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| 1 Characteristics of Ishigaki Port General description Ishigaki Port opens to the northwest and,since south side is surrounded by coral reefs that extend in a crescent shape from the southern tip of the island to Taketomi Island ,the port is only accessible from the south by small boats. |
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| 2 Weather Monsoon winds blow continuously from October until about March.During the period from January through March ,in particular,low pressure systems are generated over the East China Sea and advance eastward,requiring caution due to possible abrupt changes in the wind. |
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| 3 Typhoons The typhoon season is from about June until about November ,concentrated primarily in July,and typhoons tend to remain in the area for prolonged periods. The Ishigaki Island area is not suitable for shelter from typhoons and Nagura Bay is especially hazardous depending on the wind direction. In addition ,neither the area around the port entrance nor the quarantine anchorage area provide adequate shelter from typhoons. |
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| 4 Anchorage prohibited are Anchorage in the area outlined above in red(①24-20.2N 124-05.9E ②24-21.2N124-07.75E ③24-22.0N 124-06.3E ④24-21. 4N 124-05.2E ⑤24-22.6N 124-02.5E ⑥24-23.4N 123-59.2E ⑦24-22.5N 123-58.7E)due to the installation of undersea electricity and telephone cables and undersea water pipes. Ships at anchor in the prohibited area have served undersea cables six times in the past,one of which resulted in a liability lawsuit and payment of a settlement by the ship owners in the amount of \45million. |
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| 5 Quarantine anchorage The quarantine anchorage, which is located in the center of the sea lane, and is extremely narrow and can accommodate Nagura Bay ore wait offshore. |
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| 6 Hazardous waters There are many coral reefs and shoals along the coastline of Okinawa Prefecture. NaguraBay at the port entrance is also extremely hazardous due to shoals in the interior. Proceed into the port with extreme caution while confirming your position and have a watch posted at all times. |
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| 1 Required charts, etc. Vessels navigating in the Ishigaki area should obtain the following official charts through an agency: Japan Navigational Charts No.W1206, W1285 and W1286 (World Geodetic System) |
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| 2 Confirmation of position and strict enforcement of watches There have been 20 accidents involving vessels waiting for clearance over the past ten years, 15 of which were groundings. Use extreme caution since there are many reef shoals especially in the quarantine anchorage. |
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| 3 Advance sea lane surveys When formulating navigation plans , thoroughly examine the navigation charts , sea lane maps and other materials in advance and ascertain conditions in the navigation area. |
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| 4 Beware of fishing floats There are many fishing floats along the coast of Ishigaki Island. Keep watch posted and take utmost care to avoid collisions. |
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| 5 Other ・ Avoid navigation at night or when visibility is low. ・ Acquire protection and indemnity insurance (PI insurance) with adequate c overage. ・ In the event of an accident, it is the owner's responsibility to devise prompt measures to avoid oil spills , remove the vessel, etc. ・ Alway,listen to VHF 16ch.
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