Chart 252 OKHA TO VERAVAL Route 1 The coastal route leads 20 miles NNE from a position NW of Dwarka (22º 14'.62 N, 68º 57'.76 E), then 44 miles E to position N of Narara Bet. 2 Through the SW approach and entrance to the Gulf of Kachchh; the deep-water route extends to Vadinar Offshore Terminal (22º 30'.56 N, 69º 42'.07 E); as shown on the chart. 3 General information. Vessels, except those constrained by their draught, should as far as possible avoid using the Deep-water route by keeping N of the route and passing S of Ranwara Shoals, as described below. Fairways 1 Fairway 1 The route of 50 miles from Porbandar to Dwarka is defined by a safety fairway with depths of 60m to 25m. The safety fairway is bounded by under mentioned co-ordinates from a position approximately 35 miles West of Porbandar to approximately 10 miles West of Dwarka. 21° 37’.20 N, 69° 01’.68 E 21° 36’.35 N, 68° 58’.97 E 22° 16’.20 N, 68° 44’.75 E 22° 16’.27 N, 68° 47’.75 E 2 Fairway 2 The route of 30 miles is defined by a safety fairway with depths from 80 m to 25 m bounded by under mentioned co-ordinates from a position 40 miles South West of Okha Mandal to 11 miles West of Okha Mandal. 22° 03’.50 N, 68° 15’.38 E 22° 16’.27 N, 68° 44’.60 E 22° 18’.25 N, 68° 42’.80 E 22° 01’.10 N, 68° 16’.80 E 3 Fairway 3 The route of 35 miles is defined by a safety fairway with depths of 60m to 25 m between under mentioned co-ordinates from a position 44 miles West of Okha to 10 miles West of Dwarka. 22° 16’.20 N, 68° 44’.75 E 22° 16’.27 N, 68° 47’.75 E 22° 27’.35 N, 68° 15’.23 E 22° 24’.77 N, 68° 14’.50 E Topography 1 The Okha Mandal Peninsula NNE of Kachchigadh (22º 19'.88 N, 68º 56'.91 E), has a Coastline fringed with sand hills; its hinterland is very low. The coastline from Humani Point, the N point of Okha Mandal Peninsula; to Narara Bet is heavily indented with bays and fronted by numerous large reefs. Depths 1 Throughout this route, there is considerable variation in the depths. Hazard 1 Numerous small fishing vessels may be encountered off parts of the S coast of the Gulf of Kachchh. Tidal streams 1 Tidal streams set E when in-going and W when out-going; at the W edge of Gurur Shoal (22º 33'.28N, 69º 01'.59E), these streams attain a rate of 1½ kts at neaps. 2 Along the N face of Bural Reef (22º 30'.0N, 69º 20'.0E) the tidal stream has a rate from 4 to 6 kts. Tidal streams set 100° while inbound and 280° while outbound. These currents remain strong until one hour after peak of tide. Dwarka Point Light Overfalls 1 Depths are irregular and heavy tide-rips are experienced, between Gurur Shoal and the mainland S and SE, on each side of the intervening deep-water channel, particularly on the out-going stream. It should be noted that the sea sometimes breaks in this channel even in calm weather. 2 In the vicinity of Chandri Reef (22º 31'.0 N, 69º 07'.54 E), Paga Reef (22º 28'.27 N, 69º 13'.18 E) and Bural Reef to the E, the uneven bottom causes overfalls and tide-rips which are particularly heavy at springs. 3 Heavy tide-rips occur off the NE end of Bural Reef when the tidal stream is strong. Principal marks 1 Landmarks. Chimney (elevation 102 m) (22º 24'.30 N, 69º 00'.65 E). Aramda Beacon (22º 26' N, 69º 00' E) stands a 1¾ miles W of the walled town of Aramda. Water tower (elevation 89 m) (22º 23'.96 N, 69º 42'.82 E).For landmarks at Sikka . 2 The following landmarks, standing on the N coast of the Gulf of Kachchh, may be visible from parts of the route: Asar Mata Temple (22º 50'.41 N, 69º 13'.15 E). House (22º 49'.78 N, 69º 16'.81 E). Tamachi Pir Tomb, which stands close E of above house. Kachchigadh Light 3 Vijay villas Palace stands close N of above tomb. Radio mast (22º 52'.48 N, 69º 24'.00 E). Rawal Pir Tomb (22º 48'.89 N, 69º 23'.43 E). 4 Major lights: Dwarka Point Light (22º 14'.30 N, 68º 57'.50 E). Kachchigadh Light (22º 19'.87 N, 68º 56'.92 E). Humani Point Light (22º 28'.6 N, 69º 04'.2 E). Chhachhi Light (22º 57'.21 N, 69º 00'.87 E). Mandvi Light (22º 49'.75 N, 69º 20'.88 E). Navinal Point Light (22º 44'.43 N, 69º 42'.88 E). Pirothan Island NW Point Light (22º 36'.26 N, 69º 57'.13 E). Other navigational aids 1 Racon (22º 32'.7 N, 69º 16'.2 E) at Bural 2 Racon (22º 49'.75 N, 69º 20'.5 E) at Mandvi Lighthouse. 3 Racon (22º 30'.54 N, 69º 42'.08 E) at Vadinar Offshore Terminal SBM I. Directions Coastal route 1 The route leads 20 miles NNE from a position NW of Dwarka (22º 14'.68 N, 68º 57'.76 E), then 44 miles E to a position N of Narara Bet, passing (with positions from Bural Reef Light (22º 32'.71 N, 69º 16'.19 E) WNW of a stranded wreck (21 miles SW), then to: 2 WNW of an unnamed coastal reef with shoal patches extending about l½ miles seaward (19¾ miles WSW), then to WNW of Aramda Reefs (16¼ miles WSW), then to: 3 Depending on draught clear of a 9.4 m shoal (l8¼ miles WSW), then to WNW of Marian Shoal (l4½ miles WSW) with Bobby Shoal lying 1 mile NE, then to clear of Gurur Shoal (14½ miles W), and ESE of Lushington Shoal (27 miles WNW) and: 4 Humani Point (11½ miles WSW), at the N end of the Okhamandal Peninsula, forms the S entrance point of the Gulf of Kachchh; a tower stands on the point. A beacon stands on the coast 4 cables SSW of Humani Point; another beacon stands at the head of a small bay 1½ cables SSE of the same point. No 1 Buoy (starboard hand) is moored 1¾ miles NNW of the point at the extremity of shoal water in the W approaches to Okha . Then to: 5 WNW of a dangerous wreck (11 miles W) lying in the approaches to Okha, then to WNW and N of Chandri Reef (8 miles W), which dries in places and is covered by the red sector (217º-247º) of Samiani Island Centre Light (22º 29'.31 N, 69º 05'.23 E). Then to Clear of an obstruction (3¾ miles N), and: 6 S of Ranwara Shoals (10½ miles NNW); these two rocky shoals cover an extensive area with depths of 10 m or less, as shown on the chart, the sea always breaks over the SE shoal. Ranwara Light-buoy (port hand) is moored off the SW side of the SE shoal. Then to N of Bural Reef (Chank Reef) (extending 9 miles E), a large coral reef which is steep-to on its N side; the reef dries and it supports several islands. Then to clear of Investigator Reef (16 miles ENE) which lies, near the middle of the gulf, just S of the deep-water route. Then to N of Dhani Reef. 7 Dhani Reef ( 20 miles ESE), and to a position N of Narara Bet an islet with a clump of trees, fronted by sand, which separates Pathfinder Inlet and Sikka Creek; the islet is joined to the mainland S by a mangrove swamp and surrounded N by Narara Reef. Deep-water route 1 Caution. Reports are often received concerning route buoys that are missing or unlit. 2 General information. The route is marked in accordance with IALA Maritime Buoyage System (Region A), it varies in width between 8 cables and 1¾ miles. There are controlling depths of 25 m at the beginning of the route, NW of Kachchigadh light, and 23 m NNE of Okha Point (22º 28'.44 N, 69º 05'.01 E); however, vessels should take into account possible changes which may have taken place due to meteorological or other effects since the last survey. 3 Directions. In the vicinity of position 22º 21'.0N, 68º 49'.0 E, the route is entered, about 7 miles WNW of Kachchigadh Light; it leads NNE between Lushington Shoal (22º 37'.76 N, 68º 47'.13 E) and Gurur Shoals , 13 miles ESE, and then to E into the gulf, passing S of Ranwara Shoals (22º 42'.0 N, 69º 19'.0 E) and N of Investigator Reef (22º 35'.54 N, 69º 33'.39 E) . 4 Under keel clearance. While proceeding at their normal service speed, deep draught vessels must allow a minimum under keel clearance of 20% of their draught. At reduced speed, the clearance in calm weather may be reduced to 15%; but if an appreciable sea or swell is running a 20% clearance must be allowed. Particular care should be taken where the chart indicates critical depths in the route and the vessels individual squat calculation applied. Samiani Island North Light Clearing marks and lines 1 The alignment (171º) of the following marks leads W of Gurur Shoal (22º 33'.28 N, 69º 01'.59 E) and E of Lushington Shoal (22º 37'.76 N, 68º 47'.13 E): 2 Kachchigadh Fort (22º 19'.56 N, 68º 57'.17 E) and: Dwarkanath Temple (22º 14'.26 N, 68º 58'.05 E). 3 For vessels passing S of Gurur Shoal, Samiani Island Centre Lighthouse (22º 29'.31 N, 69º 05'.23 E) bearing between 092º and 103º passes S of Gurur Shoal and N of Marian Shoal, in a depth of not less than 11.3 m; note that Bobby Shoal, and other isolated patches, lie from 3 to 4½ miles W of the lighthouse between these bearings. Useful marks 1 Mojap Beacon (22º 21'.44 N, 68º 57'.81 E) a black masonry structure stands near a sandhill, about 30 m high, with bushes on it. 2 Mithapur Light 50 m in height) (22º 24'.42 N, 69º 00'.67 E) stands close NE of a conspicuous chimney. Samiani Island Centre Light (22º 29'.31 N, 69º 05'.23 E). 3 Samiani Island North Light (white masonry tower, black bands, 10 m in height) (22º 29'.50 N, 69º 05'.47 E) stands at the NE end of a drying reef extending NE from the island. 4 Bural Reef Light (white round tower, 12 m in height) (22º 32'.71 N, 69º 16'.19 E) stands near the NW extremity of Bural Reef. Bural Reef Light tower Chank Tapu Light tower 5 Chank Tapu Light (white 4-sided concrete tower, black bands) (22º 32'.90 N, 69º 24'.57 E) stands near the NE extremity of Bural Reef. 6 Kalubhar Tapu Light (white round stone tower, 20 m in height) (22º 26'.32 N, 69º 35'.23 E) stands at the W end of Kaubhar Tapu from where the reef extends about 1¼ miles offshore. Kalubhar Tapu Light OKHA APPROACHES AND HARBOUR Position 1 The port of Okha (22º 28'.28 N, 69º 05'.02 E) lies between the North end of Okha Mandal Peninsula and Bet Shankhodhar(1 mile SE).It is situated at the mouth of the Gulf of Kutch at the North West corner of the Saurashtra peninsula, about 323 mile from Mumbai. It is a port endowed with a natural harbour, providing shelter throughout the year. The town of Okha is situated close W of the port. Function 1 Okha is an all-weather port with direct berthing roadstead working facilities. The working season is all round the year owing to the sheltered harbour and scanty rainfall with favorable weather conditions. The chief exports mainly comprise bauxite and onion where as the main imports are coal and limestone. The port also handles coastal cargo like Pet Coke and Calcium. Approach and entry 1 The approach to the port is from NW passing N of Samiani Shoal, and is entered between Samiani Island North Light (22º 29'.50 N, 69º 05'.47 E) and the shoal ground extending NNW from Bet Shankhodhar. Port authority 1 The port is administered by the Port Officer, Gujarat Maritime Board, Okha Port, Dev Bhumi Dwarka Gujarat – 361 350 Tel: +91 02892-262001, Fax: +91 02892-262002 E mail: portofficerokp@yahoo.in, Web: www.gmbport.org Controlling depths 1 Minimum depth available at the main berth is 8 m. Deepest and longest berth 1 Sayaji Pier is the longest berth of 180 m length and has 8 m draught alongside. Mean tidal levels 1 Mean spring range about 3.0 m; mean neap range about 1.6 m. See information in Indian Tide Tables. Okha Light House Landmarks 1 Okha Light (square masonry tower, red and white bands, 23 m in height) (22º 28'.6 N, 69º 04'.2 E). Two radio masts standing close SSW of the light are marked by fixed red lights. 2 Samiyani Island Light (white round stone tower, 20m in height) (22º 29'.31 N, 69º 05'.23 E) stands near the centre of Silmigni Island; a tomb, with a spire, stands on a small mound close NNE of the light. Directions Approach channel 1 A course should be shaped for the pilot boarding place or the outer anchorage from a position in deep-water N of Humani Point (22º 28'.61 N, 69º 04'.19 E), thereafter for the harbour entrance, giving due attention to the following off-lying dangers (with positions from Samiani Island Centre Light (22º 29'.31 N, 69º 05'.23 E) ; A wreck (1¾ miles NNW), with a depth of 5m over it. 2 A dangerous wreck (1½ miles NNW) lies close SSE of a 9.1m shoal patch and 2½ cables N of the pilot boarding position. 3 Samiyani Shoal (extends 2 miles NW), which dries in parts, is marked near its NW and SE ends, respectively, by No 1 Buoy (starboard hand). 4 Chandri Reef (2½ miles NE) has shoal patches extending 1¾ Miles W; No 1 buoy (port hand) is moored near the W end of the shoal patches. 5 Isolated shoal patches lie in the channel between Samiyani Shoal and the shoal patches extending W from Chandri Reef. 6 Chandri Rock (1½ miles ENE). Dry Cargo Berth (DCB Jetty) Minor channels 1 Caution. Across these channels which are very narrow, strong tidal streams set, making their use difficult. 2 The channel used by coastal vessels and small craft; leading from W between Samiyani Shoal and Humani Point and then S of Samiyani Island. Foul ground and shoal water extend offshore between Humani and Okha Points. Numerous detached patches exist in the channel.A dangerous wreck lies 1 cable W of the S extremity of Samiyani Island. 3 The channel leading SSW between Samiyani Shoal and Samiyani Island is seldom used. Useful marks 1 Okha Point (22º 28'.44 N, 69º 05'.01 E) is low and sandy with the port flagstaff and a rest house standing close W. 2 Padmatirth Point (22º 27'.70 N, 69º 05'.58 E) a small bluff tableland that forms the NW extremity of Bet Shankhodhar Island; the point becomes an islet at high water springs. A small white-domed mosque stands on the point with a flagstaff ½ cable SSE; a white domed tomb stands 7½ cables E of the point. 3 Bet Shankhodhar Island Beacons (22º 28'.12 N, 69º 07'.00 E); a number of beacons stand in this vicinity; their positions are shown on the chart. 4 Okha VTMS tower is a round concrete tower with red and white bands in position 22º 28'.61 N 69º04'.16 E and height 75 m. Jetties and wharf 1 Caution. The local authority should be consulted for the least depth alongside the berths. Wind restrictions are max 20 kts for berthing and unberthing. All vessels entering/leaving harbour are to maintain a safe speed. The radius of turning circle available off the Sayaji pier berth is 200 m. OKHA TO NARARA BET-BAYS, ANCHORAGES AND HARBOURS Bet Shankhodhar and Positra Bay Bet Shankhodhar 1 General information. Bet Shankhodhar or Bet Dwarka (22º 27'.51 N, 69º 05'.91 E) is a long and narrow island situated SE of the NE extremity of the Okha Mandal Peninsula, from which it is separated by a channel 9 cables wide at its narrowest part; the SW part of the channel is mostly foul ground. 2 Traffic. About 150 small passengers ferry boats and 350 fishing crafts use the jetty annually. 1 Topography. The Island is composed chiefly of sandhills with some clumps of coconut and a few other trees in its NE part; much of the remainder of the island is open jungle of prickly pear and thorny scrub, except in the SW, where it is of rocky tableland formation covered with dense forest. 2 Hanuman Point (22º 28'.17 N, 69º 09'.01 E) lies at the E end of the island with Hanuman Temple, which may be identified for position by the trees which hide it, standing 7 cables W-Hanumandanda Reef lies on foul ground extending 1½ miles NNE of Hanuman Point. 3 Shankholia Point, the SW point of the island, is situated 4½ miles SW of Hanuman Point. 4 Padmatirth Point (22º 27'.70 N, 69º 05'.58 E) forms the NW extremity of the island. 1 Okha Mandal town is situated about 5 cables S of Padmatirth Point; it has many temples and shrines of Lord Krishna. Dwarkadhish Temple, a large square building near the centre of the town, is very prominent. A small landing place, Beyt jetty, is situated on the shore close SW of Dwarkadhish Temple; nearby more imposing buildings, to house pilgrims, stand in contrast with the stone and mud houses of the rest of the town. 2 Port operation. The Port is operated by the port officer, Okha. A GMB office and fishery office are also available on the island. The movement of the passenger ferry boats and fishing boats is controlled by Gujarat Maritime Board and fishery officials. 3 RCC Jetty. There is a newly constructed RCC piled jetty for berthing of ferries and fishing boats. Depths available alongside the jetty is 02m. It is an L-shape jetty and lies in the EW direction and Jetty approach from land is 213 m. Approach berth of the jetty is 40m long and 8 m wide. 4 Facilities. A government health Centre is available on the Island. For security of pilgrims and local population, coastal port security and police have also been positioned. Anchorage E of Bet Shankhodhar 1 General information. Small vessels may obtain well sheltered anchorage during W gales, E of Bet Shankhodhar with Hanuman Point (22º 28'.17 N, 69º 09'.01 E) bearing 334º distant 6 cables in a depth of about 10 m, sand and mud; E of this position the bottom is rocky. 1 Tidal streams. At anchorage, the in-going stream sets S and the out-going N; the streams attain a rate of 1¼ kts at neaps and 1½ kts at springs. Bet Dwarka Jetty Seen From Seaward 1 Directions. If making the anchorage E of Bet Shankhodhar, and intending to pass close W and S of Chandri Reef, pass W of No 1 Light-buoy (22º 30'.6 N, 69º 05'.2 E) then steer SE until a sand ridge on the S end of Chandri Reef bears 080º then course should be altered E to pass well S of the sand ridge. Care must be taken to keep clear of Chandri Rock and a shoal patch, which dries, 4 cables NE of it. The tidal streams here set E and W at rates from 2½ to 3 kts. 2 When Positra Village, 2 miles SW of Positra Point (22º 25'.30 N, 69º 11'.70 E) bears 180º, the vessel will be E of Hanumandanda Reef, thereafter steer for the village on this bearing until Samiani Island Centre Lighthouse (22º 29'.31 N, 69º 05'.23 E) bears 275º then course may be altered for the anchorage. 3 If passing E of Chandri Reef bring Positra Village to bear 180º and proceed as above. Positra Bay 1 General information. Entrance to the Positra Bay is through a passage between Positra Point (22º 25'.30 N, 69º 11'.70 E) and the SE point of Bet Shankhodhar, 3½ miles NE; the bay is very shallow and dries in places. 2 Topography. The Southern coast of the bay is low and much inundated at high water springs; the surrounding areas are mostly sandy with cactus scrub and is sparsely cultivated. 3 Depths. Although depths within Positra Bay increase towards Shankholia Point there are below water rocks E of the point and local knowledge is necessary when navigating in the vicinity. 4 Landing. Except at high water springs, landing is difficult, because of reefs, sand and mud banks. Pindara Bay and approaches Description 1 Pindara Bay is entered between Positra Point (22º 25'.30 N, 69º 11'.70 E) and Shiyardi Bet, a small island with mangroves extending S, 10 miles SE. The bay is shallow and its head dries out to a distance of about 1½ miles. 2 From the head of Pindara Bay, Okha Rann, a salt marsh which covers at high water springs and is almost impassable, extends S forming the E side of Okha Mandal Peninsula and the W limit of the Saurashtra Coast which extends ENE to the head of the Gulf of Kachchh. Pindara Bay from West with Small Islets in Background 3 Merodi Bet (22º 23'.05 N, 69º 12'.82 E), known locally as Sahn, consists of two islets; the W islet is 18 m high with a flat summit, the E islet is smaller and cone-shaped. 4 Ajad Tapu (22º 22'.84 N, 69º 19'.95 E) is a bluff island covered with jungle and has little cultivation; the ruins of an old Tower stand on the summit of a round hill at its S point. The island is surrounded by a rocky. Directions 1 Dangers in the approach. From N the approach leads between Paga Reef (22º 28'.27 N, 69º 13'.18 E) and Bural Reef about 1 mile E, thereafter passes E of Boria Reef (22º 25'.12 N, 69º 13'.13 E) and clear of an unnamed reef, 2¼ miles SE. 2 Paga Reef lies in the approaches to Pindara Bay; it has a sand ridge on its SW side which is submerged only at high water springs. The reef is covered by the red sector (260º-290º) of Samiani Island Centre Light (22º 29'.31 N, 69º 05'.23 E). 3 Bural Reef (Chank Reef) (22º 30'.0 N, 69º 20'.0 E), a large coral reef which is steep-to on its N side, supports several islands including Nora Tapu near the centre of its N part, this island is low and sandy, it is covered with mangroves and trees the highest of which are at its E end. Bhaidar Tapu, similar to Nora Tapu, lies 4 miles SSW; Chank Tapu is a small wooded island near the NE corner of the reef. Two small rocky islets, Khara and Mitha Chusna, lie near the S tip of the reef. 4 A stranded wreck lies close S of the NW point of Bural Reef with the forepart of another wreck 1 mile S; the former has been reported to give a good radar response, the mast of the latter is visible. 5 Boria Reef (22º 25'.12 N, 69º 13'.13 E), which dries, lies at the E edge of foul ground extending E from Positra Point; a small detached reef lies about 7 cables N of Boria Reef with a shoal patch 4 cables WSW of it. Local knowledge is necessary when navigating in this vicinity. 6 Clearing marks. The alignment (about 143º) of the following marks leads close NE of Paga Reef: The summit of Ajad Tapu (22º 22'.84 N, 69º 19'.95 E) and: Venu Hill (626 m high) (21º 52'.03 N, 69º 44'.80 E), standing in the Barda Hills 35 miles SE. The alignment (about 205º) of the following marks leads close SE of Paga Reef: The SE bluff of Okha Mandal Peninsula (37 m high) (22º 15'.99 N, 69º 09'.29 E), 9½ miles SSW of Positra Point; seen between: The two islets of Merodi Bet (22º 23'.05 N, 69º 12'.82 E) Other channels 1 A deep-water channel is lying in between Paga Reef and the detached reef close N of Boria Reef, but local knowledge is necessary for vessels using it. 2 There is a deep-water channel N and W of Ajad Tapu and its surrounding reef, but there are several dangers in the N channel and a large unnamed reef lies on the W side of the W channel near its N end. Anchorages in Pindara Bay 1 Merodi Bet. Small vessel may obtain anchorage about 5 cables E of Merodi Bet and also on its W side in depths from 11 to 16.5 m, mud; it is well sheltered from all winds but local knowledge is required before approaching the anchorage. 2 Ajad Tapu. Small vessels with a shallow draught can anchorage off the SE side of Ajad Tapu; to approach the anchorage local knowledge is required. Anchorages and shelter off Bural Reef 1 West side. Anchorage can be obtained for small vessels close W of the NW edge of Bural Reef in depths of 7 m, mud; as shown on the chart. Care should be taken to avoid shoes extending NW and SW from the NW edge of the reef. 2 East side. Vessels can obtain a good shelter on the E and SE sides of Bural Reef from W winds; vessels anchoring off these sides must take care to avoid Bubasir Rock, (22º 30'.48 N, 69º 26'.22 E) which lies off the E side of the reef. 3 When taking shelter for a single tide vessels may anchor, at the edge of shoal soundings, with the trees on Chank Tapu bearing 271º distant about 2 miles, in depths of 15 m, mud; or farther SE, E of Bubasir Rock, with the trees bearing 293º distant about 3 miles, in depths of 12 m. At the latter anchorage the out-going stream sets NW and the in-going SE. 4 There are two anchorages, as shown on the chart, 2¼ and 3 miles SE of Chank Tapu in depths of about 6 and 8 m respectively, mud. 5 Shelter. During the SW monsoon, large local vessels seek shelter in the lee of Chank Tapu. 6 Directions. While proceeding to anchor on the E side of Bural Reef, and passing N of it, keep a good lookout for the trees on Nora Tapu and Chank Tapu and give these islands a berth of at least 3 miles. 1 The route leads 33 miles WNW from a position S of Diu Head (20º 41'.42 N, 70º 49'.72 E) to a position SSW of Veraval Lighthouse. Topography 1 This stretch of coast is generally straight with a coastal reef that extends a short distance offshore. Between Diu Head and Mul Dwarka, 10 miles WNW; the coast consists of rocky bays, some cliffs from 9 m to 12 m high, lying between rocky points. Thehinterland is mostly wooded and in the vicinity of Chhara (20º 44'.53 N 70º 42'.91 E) the trees are tall and dense; Kodinar, a town 3 miles NE of Mul Dwarka, is just visible among the trees. 2 The coast is low and sandy from Mul Dwarka toSutrapara, 12 miles WNW, with patches of cliff at intervals. Some large rocks stand on the coastal reef in the vicinity of Sutrapara. Depths 1 There are no charted dangers seawards of the 30 m depth contour. Tidal streams 1 The in-going stream between Diu Head andSutrapara sets ESE and the out-going WNW, both,though subject to irregularities, attain a rate from 1to 1½ kts. In December and January the current setting along the coast reinforces the out-going stream and the in-going stream is consequently weakened and may become imperceptible. Currents 1 The currents have a seasonal variation related to the monsoon. The most frequent set from February to September is SE with the greatest consistency during June, July and August; in October currents are variable in direction, but from November to January the most common set is NW The rates of the currents are generally less than 1 kt but may reach about 2 kts at times, mainly during July, August and December. Exceptionally, the current has a significant onshore component. Veraval Light-tower Principal marks 1 Landmarks. Tower (20º 50'.73 N, 70º 20'.91 E). Somnath Temple (20º 53'.29 N, 70º 24'.06E) stands on the seaward side of Prabhas Patan, a large town surrounded by a wall of dark coloured stone. The temple is a recent reconstruction of a series of shrines dedicated to Siva, dating from the first century AD Several of these shrines were destroyed. Patan Idgah (20º 53'.7 N, 70º 23'.5 E); a conspicuous temple stands 1 cable NNW of Patan Idgah. Bhidbhajan Temple (20º 53'.96 N, 70º 23'.0 E). Chimney (20º 55'.l N, 70º 21'.3 E). 2 Major lights. Diu Head Light Veraval Light (white square masonry tower, black bands, 34 m in height). Directions 1 The route leads 33 miles WNW from a position S of Diu Head (20º 41'.40 N, 70º 50'.38 E) to a position SSW of VeravalLighthouse, passing (with positions from the town of Dhamlej (20º 47'.0 N, 70º 37'.0 E). 2 SSW of Shoat Bank (9 miles ESE). This rocky bank, about 6 miles long, lies parallel to the coast and about 1½miles off., it has a least reported depth of 2 m near its ESE end. Vessels passing should keep in depths of more than 24 m. Then toSSW of Mul Dwarka (3 miles ESE), a small bluff point with white sandy cliffs and an old temple on its summit. Then to: 3 Depending on draught, clear of an 18.3 m patch (15½ miles WNW), and to a position SSW of Veraval Light. 4 Clearing bearings. Diu Head Lighthouse (20º 41'.48 N, 70º 49'.65 E) bearing less than 079º clears Shoal Bank to the S; and Mul Dwarka bearing more than 333º clears this bank to the W. Useful marks 1 Gorakhnath (21º 31'.80 N, 70º 32'.17 E) is an immense, bare and isolated granite cone upon which stands many temples and monasteries. The mountain is prominent from SW of Diu Head to Porbandar, 90 miles NW; farther NW it is obscured by the Barda Hills. 2 White tomb, a tomb stands close to the coast about 7½ cables W of Chhara Village (20º 44'.5 N, 70º 43'.0 E). 3 Sutrapara Light-beacon (20º 50'.2 N, 70º 28'.95 E). Veraval General information 1 Position.The Veraval town (20º 54'.00 N 70 º22'.00 E) lies at the head of a small exposed bay indenting a straight stretch of coastline. It is situated 68 miles South of Porbandar. 2 Function.Veraval isa fair weather lighterage port with an intermediate anchorage. The principal activity is fishing. The port also handles trading of food grains and general cargo. 3 Port authority.The port is administered by Port Officer, Gujarat Maritime Board, Bunder Road, Veraval 362 265.Contact details: email:poveraval@gmail.com:Tel No:02876-220001 Veraval Harbour view from Port Office Limiting conditions 1 Tidal levels. Mean spring range about 1.6 m; mean neap range about 0.7 m. See information in Tide Tables. 2 Maximum size of vessel handled.Lighter crafts of draught 2.5 m to 3 m and 75MT. 3 Weather.The SW monsoon affects the port adversely and it is closed to shipping from mid-May to mid-September. Arrival information 1 Port operations.At a time, only three vessels can be worked, when weather permits, between mid-Septembers until mid-May. Vessels lie at anchor in the roads and load and discharge by barges working to two basins in the inner harbour. Vessels are to inform port office 24 hours in advance prior arrival on CH 16. 2 Pilotage is not available. 3 Local knowledge is considered essential for the vessels using the enclosed and inner harbours. Harbour 1General layout.The port has an open roadstead anchorage, lying off a small harbour which is protected by two breakwaters namely Western breakwater of 334 m and Eastern breakwater of 440 m, an inner harbour with two basins is also situated North of the enclosed harbour; an inner harbour with two basins is situated N of the enclosed harbour, the inner harbour leads to East Harbour which is a shallow inland berthing area.The enclosed harbour facilitates an all-weather fishing port. Only coastal cargo is handled at this port. 2 Signal station.There is a signal station on the roof top of Port Office with which signals may be exchanged by Morse or using the International Code of Signals or on VHF RT. Western Breakwater light 3 Tidal streams in the roadstead are not perceptible, but there is sometimes a surface drift of about ½ kt due to wind. 4 Basins and berths.Two basins (namely West basin and East basin) in the inner harbour are situated close N of the root of the main breakwater, with four quays. At the anchorage, the quays; equipped with loading ramps, are normally used by barges working ships handling cargo. Petrol and oil cargoes are handled at a separate quay. 5 Depths.The inner harbour is generally shallow with several dangers including a dangerous wreck lying close NE of the main breakwater ¾ cable inside its head. Channels with depths of 2.5 m at the entrance is maintained by dredging. Vessels entering harbour are required to ascertain the same from port authority. 6 East Harbour.East Harbour has been dredged from swampy ground E of the town, is entered through a narrow channel in the N part of the inner harbour. Trawlers and small craft use East Harbour. It is also consist of five finger jetties (up to 500m) for trawlers and fishing crafts. 7 Channel.Harbour can be entered through dredged channel from SE. The channel mouth consists of one set of navigational buoys. The approach channel is 2088 m in length and 36 m wide with a minimum depth of 2.5 m. Principal marks 1 Conspicuous Marks. Port Flagstaff (20º 54'.137 N, 70º 22'.14 E, height-16m) located on the rooftop of port office. Mosque Minaret (20º 54'.019 N, 70º 22'.135 E) located near the landward side of Western breakwater. Veraval lighthouse (20º 54'.6 N, 70º 21'.2 E) is of 34 m height semicircular front masonry tower (black and white bands). Water tower and Bhidbhajan temple located approximately 41/2 cables NNW of the port. 2 Leading marks. The alignment (041½º) of the following marks leads from SW towards the anchorage: Bhid Bhanjan Beacon Light (white square masonry tower, red bands, 6 m in height) (20º 53'.94 N, 70º 22'.98 E). Bhid Bhanjan Temple (21º 06'.38 N, 70º 05'.98 E)(close NE). 3 Useful mark. Eastern Breakwater Head Light (20º 53'.84 N, 70º 22'.52 E) flashing Green is exhibited from the SW end of the breakwater. Western Breakwater light flashing Red is exhibited from the SE end of the breakwater. Port services 1 Repairs.Minor repairs can be carried out; there is a small dry dock: length 41.15 m, width 10.67 m, capacity 840 dwt, depth on sill at MHWS 3.55 m. 2 Tugs.There is no tug facility available for immediate operation; however the requirement of tugs can be facilitated for mariners on hiring basis. The requirements of tugs are to be intimated well in time. 3 Cranes.There is one movable crane with capacity of 16 MT available for hiring. Rivers, landing and anchorage Rivers and landing 1 Singwada River has its mouth close E of Mul Dwarka (20º 46'.0 N, 70º 40'.0 E), the river is nearly dry except during the monsoon season. 2 Landing.Good landing can be effected for boats on the S side of Mul Dwarka. 3 Somat River enters the sea through two mouths,1 and 2 miles W of Mul Dwarka. Anchorage 1 Small craft can anchor in a cove protected by a spit, close S of Sutrapara (20º 51' N, 70º 28' E); a bandar near the center of the cove provides a good landing place.High sandhills SE and cliffs, about 15 m high, NW help to identify this cove. VERAVALTO PORBANDAR General information Route 1 The route leads 64 miles NW from a position SSW of Veraval Lighthouse to a position SW of Porbandar. Topography 1 This stretch of coastline is virtually straight with a steep beach in parts and a coastal reef that extends a short distance offshore. At intervals along the coast several small rivers empty into the sea during the rainy season, however, during the fine season most of the river mouths are usually blocked by sand. Mangrol Light 2 The coast is generally rocky between Veraval Lighthouse and Chorwad Bandar, 9 miles NW, with low cliffs in places; between Shil Bandar (21º11'.0 N, 70º 02'.20 E) and Madhavpur, 6 miles NW, sandhills fringe the coast. From Navibandar (21º 27' N, 69º 47' E) to Porbandar, 16 miles NW, there are more sandhills with clumps of trees growing near the villages; an extensive swamp lying inland, which is flooded during the rainy season, abounds in waterflow. 3 Surf and a rocky bottom in places makes landing difficult on this stretch of coastline. Depths There are no charted dangers except for two dangerous wrecks (20º 50'.5N, 70º 00'.5E) & (21º 28'.46N, 69º 24'.81E) seaward of the 30m depth contour. Porbandar Light Principal marks 1 Landmarks. New Hazur Palace (21º 37'.73 N, 69º 36'.83 E) stands about 1 mile SW of the town of Porbandar, a flagstaff stands close NW of the palace. 2 Kadar Pir (21º 38'.25 N, 69º 35'.20 E) a conspicuous mosque stands W of Porbandar Harbour. 3 Major lights. Veraval Light Mangrol Light (white 6-sided concrete tower, red bands, 35 m in height) (21º 06'.56 N, 70º 06'.28 E). Porbandar Light (white round concrete tower, black bands, 41 m in height) (21º 37'.37 N, 69º 37'.18 E); it should be noted, that with off-shore winds, the lighthouse is sometimes obscured by emissions from a chemical factory which stands 3¼ cables NE. Other navigational aid 1 Racon.Porbandar Lighthouse. For details see the relevant List of Radio Signals. Directions 1 The route leads 64 miles NW from a position SSW of Veraval Lighthouse to a position SW of Porbandar, passing (with positions from Madhavpur, a small walled town standing near the coast, (21º 15'.0 N, 69º 57'.5 E). 2 SW of an 8.3 m patch (28 miles SE), then to to: Clear of a dangerous wreck (25 miles S), and: Depending on draught, clear of a wreck (5 miles S), Then to: SW of a wreck (26 miles NW), then to: SW of a stranded wreck (29 miles NW), and: To a position SW of Porbandar. Useful marks 1 Chorwad Bandar Palace (21º 00'.34N,70º 14'.07E). Gorakhnath (21º 31'.80 N, 70º 32'.17 E). Navibandar Light (21º 27'.02 N, 69º 47'.16 E) Tukda Temple (21º 31'.38 N, 69º 43'.57 E). Porbandar General information 1 Position.Porbandar town (21º 37'.90 N, 69º 35'.87 E) is one of the largest on the Kathiawar coast, it lies on the E side of the entrance to a narrow creek which flows out between the town and a point close W. 2 Function.The port is an all-weather port. The principal exports include bauxite, cement, sesame seeds, abrasive cotton bales and mineral extracts where as the chief imports are low ash coke, fertilisers and scrap. 3 Traffic about 150 vessels visit the port and 2.32 million MT of cargo is handled annually. 4 Port authority.The port is administered by The Port Officer,Office of Port Officer GMB, Near ST Stand,Porbandar, Gujarat – 360575 Tel: +91 0286 2242408/2242438 Fax: +91 0286 2244013 Email: gmbporbandar@gmail.com GMB Jetty 1 Tidal levels.Mean spring range about 1.7 m; mean neap range about 0.9 m. See information in Tide Tables. 2 Sea state.During the monsoon season (June to September) heavy swells are experienced within the breakwater. 2 Maximum size of vessel handled by the port is of 200m LOA and draught 9.5m. Loaded vessels may berth or unberth only in day light hours with a minimum tide of 1.8m. 3 Inner harbor.When the reef is covered, entry to the creek is limited to boats drawing 1 m or less; at high water boats drawing 1.8 m can enter. Arrival information 1 Port operations.Within the breakwater, the alongside berth is normally used throughout the year. Vessels anchored outside of the breakwater may work cargo by lighters using ships gear during good weather conditions; however, cargo operations are impossible at anchor due to rough weather during the monsoon season. 2 Port radio.There is a port radio station, for details see the relevant List of Radio Signals. 3 Pilotage.For the vessels proceeding to a berth within the breakwater, pilotage is compulsory. Pilotage is only available during daylight hours; Harbour Master conducts the pilotage and normally boards about 4 cables S of the breakwater head. For further details see the relevant List of Radio Signals. 4 Tugs.Two tugs GMB1 and GMB2 of bollard pull 35 HP/Bollard are available at all hours. Requesting authority is The Port Officer, Porbandar. Communication with tugs on VHF Ch 16/14. 5 Local knowledge.For the vessels entering the main and inner harbours, local knowledge is considered essential. Harbour 1 General layout.An S-shaped breakwater provides the protection to the port. The breakwater extends about 2620 m S, from the W entrance point of the narrow creek described at 8.219. A light is sighted at the head of the breakwater. The main alongside berth lies on the E side of the breakwater and anchorage may be obtained in deep water seaward of the breakwater head. The inner harbour lies NW of the town. 2 Caution. It was reported that cyclone damage had resulted in two breaches of the breakwater, S of the berth; the breaches are about 280 and 350 m from the S end of the breakwater. Porbandar Fishing Harbour 3 Development. Future plansinclude the extension of the existing breakwater by 800 m eastward and providing 400 m landing space. Construction of a second breakwater extending 1 mile S from the vicinity of Porbandar Lighthouse.Construction of gravity wharfs of 300 m in between finger and Coast guard jetty for sailing vessels and miscellaneous cargo. 4 Depths. The depth shoals gradually towards the shore, North of the 10 m depth contour. There are several drying patches in the vicinity of the breakwater and along the coastline; the entrance channel to the inner harbour creek, described below, also dries. An area of foul ground exists about 2½ cables E of berth located on the inner side of the breakwater. Several stranded and dangerous wrecks lie within the harbour. Their positions are best shown on the chart. 5 Channel.There is no marked channel for entering into the main harbour. A small craft channel leads from the main harbour N of the reefs fronting the creek, then to through the creek, to the inner harbour. 6 Storm signals are displayed from a conspicuous flagstaff standing near the E entrance of the creek by using the general system. 7 Tidal streams. Tidal streams are negligible in the offing. The out-going stream, within the creek, runs strongly and continues well after low water; if leaving the creek on the out-going stream, great care must be taken to avoid being set on to the reef at the entrance. Leading and useful marks 1 Inner harbour marks. The alignments (given below) of the following marks lead through the channel towards the creek at the entrance of the inner harbour: A pair of leading beacons standing 4 cables W of the conspicuous minarets (21º 38'.3 N, 69º 35'.8 E), in line bear 292º. A similar pair of beacons standing 7 cables ESE of the above minarets, in line (astern) bear 111¼ º. 2 Useful marks. Breakwater head light (white metal framework tower, red bands) (21º 37'.0 N, 69º 35'.5 E). Under construction building of 45 m height in position 21º 37'.8 N, 69º 36'.76 E is located near the Huzoor palace. Porbandar light house is a 41 m round concrete tower with black and white bands. It lies on the Eastern side of breakwater headlight. Anchorages and berths Anchorages. 1 General. Large vessels can obtain anchorage 1 mile SSW of the breakwater light in an open roadstead, in depths of 12 m. approach to the anchorage from break water is 1.1 mile. Two steamers can operate at a time. Anchorage operations remain closed during monsoon period due to heavy swell and winds. It is advised that vessel remain 5 miles SW of break water, after berthing is finalized by port authority the vessel approaches as per agent/port authority advise. Anchorage is prohibited during monsoon season. 2 Examination.An examination anchorage is centered about 1½ miles WNW of the breakwater head light, in a depth of 15 m; as shown on the chart. 3 Lighterage. Small crafts can obtain anchorage E of the breakwater, which is also used for small craft lighterage operations. 1 Berths: Main harbor. There are five berths available on the Eastern side of the breakwater. Sl Berth Size Draughtin metres a Deepwater berth 235m 9.00 b GMB/Naval jetty 200m 9.00 c SCL Jetty 150m 8.00 d Coast Guard Jetty 175m 4.50 e Finger jetty 105m 3.50 2 Caution. There may be a considerable ground swell experienced at the breakwater berth, heavy fore and aft springs are essential for vessels berthed alongside. 3 Transportation.Porbandar is connected to the rest of the country by BroadGauge railway line. The port is about 5km from the nearest Broad gauge rail head. The port is well connected with state Highway. The nearest National Highway 8E is about 6 km from the port. Porbandar domestic airport is the nearest airfield at about 12 km from the Port on the Eastern side. Port services 1 Repairs.A small dry dock available for port crafts. Length 56.08m width 12.19m. No provision for underwater repair. 2 Pollution Control.As per International MARPOL regulations. 3 Places of interest.Kirti Mandir (birth place of Mahatma Gandhi), Sudama Mandir Mangrol harbour Minor ports Chorwad Bandar 1 General information.Chorwad Bandar (2lº 00'.23 N, 70º 13'.67 E) provides anchorage for small craft. 2 Megal River flows into the sea, during the SW monsoon, about 5 cables SE of Chorwad Bandar. Mangrol Bandar 1 General information.Mangrol Bandar (21º 06'.56 N, 70º 06'.28 E) is a small fishing harbour, providing safe alongside berths for the local fishing vessels. It is situated on the West Coast of Saurashtra peninsula facing Arabian Sea in Junagadh district. 2 The Mangrol town lies about 1 mile inland and a high tower (notcharted) in the town may aid its identification from a distance of at least 10 miles. The mosque here is remarkable for a finely carved interior. 3 Topography.There are cotton and betel nut plantations and many trees in the vicinity of Mangrol. 4 Function.Mangrol is an important fishing harbour on the Gujarat coast. 5 Port operations.Port ismainly used by the fishing vessels and is closed from June to August due to SW monsoon. 6 Storm signals are displayed from the storm signal station located close NW of Mangrol Lighthouse (21º 06'.56 N, 70º 06'.28 E) by using the brief system. See 1.36. 7 Harbour Facilities.Minimum depth maintained inside the basin is 2.3 m. Port is well protected by three breakwaters namely Western Breakwater, Eastern Breakwater and additional breakwater. Additional breakwater is 90 m long stretching southward from the port. This harbour can accommodate 400 fishing trawlers. It consists of two basins- (a) Old basin. The old basin is located at the entrance of the harbour and is of 177×65 m size with a minimum depth of 2.3m. (b) New Basin.The new basin is the extension of the old basin towards the Eastern side. The size of the basin is 168×65.5 m with the minimum depth of 2.5 m. Navibandar Lighthouse 8 Fishing Activities. Fishing is the major activity of this port and the economy of the township and area around is partially dependent on fishing industries. 9 Useful mark. West Breakwater Light (21º 06'.38 N, 70º 05'.98 E) (square concrete tower, 4 min height). Mangrol lighthouse (21º 06'.3 N, 70º 06'.3 E)is a 35 m hexagonal concrete tower with red and white bands. It is located on the Eastern side of the new basin. 10 Channel entrance.Local knowledge is considered essential for the vessels entering harbour. Harbour can be approached from the SE direction along the West breakwater. Shil Bandar 1 General information. ShilBandar (21º 11'.0 N, 70º 02'.20 E) is a coastal fishing village situated on the South of the creek in Junagadh district of Gujarat. The main village is located at a distance of 02 km from the coast. It is located 15 km North of Mangrol harbour. 2 Function. Shil Bandar is a small fishing village and approximately 30 to 40 small fishing boats operate from the sandy beaches along the coast. The principal activity is fishing. 3. LimitingConditions.This Bandar provides no shelter and is available to local crafts only. Use of Bandar by fishing crafts is limited in rainy season. There is no conspicuous object present for navigation. Navibandar 1 Position.Navibandar (21º 26'.7 N, 69º 47'.4 E) is a small town situated between the Southern bank of Bhadar river and the sea coast. It lies 40 km S of the city Porbandar. Bhadar river flows into the sea close NW of the town. 2 Function.Navibandar is a fishing villageand provide shelter to small fishing crafts on the Southern bank of the river. 3 Navibandar Light (21º 27'.02 N, 69º 47'.16 E) is exhibited from the sea wall of the centre bastion of the town. 4 Storm signals are displayed by using the brief system. See 1.36. 5 Anchorage. Vessels can anchor with the above light-structure bearing 099º distant 1 mile, in a depth of about 9 m, sand and mud; as shown on the chart. PORBANDAR TO KACHCHIGADH General information Route 1 The route leads 60 miles NW from a position SW of Porbandar (21º 37'.90 N, 69º 35'87 E) to a position NW of Dwarka. Topography 1 This stretch of the coastline is virtually straight with a coastal reef that extends about 1 mile offshore in places. 2 The coast is low and rising gradually to the NW between Porbandar and the entrance to Meda Creek; 17 miles NW, thereafter to Okha Madhi, a farther 22 miles NW, it consists of a high sandy ridge, broken by intermittent gaps. Okha Rann, a salt marsh,extends12 miles N from Okha Madhi to Pindara Bay in the Gulf of Kachchh; at high water springs and during the SW monsoon the submergence of this area almost isolates the Okhamandal Peninsula from the mainland. 3 The coast is composed of sandhills from Okha Madhi to Dwarka, 12 miles NW. 4 The Okhamandal Peninsula, situated E and NE of Dwarka, has a cliffy coastline covered with cactus bushes; its hinterland is very low with a substratum of sandstone. The land is only cultivated near the villages and depends on the SW monsoon for water as wells are scarce; the prickly pear grows most profusely. Depths 1 There are no charted dangers except for three dangerous wrecks (22º 08'.40N, 68º 55'.40E), (22º 08.4N, 68º 55'.4E) & (22º 00'.0N, 69º 01'.0E) seaward of the 30m depth contour. Within this contour there are several isolated rocks with depths of about 18 to 19m. Tidal streams 1 The in-going stream abreast Rupen Bandar (22º 15'.57 N, 68º 57'.86 E) sets N with a rate sometimes exceeding 2 kn; the out-going stream sets SSE at about the same rate. Farther N the tidal streams are stronger. Principal marks 1 Landmarks. Barda Hills (21º 48'.93 N, 69º 42'.93 E). Radio Mast (22º 03'.33 N, 69º 10'.49 E) from which a red obstruction light is exhibited. 2 Major lights. Porbandar Light (21º 37'.37 N, 69º 37'.16 E). Navadra Light (white round concrete tower, red bands, 35 m in height) (21º 57'.2 N, 69º 14'.10 E). Dwarka Point Light (white square stone tower, black bands, 43 m in height) (22º 14'.30 N, 68º 57'.5 E). Kachchigadh Light (white round concrete tower, red bands, 30 m in height) (22º 19'.87 N, 68º 56'.92 E). Other navigational aids 1 Radiobeacon and racon (21º 37'.37 N, 69º 37'.16 E) at Porbandar Lighthouse. For details see the relevant List of Radio Signals. Directions 1 The route leads 60 miles NW from a position SW of Porbandar (21º 37'.90 N, 69º 35'.87 E) to a position NW of Dwarka, passing (with positions from Nivadra Lighthouse (21º 57'.02 N, 69º 14'.10 E). 2 SW of a stranded wreck (9½ miles SE) lying about 1¼ miles W of the entrance to Meda Creek, then toSW of Okha Madhi (11½ miles NW), a village standing on elevated rocky land near the coast; a small temple with a dark appearance and an old tower stand near the village. Then to: 3 Clear of a dangerous wreck (18 miles NW), then to SW of Dwarka Point (24 miles NW) which stands, at the W end of a promontory, close SW of the town of Dwarka. Then toSW of a stranded wreck (26 miles NW) which lies near the middle of a reef that extends about 6 cables from shore. And to: 4 To a position W of Kachchigadh in the vicinity of the SW entrance to the Deep Water Route as shown on the chart. Dwarka point light house Useful marks 1 Pagoda (21º 50'.35 N, 69º 22'.06 E). Two small conical hills (22º 03'.5 N, 69º 08'.3 E). 2 Dwarkanath Temple (22º 14'.26 N, 68º 58'.05 E) surmounted by its conical spire stands, on an eminence, within Dwarka Fort close to the sea. The spire is supported by 60 columns and carved with figures from base to summit. A column stands near the edge of the cliff close W of this temple. 3 Three iron chimneys (22º 14'.8 N, 68º 58'.2 E) are prominent and give a good radar response. 4 A prominent square tower (not charted), but visible from well offshore, stands within the walled town of Varwala (22º 17'.37 N, 68º 57'.82 E). Minor ports Meda Creek 1 General information.Meda Creek (21º 49'.87 N, 69º 22'.38 E), which dries, forms the estuary to the Vartu Nadi and several other rivers. A large inland area, situated NE of the head of this creek, floods during the rainy season. 2 Miyani.village with a fort, lies about 1 mile within Meda Creek on its E side; the bandar of this village lies abreast it on the W side of the creek. Harsidhi mata temple seen from seaward 3 Function.Miyani village has one small fishing jetty with alongside depths of minimum 0.5 m. about 80-100 small fishing crafts operate annually. Miyani Fishing Jetty 4 Limiting Conditions.This Bandar provides shelter and is available to local crafts only. Use of Bandar by fishing crafts is limited in the rainy season. 5 Other Navigational Aids.There are two navigational objects present for navigation. Lord Siva temple (21º50'.11N, 69º21'.87E) located on the sea wall on the Northern side of the mouth of the creek. Harsidhi Mata temple (21º50'.38N, 69º22'.14E) is located on the Koyala hill top facing the sea. 6 Miyani Fishing Jetty.A small fishing jetty is located inside the creek on its Southern side. Jetty is of 31 m in length and 2 m wide with available depth of 0.5 m alongside. It is mainly used by small fishing crafts. Bhogat Anchorage 1 Ghughadwa(Bhogat)Creek (21º59'.00N, 69º11'.75E)lies 2.9 mile North West of Navdra Light 2 A SPM is installed at position 21º56'.01N, 69º09'.87E off Bhogat. SPM is fitted with a radar reflector. Anchoring and fishing is prohibited on 1000m radius around SPM and 500m either side of pipeline. 3 Tankers waiting area lies 5 mile WSW of SPM. Dwarka 1 General information.The Dwarka town (22º 14'.7 N, 68º 58'.7 E), standing near the SW end of the Okhamandal Peninsula. It is an important place of Hindu pilgrimage. 2 Gomti Nadi. Through Gomti Creek enters the sea, 5 cables SE of Dwarka Point Lighthouse (22º 14'.3 N, 68º 57'.5 E), near an old temple which has a dark appearance and which is washed by the sea at high water. 3 Landing. Landing can be effected on a steep sandy beach close W of the entrance to Gomti Creek; however, a swell from S raises too much surf here and boats should then proceed into RupenBandar, 1½ miles NNW. 4 Anchorage. Large vessels can anchor with Dwarkanath Temple (22º 14'.2 N, 68º 58'.l E) bearing 069º distant 1½ miles in depths of about 21 m, sand and rock. 5 Caution.Several vessels have lost anchors when anchored in this vicinity. 6 Storm signals are displayed by using the brief system. See 1.36. 7 Transportation.Dwarka is well connected with rail and road network. There is also one helipad available which can be used during emergency situations. 8 Portlimit. Theport limit of Dwarka (Rupen) is as follows: (a) North.The port limits starts from point L at 22º 15'.2 N, 68º 56'.2 E and runs eastward to meet point K at 22º 16'.15 N, 68º 57'.15 E near Rukmani temple and then runs SW ward to meet point I at 22º 14'.45 N, 68º 56'.5 E joined together. (b) East.From point I at 22º 14'.45 N, 68º 56'.5 E further runs to southward at distance of 16.5 km at a point H 22º 08'.2 N, 69º 02'.5 E then the limits runs NE to meet point G at 22º 08'.2 N, 69º 02'.5 E then runs southward to meet point F 22º 07'.15 N, 69º 11'.15 E joined together. (c) South.From the point F at 22º 07'.15 N, 69º 11'.15 E runs toward SW at point B 21º 50'.40 N, 68º 58'.30 E joined together. (d) West. From the point B From point I at 21º 50'.40 N, 68º 58'.3 E runs towards NW at point A 22º 07'. 5 N, 68º 46'.30 E further from point A runs toward From NE at point L 22º 15'.4 N, 68º 56'.2 E joined together. 8 ConspicuousObject.There are two conspicuous objects along the coast Dwarka point light house and a TV tower which is located 1mile North of Dwarka point light house. Rupen Bandar 1 Position. Rupen Bandar (22º 15'.57 N, 68º 57'.86E), the port of Dwarka, can be identified by asquare flat-topped house standing on a sandy neck of land located on the N side of a creek. Rupen Bandar is predominantly a fishing village and lies 2mile N of Dwarka. It is well connected with road network from Dwarka. 2 General information.Rupen Bandar is a fishing village and provides no shelter to small fishing crafts.The bandar is shallow and its entrance is much obstructed by rocks. Small local vessels lie aground at low water, on a fine sandy beach, sheltered by a fringing reef about 5 cables W; small craft, with local knowledge, can also lie at a pier about 30 mlong situated in the bandar. 3 Port Limit. (a)North. The port limit starts from point L at 22º 15'.33 N, 68º 56'.33 E and runs Eastward to meet point K at 22º 16'.25 N, 68º 57'.25 E near Rukmani Temple then runs SW ward to meet point I at 22º 14'.75 N, 68º 56'.83 E joined together. (b)East.From the point I at 22º 14'.75 N, 68º 56'.83 E further runs to southward at adistance of 16.5 km at point H 22º 08' N, 69º 02'.83 E then runs Southward to meet point F 22º 07'.25 N, 69º 11'.25 E joined together. (c)South.From the point F at22º 07'.15 N, 69º 11'.25 E runs toward SW at point B 22º 50'.66 N, 68º 58'.50 E. (d) West.Fromthe point B 21º 50'.66 N, 68º 58'.50 E runs toward NW at point A 22º 07'.83 N, 68º 46'.50 E. Further from point A runstoward NE atpoint L 22º 15'.66 N, 68º 56'.20 E joined together. Kachchigad 1 General information. Kachchigadh (22º 19'.48 N, 68º 57'.16 E) lies at the S end of a shallow bay which opens NW. A fort stands close S of Kachchigadh Lighthouse (22º 19'.87 N, 68º 56'.92 E). 2 Landing. Landing can be carried out comfortably on a beach N of the fort; the beach is frequented by turtle.