REEFS AND DEPTHS

A wide berth should be given to all charted reefs in
this area. Mariners are advised that uncharted
coral heads may exist within the 100 metre
contour. Reefs dry during the summer months
when northerly winds are blowing and are covered
by up to 1 metre of water when southerly winds
blow. Additionally, some of this area has not been
systematically surveyed. Many depths are from
older leadline surveys or from foreign government
charts whose source material is unknown. The
Saudi Ports Authority states that it is based on a
general survey and uncharted navigational hazards
may exist. For further details, see the The
Mariner's Handbook which contains guidance on
the interpretation of source data.