Yokosuka

Size limits

Max draught 10.0m, 15,000DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range max 1.70m; min 0.30m.Tidal currents: Currents in Tokyo Bay are generated by the rise and fall of the tides. The current in the interior of the bay is weak, mostly 0.5kt or less, and as it approaches the entrance of the bay, it accelerates, attaining a speed of 1.3-1.8kts in the area between Kannonzaki and Futtsuzaki. The direction of the current in the interior of the bay is generally N to NE at rising tide and S to SW at ebb tide, while at the entrance to the bay, it is mostly in a NW'ly direction a duration of rise and the SE'ly at duration of fall.

Within the areas of Districts 3-5 (Nagaura and Heisei Districts), though there are some seasonal variations, it is generally very slight, never exceeding 0.5kt. The current within District 3 (Nagaura and Heisei Districts), rotates in a clockwise direction, with the exception of the eastern entrance. The current along the shore of the Yasuura District is more influenced by the seashore and seabed features than offshore and the current flows principally along the coastline. Though the velocity of the current differs according to location, at those locations that are faster, it attains a speed of about 0.2kt. The current flow towards the port in district 6 (Uraga District) is extremely slight, never exceeding 0.3kt, even at flood tides. The current in the vicinity of the entrance to the port is also weak and is readily influenced by wind conditions; the direction is variable but flood current generally flows in the N direction and ebb current flows in the S direction. In regard to currents in District 7 (Kurihama District) in the port, and to the waters between Ashika Island at the port entrance and outer breakwater, flood current flows in a NNE direction, while ebb current flows in a SSW direction. Their velocities are approximately 1.5kts and 1.3kts respectively.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

Yokosuka Harbor is entered through Yokosuka Bay in the southwestern part of Tokyo Bay . To the East, the Harbour area is bounded by part of the Miura Peninsula , which is the site of United State Fleet Activities Yokosuka , and on the west by the island of Azuma Shima, which separates Yokosuka Harbour from Nagaura Harbour, the commercial port area which is also used by Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force. Nagaura Harbour is entered form the South West part of Yokosuka Bay. A small, narrow channel separates Azuma Hanto from the mainland at its South West.

Draught limitation in the channel: Passage, 12.0m-15.0m; anchorage, 15.0m-36.0m.

Port limits

Kurihama Wan, Uraga Ko and Otsu Wan are also included within the harbour limits of Yokosuka Ko and lie, respectively, in Nos 7, 6 and 5 Areas.

Traffic schemes and VTS

The Traffic Advisory Service is operated by Tokyo Wan, Honshu.

Anchorages

Quarantine anchorage: A quarantine anchorage is situated in No 4 Area on the NE side of North East Breakwater. The quarantine station is situated at Nagaura, 2nm SW of the anchorage.

Vessels carrying dangerous cargoes also anchor in No 4 Area.

A submarine pipeline is laid between a position 0.65nm SW of North East Breakwater light tower and the shore SW.

Tugs

Ten tugs available.

Mooring

Naguara Pier: Arriving commercial vessels, if berthing alongside head out, may pass the breakwater entrance until 30 minutes before sunset. If berthing alongside head in, the vessel may pass the breakwater entrance until sunset. Departing vessels, if berthed alongside head out, may leave the quay until 2200hrs. If berthed alongside head in, the vessel may leave the quay until 30 minutes before sunset

Charts and publications

BA 1203, 3108, 3548, 3878, JP1083 ,JP1081 & JP91, Admiralty Pilot NP42A, NP286(6).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

See Country information.

Health

See Country information for radio pratique.

Free Pratique: Free pratique is available at the quarantine anchorage. Radio Pratique and Sanitary Inspections are both available.

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

Repairs

Available.

Dry docks

There are 5 drydocks, under the control of US Naval authorities, in the SE corner of No 1 Area.

Somitomo Shipyard have a very large building dock to the N of the port.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available from shore and barge.

Bunkering: Most grades of domestic and bonded oil are available from Yokohama or Kawasaki.

Medical

There are hospitals in the US Naval Base.

Transport

Nearest airport: New Tokyo International.

Nearest railway: Yokosuka.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Yokosuka is situated in the S of Tokyo Bay, in Kanagawa Prefecture.

The port

Yokosuka is a specified port, the greater part of which is used by as a US naval base and by the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force.

Major cargoes handled are vehicles, rice, grain, gravel and sand. There is also a passenger berth for cruise vessels. Most of the yards and repair quays in Nagaura are privately operated, but there are US Navy drydocks and quays owned by the Port Authority. The Nissan factory in Oppama is approx 4km to the N of the Naval Port, with Sumitomo shipyard nearby, and Kurihama is approx 8km SE of the main port.

Traffic

Approx 9,900,000t of cargo, 16,000 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Yokosuka?

Pilotage is provided by the Yokosuka District Pilot Association.

What time zone is Yokosuka in?

Local time at Yokosuka is UTC+9. No summer time.

What is the water density at Yokosuka?

1025.

Which load line zone is Yokosuka in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Yokosuka?

Port State Control at Yokosuka: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Yokosuka?

The UN/LOCODE of Yokosuka is JPYOS.

What crews who called at Yokosuka 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.

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