PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Uwajima
Pilot
updated May 2010Pilotage is not compulsory at Uwajima. Pilot service can be obtained from Susaki.
Key data
updated Sep 2026Size limits
LOA 142m, Draught 6m, Beam 17.60m, 7,138DWT.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Max 2.3m, min 0.3m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sakashizu | 6.00 m | 142 m | 6 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Sep 2026Approach
There are no draught limitations in the channel.
Directions: Steer on the alignment of Gongen Mori and Hikide Hana, bearing 092°, which leads over 0.1nm N of O Se (33°14.5'N 132°26.6'E) with a depth of 12.8m over it, 0.25nm N of the dangers N of No Shima, and 0.1nm S of the lightbuoy marking Kiriga Se.
When the N extremity of Ku Shima is abeam to starboard, alter course to 123° to bring the white keep of a castle, standing on Shiro Yama, 94m high, situated in the middle of the town of Uwijima, ahead.
When Nerai Iwa, 33m high and lying 0.6nm SE of Hikide Hana is abeam to port, alter course to about 130° and steer for the harbour entrance.
The inner harbour consist of a basin protected by breakwaters on the N and W sides.
Caution: Care should be taken to avoid the fish farms and other associated activities. There are a large number of pearl oyster beds around Ku Shima; the channel S of the island is also encumbered with them.
A submarine pipeline is laid across the approaches to Uwajima Ko.
Port limits
The limits extend across the inner part of Uwajima Ko from Ebisu-ga-Hana (33°13.6'N 132°32.4'E) to the shore, 0.5nm N.
Anchorages
Outer Anchorage: Good anchorage may be obtained in Nishi Uchi (33°11'N 132°29'E) and Higashi Uchi, close E, two inlets in the S part of Uwajima Wan. In Uwajima Ko good anchorage, in depths of about 13m over a mud bottom, may be obtained about 300m W of Kadosaki Breakwater Head Light (33°13.5'N 132°33.0'E). During strong NW winds small craft may obtain shelter in the cove N of Kabasaki Quay.
Restrictions
A submarine water pipeline crosses the approaches to Uwajima Ko. There are no restrictions on sailing at night but it should only be attempted with local knowledge as there are fish farms and nets nearby.
Tugs
If tug assistance is required, it may be obtained from Matsuyama.
Charts and publications
JP1102, 151. BA 652. Admiralty Pilot NP42B, NP286(6).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2010Health
Formalities are to be carried out at the last port of call in Japan or at Kochi prior to proceeding to Uwajima.
Customs and immigration
There is a Customs Office in Uwajima.
Inspections
Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.
Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
Position: Section Chief.
Address: 2-1-3 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8918, Japan.
Tel: +81 3 5253 8070.
Fax: +81 3 5253 8134.
Email: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
Repairs available at the Uwajima Shipyard; there are four other shipyards.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available at quays.
Bunkering: Ten small oilers are available.
About Uwajima
updated May 2010Where it is
Uwajima is situated on the W coast of Shioka, on the E shore of Uwajima Wan.
The port
The harbour is well sheltered. The inner harbour consists of a basin protected by breakwaters on its N and W sides. The main berths are in the outer harbour area.
Questions about Uwajima
What are the pilot arrangements at Uwajima?
Pilotage is not compulsory at Uwajima.
What time zone is Uwajima in?
Local time at Uwajima is UTC+9. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Uwajima?
The deepest berth listed is at Sakashizu: 6.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
Which load line zone is Uwajima in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Uwajima?
Port State Control at Uwajima: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Uwajima?
The UN/LOCODE of Uwajima is JPUWA.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Uwajima say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.