Okinawa: boating safety
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Okinawa Island is the main boating base of Japan's southern Ryukyu chain, with marinas around Naha and Ginowan on the west coast. Day and charter trips most often head west across the channel to the Kerama Islands.
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Harbour and marinas
The Japan Coast Guard's 11th Regional Headquarters in Naha is responsible for maritime safety around Okinawa, including navigational warnings and notices to mariners. Office: 2-11-1 Minatomachi, Naha (tel. 098-867-0118).
Japan Coast Guard, 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters ▾
Weather
The Coast Guard's "Umi no Anzen Joho" (maritime safety information) site gives real-time wind direction, wind speed and wave height observed at lighthouses, live cameras, and a 24-hour email alert service for Coast Guard emergency information and Japan Meteorological Agency warnings. An English version is available.
Japan Coast Guard, 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters ▾
Local rules
The 11th Region Coast Guard certifies "safety promotion marinas" that enforce safety measures for member boats, and urges everyone afloat to wear a life jacket at all times and carry a reliable means of communication.
Japan Coast Guard, 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters ▾
Hazards
On coral-reef coasts, strong outward currents through gaps in the reef ("reef currents") cause water accidents; the Coast Guard publishes a list of reef-current caution areas and daily tidal-stream predictions up to three weeks ahead.
Japan Coast Guard, 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters ▾
Frequently asked
Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Okinawa?
Call Japan Coast Guard on 118. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
How do I contact the harbour in Okinawa?
The Japan Coast Guard's 11th Regional Headquarters in Naha is responsible for maritime safety around Okinawa, including navigational warnings and notices to mariners. Office: 2-11-1 Minatomachi, Naha (tel. 098-867-0118).
Where do I get the marine forecast for Okinawa?
The Coast Guard's "Umi no Anzen Joho" (maritime safety information) site gives real-time wind direction, wind speed and wave height observed at lighthouses, live cameras, and a 24-hour email alert service for Coast Guard emergency information and Japan Meteorological Agency warnings. An English version is available.
Read before you sail
Nearby destinations
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