ports in these three sea areas, that emphasize the prevention of collisions or running aground accidents, as well as the assurance of safety during the handling of dangerous cargo.
(2) Ships Carrying Radioactive Material
As a result of advancements in the study and use of atomic energy, spent nuclear fuel and other radioactive material are being transported by sea. However, in accordance with the Port Regulations Law, the handling of cargo and its transport by ships carrying radioactive material and other such materials shall be approved by the harbor master in advance . Furthermore, the law prohibits the handling of such cargo at night and establishes measures that require that personnel with knowledge related to radioactive material be present during handling and transport.
(3) Fishing Vessels
In 1995, 673 fishing vessels required rescue. Although this number was 64 vessels fewer than the preceding year, fishing vessels continued to account for a high percentage (38%) of the total number of ships requiring rescue, 1,754 ships.
(4) Passenger Ships
In 1995, 30 passenger ships, including car ferries, required rescue. This level has remained virtually unchanged for the past ten years.
(5) Lumber Carriers
In order to prevent accidents involving lumber carriers, JMSA conducts a guidance program for visiting lumber carriers whenever there is such an opportunity, for instance, when they enter a Japanese port. This instruction emphasizes measures to prevent inundation, secure cargo and ensure stability, and against stormy weather. In addition, JMSA carries out prevention measures such as the distribution of pamphlets covering these important points to shipowners and other parties concerned.
(6) Foreign Ships
To protect foreign ships from maritime distress, JMSA strives to thoroughly disseminate information about matters such as the weather conditions in the waters surrounding Japan, the characteristics of these weather conditions, methods of obtaining this information, navigation in congested sea areas, and the situation regarding the installation of signs marking sea routes. It does this through activities such as distributing pamphlets to foreign ships informing them of this information. In addition, JMSA conducts a guidance program whenever there is such an opportunity, such as instructing visiting foreign ships on matters such as the appropriate methods of obtaining weather and oceanographic information,
