Tokai Kisen Faces Business Suspension Over Drunken Crew Violations, August 02

Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is preparing to suspend operations at Tokai Kisen Co., Ltd., the ferry company that operates most passenger routes between Tokyo and the Izu Islands. Audits this year uncovered crew members performing duties while intoxicated, falsified alcohol tests, and vessels operating with unsecured passenger gangways. The company carried approximately 600,000 passengers last year and serves as the lifeline for island residents and tourists.

What violations did audits uncover

The Kanto Transportation Bureau conducted inspections of Tokai Kisen’s vessels in 2026 and found multiple breaches of maritime law. Crew members were discovered performing watch duties while under the influence of alcohol. Other employees took alcohol breath tests on behalf of colleagues to conceal violations. Passenger vessel gangways remained open during operations, violating safety protocols. All violations breach Japan’s Seamen’s Act and Maritime Transportation Act.

What penalties is the company facing

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism plans to issue a business suspension order and mandate the removal of the company’s safety director under the Maritime Transportation Act. The Kanto Transportation Bureau will hold a hearing to allow the company to present its position before formal penalties are decided. If the safety director is removed, it will mark only the second such action since September 2024, when JR Kyushu High-Speed Ship faced similar sanctions over a water ingress cover-up.

How will this affect island residents and travelers

Tokai Kisen operates the majority of regular passenger ferry routes connecting Tokyo’s Takeshiba Pier to multiple Izu Islands, including Oshima, Niijima, and Shikinejima. The company’s large vessels, including the 6,099-ton Sarvia Maru and 5,681-ton Tachibana Maru, plus three jet ferries, provide essential transport. The Ministry is carefully considering the suspension period to minimize disruption to island communities and tourism. A full suspension could severely impact residents’ access to medical care and supplies.

Company’s prior safety record and response

In April 2025, Tokai Kisen received a safety assurance order after employing crew members who had not completed mandatory passenger evacuation training. The company is now expected to receive another safety order. When contacted by media, Tokai Kisen stated it would not comment at this stage but promised to disclose information when appropriate. The company later announced it would establish an investigative committee with external experts and work with government agencies to prevent recurrence.

Final Thoughts

Tokai Kisen’s operational suspension remains pending a formal hearing, but the violations represent a serious breach of maritime safety standards. Island communities face potential service disruption as the Ministry weighs enforcement against public impact.

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