Japan maritime training vessels host public viewing events

Various maritime training vessels and patrol boats in Japan are hosting public viewing events to promote maritime education and awareness.

In Otaru, Hokkaido, the Japan Coast Guard has announced an open house for the training vessel ‘Itsukushima’ at Otaru Port on September 27, 2026. The vessel, which serves as a training platform for Coast Guard officers, features specialized equipment for learning navigation techniques. The event will include tours of the bridge and living quarters, as well as demonstrations by the Special Security Team.

In Bizen, Okayama, the training vessel ‘Yuge Maru’—operated by the National Yuge Marine College—recently held an experiential cruise for local students. The vessel, completed in March 2024, is used for training future seafarers and also provides disaster relief capabilities. The event also featured a public viewing of the patrol boat ‘Tamami,’ which is used for coastal security and rescue operations in the Seto Inland Sea.