Yawatahama (JPYWH)

Yawatahama is noted for its production of cotton textiles, and is a large orange growing area. The port also handles a major fishing and marine products industry for the area.

Yawatahama is situated on the NW coast of Shioka.

Max draught 4.7m, LOA 114m, beam 16m, 1,529DWT.

Approx 13,300,000t of cargo handled annually.

Good anchorage, sheltered from winds from all directions, is afforded in depths from 12.0-16.0m, mud, W of the head of the breakwater. Outer anchorages, sheltered in depths of 11.0-20.0m.

A lightbuoy (safe water) is moored in the approaches to the harbour, 0.5nm W of O Se. The harbour which gradually narrows, is entered on the W side of the breakwater; there is a basin used by fishing vessels at its inner end. It can also be approached from the NE part of Bungo Suido and entered between Suwa Saki and Yano Saki, 1nm N.

Japanese Charts JP151, JP1102. Admiralty Pilot NP42B.

The port limits extend across the inner parts of both Yawatahama Ko and Kawanoishi Ko (33°28.0'N 132°23.0'E).

Submarine cable (disused) is laid between the E side of Sa Shima and the mainland E of Suwa Saki, marked by beacons. Local knowledge is required.

Range 1.6m (springs), 0.9m (neaps).