Reporting Requirements for Loss of Freight Containers from non-Japanese Flag Vessels in Japanese Coastal Waters

Reporting Requirements for Loss of Freight Containers from non-Japanese Flag Vessels in Japanese Coastal Waters (Effective 1 January 2026)

In accordance with the provisions of the SOLAS Convention, as amended, and the amendments to Seafarers Act, effective 1 January 2026, the master of every ship involved in the loss of freight container(s) in Japanese coastal waters, shall communicate the particulars of the incident to the competent authority and ships in the vicinity, as outlined below.

【Information to be Reported】

It is recognized that at the time of the initial reporting, not all of the information elements may be available. Any subsequent and/or additional information shall be reported by the master at the earliest opportunity after the initial reporting. The report shall include:

1. General information

• Type of report: Loss of freight container(s) from a ship
• Time (Universal Coordinated Time) and date
• Ship’s identity (IMO number/ name/ call sign/ MMSI)
• From: Master of the ship, or contact details of their representative reporting on master’s behalf
• To: Nearest coastal State where the incident occurred and flag State
• The message number: In chronological order if other freight container loss messages are sent following the first one. At the earliest, safe and practicable opportunity, a thorough inspection shall be conducted. The number or estimated number of lost freight container(s) shall be verified. A message containing this verified number shall be marked as “final” and sent to the same recipients.2. Position reporting

Position in latitude and longitude, or true bearing and distance in nautical miles from a clearly identified landmark (where possible)

• Position of the ship when freight container(s) were lost; or
• If the position of the ship when the freight container(s) were lost is not known, the estimated position of the ship when the freight container(s) were lost; or
• If an estimated position of the ship when the freight container(s) were lost is not known or cannot be determined, the position of the ship upon discovery of the loss.3. Total number or estimated number of freight container(s) lost, as appropriate

1. Type of goods in freight container(s):

• Dangerous goods: Yes/ No
• UN number (if known)

1. Description of freight container(s) lost as far as available and practicable

• Dimension of freight container(s) (e.g.20 foot)
• Type(s) of freight container(s) (e.g.reefer); and
• Number or estimated number or empty freight container(s)

1. The master may provide additional information, if available and practicable, for example but not limited to:

• Cargo description according to the dangerous goods manifest (if applicable)
• Description of any cargo spill
• Wind direction and speed
• Sea current direction and speed
• Estimated drift direction and speed of lost freight container(s)
• Sea state and wave height

1. Other (if necessary)

• Other detailed matters concerning the loss of the freight containers.

【Reporting Method to Ships in vicinity and Japan Coast Guard】

Safety communication, i.e. VHF radio comminication