arisen for preventing

or removing obstacles to ships' traffic, change the conditions attached under the preceding

paragraph or attach additional conditions.

5. The Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard may revoke the permission or suspend the validity

of the permission, when the person who has obtained the permission under Paragraph 1 of this

Article has violated the conditions mentioned in the preceding two paragraphs or when there has

arisen particular need for preventing or removing obstacles to ships' traffic.

6. Any person who has obtained permission under Paragraph 1 of this Article shall, when the

effective period of permission has expired or when the permission has been revoked under

Paragraph 5, immediately remove the strucrure or take other steps to restore to the original state.

7. In case a Government agency or a local public body (including the Port Authority prescribed

under the Port and Harbor Law: hereafter the same) intends to take steps referred to in each of the

items of Paragraph 1 (excluding steps mentioned in the proviso of the paragraph), the permission

under Paragraph 1 shall be deemed to be granted when agreement is reached between the

Government agency or local public body and the Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard.

8. With respect to the steps mentioned in Paragraph 1 item (1), when the steps are to be taken in

the vicinity of the harbor limits specified in the Port Regulations Law, permission under Paragraph

1 of this Article is not required if permission under the provision of Article 31 Paragraph 1 of the

Port Regulations Law(including cases where the same provisions shall mutatis mutandis apply


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under Article 37-3 of the same Law) has already been obtained; and permission under Article 31

Paragraph 1 of the same Law(including cases where the same provision shall mutatis mutandis

apply under Article 37-3 of the same Law) is not necessary if permission under Paragraph 1 of this

Article has already been obtained.

(Construction Works, etc. in Sea Areas Other Than Traffic Routes and

Their Adjacent Sea Areas)

Article 31.

Any preson coming under any of the items enumerated below shall report in advance to the

Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard to the effect that the works mentioned in each of the items

will be conducted: Provided that this shall not apply to ordinary maintenance work, minor work or

other works prescribed in the Ministry of LIT Ordinance.

(1) Any person who intends to conduct construction or similar operations in the sea areas other than

the areas mentioned in Paragraph 1 item (1) of the preceding Article ;

(2) Any person who intends to set up a structure in the sea areas mentioned in the preceding item

(excluding such sea areas as duplicated with the port and harbor areas prescribed in the Port and

Harbor Law).

2. The Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard may, when the operations on which report has been

made under the preceding paragraph come under any one of the following items, prohibit the

person who has made the report from conducting the operations or impose restrictions on the

operations or may direct him to take necessary steps, within the limit necessary for prevention of

danger to ships' traffic, for the period within thirty days reckoning from the day when the

aforesaid report was made:

(1) The operations on which the report has been made are considered likely to cause danger to ships'

traffic;

(2) If the operations on which the report has been made are those for setting up a mooring facility, the

ships' traffic relating to the mooring facility is considered likely to cause danger to other ships'

traffic.

3. The Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard may, when the report of Paragraph 1 has been made


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and when there is need for conducting an on-the-spot investigation, or when there are justifiable

reasons for his having been unable to take the steps mentioned in the preceding paragraph within

the period fixed in the paragraph, postpone the period so long as the reason exists. In this case, the

person who has made report under Paragraph 1 within the period shall be notified of the

postponement of the period with the reasons therefor.

4. A Government agency or local public body shall, when it intends to take the steps mentioned in

each of the items of Paragraph 1 (excluding the steps referred to in the proviso of the paragraph),

notify the Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard to that effect, following the same procedure as

shall be taken when the report is made under the paragraph.

5. The Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard may, when the notification under the preceding

paragraph has been made and when the operations of which the notification has been made fall

under any one of the items of Paragraph 2, request the Government agency or local public body to

take steps necessary to prevent danger to ships' traffic. In this case, the Government agency or

local public body shall consult with the Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard as to the steps to

be taken.

6. With respect to the operations mentioned in Paragraph 1 item (1) of this Article which are

conducted in the vicinity of the harbor limits under the Port Regulations Law, it is not required to

make report prescribed in Paragraph 1 when permission under Article 31 Paragraph 1 of the same

Law (including cases where the same provisions shall be applicable mutatis mutandis under

Article 37-3 of the same Law) has been obtained.

(To Order Violators to Take Necessary Steps)

Article 32.

The Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard may order any person falling under any one of the

following items to suspend the works or operations involving the violation, remove, relocate or

repair the structure involving the violation, or take such steps as are ncessary to prevent or

eliminate obstacles to ships' traffic in connection with the works or operations involving the

violation or setting up the structure involving the violation (Any person coming under item (4)

may be ordered to take steps necessary to prevent danger to ships' traffic):


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(1) Any person who has performed the works in violation of the provisions of Article 30 Paragraph 1;

(2) Any person who has violated the conditions attached by the Commandant of the Japan Coast

Guard under Article 30 Paragraph 3 or the conditions altered or attached by the Commandant

under Paragraph 4 of the Article;

(3) Any person who has not taken steps to remove the sturcture or restore to the original state in

violation of Article 30 Paragraph 6;

(4) Any person who has performed the operations mentioned in each of the items of Paragraph 1 of

the preceding Article in violation of the provision of the same paragraph.

(Steps to be Taken upon Marine Accident)

Article 33.

Whenever there arises danger or thereatening danger to ships' traffic due to a marine accident, the

master of the vessel involved in the marine accident shall, as provided for in the Ministry of LIT

Ordinance and as promptly as possible, set up marking or take other emergency steps necessary to

prevent danger to ships' traffic and notify the Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard of the outline

of the accident and the steps that have been taken: Provided that this shall not apply to the case

where the provisions of Article 25 of the Port Regulations Law shall apply.

2. The master of the vessel under the preceding paragraph is not required to notify in accordance

with the paragraph of such matters as have been notified in accordance with the provisions of

Article 38 Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2 or Paragraph 5, Article 42-2 Paragraph 1 or Article 42-3

Paragraph 1 of the Law Relating to Prevention of Marine Pollution and Maritime Disaster (Law

No. 136 of 1970).

3. When the master has failed to take the steps under Paragraph 1 or when the Commandant of the

Japan Coast Guard deems that the steps taken by the master under the provisions of the paragraph

alone are not sufficient to prevent danger to ships' traffic, the Commandant of the Japan Coast

Guard may order the owner (or the ship's husband in the case of a vessel jointly owned, or the

charterer if the vessel is being bareboat-chartered) of the vessel which is constituting a cause of

danger to ships' traffic (or, if an object other than a vessel is constituting a cause of danger to

ships' traffic, then the vessel that has carried the object on board or the vessel that has towed or


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pushed the object) to remove such vessel or take steps (excluding the steps which may be ordered

to take under the provisions of Article 42-7 of the Law Relating to Prevention of Marine Pollution

and Maritime Disaster when the case comes under the provisions) necessary to prevent danger to

ships' traffic.

Chapter IV. Miscellaneous Provisions

(Charting of Traffic Routes, etc.)

Article 34.

Of the charts that are published by the Japan Coast Guard, those which are designated by the

Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard are to show the boundaries specified in the Cabinet Order

mentioned in Article 1 Paragraph 2, the traffic routes, the sections of traffic routes referred to in

Article 5 and Article 9, the central lines of Uraga Suido Traffic Route, Akashi Kaikyo Traffic

Route and Bisan Seto East Traffic Route, the tracks designated under Article 25 Paragraph 1 and

the sea areas of Article 28 Paragraph 1.

(Establishment of Aids to Navigation to Indicate Traffic Routes, etc.)

Article 35.

The Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard is, as provided for in the Ministry of LIT Ordinance,

to establish aids to navigation which shall serve as marks to indicate the traffic routes, the sections

of traffic routes mentioned in Article 5 and Article 9, the central lines of Uraga Suido Traffic

Route, Akashi Kaikyo Traffic Route and Bisan Seto East Traffic Route, and the tracks designated

under Article 25 Paragraph 1.

(Inviting Opinions of the Council)

Article 36.

The Minister of LIT shall invite the opinions of the Council provided for in The Cabinet Order on

important matters related to the enforcement of this Law and pay regard to the opinions.


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(Delegation of Authority)

Article 37.

Matters falling within the purview of the Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard in accordance

with the provisions of this Law may be performed by the Commander of each regional coast guard

headquarters as provided for in the Ministry of LIT Ordinance.

2. The Commander of a regional coast guard headquarters may, as provided for in the Ministry of

LIT Ordinance, cause the chief of a coast guard office or other office of the regional headquarters

to perform part of the matters delegated to him under the preceding paragraph.

(Exceptions of Administrative Procedure Law)

Article 37-2.

The provisions of Chapter III of Administrative Procedure Law (Law No. 88, 1993) shall not

apply to the direction under Article 14 Paragraph 3 (including cases where the same provisions

shall be applicable mutatis mutandis under Article 18 Paragraph 4).

(Entrusting of Necessary Procedures to Ministry of LIT Ordinance)

Article 38.

In addition to the matters prescribed in this Law, procedures and other matters necessary for the

enforcement of this Law shall be provided for in the Ministry of LIT Ordinance.

(Interim Measures)

Article 39.

In enacting, amending or abolishing the Cabinet Order or Ministry of LIT Ordinance under the

provisions of this Law, required interim measures (including the interim measures relating to the

penal provisions) may be fixed either by the Cabinet Order or Ministry of LIT Ordinance within

the limit considered reasonably required, with the enactment, amendment or abolishment of the

Cabinet Order or Ministry of LIT Ordinance.

Chapter V. Penal Provisions


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Article 40.

Any person coming under any one of the following items shall be punished with imprisonment at

forced labor for not exceeding three months or a fine not exceeding thirty thousand yen (\30,000):

(1) Any person who has committed an act which constitutes a violation of the provisions of Article

10;

(2) Any person who has committed an act which constitutes a violation of the direction or

restricrtions by the Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard under Article 14 Paragraph 3

(including cases where the same provisions shall be applicable mutatis mutandis under Article 18

Paragraph 4) or Article 26 Paragraph 1;

(3) Any person who has violated the instructions given by the Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard

under Article 23;

(4) Any person who has violated the provisions of Article 30 Paragraph 1;

(5) Any person who has violated the conditions attached by the Commandant of the Japan Coast

Guard under Article 30 Paragraph 3 or the conditions altered or attached by the Commandant

under Paragraph 4 of the Article;

(6) Any person who has violated the steps taken by the Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard under

Article 31 Paragraph 2, Article 32 or Article 33 Paragraph 3;

(7) Any person who has violated the provisions of Article 33 Paragraph 1.

Article 41.

Any person who has committed an act which constitutes a violation of the provisions of Article 4,

Article 5, Article 9, Article 11, Article 15, Article 16 or Article 18 Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2,

shall be punished with a fine not exceeding fifty thousand yen (\50,000).

Article 42.

Any person coming under any one of the following items shall be punished with a fine not

exceeding thirty thousand yen (\30,000):

(1) Any person who has committed an act which constitutes a violation of Article 7 or Article 27

Paragraph 1;

(2) Any person who has violated the provisions of Article 22;

(3) Any person who has violated the provisions Article 30 Paragraph 6 or Article 31 Paragraph 1.


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Article 43.

When the representative of a corporation or the proxy, employee or other worker of a corporation

or person has committed a violation of Article 40 Item (4) to Item (6) inclusive or Item (3) of the

preceding Article in connection with the business of the corporation or person, not only the person

who has committed the violation but also the corporation or person concerned shall be punished

with the fine prescribed in each of the articles involved.

Supplementary Provisions (Omitted)

Annexed Table

Names of Traffic

Routes

Sea Areas

Uraga Suido Traffic

Route

The sea area extending from the south of Naka-no-Se in Tokyo Wan to

the offing of Kurihama Wan

Naka-no-Se Traffic

Route

The Sea area lying on the eastern side of Naka-no-Se, Tokyo Wan

Irago Suido Traffic

Route

Irago Suido

Akashi Kaikyo Traffic

Route

Akashi Kaikyo

Bisan Seto East Traffic

Route

The Portion of Seto Naikai which extends form the offing of Jizo Saki of

Shodo Shima to the area between O-Yo Shima and Ko-Sei Shima

through the area between Te Shima and Ogi Shima

Uko East Traffic Route The portion of Seto Naikai which extends from the south of Kojin Shima

to the west of Naka Se

Uko West Traffic Route The portion of Seto Naikai which extends from the east of O-zuchi

Shima to the offing of Shinzai-no-Hana

Bisan Seto North

Traffic Route

The portion of Seto Naikai which extends from the area between O-Yo

Shima and Ko-Sei Shima to the area between Sanagi Shima and

Futaomote Shima and which lies on the northern side of Ushi Shima and


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Takami Shima

Bisan Seto South

Traffic Route

The portion of Seto Naikai which extends from the area between O-Yo

Shima and Ko-Sei Shima to the area between Futaomote Shima and Awa

Shima and which lies on the southern side of Ushi Shima and Takami

Shima

Mizusima Traffic Route The portion of Seto Naikai which extends from Mizushima Ko through

the west of Katsura Shima, east of Nozi Syoto and from Mizushima Ko

to the north of Shami Shima through the west of the area between Yo

Shima and Hon Shima

Kurushima Kaikyo

Traffic Route

The portion of Seto Naikai which extends from the area between OShima

and Imabari Ko to the south of Oge Shima through Kurushima Kaikyo

(2) Cabinet Order for the Enforcement of the Maritime Traffic Safety

Law (Cabinet Order No.5 of 1973 as amended through Cabinet Order

No.176 of 1984)

(Boundaries Between Sea Areas Where Maritime Traffic Safety Law is

Applicable and Other Sea Areas.)

Article 1.

Boundaries between the sea areas where the Maritime Traffic Safety Law (hereafter

referred to as "the Law") is applicable under Article 1 Paragraph 2 (these sea areas

will hereafter be referred to as "the applicable sea areas") and other sea areas

(excluding those mentioned in each item of the paragraph) shall be as shown in the

following table:

Areas Where

Applicable Sea

Areas Are Located

Boundaries Between Applicable Sea Areas and Other Sea Areas


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Tokyo Wan A line drawn from Su-no-Saki Lighthouse (3458'19"N,139

45'39"E) to Ken Saki Lighthouse (3508'17"N,13940'50"E)

Ise Wan A line drawn from O Yama Triangulation (3435'56"N,137

08'58"E) to Ijika Lighthouse (3426'29"N,13655'36"E), a

line drawn from Tatsuma Saki Lighthouse (3439'26"N,137

04'23"E) to the southern tip of Saku Shima, and a line drawn

thence to Hazu Misaki

Seto Naikai A line drawn from Kii Hino Misaki Lighthouse (3352'42"

N,13503'50"E) to Gamoda Misaki Lighthouse (33

49'50"N,13445'08"E) and a line drawn from Sada Misaki

Lighthouse (3320'24"N,13201'E) to Seki Saki Lighthouse

(3315'48"N, 13154'20"E)

(Sea Areas Which Are Not Normally Navigated by Vessels Other Than

Fishing Vessels)

Article 2.

The sea areas prescribed by the Cabinet Order under Article 1 Paragraph 2 item (4) of

the Law shall be the sea areas which are included in those sea areas as mentioned in

Annexed Table No.1 and which are other than those provided for in item (1) to item

(3) inclusive of the paragraph.

(Traffic Routes)

Article 3.

The sea areas specified in the Cabinet Order referred to in Article 2 Paragraph 1 of the

Law shall be the sea areas given in Annexed Table No.2.

(Vessels to be Engaged in Emergency Work)

Article 4.


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A vessel to be engaged in emergency work, as provided for in the Cabinet Order

referred to in Article 24 Paragraph 1 of the Law shall be a vessel designated by the

Commander of the Regional Coast Guard Headquarters who has jurisdiction over the

address of the person who is to employ the vessel in carrying out any of the work

enumerated below which requires urgent action, upon application submitted by the

person:

(1) Providing of assistance in the case of fire-fighting, marine rescue or other operations

requiring relief;

(2) Removal of obstacles to ships' traffic;

(3) Removal and prevention of marine pollution;

(4) Prevention or suppression of crimes;

(5) Investigation of crimes;

(6) Regulation of ships' traffic;

(7) Besides the work described in each of the preceding items, such other works as are

specifically acknowledged by the Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard as necessery

for maintaining public interests, such as protection of life and property, maintenance

of public peace and order.

(Lights and Markings to be Exhibited by Vessel when Performing

Emergency Work)

Article 5.

Any vessel designated by the Commander of the Regional Coast Guard Headquarters

as a vessel to be engaged in emergency work under the preceding Article, shall, when

navigating or anchoring in accordance with the provitions of Article 24 Paragraph 1

of the Law, exhibit, where it can best be seen from all directions, a red light at night

or a red marking in the daytime prescribed in the Ministry of LIT Ordinance.


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(Sea Areas Where Vessels Under Oars, etc. Shall Carry Prescribed

Lights)

Article 6.

The sea areas specified by the Cabinet Order referred to in Article 28 Paragraph 1 of

the Law shall be those areas in the applicable sea areas, which are not traffic route.

(Sea Areas Adjacent to Traffic Routes)

Article 7.

The sea areas prescribed by the Cabinet Order referred to in Article 30 Paragraph 1

item (1) of the Law shall be the sea areas lying not more than 200 meters outside the

side boundaries of a traffic route (in the case of Kurushima Kaikyo Traffic Route, the

sea area lying on the side of Uma Shima shall be included), and the sea areas given in

Annexed Table No.3.

(The Council provided for in the Cabinet Order)Article 8.

The Council provided for in the Cabinet Order under Article 36 of the Law shall be

the Maritime Safety and Seamen's Training.

Supplementary Provisions (Omitted)

Annexed Tables (Omitted)

(3) Regulations for the Enforcement of the Maritime Traffic Safety Law

(Ministry of Transport Ordinance No.9 of 1973 as amended through

Ministry of Transport Ordinance No.86 of 2000)

Chapter I. General Provisions

(Definitions)

Article 1.


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The terms used in this Ministerial Ordinance shall have the same meanings as those of

the same terms used in the Maritime Traffic Safety Law (Law No.115 of 1972;

heresafter referred to as "the Law").

2. The terms in the following items shall have such meanings as are defined in each of

the items for the purpose of this Ministerial Ordinance:

(1) "all-round light", "short blast" or "prolonged blast" shall mean "all-round light",

"short blast" or "prolonged blast" which are defined respectively in Article 21

Paragraph 6, Article 32 Paragraph 2 and Paragraph 3 of the Law for Preventing

Collisions at Sea (Law No.62 of 1977).

(2) "ammunition", "high pressure gas", "inflammable liquid" or "organic peroxide" shall

mean "ammunition", "high pressure gas", "inflammable liquid" or "organic peroxide"

which are defined respectively in Article 2 item (1) of the Rules for the Carriage and

Storage of Dangerous Goods in Ships (Ministry of LIT Ordinance No.30 of 1957).

(Vessels Mentioned in Article 2 Paragraph 2 tem (3) b of the Law)

Article 2.

Vessels specified by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance mentioned in Article 2 Paragraph

2 item (3) b of the Law shall be those which are engaged in construction or other

similar operations with permission obtained under Article 30 Paragraph 1 of the Law

(if such permission is not required by Paragraph 8 of the Article, then permission

obtained under Article 31 Paragraph 1 of the Port Regulations Law (Law No.174 of

1948) (including cases where the same provisions shall be applicable mutatis

mutandis under Article 37-3 of the same Law)) and for which it is not easy to keep

out of the way of an approaching vessel because of the nature of their construction or

other similar operations.

2. Exhibition of the lights or markings under Article 2 Paragraph 2 Item (3) b of the

Law shall be that of lights under item (1) at night and shapes under item (2) in the

daytime as follows:


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(1) Two green all-round lights visible at a distance of at least 2 miles which are placed,

where they can best be seen, in a vertical line not less than 2 meters apart (1 meter

apart in the case of vessels of less than 20 meters in length);

(2) Three shapes of which the highest shall be a white diamond and the two lower shall

be red balls placed, where they can best be seen, in a vertical line not less than 1.5

meters apart (in the case of vessels of 20 meters or more in length, each shape shall be

not less than 0.6 meter in diameter).

Chapter II. Modes of Navigation

Section 1. General Steering and Sailing Rules in Traffic Routes

(Obligation to Navigate Traffic Routes)

Article 3.

When a vessel of 50 meters or more in length intends to navigate between Point A and

Point B which are shown in the middle column of each item of Annexed Table No.1,

the vessel shall navigate the sections of the traffic routes along the course of the route,

which are shown in the right column of each item of the Table (in case the vessel

intends to navigate between Point A and Point B in item (4), item (5), and item (12) to

item (17) inclusive of the Table, this applies only when the vessel intends to navigate

from Point A to the direction of Point B): Provided that this shall not apply to the case

where a vessel which is to be engaged in oceanographic research or other work and

which has been admitted by the Chief of the Coast Guard Office having jurisdiction

over the sea area where the research or other work is conducted, as a vessel

unavoidably navigate not in conformity with the modes of navigation prescribed in

the main part of Article 4 of the Law intends to navigate, or to the case where the

vessel falls under the proviso of the Article.

(Restrictions on Speed of Vessel)


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Article 4.

The section of traffic routes prescribed by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance referred to

in Article 5 of the Law, shall be as shown in the middle column of the following table

for each traffic route mentioned in the left column of the table, and the speed of a

vessel prescribed by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance referred to in the Article for the

sections, shall be as shown in the right column of the table:

Name of

Traffic Route

(T.R.)

Section of Traffic Route Speed (in making

way through the

water; hererafter the

same)

Uraga Suido

T.R.

All section of the traffic route 12 knots

Naka-no-Se

T.R.


Irago Suido

T.R.


Bisan Seto

East T.R.

Section of the traffic route, between a line

drawn at 353from Ogi Shima Light House (34

25'50"N,13403'48"E) and the boundary line

of the western entrance of the traffic route

12 knots

Bisan Seto

North T.R.

Section of the traffic route, between the

boundary line of the eastern entrance of the

traffic route and a line drawn from Jokenbo

Hana on Hon Shima to the northeastern

extremity of Usi Shima

12 knots

Bisan Seto

South T.R.

Section of the traffic route, between a line

drawn at 160 from Zatome Hana on Usi

Shima and the boundary line of the eastern

12 knots


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entrance of the traffic route

Mizusima T.R. All section of the traffic route 12 knot

(Signalling in the Case of Overtaking Other Vessel)

Article 5.

The signals to be given under Article 6 of the Law shall, when a vessel intends to

navigate on the starboard side of the other vessel, consist of one prolonged blast

followed by one short blast on the whistle and when the vessel intends to navigate on

the port side of the other vessel, consist of one prolonged blast followed by two short

blasts on the whistle.

(Indication of Destination)

Article 6.

The indication of destination under Article 7 of the Law shall be made by vessels

other than those not equipped with a whistle and vessels other than those of less than

100 gross tons, which are specified in the left column of Annexed Table No.2, by

means of the signals prescribed in the right column of the Table.

(Restrictions on Entering, Leaving or Crossing Traffic Routes)

Article 7.

The section of traffic routes as prescribed by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance referred

to in Article 9 of the Law, shall be shown in the middle column of the following table

for each traffic route mentioned in the left column of the Table, and navigation

prescribed by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance of the Article as to the sections, shall be

shown in the right column of the table:

Name of

Traffic

Route

Section of Traffic Route Navigation not permitted


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(T.R.)

Uraga

Suido T.R.

Section of the traffic route, between

the two lines each drawn at 235,

one from the northwestern extremity

(3518'32"N,13944' 36"E) of

Daini Kaiho and the other from a

point 2,500 meters 145from the

extremity.

Entering the traffic route from

outside of the route or going

outside from the route (only in the

case of crossing the central line of

the traffic route in the section in

the middle column) or crossing the

traffic route.

Bisan Seto

East T.R.

(1) Section of the Taffic route,

between the eastern boundary of

Uko East Traffic Route in Bisan

Seto East T.R. and its northward

extension and a line at a distance of

1,000 meters eastward from the

boundary and its northward

extension.

(2) Section of the traffic route,

between the western boundary of

Uko East T.R. and a line at a

distance of 500 meters westward of

the boundary.

(3) Section of the traffic route,between the eastern boundary of

Uko West T.R. in Bisan Seto East

T.R. and its northward extension and

a line at a distance of 500 meters

eastward of the boundary and its

extension.

(4) Section of the traffic route,

Crossing the traffic route.


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between the western boundary of

Uko West T.R. and a line at a

distance of 1,000 meters westward

of the boundary.

Kurushima

Kaikyo T.

R .

Section of the traffic route, between

a line drawn from Jizo Hana on O

Shima to Kurushima-shiroishi Light

(3406'13"N,13259'09"E) and a

line drawn at 265from the Taka

Yama summit (3407'46"N,133

01'41"E) on O Shima.

Entering the traffic route from

outside of the route or going

out-side from the route, or

crossing the traffic route (only in

the case of crossing the line drawn

at 139 from Uzuhana Light (34

06'33"N,13259'37"E) or the

line drawn at 10from

Su-no-Saki (3407'10"N,132

59'44"E) on Uma Shima.

Section 2. Steering and Sailing Rules in Each Traffic Route

(Irago Suido Traffic Route)

Article 8.

The length of a vessel to be prescribed by the Ministry of Transport Ordinance

referred to in Article 14 Paragraph 3 of the Law shall be 130 meters.

2. The method of signalling in a case where the Commandant's direction under Article

14 Paragraph 3 of the Law is given by means of signal, shall be as shown in the left

column of the following table with the meanings of signals as given in the right

column of the table

Method of signalling

Name and

location of signal

In the daytime At night

Meaning of signal


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station

One white flash

every two

seconds or a

black cone apex

upwards

One white

flash every

two

seconds

Vessels of 130 meters or more in

length (excluding huge vessels)

intending to navigate southeastward

through Irago Suido T.R. are

required to wait outside of the traffic

route.

Irago Suido T.R.

Control Signal

Station (3434'

35"N,137

01'10"E)

One red flash

every two

seconds or a

black square

One red

flash every

two

seconds



intending to navigate northwestward

through lrago Suido T.R. are

required to wait outside of the traffic

route.

3. In case of the preceding paragraph, the method of signalling, when the method of

signalling under the paragraph cannot be used owing to a trouble of the signalling

apparatus, etc., shall be as shown in the left column of the following table with the

meanings of signals as given in the right column of the table:


Location where

signals are given by

vessels of Japan Coast

Guard

In the daytime At night

Meaning of signal

In the vicinity of

3,540 meters 340

from Kami Shima

Light (34

32'44"N,136

59'21"E)

International

Code Flag L

under First

Substitute

Morse

Codes

RZS by

signal

light



intending to navigate

southeastward through lrago

Suido T.R. are required to wait

outside of the traffic route.


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In the vicinity of point

3,500 meters 160

from Irago Misaki

Light (34

34'34"N,137

01'09"E)

International

Code Flag L

under Second

Substitute

Morse

Codes

RZN by

signal

light



intending to navigate

northwestward through Irago

Suido T.R. are required to wait

outside of the traffic route.

Remarks: There are cases where light signals may be used in the daytime due to

weather conditions or other reasons.

(Mizushima Traffic Route)

Article 9.

The length of a vessel, to be prescribed by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance referred to

in Article 14 Paragraph 3 of the Law, applicable mutatis mutandis under Article 18

Paragraph 4 of the Law, shall be 70 meters.

2. The method of signalling in case where the Commandant's direction under Article

14 Paragraph 3 of the Law, applicable mutatis mutandis under Article 18 Paragraph 4,

is given by means of signal, shall be as shown in the left column of the following

table with the meaning of signals as given in the right column of the table:

3. In case of the preceding paragraph, the method of signalling, when the method of

signalling under the paragraph cannot be used owing to a trouble of the signalling

aparatus, etc., shall be as shown in the left column of the following table with the

meanings of signals as given in the right column of the table:


Name and location of signal

station

In the

daytime

At night

Meaning of signal

By signal boards facing

120, 180 and 290 degrees

Mizushima T.R.Nishinozaki

Control Signal Station (34

25'57"N,13347'22"E) Flashing of the letter "N" Vessels of 70 meters or


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more in length (excluding

huge vessels) intending to

navigate southward through

Mizushima T.R. are required

to wait outside or the traffic

route.

Flashing of the letter "S" Vessels of 70 meters or



navigate northward through


to wait outside of the traffic

route.

By signal boards facing

55, 115, 225 and 300

degrees

Flashing of the letter "N" Vessels of 70 meters or






route.

Mizushima

T.R.Mitsugoshima Control

Signal Station (34

22'07"N,13349'33"E and

3422'06"N,13349'31"E)

Flashing of the letter "S" Vessels of 70 meters or






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route.


Location where signals are

given by JCG vessels

In the daytime At night Meaning of Signal

International

Code Flag L

under First

Substitute

Morse

Codes

RZS by

signal

light

Vessels of 70 meters or




Mizushima T. R. are

required to wait outside of

the traffic route.

In the vicinity of the point

1,400 meters 97 from

Huto-Nozi Shima

Triangulation Point (34

26'41"N,13345'21"E)

International

Code Flag L

under Second

Substitute

Morse

Codes

RZN by

signal

light





Mizushima T. R. are


the traffic route.

International

Code Flag L

under First

Substitute

Morse

Codes

RZS by

signal

light





Mizushima T. R. are


the traffic route.

In the vicinity of the point

1,500 meters 230 from

Nabeshima Light (34

22'45"N,13349'35"E)

International

Code Flag L

Morse

Codes




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under Second

Substitute

RZN by

signal

light



Mizushima T. R. are


the traffic route.

Remarks : There are cases where light signals may be used in the daytime, due to

weather conditions or other reasons.

(Kurushima Kaikyo Traffic Route)

Article 10.

The direction of tidal current to be indicated by the Commandant of the Japan Coast

Guard under Article 20 Paragraph 2 of the Law shall be such directions as will be

indicated by means of tidal signal at Kurushima Nagasenohana Tidal Current Signal

Station (3406'23"N,13302'10"E), Nakato Shima Tidal Current Signal Station (34

06'53"N,13300'15"E), Ohama Tidal Current Signal Station (3405'12"N,132

59'38"E), Tsu Shima Tidal Current Signal Station (3408'51"N,13259'38"E) or

Kurushima Osumibana Tidal Current Signal Station (3408'13"N,13256' 37"E).

2. Signals to be given in such case as mentioned in each of the following items, in

accordance with the provisions of Article 21 Paragraph 1 of the Law shall be such

signals as prescribed in each of the same items:

(1) In the case mentioned in Article 21 Paragraph 1 item(1) of the Law (only such cases

as related to Naka Suido):

One prolonged blast on the whistle at frequent intervals from the time when the vessel

has lchinose Hana on Tsu Shima or Ryujin Shima on her beam until she is finally past

and clear Naka Suido;

(2) In the case mentioned in Article 21 Paragraph 1 item (1) of the Law (only such cases

as related to Nishi Suido):

Two prolonged blasts on the whistle at frequent intervals from the time when the


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vessel has lchinose Hana on Tsu Shima or Ryujin Shima on her beam until she is

finally past and clear Nishi Suido;

(3) In the case mentioned in Article 21 Paragraph 1 item (2) of the Law:

Three prolonged blasts on the whistle at frequent intervals from the time when the

vessel has Kuru Shima or Ryujin Shima on her beam until she is finally past and clear

Nishi Suido.

3. The sea areas to be prescribed by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance referred to in

Article 21 Paragraph 2 of the Law shall be those areas (excluding the area of

Kurushima Kaikyo Traffic Route) which are surrounded by the line drawn from the

extremity (3403'22"N,13301'22"E) of the right bank at the estuary of Soja Kawa

to Take-no-Hana on O Shima, by the lines drawn from Ago-no-Hana on Oge Shima

to Kajitori-no-Hana and to Miya-no-Hana on O Shima, respectively, and by

shorelines.

Section 3. Special Provisions for Modes of Navigation of Particular

Vessels in Traffic Routes

(Vessels Carrying Dangerous Goods)

Article 11.

The dangerous goods to be specified by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance referred to in

Article 22 item (2) of the Law shall be as shown in each of the following items and

the gross tonnage to be prescribed by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance in connection

with the dangerous goods shall be as given in each of the items:

(1) Gunpowder and gunpowder equivalence (explosives of 80 tons or more; gunpower

and gunpowder equivalence in the following table converted to explosives of 80 tons

or more. Items in the middle column are converted to tonnage of explosives using the

figure in the right column.): 300 gross tons.

(2) High pressure gas of inflammability loaded in bulk:1,000 gross tons

(3) Inflammable liquids loaded in bulk:1,000 gross tons


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(4) Organic peroxides (only those whose amount is 200 tons or more):300 gross tons

Gunpowder and gunpowder equivalence Quantity to be converted

into one ton of

explosives

Gunpowder 2 tons

Ball cartridges or blank

cartridges

2,000,000 rounds

Fuses or fire fuses 50,000 pieces

Percussion caps for rifles 10,000,000 pieces

Industrial percussion caps

or electric percussion

caps

1,000,000 pieces

Signal percussion caps 250,000 pieces

Detonating fuses 50 kilometers

Fire articles (including

ammunition, hereafter the same

in this table)

Other materials whose raw material is

gunpowder 2 tons

whose raw material is

explosive 1ton

Materials, which have explosive ability other than

explosives, gunpowders and fire articles.

2 tons

2. The gunpowder, gunpowder equivalence, high pressure gases, inflammable liquids

and organic peroxides as mentioned in the preceding Paragraph shall not include those

materials which are carried on board a vessel for its own use.

3. Any vessel of 1,000 gross tons or more which has carried on board such dangerous

goods as mentioned in Paragraph 1 item (2) or item (3) above and which, after

unloading the dangerous goods, has not been confirmed by the master of the vessel


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that a gas check has already been conducted and there is no danger of fire or

explosion shall be deemed as a vessel carrying dangerous goods, for the purpose of

the Law.

(Vessels Towing or Pushing Long Objects)

Article 12.

The distance to be prescribed by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance referred to in Article

22 item (3) of the Law shall be 200 meters.

(Matters to be Notified in connection with Navigation of Huge Vessels or

Other Particular Vessels)

Article 13.

The matters to be prescribed by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance re-ferred to in Article

22 of the Law shall be those which are mentioned in each of the following items:

(1) Name and gross tonnage of the vessel;

(2) Section of the traffic route that the vessel intends to navigate, the estimated time of

entering the traffic route from outside of the traffic route (hereafter referred to as

"estimated time of entering the traffic route") and the estimated time of going outside

of the traffic route;

(3) Call sign or call name of the vessel if the vessel has her own ship radio station

(specified in Article 6 Paragraph 3 of the Radio Law (Law No.131 of 1950); hereafter

the same);

(4) Methods of communication with the Japan Coast Guard if the vessel has no ship

radio station;

(5) Port of destination if destination has been fixed;

(6) Length and draft of the vessel if it is a huge vessel;

(7) Type, and amount for each type, of dangerous goods (mentioned in each item of

Article 11; hereafter the same) if it is a vessel carrying dangerous goods;


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(8) If the vessel is towing or pushing a long object (as mentioned in Article 22 Paragraph

3 of the Law; hereafter the same), the distance between the bow of the towing vessel

and the rear edge of the object being towed or the distance between the stern of the

pushing vessel and the fore edge of the object being pushed; and description of the

object.

(Method of Notification by Huge Vessels or Other Particular Vessels

Regarding Navigation)

Article 14.

The master of a huge vessel, a vessel of 25,000 gross tons or more carrying dangerous

goods which is liquefied gas, or a vessel towing or pushing a long object shall give an

advance report on the matters prescribed in item (1) to item (5) inclusive of the

preceding Article; in addition. the master of a huge vessel shall give an advance report

on the matters prescribed in item (6) of the Article, the master of a vessel carrying

dangerous goods shall give an advance report on the matters prescribed in item (7) of

the Article and the master of a vessel towing or pushing a long object shall give an

advance report on the matters prescribed in item (8) of the Article; and all such report

shall be given by noon of the day before the date on which the vessel intends to enter

the traffic route from outside of the traffic route (hereafter referred to as "the

estimated date of entering the traffic route"); and any change in the matters previously

reported shall be reported three hours before the estimated time of entering the traffic

route; and any subsequent change shall immediately be reported.

2. The master of a vessel carrying dangerous goods (excluding a vessel classified as a

huge vessel or a vessel of 25,000 gross tons or more carrying dangerous cargo which

is liquefied gas or a vessel towing or pushing a long object) shall give an advance

report on the matters prescribed in item (1) to item (5) inclusive and item (7); not later

than three hours prior to the estimated time of entering the traffic route; and any

change in the matters reported shall be reported immediately.


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3. 1n case there has arisen urgent necessity of navigating the traffic route or in case

the Commander of a Regional Coast Guard Headquarters or the Chief of a Traffic

Advisory Service Center listed in each item of the next Paragraph for the respective

traffic routes, considers it unavoidable that the advance report prescribed in the

preceding two paragraphs could not be given, it shall be sufficient if the master of a

huge vessel or other particular vessel gives an advance report on the matters specified

in each item of the preceding Article, notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding

two paragraphs.

4. The report prescribed in each of the preceding paragraphs shall be given to the

Commander of a Regional Coast Guard Headquarters or the Chief of a Traffic

Advisory Service Center mentioned in each of the following items for each traffic

route to be navigated, in accordance with the methods prescribed in Notification by

the Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard:

(1) Uraga Suido Traffic Route or Naka-no-Se Traffic Route

Tokyo Wan Traffic Advisory Service Center

(2) Irago Suido Traffic Route

4th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters (in Nagoya)

(3) Akashi Kaikyo Traffic Route

Osaka Wan Traffic Advisory Service Center

(4) Bisan Seto East Traffic Route, Uko East Traffic Route,

Uko West Traffic Route, Bisan Seto North Traffic Route,

Bisan Seto South Traffic Route or Mizushima Traffic Route

Bisan Seto Traffic Advisory Service Center

(5) Kurushima Kaikyo Traffic Route

Kurushima Kaikyo Traffic Advisory Service Center

(Instructions to be Given to Huge Vessels or Other Particular Vessels)

Article 15.


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The matters to be included in the instructions relating to the operation of huge vessels

or other particular vessels, under Article 23 of the Law shall be those listed in the

following items:

(1) Change in the estimated time of entering the traffic routes;

(2) Speed of a vessel in the traffic routes;

(3) Matters related to restrictions on navigation in the traffic routes under limited

visibility;

(4) As for a vessel having her own ship radio station, maintenance of communications

with the Japan Coast Guard by radio from the time three hours prior to the estimated

time of entering the traffic route until the time of going outside of the traffic route;

(5) As for a huge vessel, maintenance of sufficient under keel clearance;

(6) As for a huge vessel of 250 meters or more in length or a huge vessel carrying

dangerous goods, arrangement of vessels for guarding the course;

(7) As for a huge vessel or a vessel carrying dangerous goods, arrangement of vessels

for assisting the navigation;

(8) As for a vessel of 50,000 gross tons or more carrying dangerous goods (or a vessel of

25,000 gross tons or more if the dangerous goods is liquefied gas), arrangement of

vessels equipped with fire fighting facilities;

(9) As for a vessel towing or pushing a long object, arrangement of vessels for guarding

the sides;

(10) Besides those enumerated above, such other matters as are necessary for the

operation of a huge vessel or other particular vessel.

2. The Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard shall establish standards in the contents

of instruction concerning matters to be instructed under item (6), item (8) or item (9)

of the preceding paragraph and issue Notification of the standards.

(Application for Designation as Vessel to be Engaged in Emergency

Work)

Article 16.


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Any person desiring to have a vessel designated under Article 4 of the Cabinet Order

for the Enforcement of the Maritime Traffic Safety Law (Cabinet Order No.5 of 1973;

hereafter referred to as "the Cabinet Order") shall forward to the Commander of the

Regional Coast Guard Headquarters having jurisdiction over the address of the person

(hereafter referred to in this Section as "the Commander of the competent regional

headquarters") a written application in the form appended hereto.

2. The Commander of the competent regional headquarters may, when an application

under Article 4 of the Cabinet Order has been made and when he deems it necessary,

require the applicant to present a Ship Nationality Certificate, Ship Inspection

Certificate and other papers testifying to matters related to the vessels concerned.

(Issuance and Keeping of Emergency Ship Designation Certificate)

Article 17.

The designation under Article 4 of the Cabinet Order will be made by prescribing the

scope of emergency work and by issuing an Emergency Ship Designation Certificate

stating such scope of emergency work and those matters enumerated in the following

items:

(1) Identifying number and date of issuance of the Emergency Ship Designation

Certificate;

(2) Identifying number, name. gross tonnage and port of registry of the vessel

concerned;

(3) Name and address of the person who uses the vessel; or name of a representative if

such person is a juridical person.

2. Any person who uses (hereafter referred to as "user of an Emergency Ship") the

vessel designated under Article 4 of the Cabinet Order (hereafter referred to as

"Emergency Ship") shall keep the Emergency Ship Designation Certificate issued

under the preceding Paragraph in the Emergency Ship concerned.

(Re-writing of the Emergency Ship Designation Certificate)


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Article 18.

The user of an Emergency Ship shall, when there has been any change in the matters

mentioned in Paragraph 1 item (2) and item (3) of the preceding Article, apply for

re-writing of his certificate by forwarding without delay to the Commander of the

competent regional headquarters (in case his address has changed to a place in another

coast guard region, to the Commander of the Regional Headquarters), a written

application stating the change, together with the Emergency Ship Designation

Certificate.

(Reissue of Emergency Ship Designation Certificate)

Article 19.

The user of an Emergency Ship may, when he has lost or damaged his Emergency

Ship Designation Certificate, apply to the Commander of the competent regional

headquarters for reissue of the Certificate.

2. The Commander of the competent regional headquarters will, when he considers

the application made under the preceding Paragraph justifiable, reissue the

Emergency Ship Designation Certificate.

(Return of Emergency Ship Designation Certificate)

Article 20.

The user of an Emergency Ship shall, in any of the following cases, return the

Emergency Ship Designation Certificate possessed by him (or found by him in the

case mentioned in item (2) below) without delay to the Commander of the competent

regional headquarters:

(1) When the Emergency Ship will no longer be used as a vessel to carry out the

emergency work stated in the Emergency Ship Designation Certificate;

(2) When the Emergency Ship Designation Certificate that has been lost is found after

the Certificate was reissued to replace the lost certificate.


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(Lights and Markings to be Used in Performing Emergency Work)

Article 21.

The red light to be prescribed by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance referred to in Article

5 of the Cabinet Order shall be a red all-round light of such a character as to be visible

at a distance of at least 2 miles and flashing at regular intervals between 180 and 200

times per minute.

2. The red marking to be prescribed by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance referred to in

Article 5 of the Cabinet Order shall be a red cone apex upward whose base is 0.6

meter or more in diameter and whose height is 0.5 meter or more.

Section 4. Lights, Etc.

(Lights and Markings of Huge Vessels and Vessels Carrying Dangerous

Goods)

Article 22.

Exhibition of the lights or markings under Article 27 Paragraph 1 of the Law shall be

made in accordance with the classification of vessels in the left column of the

following table, by exhibiting where they can best be seen, the lights mentioned in the

middle column at night and the markings mentioned in the right column of the table in

the daytime.

Classification

of vessel

Lights Markings

Huge vessels A green all-round

light to be visible at a

distance of at least 2

miles and flashing at

regular intervals

between 180 and 200

Two black cylinders with a diameter of 0.6

meter or more and a height twice as long as

the diameter which are placed in a vertical

line not less than 1.5 meters apart (with

regard to a huge vessel which exhibits a

cylinder in accordance with Article 28 of the


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times per minute. Law for Preventing Collisions at Sea, these

shapes shall not be placed with the cylinder

in a vertical line.)

Vessels

carrying

dangerous

goods

A red all-round light

to be visible at a

distance of at least 2

miles and flashing at

regular intervals

between 120 and 140

per minute.

International Code Flag B under First

Substitute.

(Lights and Markings of Objects being Pushed)

Article 23.

The distance to be prescribed by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance referred to in Article

29 Paragraph 1 of the Law shall be 50 meters.

2. The light to be prescribed by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance referred to in Article

29 Paragraph 2 of the Law shall be a green light and a red light as shown in the left

column of the following table (in a case where it is impracticable to exhibit these

lights on an object being pushed, a combined lantern showing a green light and a red

light as shown in the left column of the table) and each of these lights shall satisfy the

requirements mentioned in the right column of the table:

Lights Requirements

A green light 1. To be placed at the starboard edge of the object.

2. To be so constructed as to show an unbroken light over an

arc of the horizon of 11230'.

3. To be so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to 22

30' abaft the beam on the starboard side of such object.

4. To be visible at a distance of at least 2 miles.


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A red light 1. To be placed at the port edge of the object.

2. To be so constructed as to throw an unbroken light over an

arc of the horizon of 112 30'.

3. To be so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to 22

30' abaft the beam on the port side of the object.

4. To be visible at a distance of at least 2 miles.

A combined lantern

showing a green light

and a red light

1. To be placed at the central portion of the object.

2. To be so fixed as to throw the green light and the red light

from right ahead to 22 30' abaft the beam on the starboard

side or the port side, respectively, of the object.

3 . To be visible at a distance of at least 1 mile.

Chapter III. Prevention of Danger

(Work for Which Permission is not Required)

Article 24.

The work to be prescribed by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance referred to in the proviso

of Article 30 Paragraph 1 of the Law shall be such work as is enumerated in each of

the following items:

(1) Work necessary as an emergency measure, such as setting up a provisional structure

to avoid an imminent danger to human life or vessels;

(2) Work necessary for conducting fishing, such as laying of fishing gear;

(3) Work in the air space whose height from the Nearly Highest High Water exceeds 65

meters;

(4) Work under the ground, whose depth under the sea bed exceeds 5 meters.

Article 25.

Any person desiring to obtain permission of Article 30 Paragraph 1 of the Law shall

forward to the Commander of the Regional Coast Guard Headquarters through the

Chief of Coast Guard Office having jurisdiction over the area where the proposed


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work is to be carried out, two copies of a written application stating the matters

enumerated in the following items:

(1) Name and address of the person or name of a representative in the case of a juridical

person;

(2) Type of the proposed work;

(3) Purpose of the proposed work;

(4) Location related to the proposed work;

(5) Method of carrying out such work;

(6) Description of steps to be taken to prevent interference with ships' traffic, which

might be caused by the proposed work;

(7) Estimated date of commencement and completion of the proposed work;

(8) As for the person mentioned in Article 30 Paragraph 1 item (1), those matters which

are listed in the following sub-items:

a. Name and address of the field representative;

b. Description of a vessel to be used in carrying out the proposed work.

(9) As for the person mentioned in Article 30 Paragraph 1 item (2) of the Law,

description of the structure related to the proposed work.

2. The written application of the preceding Paragraph shall be accompanied by a plan

showing the location of the proposed work, together with a ground plan, cross-section

and structural plan related to the proposed work.

(Work for Which Report is not Required)

Article 26.

The work to be prescribed by the Ministry of LIT Ordinance referred to in the proviso

of Article 31 Paragraph 1 of the Law shall be such work as mentioned in the

following items:

(1) Work mentioned in each item of Article 24;

(2) Work necessary for strengthening or developing the basis of fishing production such

as establishing fish reefs;


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(3) Work to establish a gas structure (applicable only to the submarine pipes and their

accessary equipments) for gas work under the Gas Enterprise Law (Law No.51 of

1954) and to establish an electric structure (applicable only to the electric circuits,

water pipes and equipments attached to these) for electric work under the Electric

Enterprise Law (Law No.170 of 1964).

(Reporting)

Article 27.

Any person intending to make report under Article 31 Paragraph 1 of the Law shall

forward to the Commander of the Regional Coast Guard Headquarters through the

Chief of the Coast Guard Office or the Chief of the Maritime Guard and Rescue

Office which has jurisdiction over the area related to the work for which such report is

made, two copies of written report stating the matters enumerated in the following

items:

(1) Matters mentioned in Article 25 Paragraph 1 item (1) to item (5) inclusive and item

(7) ;

(2) Description of steps to be taken to prevent interference with ships' traffic, which

might be caused by the proposed work;

(3) As for the person mentioned in Article 31 Paragraph 1 item (1) of the Law, matters

mentioned in Article 25 Paragraph 1 item (8);

(4) As for the person mentioned in Article 31 Paragraph 1 item (2) of the Law, matters

mentioned in Article 25 Paragraph 1 item (9);

(5) As for a person intending to set up a mooring facility, a plan for using such mooring

facility.

2. The written report of the preceding Paragraph shall be accompanied by a plan

showing the location of the proposed work, together with a ground plan, cross-section

and sturctural plan of the structure related to the proposed work, and if such structure

relates to a mooring facility, then a document stating the basis of preparing a plan for

use of such mooring facility.


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(Steps to be Taken in Case of Marine Accident)

Article 28.

The emergency steps u

Documents

Japan Coast Guard Law