For some time, Japanese laws were unfavorable toward international yachting visitors. Marine-industry professionals in Japan therefore have been educating government officials about the need for change. The efforts have paid off, as the Japanese government has overhauled foreign-flagged superyacht regulations.
Superyacht Logistics Japan, one of six offices for the yacht-support company Superyacht Logistics, was integral in the regulations change. Superyacht Logistics Japan has presences in both Tokyo and Osaka (above). Since 2015, it’s been working with the Parliamentary Association for Luxury Travel, whose members also faced challenges. Superyacht Logistics Japan conveyed, for instance, what superyacht owners and crews do and how much they spend when in port. Additionally, the firm’s principals pointed out how Japan’s rules were, in effect, aligned with regulations governing commercial vessels.
A number of changes became effective last week. Firstly, following initial clearances into the country, yachts can apply for Naikosen status. Essentially, this allows foreign-flagged yachts to operate like domestic ones. Therefore, they need not clear into each port as they cruise from location to location within Japan. Previously, foreign-flagged yachts needed to complete a variety of clearance declarations, including customs and immigration, every time they moved amid the country’s waters. Related to the rule change, yachts can stay and cruise with no time restrictions. They will, however, require a recognized superyacht agent with government permissions and well versed in working with yachts entering Japan.
The Japanese government has overhauled foreign-flagged superyacht regulations for crew entry and exit, too. Crewmembers receive a Multiple Landing Permit, a.k.a. a Crew Pass, valid for as long as they remain in the country. It expires only upon departing via air or sea. Formerly, the Crew Pass—issued under the commercial-vessel rules—only permitted a 14-day stay. Additionally, some nationalities of crew can still receive a so-called tourist visa waiver, valid for 90 days. This provides further options to travel within Japan when they’re not onboard.
Kenta Inaba, president and owner of Superyacht Logistics Japan, considers the changes “a great leap forward” that eliminates “the previous bureaucracy and expense.” Nigel Beatty, founder of Superyacht Logistics Japan and chairman of the Asia Pacific Superyacht Association, credits Inaba and his team with effecting the changes. “Japan is one of the most fabulous cruising destinations in the world, with almost 7,000 islands, a coastline 50 percent longer than the United States, year-round cruising, and multiple dockage and services for any superyacht,” he says.
It’s important to note that tourism restrictions are in place due to the pandemic. Regardless, more benefits stem from how the Japanese government has overhauled foreign-flagged superyacht regulations. Individuals wishing to fly in via private jet, for example, one restrictions lift will have an easier time arriving. So will those engaging in a variety of luxury travel. Government officials want to encourage a swift post-pandemic recovery.
Superyacht Logistics Japan superyachtlogistics.com
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