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YOKOSUKA

PORT FACILITIES

Yokosuka Harbor is entered through Yokosuka Bay in the southwestern part of Tokyo Bay . The Harbor is bounded on the east by part of the Miura Peninsula , which is the site of U. S. Fleet Activities (FLEACTS) Yokosuka , and on the west by the island of Azuma Shima (Figure V-3). Aerial views can be seen in Figure V-4, Figure V-5, and Figure V-6. Azuma Shima separates Yokosuka Harbor from Nagaura Harbor that is a commercial port and is also used by the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF). Nagaura Harbor is entered from the southwestern part of Yokosuka Bay . A small, narrow channel separates Azuma Hanto at its southwestern end from the mainland.

The entrance to the Harbor is about 350 yards (320.3 m) wide between the 5-fathom (10 m) curves. Depths in the Harbor range from 11 fathoms (21 m) in the harbor entrance to less than 5 fathoms (8 m) at the south end.

Harbor configuration is detailed in Figure V-7. Figure V-8 provides the proposed harbor configuration as displayed in the U. S. Fleet Activities, Yokosuka FY05/JFY05 Approved Projects Map. As of the Site Visit to Yokosuka in November 2005, the Floating Pier (Berths #2 and #3) was in Drydock #5 for repairs (Figure V-9) . The Floating Pier (Berths #10 and #11 as shown in Figure V-10) is tentatively scheduled to be removed in 1-2 years and Berths #8 and #9 are tentatively scheduled to undergo repair work in the March/April 2006 timeframe. Additionally, dredging is planned in the vicinity of new Berth #12 in the next few years to provide a turning basin with a depth ranging from 45-48 ft (13.7-14.6 m). Berths #12 (Figure V-11 and Figure V-12 ) and #13 (Figure V-13) were still under construction as of the 2005 Site Visit. Yokosuka Harbor can accommodate about 20 Navy ships at any one time. During typhoon season the Port can accommodate approximately 14 ships without nesting. The Navy announced in 2005 that the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON would become the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to be stationed in Japan , replacing the diesel-powered USS KITTY HAWK in 2008.

The depths alongside should be checked through the latest charts since pier construction and construction dredging has occurred and will be occurring in the immediate future. Regular dredging is normally done once every 10 years. The deck heights for all the piers average about 12 ft (3.7 m). Note that a High Value Unit Security Barrier (Figure V-14 and Figure V-15) for protection from small boat attacks and other terrorist activity is placed between Drydock #6 and the head of Berth #6.

There are six graving type drydocks available, all of which are available within walking distance of the SRF complex. Drydocks #4 and #5 are certified to accommodate any commissioned U.S. Naval ship up to and including FFGs, DDs, DDGs, and CGs while Drydock #6 can dock any ship in the U.S. Navy's inventory up to conventional aircraft carriers. A qualified USN Docking Officer directs all docking evolutions for issuing requirements and procedures. There are no floating drydocks or marine railway facilities available. Drydocks #1, #2, #4, #5, and #6 can be viewed in Figure V-16, Figure V-17, Figure V-18, Figure V-19, and Figure V-20, respectively . Note that the only authorized berths for nuclear powered ships are Berths #10, #11, #12, and Drydock #6. Future plans include authorizing Berth # 13 as well. Equipped with capabilities similar to a U.S. Naval public shipyard, Ship Repair Facility (SRF) Yokosuka performs the full range of multi-level maintenance and modernization on the Forward Deployed Naval Force ships and all visiting ships and submarines of the U.S. Seventh Fleet.

Fendering consists primarily of Yokohama fenders. Berths # 10 and #11 have special submarine fenders. The concrete piers and bollards on new Berths #12 and #13 are exceptional. Berths #6 and #7 (Figure V-21 and Figure V-22) , and Harbor Master Pier (East and West) are in excellent condition and structurally sound (See Figure V-23 and Figure V-24) . Normally, the USS BLUERIDGE and homeported or visiting aircraft carriers breast off the piers with camels. As of the Site Visit in November 2005, Pontoon #5 (Berths #10 and #11) had a weight restriction of 10,000 grt. The pontoon (Berths #2 and #3) was in drydock and scheduled to be operational in 2006. Berths #8 and #9 were scheduled to have repairs completed.

The preferred berths during strong winds are Berths #12, #8, #9, #10, #11, #7, and Drydock #6. Drydocks #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5 should never be used as a wet berth during tropical cyclones. Additionally, nesting of ships is not recommended when high winds due to tropical cyclones are anticipated.

The Fleet Landing is on the northern shore Mizugaura at the southeastern extremity of the Harbor, south of Drydock #1 and adjacent to Building A-2. Ship's boats are directed to land and embark liberty parties at the above landing only.

With regard to USN and MSC ships, pilots for Yokosuka Ko traffic are available on a 24-hour basis from COMFLEACT Yokosuka harbor Movements Office. Request for pilotage should be made in Logistic Requirement (LOGREQ) at least 72 hours in advance. Pilots meet ships about 0.75 nmi east of the Northeast Breakwater East Light. Pilots, tugs, and linehandlers are available upon request to COMFLEACT for all ship movements within Yokosuka Ko. Pilots are required when proceeding into or out of dry docks. As of the Site Visit in November 2005, there were 2 pilots and 5 total tugs (3 operational) under COMFLEACT control (Figure V-25). The Navy has a contract for commercial tugs and there are 7 or 8 commercial tugs available locally. Harbor Movements (Port Control) is located across from the Fleet Recreation Center in the vicinity of Berth 9.

Pilots are available for Yokohama and Tokyo off Uraga Suido on 24 hours notice to Operations, MSC, Yokohama . Pilots are not required for USN vessels traversing Uraga Suido Channel, but are available upon request. Japanese pilot boats normally have a green or black hull, with “PILOT” in white on both sides, and a white superstructure. For ships transiting to Yokosuka , Navy Harbor Pilots are utilized. At Yokohama , pilots meet ships outside the second breakwater. At Tokyo, pilots meet ships in the vicinity of the quarantine anchorage.

Use of a pilot is recommended during hours of darkness or in adverse weather for ships transiting Uraga Suido without recent experience in navigating Tokyo Wan. The Tokyo Wan Advisory Service Center monitors VHF Channel 16 and the call sign is Tokyo Martis. VHF Channel 16 is required to be monitored per International Rules of the Road. Pilots will not board/debark in the Traffic Separation Scheme. Ships should, if at all possible, avoid arriving during peak outbound traffic hours, 1600-2100. Entering/exiting Uraga Channel between Buoys Nos. 4 and 5 is prohibited as noted on Chart # 97144 and compliance is strictly monitored by Tokyo Martis and Maritime Safety Agency, Japan . Ships must exercise extreme caution at all times when making port turns to Yokosuka after Midchannel Buoy # 5. Maximum speed in the Traffic Separation Scheme is 12 kt. Strict compliance with Uraga Channel rules is mandatory. Port Control Yokosuka monitors Harbor Communication Frequency 328.2 MHz, Tug Control 2716 KHz, and VHF Channel 10.

Request for tugs should be made at least 72 hours prior to the time they are needed. A pilot must be used if two or more tugs are requested. If a pilot is not utilized, the tug will provide only a headline. Normally, aircraft carriers use 4 tugs consisting of a mixture of commercial and Naval tugs. Note that when sustained winds exceed 30 Kt, ships may not be permitted to tie up or depart from the piers and pilots may not be available. Under these conditions, Naval ships entering the Port of Yokosuka will generally be required to go to anchorage.

The following paragraphs in Section 2.2 pertain primarily to commercial vessels and commercial pilots:

VHF channel 16 should be used to call the Pilot Office for the Uraga Channel Pilots. The working frequencies are VHF Channels 12 and 68. Yokosuka Port Radio can be reached on VHF Channel 16 with working frequencies including Channels 11, 12, 14, 18, 20, and 22. VHF Channels 15 and 17 are for the exclusive use of Bay Pilots. VHF range is approximately 50 nmi from the stations. The telephone number for the Yokosuka Licensed Pilots' Association is 468-35-6211 and the fax number is 468-35-2621. The VHF call name is “Uraga Channel Pilot”.

Vessels and/or agents are requested to advise the Channel Pilots of the ETA at the Pilot Station or ETD from the berth/anchorage at least 24 hours before arrival or departure, and subsequent amendments or confirmation may be made up to 6 hours before the original ETA or ETD. In addition, inbound vessels are strongly advised to communicate with “Uraga Channel Pilot” or each “Port Radio” 3 hours before arrival by VHF Radio and provide an accurate ETA so that the pilot boats may be on station at the correct time.

When approaching the Pilot Boarding Station, vessels shall indicate the following signals:

In clear weather: By day hoist the international code signal flag “G”. By night make Morse code “G” by signal lamp.

In restricted visibility: Give Morse code “G” by sound.

Outbound vessels by day hoist flag “G”.

Uraga Channel Pilots will board the vessels about 2.2 nmi south of Uraga Suido Traffic Route Mid Light Buoy No. 1 (Figure V-26).

For entering the Port of Yokosuka , pilots board either off Kurihama Wan (35 ° 13'N 139 ° 46'E) or outside North East Breakwater (35 ° 19'N 139 ° 40'E). In rough weather, they board inside the North East Breakwater. Note the signals required by a ship entering Yokosuka Harbor in Figure V-27.

At New Port Wharf No. 1, New Port Wharf No. 2, and Nagaura Pier, arriving vessels may pass Yokosuka Lighted No. 1 until 30 minutes before sunset. Departing vessels may leave the quay until 30 minutes before sunset. No commercial pilot is available when the wind velocity is 19.5 kt or more.

At Nagaura 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 2200. If berthed alongside head in, the vessel may leave the quay until 30 minutes before sunset.

Source: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/port_studies/thh-nc/japan/yokosuka/text/sect2.htm