developing into major disasters, JMSA provides guidance to berth managers and other parties concerned, regarding the strict observation of the requirement that they consult JMSA in advance when handling cargo, the preparation of disaster response equipment, and the stationing of lookout vessels at berths for oil tankers of 50,000 gross tonnage and upwards and liquid gas tankers of 25,000 gross tonnage and upwards. In addition. JMSA provides guidance on structural plans, from the perspective of maritime safety and disaster prevention, when berths are constructed for oil tankers of 100,000 gross tonnage and upwards and liquid gas tankers of 25,000 gross tonnage and upwards.
6. Disaster Preparedness Measures for National Oil Storage Bases
In Japan, the national government and private sector promote the storage of oil to secure a steady supply of energy.
The types of national oil storage stations in use are: storage on land using the land-based tank method (five locations), storage at sea using the storage vessel method (two locations), and underground storage using the underground storage method (three locations).
The amount of oil stored and handled at storage bases is tremendous, and in the unlikely event of an accident, there is a possibility that it will develop into a large-scale disaster.
It is for this reason that JMSA provides guidance to the parties concerned from the planning stage of a storage facility, to improve and strengthen their maritime disaster preparedness system to accommodate the special characteristics of the respective methods of storage, in order to endeavor to promote the preparation of equipment, materials, etc., at each storage base.
7. Guidance and Supervision Provided by the Maritime Disaster Prevention Center
The Maritime Disaster Prevention Center is the core private sector organization for the implementation of maritime disaster preparedness and response. It was established in 1976 through the approval of the Minister of Transport. It carries out the following tasks.
a. It implements maritime disaster preparedness and response measures when instructed to do so by Maritime Safety officers or upon the request of shipowners or other parties. It is for this reason that, as of the end of FY 1995, the center had concluded contracts related to disaster preparedness and response measure implementation with 144 disaster preparedness and response enterprises, in 83 ports and harbors nationwide. To date, the center has implemented removal measures for 113 oil spills, etc. In addition, it stores equipment, materials, etc., in key sea areas, to remove noxious substances. It also conducts disaster preparedness and response drills for disaster preparedness and response enterprises.
