The Partial Amendment of the Act on Maritime Traffic Safety came into force in Japan on 1st July 2021. Under the amendment, a new system for navigational safety is to be launched in Tokyo Bay, Ise Bay and Setonaikai (including Osaka Bay).
According to information provided by the Japan Coast Guard and the Japan P&I Club, in order to take all possible measures to prevent accidents caused by dragging anchor in stormy weather and extreme sea conditions, a new system is to be established including:
- A system of recommendation and order when stormy weather and extreme sea condition are expected.
- A scheme of information provision and recommendation to take danger avoidance measures by VTS Centers.
A recommendation will be given to certain vessels, such as large ships, to evacuate to safe areas outside the bays or to refrain from entering the bays when extremely strong typhoons may hit the area. A recommendation will also be given to ships in bays to refrain from anchoring in designated areas to enhance measures against anchor dragging. In addition, information on anchor dragging. etc. will be provided to individual ships anchoring in areas near vital coastal facilities and their listening watch is mandatory. Finally, a danger advisory will be given when dangerously approaching vessels were recognized.
