Gwadar to Dwarka - 291 Gwadar Position and description. Gwadar (25º07'.00N, 62º21'.00E), consists of Gwadar Deep Water Port, operational since December 2008, and Gwadar Mini Port. Both facilities lie on the N side of a rocky peninsula fronted by East Bay. The deep water port handles general, bulk, container and RoRo cargoes, the mini port is used mainly by fishing vessels. Topography. Gwadar Town (25º07'.30N, 62º19'.40E) lies on a low, narrow, sandy isthmus which connects a rocky peninsula with the mainland N; there are a few date palms and banyan trees near the populated area. To the E and W of this peninsula lie, respectively, East and West Bays. Historical background. Gwadar, and an area of more than 300 sq miles surrounding it, formerly held by the Sultan of Muscat and Oman, were handed over to Pakistanin 1958. Entry. Gwadar East Bay is entered between Jabal Sur (25º13'.38N, 62º28'.43E) (10.168) and RasNuh (10.169), 8¾ miles SW. Both ports are entered through dredged and marked channels. Port Authority. Gwadar Port Authority, Gwadar, Baluchistan, Pakistan. Website. www.gwadarport.gov.pk Limiting Conditions Controlling depth. Deep water port-inner channel and turning basin dredged to 13.8 m; mini port entrance channel dredged to 3.5m. Caution. Although the dredged depths are under continuous maintenance, silting is liable to occur and the port authorities should be consulted for the latest depths. Tidal levels.Mean maximum range about 1.7 m; mean minimum range about 0.9 m. See information in Indian Tide Tables. Depths. A flat, depths about 2 to 5 m, extends from 1 to 2 miles into the bay from the isthmus. Off lying feature. A rocky spit extending about 1 mile S from RasNuh is usually marked by a ripple and, during the SW monsoon, by breakers. Arrival information Anchorage,Charted, for vessels using the deep water port lies E of fairway light buoy in depths between 15 and 26 m. Pilotage and tugs. Pilotage is compulsory for vessels of 200 GRT and over. Pilot boards 1 mile E of fairway light buoy (25º06'.91N, 62º25'.26E). Tugs are available and compulsory, the number used, to be decided by the port, depending on size of ship an weather fitted with operational bow thruster. Restricted area.Akram jetty (25º06'.28N, 62º22'.61E) is a Pakistan Navy restricted area. Prohibited area. Both approach channels and ports lie within an area in which fishing and anchoring are prohibited. Harbour General layout. The harbour consists of a fishing port and, close SE, the commercial port consisting of wharfage along reclaim land. Development. Phase two proposals are:Three container terminals, with a total length of 2010 m.Bulk cargo terminal; a grain terminal of length 300 m; a RoRo/general cargo berth of length 200 m.Oil terminal with two berths. Local traffic. Local small craft land in either Gwadar East Bay or West Bay, boats being hauled up on the shelving beach. Fishing boats frequent Bandar Hairan, a small bay situated on the S coast of the peninsula about 8 cables WSW of it has a sandy beach fronting low cliffs. Directions Major light Gwadar Light (25º06'.00N, 62º20'.87E. Cautions In hazy weather, if not bound for Gwadar, vessels should keep in depths more than 37 m. An isoloated 8.2 m shaol (25º05'.80N 62º32'.10E) lies about 9 miles E of RasNuh. Other shoals, lease depth about 11m, lie further E. At night, a good lookout should be kept for fishing boats and canoes with their nets out. Approach to East Bay. If approaching from E,vessel should keep in depths of 20 to 25 m until RasNuhis in sight. If approaching from W it is inadvisable, especially during hazy weather, to enter depths of less than 22 m until RasNuh Point bears less than 350º. Entry – deep water port – directions light. Front light (25º06'.89N, 62º19'.81E) (black and white vertical stripes, 33 m in height). Rear light (black and white vertical stripes, 46 m in height) (25º06'.89N, 62º19'.38E) (750 m from front). From the vicinity of fairway light buoy (25º06'.91N, 62º24'.72E), the alignment (270°) of the above lights leads about 4 miles W through a channel marked by light buoys (lateral) to the port noting that the positions of light buoys do not indicate the true limits of the dredged area. Mini port is entered through a channel, marked by beacons, leading WSW to the jetty. Useful marks. Water tower (25º06'.20N, 62º22'.45E), with Akram Jetty (10.175) lying about 1½ cables NE. Water tower (25º06'.81N, 62º19'.77E). DC House (25º07'.86N, 62º19'.58E). Berths Cargo berths.A 602 m long multi-purpose berth, dredged to 14.5 m alongside; there is a RoRo ramp at the W end of the berth. The port has handled a vessel of LOA 300 m; beam 33 m; draught 12.5 m subject to height of tide and favorable wind and weather conditions. Fish jetty, protected by a training wall N, extends about 410 m ENE from the shore with a small dock situated S of its root. Port services Facilities: hospital; customs post. Pasni Bay and Pasni General information Position. Pasni Bay is situated at the W end of a large indentation in the coast between the entrance (25º20'.16N, 64º04'.41E) to KhorKalmat and Jabal Zarain, 32 miles WSW. Pasni town, lies on the W shore of the bay about 4 miles NNW of Jabal Zarain; it straggles inland for several miles and consists mainly of huts with a few permanent buildings. Function. Pasni is an important town and fishing harbour being the seaport of Kulanch, a district of Makran; also it owes some importance to its proximity with Turbat, the headquarters of the administration for Makran, about 50 miles NNW. Principal exports are dried fish and dates with small quantities of wool, glue, cotton and mats; imports include general merchandise and oil. Traffic. Vessels on passage from the Persian Gulf call occasionally, but trade are principally by dhow. Topography. The coast from the entrance to Khor Kalmat to a position about 12 miles W is low with depths of less than 5 m extending up to 5 miles offshore. Farther W, towards Pasni Bay, the coast gradually rises and is backed by continuous ridges of whitish-clay peaks (locally called "shur"), then to it merges into the barren shore of the bay; there is no vegetation in the area save for a few date palms growing S of Pasni town. A mass of high white sandhills stand SW of the town with a number of "shur" to the N of them. In the bay between Jabal Zarain Hill and Ras Jaddi, 1¼ miles NNE, a group of clay hills of fantastic shape and about 46 m high stand 1½ cables inland. Shadi Kaur, a large shallow creek, entered 1½ miles N of Pasni is encumbered at its mouth by drying banks and protected on its S side by a narrow sandy ridge. Boats can enter at HW. Tidal levels. Mean maximum range about 1.8 m; mean minimum neap range about 1 m. See information in Indian Tide Tables. Local weather and sea state. During the SW monsoon a considerable swell runs into Pasni Bay, with RasJaddi giving little protection. A heavy swell breaking along the shore makes cargo working difficult and often impossible. Directions While approaching Pasni from SE vessels should give Astola Island a wide berth; for details of dangers. Major light:Pasni light (25º12'.37N, 63º29'.04E). Useful mark: stranded wreck (25° 17'.73 N, 63° 31'.82 E). Gwadar West Bay Position. Gwadar West Baylies on the W side of Gwadar Isthmus, it is entered between RasKamaiti (25º06'.31N, 62º15'.39E) and RasPishukan, 9 miles W. Pishukan, a small village, lies on the W side of Gwadar West Bay 1½ miles NW of RasPishukan. 400 hectares of land have been earmarked for construction of residential housing along the NE shore of Gwadar West Bay. Topography. The shores of Gwadar West Bay are generally flat except near ToshdanKuh, situated off theNW part of the bay, where a range of low hills stand near the shore; a fort stands in the vicinity of the hills. Akara Kaur is a small stream at the head of Gwadar West Bay with marshy land lying nearby. Depths. A flat, depths from about 2 to 5 m, extends from 1 to 2 miles into the bay from the isthmus and up to about 1 mile in most other parts; there is a 9.1 m shoal 3 miles ESE of RasPishukan. Directions. When approaching the E anchoragein Gwadar West Bay take care to avoid the spit extending S and SW of RasKamaiti and the charted shoals lying farther off the point. Anchorage may be obtained on the E side of Gwadar West Bay, in a depth of 7.3 m, with RasKamaiti bearing 198º distant about 1¼ miles; or on the W side of the bay, in the same depth, with RasPishukan bearing 182º distant about 3 miles. Caution. Depths shoaler than charted have been reported upto 3½ miles SE of RasPishukan. ASTOLA ISLAND TO GWADAR BAYS General information Route From a position S of Astola Island (25º07'.28N, 63º50'.75E) the route leads about 85 miles W to a position S of Gwadar peninsula. Topography Makran Coast is described in general. Along this route the coast is backed, in the E by the Talar Hills and in the centre by the ChakuliKoh range of mountains, these are a continuation of the Talar Hillsthat lie parallel to the coast about 17 miles inland; in its W part, the Koh-iDaram mountain range, which is separated from the ChakuliKoh range by Save Kaur Valley (see below) lies parallel to the coast about 5 miles inland. Between Jabal Zarain (25º12'.64N, 63º29'.54E) and a position about 8 miles W the coast is generally straight and backed by sand dunes. Then to RasShamai Bandar, 15 miles farther W, the low coast forms a shallow bay which is apparently bordered by desert but, it is fertile in places a short distance inland. West of RasShamai Bandar, for about 18 miles, the coast is rocky and rises a short distance inland in the E part to a long jagged ridge of precipitous white clay hills about 140 m high; except in a few places, along this stretch of coast, there is no beach at LW. The remainder of the coast, W to Jabal Sur, is sandy and rises to low hills with principally white clay peaks. Save Kaur flows into a large salt water creek through one of the gaps in the hills N of its mouth (25º15'.70N, 62º50'.49E). Principal marks Landmarks. Radio mast (25º16'.31N, 63º28'.51E), at Pasni. Jabal Zarain (25º12'.64N, 63º29'.54E), a hill about126 m in height, brown in colour and shaped like a barn when seen from E or W but from S it appears as a long notched ridge with sloping ends.From a distance it looks detached from the low land upon which it stands. Major lights. Astola Island Light (25º07'.36N, 63º50'.35E). Pasni Light (25º12'.37N, 63º29'.04E), standing on the S side of Jabal Zarain. Gwadar Light (25º06'.00N, 62º20'.87E), standing near the centre of the peninsula, about 2 miles W of RasNuh. From Astola Island to Gwadar The route leads W from a position S of Astola Island (25º07'.28N, 63º50'.75E) to a position S of Gwadar peninsula (25º06'.00N, 62º19'.00E) passing S of Jabal Zarain on which Pasni Light stands, and clear of unexploded ordnance (24º58'.30N, 63º29'.50E), then to: S of RasShamai Bandar (25º14'.10N, 63º04'.57E), a bluff point that stands on the first high land W of Jabal Zarain. A steep-to reef extends about 1½ mile offshore; vessels should not approach into depths of less than 11 m without local knowledge. Small vessels obtain some shelter from W winds in the W part of the bay E of RasShamai Bandar. Then to: S of RasShahid(25º12'.61N, 62º59'.15E); a 19.1 m shoal patch lies 13 miles SSW of the point. Then toS of a dangerous wreck (25º11'.00N, 62º44'.01E), which lies4 miles S of RasKappar (25º14'.88N, 62º45'.13E), the S end of a table-topped hill with bluff extremities. Kappar, a small village, lies close to the coast near the point. Then to: S of a 12.1 m shoal patch (25º06'.04N, 62º35'.08E), then toS of a 18.1 m shoal patch (25º06'.43N, 62º31'.39E), then to: S of Jabal Sur (25º13'.38N, 62º28'.43E), a small wedge-shaped white clay hill that rises steeply, with a vertical cliff at its E end. A low sandy isthmus connects it to the mainland and a small sandy bay lies close N. From E, Jabal Sur appears detached from the mainland. Then to: S of RasNuh (25º06'.24N, 62º23'.03E), a prominent point at the E end of Gwadar peninsula. It has high white bluffs, wedge-shaped island but from S and SW it is less remarkable, though it shows darker than the land backing it. Useful marks Clarke Peak (216 m high) (25º21'.83N, 63º33'.20E), the tallest peak standing near the W end of a continuous ridge of peaks. Barn (25º25'.80N, 62º35'.14E), which is the summit of the Koh-iDaram mountain range. Mukh (25º26'.63N, 62º30'.68E), a prominent peak 891 m high, which stands about 4½ miles W of Barn in the Koh-iDaram mountain range. Jabal-I Mehdi (25º13'.14N, 62º25'.60E). BatelHill (25º06'.99N, 62º19'.24E). RAS KACHARI TO ASTOLA ISLAND General information Route From a position S of RasKachari (25º23'.45N, 65º47'.55E) the route leads generally WSW for about 108 miles to a position S of Astola Island. Topography General. The coast of Las Bela is described in general at 10.116. This stretch of coast is backed in the E part by the Haro Range of mountains which from seaward appear as a succession of rugged peaks, generally light in colour, with an irregular outline; there are lower whitish clay peaks fronting the range which are locally known as "shur". The central part is backed by the Taloi Range of mountains. RasKachari to Hingol River. To the W of RasKachari (25º23'.45N, 65º47'.55E), for about 5 miles, the coast is rocky and low; then toto the Hingol River mouth, 10 miles farther W, a ridge of hills about 76 m high slope down towards the coast. Jabal Ghurab, situated 2½ miles W of RasKachari, is small and oblong. A shoal bank extends about 2½ miles offshore near Jabal Ghurab with depths of 11 m close to its outer edge. JaziratChahardam, lying off the coast 3 miles W of Jabal Ghurab, consists of some rocks up to 9 m high which is rather higher than the coast nearby; there is a good landing for boats on the inside of these rocks. A small volcanic island was observed in 1945, about3 miles SW of JaziratChahardam, but in 1947 it had submerged. Hingol River to Ras Malan. Between Hingol River (25º22'.44N, 65º30'.81E) and Ras Malan, 16 miles W, the coast is bordered by low sandhills; it is backed by the Jabal Hinglaj and Gurangatti mountains. Ras Malan has cliffs of clay, with limestone, that rise abruptly from the sea along the coast to abreast its summit about 5 miles N; large masses of clay often fall from the sides of the cape. A hill (25º23'.64N, 65º26'.68E), 307 m high, stands about 4 miles W of Hingol River. Ras Malan to Ormara Bays. The coast for a distance of 19 miles W of Ras Malan is rocky and then toto the isthmus of Ormara, 15 miles WSW, it is sandy and fronted by low sandhills up to 14 m high, with a plainlying inland that extends about 10 miles N to the Taloi Range of mountains. Batt, the coastal highland extending W from Ras Malan, is intersected by the Hor Batt, a salt water lagoon with a sandy bar between it and the sea; a great water course runs into the lagoon from a gorge in the mountains. To the W of Hor Batt the mountains gradually become lower. Chandra Kup (25º22'.05N, 64º39'.98E), has a group of about twelve small white mud volcanoes standing about 2 miles ESE; a single mud volcano, 20 m high, stands about 1 mile W of the hill. KhorManiji, 18 miles W of Ras Malan, is shallow but, for a short period after the rains, it becomes the mouth of a small river; KhorGurab, 5 miles farther W, is similar. Both inlets are used by local boats. Ormara Bays to KhorKalmat. Between RasSakanni (25º14'.75N, 64º28'.60E), the NW entrance point of West Bay, and RasBasol, 13 miles WNW, the coast is bordered by continuous cliffs, about 240 m high, of light colour and irregular outline but without any distinctive peaks. The cliffs form the sea face of the Kamgar Hills, between which, and the Taloi Range of mountains to the NE there is a wide plain. The bay between Ras Basal, at the W end of the cliffs described above, and KhorKalmat, 10 miles WNW, is shallow with a straight low sandy shore. Basol Kaur, a river flowing from the valley lying between the Taloi Range of mountains and the Talar Hills to the W, enters the sea 1½ miles WNW of Ras Basal; the land near the river is low and swampy. Directions Principal marks Landmark: Radio mast (25º12'.43N, 64º37'.87E) at Ormara. Water tower (25º11'.89N, 64º38'.44E) at Ormara. Offshore mark. Astola Island (25º07'.28N, 63º50'.75E). Major lights. Ormara Light (grey metal framework tower on white base, 8 m in height) (25º11'.24N, 64º41'.24E), standing on the summit of East Point. Astola Island Light (elevation 89 m) (25º07'.36N, 63º50'.35E), standing close W of the centre of the island. From RasKachari to Astola Island From a position S of RasKachari (25º23'.45N, 65º47'.55E) the route leads generally WSW for about 108 milesto a position S of Astola Island (25º07'.28N,63º50'.75E) passing: SSE of Ras Malan (25º18'.72N, 65º13'.66E), a bluff with a steep face on its seaward side and a level summit, which from seaward appears as a long light-coloured tableland ending in cliffs; there is a confused mass of lower hills with whitish clay peaks standing between it and Jabal Hinglaj, 17 miles NE. For further details of topography in the vicinity of Ras Malan,See 10.142. Then to: SSE of a dangerous wreck (25º08'.52N, 64º54'.43E), which lies 1½ miles S of the E extremity of Rodrigues Shoal. The shoal extends from 2 to 12 miles E of the Peninsula of Ormara (25º12'.81N, 64º37'.83E). SSE of a dangerous wreck (25°07¢.31N 64°41¢.71E), then to: SSE of RasOrmara (25º09'.41N, 64º35'.52E); a 4.4 m shoal patch lies 5 cables S. Then to: SSE and S of Webb Bank (25º03'.38N, 63º53'.07E), a narrow ridge which is steep-to on its S side and with irregular depths extending 4½ miles N to Astola Island. The sea breaks on parts of Webb Bank during the SW monsoon. An 8.2 m shoal lies about 6 miles farther W. A wide berth should be given to this locality. Useful marks Jabal Hinglaj (25º31'.51N, 65º25'.44E), a wedge-shaped mountain. Gurangatti (25º38'.39N, 65º20'.54E), a remarkable square topped mountain resembling a castle with bastions, its sides appearing almost vertical. Chandra Kup (25º22'.05N, 64º39'.98E), a white cone-shaped hill with a mud crater standing on the plain fronting the Taloi Range of mountains, about 4 miles inland. In certain lights this feature may appear dark. It should be noted that during strong winds the hill may be obscured by blown sand. Anchorage and river Ras Malan Anchorage may obtained in the bay NE of Ras Malan (25º18'.72N, 65º13'.66E), in a depth of 8 m, about 1 mile offshore. Hingol River Description.Hingol River (25º22'.44N, 65º30'.81E) can be entered at HW by small craft drawing about 1.8 m. The river, the bed of which dries in many places, brings down quantities of driftwood during freshets. It winds around the E side of Jabal Hinglaj, and then to the coast through a gap in Jabal Hab. On the E bank of the river, the plain within the coastal sandhills is swampy after rain.Local knowledge is required. ASTOLA ISLAND General information Position.Astola Island (25º07'.28N, 63º50'.75E) lies17 miles SW of the entrance to KhorKalmat; the island, and the shoal water surrounding it, extends across much of the SE approaches to Pasni Bay. Function. The island is normally uninhabited, but it is used by fishermen during the NE monsoon; it is visited by Hindus and Pasni Meds as a place of pilgrimage, who land at the NE point of the island whence the ascent is steep and tortuous. There is a small boat harbour located towards the NW corner of the island. Topography. The island, which is table-topped and mainly bordered by vertical cliffs consisting of soft clay, rubble and ironstone conglomerate, is covered with small scrub. Fauna. At certain seasons the island abounds with small venomous snakes. Offshore features and dangers. Sail Rock lies 7 cables S of the island, it is steep-to, and appears like a boat under sail; a 1.5 m wreck lies about 1¼ miles ESE of the rock and a wreck, swept depth 3 m, lies close E of the island. In the middle of the N side of the island, a sand spit extends about 3 cables seaward. Major light. Astola Island Light (25º07'.36N, 63º50'.35E). Directions. Vessels should not pass between Sail Rock and the island; also the entire coast should be given a wide berth to ensure passing well clear of the dangerous wrecks described above and other off-lying dangers. Local knowledge is required before an approach to the Island is made. Anchorage and river Ras Malan Anchorage may obtained in the bay NE of Ras Malan (25º18'.72N, 65º13'.66E), in a depth of 8 m, about 1 mile offshore. Hingol River Description.Hingol River (25º22'.44N, 65º30'.81E) can be entered at HW by small craft drawing about 1.8 m. The river, the bed of which dries in many places, brings down quantities of driftwood during freshets. It winds around the E side of Jabal Hinglaj, and then to the coast through a gap in Jabal Hab. On the E bank of the river, the plain within the coastal sandhills is swampy after rain.Local knowledge is required Ormara Bays General information Position.Ormara peninsula (25º12'.81N, 64º37'.83E) extends about 6 miles seaward from an otherwise virtually straight coastline which lies S of the Taloi Range, it is flanked on each side by a shallow bay. The town of Ormara lies on the E side of the isthmus near its S end. Function.Ormara, a small town of about 40 000 inhabitants, is the centre of the country's shark fishing industry. Topography.RasOrmara is the SW point of the peninsula which has cliffs on all sides and appears, from S, as wedge-shaped; it is only accessible from S where several valleys break the line of cliffs. A sandy isthmus connects the middle of the peninsula with the mainland N. Sand dunes, from 6 to 18 m high, which change shape in strong winds lie on the isthmus N of Ormara village. Historical background.Ormara is an ancient town through which Alexander the Great passed on his return from India; it is named after a general of his army “Ormoz”, who died there. Dangers in the approach. Rodrigues Shoal, consisting of two rocky ridges, with charted depths of 4.9 to 10 m, and a gutter between them, lies from about 2 to 12 miles E of the E end of the peninsula; a passage between the shoal and the peninsula has been swept to a depth of 8.2 m. The W end of the shoal is marked by light buoy (isolated danger), and a dangerous wreck lies 1½ miles S of the E end. South of the peninsula there are several isolated shoal patches, extending about 2 miles seaward. Spoil ground extends 1 mile S from the E ridge of Rodrigues Shoal (25º11'.67N, 64º47'.77E). Landmarks. Ormara Lighthouse (25º11'.25N, 64º41'.24E). Radio mast (25º12'.43N, 64º37'.87E). Water tower (25º11'.89N, 64º38'.44E). Radar station (25º11'.51N, 64º36'.17E). Local weather. Strong E winds can be expected occasionally during the SW monsoon. This is accompanied by rain, though not of long duration. Repair and maintenance of naval vessels. Other facilities.Medical; airfield about 6½ km NW of Ormara. East Bay General information. East Bay (Dimi Zarr) (25º14'.00N, 64º40'.00E) lies on the E side of the isthmus of Ormara; it is the bay usually used by vessels anchoring, but it should be noted that it is open to E winds which may blow strongly. The Pakistan Navy has an operational base situated in East Bay about 1½ mile WNW of East Point. The base consists of a number of wharfs and jetties protected by a detached breakwater and accessed through a 2 mile approach channel. Tidal streams in the bay are weak, they set NE and SW following the curve of the land. Tidal levels. Mean maximum range about 1.7 m; mean minimum range about 0.9 m. For further information, see Indian Tide Tables. Directions. Chandra Kup (25°22¢×05N 64°39¢×98E) bearing 345° leads between East Point (25°11¢.26N 64°41¢.74E) and Rodrigues Shoal to a position close E of the anchorage described below. Caution. A dangerous wreck (25°07¢.31N 64°41¢.71E) lies 4 miles S of East Point. Anchorage may obtained with East Point bearing 179º distant about 2¾ miles, in a depth of 8 m, sand and mud. Small vessels can anchor closer inshore, towards the village, in a depth of about 5 m. West Bay General information. West Bay (PadiZarr) (25º13'.00N, 64º35'.00E) lies on the W side of the isthmus of Ormara; it provides the best anchorage during E winds but communication with the shore is less easy and, being open W and SW, the bay is seldom used. 2 Anchorage may obtained in the bay, with the W end of Ormara Peninsula bearing 180º distant about 2¼ miles, in depths of 4 m. KhorKalmat General information Position. KhorKalmat (25º25'.50N, 64º04'.80E) is the largest inlet on the coast of Las Bela; the entrance, about 1 mile wide, is fronted by a bar with a depth of 0.1 m, 2 miles SSE of the entrance, over which the sea breaks. There are two channels leading across the bar. It is reported that local craft of 2.7 m draught enter the inlet by the E channel, and that the W channel has depths of about 2 m. Within the inlet there are depths of up to 25 m about 1 mile N of the entrance. Farther inland the Khor widens and branches into several creeks which, beyond the range of the tides, form the mouths of water courses. Tad village, situated on the W side of the Khor, contains a few houses; this small village is the only permanent habitation in the neighborhood. Topography. The land in the vicinity of KhorKalmat is very low with mangrove swamps. Talar Hills extend ENE, from a position about 28 miles WNW of the entrance to the creek, and approach the W end of the Taloi Range. Tidal streams in the entrance to KhorKalmat are strong. Entry into KhorKalmat is made difficult by the tidal stream and by rocks lying about 1 mile seaward of the bar, local knowledge is required before an approach is made. Astola Island General information Position.Astola Island (25º07'.28N, 63º50'.75E) lies17 miles SW of the entrance to KhorKalmat; the island, and the shoal water surrounding it, extends across much of the SE approaches to Pasni Bay. Function. The island is normally uninhabited, but it is used by fishermen during the NE monsoon; it is visited by Hindus and Pasni Meds as a place of pilgrimage, who land at the NE point of the island whence the ascent is steep and tortuous. There is a small boat harbour located towards the NW corner of the island. Topography. The island, which is table-topped and mainly bordered by vertical cliffs consisting of soft clay, rubble and ironstone conglomerate, is covered with small scrub. Fauna. At certain seasons the island abounds with small venomous snakes. Offshore features and dangers. Sail Rock lies 7 cables S of the island, it is steep-to, and appears like a boat under sail; a 1.5 m wreck lies about 1¼ miles ESE of the rock and a wreck, swept depth 3 m, lies close E of the island. In the middle of the N side of the island, a sand spit extends about 3 cables seaward. Major light. Astola Island Light (25º07'.36N, 63º50'.35E). Directions. Vessels should not pass between Sail Rock and the island; also the entire coast should be given a wide berth to ensure passing well clear of the dangerous wrecks described above and other off-lying dangers. Local knowledge is required before an approach to the Island is made. RAS MUARI TO ASTOLA ISLAND GENERAL INFORMATION Area Covered This section describes the offshore and coastal routes from RasMuari (24º49'.58N, 66º39'.86E) to Astola Island about 155 miles W. Topography The coast of Las Bela, which extends from the mouth of Hab River (24º53'.30N, 66º41'.60E) N and NW for about 50 miles and thereafter W for about 125 miles to KhorKalmat (25º25'.50N, 64º04'.80E), is chiefly an uninhabited wilderness of hills and cliffs sloping to swamps or desert plains. Depths Vessels navigating off the coast of Las Bela should keep outside of the 50 m depth contour, closing the land, if so obliged, with caution and sounding continuously. Charted depths are reported to be unreliable following volcanic disturbances in 1945. Supplies Very few supplies can be obtained from the villages on the coast of Las Bela. OFFSHORE ROUTE General information Route From a position SW of RasMuari (24º49'.58N, 66º39'.86E) the routes leads generally W for about 155 miles to a position S of AstolaIslnad. Topography The coast of Las Bela is described in general at 10.117. Along this route, the coast is backed in the E part by Pab Mountains and to the N by Haro Range of mountains; more detailed descriptions of local topography can be found in the relevant parts of the text later in the chapter. Directions Principal marks Landmarks. Chimney (24º54'.30N, 66º41'.67E). Churna Island (24º53'.91N, 66º36'.35E). Offshore mark. Astola Island (25º07'.28N, 63º50'.75E). Major lights. Manora Point Light (24º47'.63N, 66º58'.65E). RasMuari Light (24º49'.58N, 66º39'.86E). Ormara Light (25º11'.24N, 64º41'.24E). Astola Island Light (25º07'.36N, 63º50'.35E). RasMuari to Astola Island From a position SW of RasMuari (24º49'.58N, 66º39'.86E) and clear of Nancowry Shoal, which extends 3¾ miles SW from RasMuari, the route leads generally W to a position S of Astola Island, passing: S of Beauchamp Reef (24º50'.94N, 66º34'.31E), then to: Clear of dangerous wreck (24º23'.90N, 66º12'.20E), then to: S of the peninsula of Ormara (25º12'.81N, 64º37'.83E), from where a light is exhibited, then to: S of Astola Island (25º07'.28N, 63º50'.75E), from where a light is exhibited; Webb Bank lies 4½ miles S of the island. SONMIANI BAY General information Description Position.Sonmiani Bay entered between RasMuari (24º49'.58N, 66º39'.86E) and RasKachari, 58 miles NW. Local industries. There is a ship-breaking industry in the bay located close N of Phuari village (25º05'.20N, 66º42'.81E); vessels are beached and then broken up. The fishing village of Gadani is situated 3 miles NNE of Phuari. Topography General. For 20 miles N of RasMuari the shore of the bay is indented between rocky points. Then to NW and W it becomes sandy and covered by low jungle, with scattered sandhills; a plain, about 20 miles wide in places, backs onto the foothills of the Pab Mountains in the E and to the Haro Range of mountains NW. The plain is drained by the TitainNai which flows through a swamp to enter the sea at the head of Sonmiani Bay.2 Khalifa Point to Miani Hor. The coastline is generally hilly from Khalifa Point (24º56'.40N, 66º40'.84E) to a point about 12 miles N. Towards the N part of this stretch of coast there are three small bays, separated by rocky points; inland of the S-most bay there are backwaters, one of which has an entrance about 6½ miles N of Khalifa Point. From these backwaters and bays the ground rises abruptly to the S part of Pab Mountains. North of the above hilly coastline to the entrance of MianiHor, 19 miles farther NW, the coast is bordered by sand hillocks covered with tufts of grass and small bushes. MianiHor to RasKachari. The N shore of Sonmiani Bay to the W of MianiHor entrance (25º24'.06N, 66º31'.93E) is low, with sandhills on which there are tufts of grass, as far as a spur of Haro Range of mountains, 26 miles W; it is then to low for 11 miles farther W to Chandra gup. Depths From Khalifa Point to a point about 6½ miles N, the coast is fronted by a bank with depths of less than 5 m out to a distance of 1 to 2 miles; drying and below-water rocks lie on this bank and there are several detached shoal patches. Then to, to the entrance of MianiHor, the depth contours almost parallel the shore and depths reduce gradually as it is approached. Tidal streams In Sonmiani Bay the tidal streams are weak, the in-going stream sets E and the out-going W, each following the curve of the land. SPM A SPM buoy (lit) is moored in position 24°56'.91N, 66°34'.89E, about 3 miles NNW of Churna Island. It is connected to the shore by a submarine pipeline which lands about 8 cables S of Khalifa point. Directions Principal marks Landmarks. Churna Island (24°53'.91N, 66°36'.35E), 5½ miles NW of RasMuari Light, is barren and uninhabited. From S, its steep light-coloured hills appear to rise to a peak; from W, it appears flat-topped with sloping sides. Chimney (red and white bands on flues, 230 m in height, obstruction lights(24º54'.30N, 66º41'.67E), standing at a power station about 1 mile N of Hab River mouth. Water tower (25º11'.76N, 66º45'.48E). Major light. RasMuari Light (24º49'.58N, 66º39'.86E). Entry from south From a position, SW of RasMuari (24º49'.58N, 66º39'.86E) and clear of Nancowry Shoal, which extends 3¾ miles SW from RasMuari, the route leads initially NW then N into the bay passing (with positions from RasMuari Light): SW and W of Beauchamp Reef (24º50'.94N, 66º34'.31E), a narrow ridge of sand and gravel orientated NW/SE, then to: W of Churna Island (24º53'.91N, 66º36'.35E). A shoal ridge of gravel extends NE from Churna Island to the shore, and several detached shoal patches lie off its E and S sides. RasMuari Light is obscured over both Churna Island and the shoal patches lying between the island and the shore. The island is used as an air and sea bombardment target. During the SW monsoon it affords little shelter save to small craft anchoring in a lee close inshore. Then to: W of Khalifa Point (24º56'.40N, 66º40'.84E), which is low and sandy, and lies 3¼ miles NNW from the mouth of Hab River; detached shoal patches lie up to about 1½ miles off this stretch of coast. Then to: W of Kaio (25º01'.86N, 66º41'.29E), a rocky islet; foul ground extends E to the shore from the islet. A detached rock, which dries, lies about 8 cables NW of the islet. And: Clear of a dangerous wreck (25º02'.00N, 66º36'.00E), position approximate, and: Clear of a mooring buoy (25º02'.14N, 66º34'.02E), then toto the head of the bay. Entry from west From a position S of RasKachari (25º23'.45N, 65º47'.55E), the SE extremity of some low cliffs above which rise a detached group of low hills, the track leads E to the head of the bay; the chart is sufficient guide. An islet lies just within the 10 m contour about 6 miles WSW of RasKachari. Useful mark Chandragup (25º26'.66N, 65º51'.91E) which consists of several white conical hillocks standing at the E end of a detached group of low hills. (Directions for the coastal passage W of Kachari Point are given at 10.148) MianiHor Description MianiHor Entrance (25º24'.06N, 66º31'.93E), about 2½ miles across, lies at the head of Sonmiani Bay;the hor extends some 24 miles generally WNW and is about 5 miles wide.The village of Sonmiani, 5 miles ENE of the entrance to MianiHor, is the seaport of Bela, 65 miles N, to which it is connected by road. The village is of drab appearance and hardly identifiable from seaward. Anchorage. Only local craft use the harbour of Sonmiani. Vessels wishing to communicate should anchor off the bar, in a depth not less than 9 m, with Churna Island (24º53'.91N, 66º36'.35E) bearing about 173º. Topography On the E shore of the lagoon, between its entrance and Sonmiani village, there is a mud flat that mostly dries and over which the river WindarNai discharges during floods. The N shore merges into extensive mangrove swamps. On the W side of the lagoon there is another extensive swamp which is partly covered at HW that extends, within the coastal sandhills, almost to the foot of the Haro Range of mountains. 2 TitainNai is a river which discharges, during heavy rains, into the N part of the swamp, at the W end of MianiHor; the river is dammed about 20 miles inland and its waters are normally absorbed by irrigation. Directions The entrance to the lagoon consists of a shoal flat, which dries in places, extending right across the entrance and forming a bar with a maximum depth of about1.5 m; it is flanked on its E side by East Point which consists of sandy hillocks with a sparse cover of tamarisk, and on its W side by West Point consisting of low bare sandhills. During the SW monsoon seas break heavily across the whole entrance. There are several channels within the entrance, each with varying depths, but no specific channel leads to Sonmiani village; the deepest channel, lying close to the E shore of the lagoon, has reported depths of 9 m. Elsewhere, the lagoon is generally shallow with many drying sandbanks. Anchorage and river West of PhorNai Anchorage. In addition to the anchorage (10.134) off MianiHor, anchorage can also be obtained in a depth of 9 m in Sonmiani Bay W of the mouth of PhorNai (25º25'.42N, 66º01'.40E) which enters the sea through a small salt water creek, into which the river flows during the rains. Hab River Hab River (24º53'.30N, 66º41'.60E), flows into the sea 4 miles NNE of RasMuari Light. Except during freshets there is no fresh water within several miles of its mouth. Detached hills, the seaward side of which is rocky, rise between Hab River and Mubarak Village (24º51'.07N, 66º39'.68E), a fishing village 2¾ miles SW. The hills on the S bank of Hab River end about1 mile within its mouth; upstream of this point, there is a plain on each side of the river. The N side of the entrance to the river is low with a sandy spit extending nearly across the channel. Rathi, a small isolated rocky hill, stands on the N bank a short distance inland. The channel of Hab River is tidal and dries; it has depths of about 2.7 m at HW and usually breaks across the entrance. The channel outside the HW mark shifts but, with local knowledge, it is practicable for a ship’s boat to navigate. The tidal influence does not extend beyond about 2 miles within the river mouth. GENERAL INFORMATION Area Covered The coastal and offshore routes from Sir Mouth (23º38'.30N, 68º02'.63E) to Karachi about 90 miles NNW described in this section. SIR MOUTH TO THE APPROACHES TO KARACHI General information Route The route leads about 30 miles NW from a position SSW of Sir Mouth (23º38'.30N, 68º02'.63E), then to about 99 miles generally N to a position SW of Karachi. Topography – Delta of the Indus Description. From Sir Mouth to Karachi, about 12 miles NW of Phitti Creek, the delta of the River Indus extends; it covers a low area of some 7770 square km and is almost perfectly level. The area is generally overgrown with tamarisk and mangrove, but there is good pasturage in the marshes and rice flourishes in places; elsewhere, in some parts there are immense deposits of salt. The coast formed by the delta of the Indus is generally flat with much flooding at HW. For many miles, save for a little jungle, there is nothing to be seen but swamp and the land is hardly discernible when more than 2 miles offshore; though, here and there, bushes may be seen at about 5 miles around LW. The sea face of the delta is formed mostly by a narrow belt of low sandhills fronted by drying sandbanks which are intersected by mud-banked tidal creeks. The coastline and creeks of the Delta are constantly changing, and therefore they and the beacons, should not be relied on for navigation. For further details of individual creeks in the Indus Delta see 10.22. Depths The various mouths of Delta of the Indus are constantly changing, and advancing seaward, thereby altering the coastal banks and depth contours. For details of off-lying features see 10.3. Hazard Teredo worm. This is very destructive to the hulls of wooden vessels. Natural conditions Tidal streams are strong in the entrances to the principal mouths of River Indus attaining at Sir Mouth a rate of 3 to 4 ktsat springs and at Keti Bandar in Turshian Creek (24º03'.48N, 67º22'.52E) a rate of 5 ktson the out-going streams. To the N of Turshian Creek the in-going stream sets NNW, parallel with the coast, and the out-going stream SW and S. Farther N, at the mouths of Dabbo Creek (24º20'.98N, 67º16'.96E) and Phitti Creek, 21 miles NNW, the out-going stream may attain a rate of 3 kts. Overfalls and discolored water.The out-going stream, issuing strongly from the delta mouths, causes heavy overfalls, especially at springs and carries much silt laden water far to seaward; at times the line of demarcation, sometimes more than 10 miles offshore, between this muddy water and the clean sea water is most marked. Climateof the Delta cool in winter, hot in summer, and unhealthy during the floods (July to Sept). Local Weather. In the heat of the day, especially during the dry season with the wind off the land, a heavy dust haze low over the coast makes coastal features unrecognizable, even at a short distance seaward. Khuddi Island Light-tower Directions Principal marks Landmarks.Tower (disused lighthouse) (grey framework tower, elevation 46 m) (23º44'.43N, 68º03'.87E), standing on a small islet on the SE side of Khajar Creek. Turshian Old Lighthouse (24º04'.78N, 67º22'.38E), elevation 46 m, standing near the NW extremity of an island lying on the N bank of Turshian Creek. Khuddi Island Lighthouse (white round concrete tower, black bands) (24º33'.60N, 67º13'.16E). For other landmarks at Port Muhammad Bin Qasim see 10.44. Major lights. Kajhar Creek Light (elevation 46 m) (23°48'.13N, 68°02'.19E). Turshian Creek Light (elevation 46 m) (24º04'.59N, 67º23'.97E). Khuddi Island Light-tower – as above. Ahsan Channel Rear Leading Light (24°39'.45N, 67°07'.29E) Manora Point Light (24°47'.63N, 66°58'.65E). RasMuari Light (24°49'.58N, 66°39'.86E). Caution For deep draught vessels, approaching Delta of the Indus is dangerous due to constantly changing in position of creeks and coastline; therefore, the beacons in this area should not be relied upon as guides to navigation. Breakers on the shelving coastal banks extend many miles offshore; they may often be seen before the coast is sighted, particularly during the SW monsoon when the visibility is poor, or when the sea breaks in depths more than 5 m. On the banks off the Delta several vessels have grounded through failing to sound or to allow for the predominantly SE set; soundings obtained crossing The Swatch are a useful guide. From Sir Mouth to Karachi From a position SSW of Sir Mouth (23º38'.30N, 68º02'.63E) the route leads about 30 miles NW, then to about 99 miles generally N to a position SW of Karachi, giving the Indus Delta a wide berth and passing: Clear of a dangerous wreck (23°07'.10N, 67°40'.30E) and clear of a 20 m shoal (23°10'.80N, 67°25'.35E). Then to: Clear of a dangerous wreck (23°18'.86N, 67°26'.08E), then to: SSW of a dangerous wreck, position approximate, (23°36'.08N, 67°54'.48E); stranded wreck lie 4 miles ENE and 8 miles N. Then to: SSW of a stranded wreck (23°48'.08N, 67°36'.23E) lying off Khar Creek, and: SSW of a stranded wreck (24°02'.12N, 67°23'.28E) lying off Turshian Creek, then to:7 SSW then to WSW of Turshian Creek Light; the old lighthouse lies 1½ miles WNW; then to: WSW of a dangerous wreck, position approximate, (24°10'.83N, 67°17'.99E); then to: Clear of an obstruction (24°14'.10N, 66°50'.80E), position approximate, which consists of unexploded ordnance. Then to: Clear of a dangerous wreck, position approximate, (24°16'.00N, 66°39'.00E), then to: Clear of a dangerous wreck (24°20'.83N, 66°59'.32E), then to: WSW of Ahsan Channel (24°34'.56N, 67°03'.84E) WSW of a wreck (24°42'.03N, 66°59'.03E), depth 10 m; another wreck, depth 3.2 m, lies 2 miles NE. Both wrecks lie in the red sector of Bara Andai Light (24°47'.87N, 66°59'.86E) .Then to: WSW of a dangerous wreck (24°43'.00N, 66°57'.89E), position approximate, reported (2014); a 9.2 m patch lies 7 cables farther NW. Both dangers also lie in the red sector of Bara Andai Light. Then to: To a position SW of Fairway Karachi Light-buoy. Useful marks Sun Well Oil Rig No 3 (24º20'.40N, 67º16'.76E), stands on the Sside of the entrance to Dabbo Creek. Sun Well Oil Rig No 2 (24º27'.18N, 67º17'.46E), stands about 2 miles within the entrance to Paitiani Creek near its NW bank. Delta of the Indus – Creeks General information Distinguish the various mouths of Delta of the Indus are difficult; there are few beacons or other navigational aids and the coastline changes constantly. Only very brief descriptions of the mouths will be given as local knowledge will be necessary before entering any of the creeks. Sir Mouth Sir Mouth (23º38'.30N, 68º02'.63E) forms the joint entrance to Pir Sanai and Sir Creeks. Shallow spits are flanked inside Sir Mouth with a bar across their inner points; within the bar, Sir Creek is navigable by small craft. Kajhar and Wari Creeks Kajhar Creek (23º48'.13N, 68º02'.19E) enters the sea NW of Sir Mouth; Kajhar Creek Lighthouse (disused) stands on a small islet set among the mangroves on the SE side of the creek. A beacon (elevation 17 m) stands on the E shore of the creek about 3 miles NNE of the disused lighthouse. Wari Creek (23º54'.00N, 67º51'.00E) is the principal E mouth of the Indus. Its W entrance point continues to extend seaward and it is bordered by low sandy ridges which cover at High water springs; it is backed by an extensive mangrove swamp. The mouth of the creek is about 2 miles wide with shallow flats extending seaward. The in-going and out-going tidal streams set strongly over these flats. Wari Creek to Khobar Creek General information. The whole coast between Wari Creek (23º54'.00N, 67º51'.00E) and Khobar Creek, 25 miles WNW, has extended about 5 miles seaward over the last century. The coastline consists of low sandy ridges, with mangrove swamp lying between them, through which several Indus distributaries find their way to the sea. Bachiar Creek (23º49'.74N, 67º45'.25E) can only be entered by small craft at High water. Kahr Creek, 6 miles W of Bachiar Creek, is nearly 2 miles wide at its entrance which is obstructed with sand bars; however, small craft can enter at all states of the tide. Qalandri Creek or Sunri Creek, 7 miles NW of Kahr Creek, is the principal fresh water outlet of the Indus but can only be entered at High water; drying flats extend from its mouth 4 miles seaward, then to the bottom shelves farther seaward fairly steeply. Gora Chan Creek enters the sea 4 miles NW of Qalandri Creek. Khobar Creek (23º58'.39N, 67º24'.85E), another mouth of the Indus which is fronted by large drying flats. Khobar Creek to Turshian Creek General information. The coastal sand islands between Khobar Creek (34º58'.39N, 67º24'.85E)and Turshian Creek, 4 miles NNW, are wider and attain elevations of about 3 m; although their shapes vary from season to season they are always above water. This part of the coast, except for the coastal sand dunes, is flooded at High water; each year, when the Indus floods (July to September) great changes occur. KetiBundar, the principal village in the delta, lies 7 miles within the entrance of Khobar Creek on its E bank. Turshian Creek (24º03'48N, 67º22'.52E) can only be entered at high water but, with Khobar Creek, 4 miles SE, it is the principal entrance for country craft proceeding to KetiBundar. A light (24º04'.78N, 67º22'.52E) is exhibited near the mouth of the creek. Turshian Creek to Khuddi Creek General information. 17 miles NNW, between Turshian Creek (24º03'48N, 67º22'.52E) and Dabbo Creek,Hajambro Creek and several other small creeks discharge into the sea but none are navigable save by local craft at high water. The sand islands forming the coast N of Dabbo Creek (see below) are more stable than those farther S, they stand up to about 5 m high, and are several miles wide in places. Dabbo Creek (24º20'.98N, 67º16'.96E), about 1 mile wide at its entrance, has a sandbar along the NW side of the channel; there is a depth of 7.3 m within the entrance of the channel, but this reduces rapidly farther inside. Strong overfalls occur in the entrance during the out-going stream. For details of the oil rig near the entrance to Dabbo Creek, see 10.21. Paitiani Creek, 5 miles N of Dabbo Creek, is navigable in fine weather at all states of the tide. A stranded wreck lies near the S entrance point. For details of the oilrig in Paitiani Creek, see 10.21. Khai Creek (24º30'.59N, 67º14'.79E) lies between Paitiani Creek and Khuddi Creek to the N. A shoal patch, with a depth of 1.1 m, lies about 2 miles WNW of the entrance to Khai Creek. Khuddi Creek Khuddi Creek (24º36'.00N, 67º10'.00E) is fronted by a bar with a minimum depth of 4.1m; within the bar a channel about 1 mile wide, with depths of 9 m or more in places, leads between low sandy islands on each side of the creek. This creek is used by local fishing vessels. Khuddi Island Light (24º33'.60N, 67º13'.16E) stands on the S side of the creek on an island consisting of mud flats and covered with mangroves. APPROACHES TO KARACHI HARBOUR General information Routes Approach from south-east. The approach to Karachi (24º47'.61N, 66º59'.03E) from SE is the route leading from Sir Mouth to a position SW of Fairway K Light-buoy (24º44'.68N, 66º57'.21E), see 10.19. Approach from west. The approach to Karachi from W leads from a position SW of RasMuari (24º49'.58N, 66º39'.68E) to a position SW of Karachi Harbour, 20 miles E. Topography East side. The sand dunes forming the coast from the mouth of Korangi Creek (24º44'.95N, 67º05'.51E) to the entrance of Karachi Harbour, 7 miles NW, are more stable than those in the S part of Delta of the Indus; they are from 2 to 5 m high and several miles wide. Towards the N part of this coast, a shallow bay with a sandy beach fronts Clifton, a suburb of Karachi which is distinguishable by several groups of large square buildings. West side.RasMuarisituated 17½ miles W of the entrance to Karachi Harbour (24º48'.96 N, 66º58'80E) is likely to be the landfall for vessels approaching Karachi from W since the coastline turns sharply N at this point and the headland is prominent. The coast, from RasMuari to BulejiPoint , 8½ miles E, is formed by a number of shallow bays each with a rocky coastline; it is backed by the Jhil Range which have a nearly level crest with some remarkable hummocks. With its low coastline, Hawkes Bay is situated E of Buleji Point; then to, a narrow sand spit, backed by mud flats and mangroves, extends 5½ miles SE to the entrance of Karachi Harbour. Depths and bottom Coastal depths. Depths in the vicinity of RasMuari are irregular and within a radius of 7 miles, this area should be approached with caution. Elsewhere along the coast a bank, with depths of10 m or less, extends up to 1¾ miles from the shore in places. Offshore depths. Several dangers, described at 10.70, lie seaward of the 20 m contour. Bottom. To the S of RasMuari and to the E of it, in depths more than 37 m, the bottom is everywhere soft. Prohibited anchorage Within a rectangular area centered about 2½ miles SW of Buleji Point; the limits of the area are shown on the chart. Measured distance There is a measured distance (1855.3 m) situated close W of Buleji Point. E marks; two beacons (black and white chequers) in line bearing 007º. W marks; two beacons (black and white chequers) in line bearing 007º. Running track 097º/277º. Currents Near Karachi little current is experienced; for further details see 10.7. Directions Principal marks Landmarks: Chimney (24º47'.16N, 67º08'.36E). Two chimneys (24º48'.15N, 67º07'.04E); another chimney, from which a flare is emitted, stands close S. For landmarks at Port Muhammad Bin Qasim see 10.44. For landmarks at Karachi see 10.93. Major lights: Manora Point Lighthouse (24º47'.63N, 66º58'.65E). RasMuari Light (black concrete tower, white bands, 51 m in height) (24º49'.58N, 66º39'.86E), stands near the S point of RasMuari. Approach General information. If approaching Karachi from S or W, Manora Point is usually the first land sighted. The best approach is with Manora Lighthouse bearing about 040º until Fairway K Light-buoy (safe water) moored 3 miles SSW of Manora Point, is sighted and closed. South-east approach.See 10.12. West approach. From a position SW of RasMuari (Cape Monze) (24º49'.58N, 66º39'.86E), a bluff sloping headland with Harahi its highest point about 5 cables inland; the route leads 20 miles E to a position SW of Fairway KLight-buoy, passing: S of Beauchamp Reef (24°50'.94N, 66°34'.31E), then to:S of Nancowry Shoal (24°47'.79N, 66°38'.51E), a series of sand, gravel and coral ridges which lie on the inshore part of a spit that extends 3¾ miles SW from RasMuari, then to: Clear of a dangerous wreck (24°44'.00N, 66°38'.40E), position approximate, then to: S of a dangerous wreck (24°45'.20N, 66°44'.20E), then to: S of Buleji Point (24°50'.06N, 66°49'.59E) which is low and sandy with a shoal spit extending 1½ miles S; some detached shoals lie about 1 mile farther S. A dangerous wreck (24°48'.82N, 66°48'.15E) lies 1¾ miles SW of the point. Further detached shoals lie, closer inshore, up to 3¾ miles WSW of the point. Then to: Clear of a dangerous wreck (24°44'.91N, 66°50'.34E) with a 17 m shoal lying 1½ miles SSW of the wreck. Then to: S of a wreck, swept depth 0.1 m (24°46'.86N, 66°56'.08E)which is marked by a Light-buoy (green, can). Then to a position SW of Fairway K Light-buoy. Useful marks Platform Sun Well No 1 (unlit) (24º42'.70N, 67º04'.14E). Aero light (24º53'.86N, 67º08'.98E). Mauripur Aero Light (elevation 14 m) (24º52'.86N, 66º56'.50E). Radio mast (red, white bands, obstruction lights) (24º50'.68N, 66º47'.25E). Mian Mirza Bor (24º50'.89N, 66º42'.96E), the highest peak of the Jhil Range. For useful marks at Karachi, see 10.96. Harbour and bay Ghizri and Korangi Creeks Description. Ghizri Creek and Korangi Creek, the N-most creeks draining the swamps of Delta of the Indus, flow into the sea via a common mouth located between the sand dunes, described at 10.62, and the N end of Bundal Island, 1 mile SE. There are drying sandbanks adjoining the shore on each side of the entrance, off which, the sea breaks; a shallow bar, extending about 3 miles seaward, encompasses the entrance. There is a channel leading across the bar with a least depth about 1.4 m, but there are lesser depths close on each side. Tide levels.Ghizri Creek – mean maximum range about 2.1 m; mean minimum range about 1.3. See information in Tide Tables. Local knowledge is required before an entry into Korangi Creek is attempted. Landing. There is a T-shaped jetty extending from the base of a sandy bluff, 2½ miles within Korangi Creek on its N bank, close S of the town of Korangi (24º47'.00N, 67º08'.00E). Korangi Fish Harbour The fishing harbour lies 4½ miles above Korangi. The harbour was developed to relieve congestion at Karachi's fisheries harbour, it offers 1350 m of jetty extending into the deep water of the creek and facilities to handle 90 000 tonnes of fish annually. Approach to fishing harbour may be via Ahsan Channel and Phitti Creek following the directions for Port Muhammad Bin Qasim; then to through a buoyed channel, that leads about 1½ miles NW, from Qutub Point to Korangi Creek and the vicinity of the fish harbour. Hawkes Bay Description. Hawkes Bay (24º50'.38N, 66º51'.55E), a shallow bight about 4 miles across, is situated E of Buleji Point. Dangers. There are a number of dangers located within the bay, including: A reef and foul ground extending about 1 mile SE from Buleji Point at the W end of the bay. A detached dangerous rock lying 1¾ miles ENE of Buleji Point. A reef, with two detached rocks lying close S, extends about 5 cables SSW from the E end of the bay. Submarine cables are laid S, from the head of the bay and its vicinity and are best seen on the chart. KARACHI HARBOUR General information Position and function Karachi (24º48'.96N, 66º58'.80E) is situated in the NE corner of the Arabian Sea about 17½ miles E of RasMuari. Karachi is the largest city and the principal port of Pakistan, and was the capital of Pakistan from its independence in 1947 until 1970 when the capital was moved to Islamabad; its port is the gateway to the fertile regions of the interior, and it is the base for the Pakistan Navy. The commercial section of the port handles a very wide variety of products, imports are principally crude oil, refined petroleum products, edible oils, machinery, fertilizers and grain; exports include raw cotton, rice, textiles and hand crafts. Topography The town and port area stand on generally low terrain which is fronted by long stretches of sand dunes and large areas of mangroves. On the W side of the port, between Manora Point Lighthouse (24º47'.63N, 66º58'.65E) and a point on the coast 2 miles NW, several large white buildings, most with flagstaffs, stand onshore. On the E side of the harbour entrance an extensive sand and mud bank, which dries, fronts the sea wall. Offshore features Dangey Patches, consisting of some rocky heads, lie 1½ mile SW of Manora Point Lighthouse. Oyster Islands, 1mile ENE of Manora Point Lighthouse, consist of Bara Andai and Baur Islands; Pyramid Rock, with several other smaller rocks nearby, lies close N of Baur Island and ChotaAndai Island, another small island, lies 1¾ cables farther NNW. Port authority Karachi Port Trust, EduljeeDinshaw Road, Karachi, Pakistan. Website: www.kpt.gov.pk Limiting conditions Controlling depths Channels and harbour areas. Continuous dredging of the channels is in progress to maintain the depths shown on the chart and those recorded in this volume; however, silting is liable to occur during the SW monsoon. Tidal levels Mean maximum range about 2 m; mean minimum range about 1.2 m. See information in Tide Tables. Local weather and sea state In the outer anchorage and the approach to the port, heavy swell will be encountered during the SW monsoon; also at this time visibility is much reduced due to suspended dust in the atmosphere. During the winter months fog or mist may be experienced at dawn and dusk. Arrival information Port operations Arrival general. The port is open for day and night for navigation but local weather conditions and port regulations restrict the movement of some vessels. A port operations and information service is maintained through Manora Pilot Control; vessel should contact Manor Pilot Control. Delays before entry into the harbour may be experienced; however, these delays can sometimes be minimized by arriving off the port before 0700. Outer anchorage General anchorage. From September to May vessels can anchor off Karachi Harbour as convenient, outside of the prohibited anchorage area that extends SW from Manora Breakwater, according to draught and clear of the charted dangers. Vessels are advised not to anchor in depths less than 9 m; and, during April and May it is recommended they anchor farther offshore in depths not less than 12 m. Caution. During the SW monsoon vessels should not anchor off Karachi, several ships have lost anchors and cables in the outer anchorage whilst attempting to do so. Prohibited anchorages Anchoring is prohibited within the area, shown on the chart, which extends 5 miles SW from the close vicinity of Manora Breakwater Head (24º47'.10N, 66º58'.91E). Anchoring and fishing are prohibited in an area extending 2 miles seaward between SSE and SW from the rifle range situated on the coast about 2 miles NW of Manora Breakwater Head; the limits of the area are shown on the chart. Pilotage Pilotage is compulsory for merchant vessels of more than 200 GT; it is provided day and night subject to tides, length and draught. Pilots board about 2½miles SW of New Manora Breakwater Head in the vicinity of Fairway K Light-buoy 24º 43'.41 N, 66º 55'.78 E. If, because of adverse weather conditions, a pilot cannot be sent out the signal station will inform vessels to that effect. Waiting options are allocated by Manora Pilot Control. A vessel awaiting a pilot should be hove to, with head to wind and sea; then to, on approach of the pilot cutter, vessels must bring the wind and sea on the port quarter and embark the pilot on the starboard side. The pilot change over time is 0700. Local knowledge It is dangerous for vessels to proceed within 2 miles of the harbour entrance without local knowledge; under no circumstances should a merchant vessel or foreign warship attempt to enter harbour without a pilot. Regulations concerning entry Before entering harbour, the controlling depths for the port should be confirmed with the Port authority. However, under normal circumstances the following parameters apply. Cargo vessels and tankers. It is reported that cargo vessels 288 m or less in length and drawing up to 9.75 m; also tankers 259 m or less in length and drawing up to 11.58 m when berthing at Oil Piers 1 and 2, are both normally permitted to enter harbour at any stage of the tide. These vessels may only sail between LW and 1 hour before HW. Vessels with a bridge aft and over 160 m in length are only berthed during daylight hours. All vessel movements at Berths 18 to 23 are restricted to daylight hours. Quarantine A vessel in which there have been either more than two cases of dangerous infectious disease, or in which more than two deaths have occurred during the 12 days prior to arrival at Karachi, must anchor in the Quarantine Anchorage at the entrance to the harbour NE of Manora Point. Vessels in quarantine must not enter the harbour during the hours of darkness. Harbour General layout Karachi Harbour is divided into three main parts, namely Lower Harbour, Upper Harbour and Pakistan Deep Water Container Port (PDWCP). Most moorings and all oil piers are located in Lower Harbour, which is situated within the harbour entrance and extends about 1½ miles NNW; all other alongside berths are in Upper Harbour which extends generally NNE from Lower Harbour for about 2 miles. PDWCP lies E of Lower Harbour. Naval Dockyard and berths are located on the S end of a peninsula lying between Upper Harbour and New Channel, about 3 cables W; Fish Harbour extends NNE from New Channel. Development Development plans include dredging the approach channel a depth of 13.5 m to accommodate vessels with a draught of 12 m at any state of tide and a new deep water container terminal NW of Oyster Islands (24º47'.96N, 66º59'.88E). Traffic and storm signals Offshore traffic signals. A signal station, for communicating with vessels outside the harbour, is located in the conspicuous tower (24º47'.63N, 66º58'.60E) that stands on Manora Peninsula. This station, which is continuously manned, will signal “U” in Morse Code if a vessel appears to be heading into danger. Storm signals are displayed from Manora Point Lighthouse; the general system is used, See 1.36. Natural conditions Tidal stream. Outer anchorage. In this anchorage, the in-going tidal stream sets E; and the out-going stream, which is a barely perceptible, set W. Harbour. Little information is available, but in general the tidal streams conform broadly to the direction of the buoyed channel, attaining reported rates of 1½ to 3 ktsat springs and 1 ktsat neaps. During spring tides, rates of about 1½ ktshave been experienced 1 hour either side of HW. The out-going stream sets onto Merewether Wharf (24º49'.08N, 66º58'.38E). Manora Point Lighthouse Directions for entering harbour Principal marks Landmarks Manora Point Lighthouse (red round tower, white bands, black base, white cupola, 38 m in height) (24º47'.63N, 66º58'.65E), standing 3½ cables NNW of Manora Point. Signal Station (white lattice tower) (24º47'.63N, 66º58'.37E); a flagstaff stands close SSE. Flagstaff (24º48'.04N, 66º58'.37E), standing on a large building. Chimney (24º50'.23N, 66º58'.51E). Water tank (24º50'.66N, 66º58'.66E). Tower (24º50'.85N, 66º59'.65E). Keamari Beacon (24º49'.24N, 67º00'.16E). Major light. Manora Point Light - as above. Cautions In the vicinity of East Wharf (24º49'.80N, 66º58'.70E) within Karachi Harbour, bright lights can be seen from well to seaward; care must be taken to avoid confusing them with navigational lights. The dredged depths in the channel, and at the berths and moorings, are generally maintained, but are subject to siltation and are liable to change. Buoys are unreliable and may be missing, unlit or out of position. See notes on chart INT 7315 regarding dredged depths, buoyage and positions. Entry General information. Vessels should enter Karachi Harbour preferably on the first or last of the in-going tidal stream. If berthing during the SW monsoon it is advisable to let go an anchor in mid-stream to assist in hauling-off. Leading lights: Front light (grey beacon) (24º 47'.72N 67º 00'.06E). Rear light (similar structure) (3 cables from front light). From the vicinity of the Fairway Light Buoy (24º 43'.14 N 66º 55'.86 E), the alignment (040º) of these lights leads 5 miles NE through a dredged channel marked by light buoys (lateral) to the harbour entrance, passing: SE of a wreck (24 º 46'.86N 66 º 56'.08E), swept depth 0.1 m, which is marked by a light buoy (green, can); a second wreck, depth 8 m, lies 6¼ cables SW. Then to: NW of a wreck (24º44'.60N, 66º59'.29E), swept depth of 1.7 m, marked by a Light-buoy (starboard hand), and: SE of a wreck (24º46'.45N, 66º57'.10E), swept depth of 5 m, marked by a Light-buoy (green, can), then to: SE of a wreck (24º46'.11N, 66º58'.35E), swept depth of 5.6 m, marked by a Light-buoy (isolated danger), then to: SE of a dangerous wreck (24º46'.83N, 66º58'.21E) (position approximate) marked close E by a buoy (green, conical). SE of the head of Manora Breakwater (24º 46'.74N 66 º 58'.96E), from which a light is exhibited. Lower Harbour, Upper Harbour and PDWCP can then be approached through dredged channels, marked by light buoys (lateral)and noting the following dangers within the harbour fairway: Deep Water Point Rock (Bare Rock) (24º48'.37N, 66º58'.64E), which sometimes dries. P7 Light-buoy (port hand) lies 1 cable E. Dangerous wreck (24º48'.37N, 66º58'.38E) lying close inside the W limit of the turning basin adjacent to OP1. Stranded wreck (24º48'.96N, 66º58'.13E); a dangerous wreck lies close NW. Stranded wreck (24º49'.10N, 66º58'.10E) (position approximate), lying close W of No 6 mooring berth. Useful marks Manora Point (24º47'.35N, 66º58'.85E), a steep cliff at the S end of a narrow hill; the point is reported to be radar conspicuous at 17 miles. Bara Andai Light (white square building, 4 m in height) (24º47'.87N, 66º59'.86E). Stranded wreck (24º46'.86N, 67º00'.47E), with two more stranded wrecks lying, respectively, 2 cables and 1 mile NE. Water tower (24º48'.78N, 67º02'.11E). Aero light (24º53'.86N, 67º08'.98E). Directions for leaving harbour General information It was reported (1995) that merchant vessels are not permitted to leave the port on the out-going stream. The pilot disembarks at the harbour entrance while leaving harbour; from this position vessels should steer in the dredged channel, with the beacon described at 10.95 bearing 040°, astern, until seaward of Fairway K Light-buoy. Then to, on no account should vessels bring Manora Lighthouse to bear less than 030º because of heavy rollers and swell on the edge of the flats to the E. Berthing areas, berths and basin Depth information Maintained depth at all berths are shown in a table on chart 40. Actual depths available at the various berths are subject to change and are promulgated bi-annually, pre- and post-SW monsoon, by the Dock Master to vessels agents. Debris Debris in the waters of the harbour can cause frequent suction strainer blockage. Lower Harbour Description. Lower Harbour extends from the harbour entrance, 1½ miles NNW, to the S end of East Wharf. Bhit (24º49'.07N, 66º57'.82E)and Baba (24º49'.43N, 66º57'.67E)Islands lie on mudbanks on the W side of Lower Harbour; both islands are low and sandy with many wooden fishermen's huts standing on them, and with fishing boats and local trading craft anchored off. Yari Creek, which is buoyed, leads W between these islands. On the E side of Lower Harbour, N of KeamariGroyne which forms the SE part of the W bank, there is a large tank farm and a refinery adjacent to the tankers berths; some of the tanks are painted black to resemble houses. Manora Jetties is the collective name for several piers located on the NE side of Manora Peninsula which extends NW from Manora Point; these include Qasim Pier, Pilot Pier, Crane Pier, Passenger Pier, Rahbar Pier and Workshop Pier. The positions of these piers are shown on the chart. Boat work at the above piers is rather hazardous on the in-going stream and during the SW monsoon. When a heavy swell may roll into the outer harbour. Oil Berths and Basin. Three tanker berths, each capable of accommodating inward-bound vessels up to 75000 dwt with a maximum draught of 11.8 m, are situated off the E side of Lower Harbour, and are connected to the shore by piers; Boat Basin adjoins the oil berths N. Oil Pier 1 (O.P.1),the S-most berth, 321 m long orientated NNW/SSE alongside the central platform, the breasting and mooring dolphins flanking each side of the central platform stand in much shallower water. There is a turning basin abreast the berth with a dredged depth of 10.4 m. Oil Pier 2 (O.P.2),situated N of O.P.1, adjoins the dredged channel; it is flanked on N and S sides by breasting and mooring dolphins. Oil Pier 3 (O.P.3), the N-most berth, adjoins the dredged channel; it is flanked on N and S sides by breasting and mooring dolphins. Moorings. Head and stern moorings, No 1 and Nos 3 to 6, are situated on the Wsideof Lower Harbourfairway between Bunker Island and Bhit Island. Lash Moorings,No 2, is situated abreast Bunker Island. Berthing arrangements. The Port Authority provides stern cable and mooring boats. Vessels should let go an anchor in mid-stream to enable them to haul off when leaving; care is required for the holding ground is bad and the anchor may come home. Naval jetty. A berth, with an adjoining slipway, lies on the S bank of Yari Creek about 4½ cables W of Bhit Island. Upper Harbour Description. Upper Harbour is formed on the E side by East Wharf (orientated NNE/SSW about position (24º49'.80N, 66º58'.70E), and on its W side by West Wharf. Upper Harbour extends SSW to the coastal bank off Bhit and Baba Islands, and NNE to Chinna Creek, Bunder and Jinnah Bridges; which carry the railway and road to the mainland. Keamari, a small town built on a sand ridge, lies E of the S part of East Wharf. Pakistan Deep Water Container Port (PDWCP) PDWCP (24º 48'.37N 66º 59'.37 E) comprises four container berths on the W side of the basin, orientated SSE/NNW. Access to PDWCP is through Tipu Sultan Channel. The channel and basin are dredged to 16 m (2017). East Wharf is the collective name for all the wharves on the E side of Upper Harbour; these wharves are form S, their usage is shown below: Berth No Usage 1 to 3 Coal, General, Bulk – all “dirty” cargoes 4 to 5 General, Bulk, Cruise and Naval vessels 6 to 9 Pakistan International Container Terminals (PICT) 11 to 13 Deep draught, Bulk, General cargo, Naval vessels 10 and 14 to 17 Unspecified Miscellaneous berths.Two ship repair berths are situated N of No 17 berth. Napier Mole Boat Wharf, curves NE from the above ship repair berths to Chinna Creek Bridges, it is used by local craft. West Wharf has nine berths along its berthing face, their usage is as shown below: Berth No Usage 22 and 23 Multi-purpose 24 and 25 Multi-purpose and Bulk Cement 26 to 30 Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) JunaBundar, situated at the head of Upper Harbour on its N side provides four berths, Nos 18 to 21, numbered from E, their usage is as shown below: Berth No Usage 18 to 21 Multi-purpose New Channel Description. New Channel is entered from N end of the Lower Harbour and extends generally N for about 1 mile with Naval Dockyard on the E side and mudflats and a shallow bank to the W. A training wall, extending 9¼Cables SSW from Fish Harbour, is marked at its head by a light beacon (white, 5 m in height). Naval Dockyard, located at the SSW end of the peninsula that divides Upper Harbour and New Channel, has four berths, Nos 1 to 4, situated SSW of West Wharf and nine berths, Nos 5 to 13, at the SSW end of New Channel. Shipyard berths. There are lay-by berths at the shipyard situated NNE of Naval Dockyard. Fish Harbour. There are numerous berths for fishing vessels at the well-equipped modern fish harbour adjoining the NNE end of New Channel. Port services Repairs Naval Dockyard. There is a dry dock on the E side of Naval Dockyard. Commercial Dockyard. There are two dry docks opening into New Channel that are owned by Karachi Shipbuilding and Engineering Works, a company which undertakes extensive hull and engine repairs and also provides a small repair shop for minor work. There is also a small dry dock at Manora. Largest dry dock. Commercial Dry Dock No 1: length 185.75 m; width 27 m; vessels up to 26 000 DWT and draught 4.72 m; depth on sill at MHWS 8.53 m. Outer Anchorage. Limited repairs can be effected at the anchorage except during the monsoon season. Other facilities Hospitals. Floating cranes, largest 125-tons capacity. Vessels fitted with fire and salvage pumps. Supplies Diesel oil by lorry. Fresh provisions. Potable and boiler water at wharves or by barge; supply is limited by seasonal shortage, between May and August, to 200 tons or less. It should be noted that the quality of water supplied is often poor and it may be require treatment before usage. Harbour regulations No photography is permitted within the port of Karachi as it is a restricted area; all cameras are collected and sealed. Radio and radar equipment is sealed. Main engines may not be immobilised unless permission from the Port Authority has been obtained.