Dwarka to Mumbai - 292 Dwarka General information. The Dwarka town (22° 14’ N, 68° 58’ E), standing near the SW end of the Okhamandal Peninsula. It is an important place of Hindu pilgrimage. Gomti Nadi. Through Gomti Creek enters the sea, 5 cables SE of Dwarka Point Lighthouse (22° 14’.2 N, 68° 57’.5 E), near an old temple which has a dark appearance and which is washed by the sea at high water. 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 Rupen Bandar, 1½ miles NNW. Caution. Several vessels have lost anchors when anchored in this vicinity. Storm signals are displayed by using the brief system. Rupen Bandar Position. Rupen Bandar (22° 16’ N, 68° 58’ E), the port of Dwarka, can be identified by a square flat-topped house standing on a sandy neck of land located on the N side of a creek. General information. 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 m long situated in the bandar. Kachchigadh General information. Kachchigadh (22° 20’ N, 68° 57’ E) lies at the S end of a shallow bay which opens NW. A fort stands close S of Kachchigadh Lighthouse (22° 19’.8 N, 68° 56’.9 E). Landing. Landing can be carried out comfortably on a beach N of the fort; the beach is frequented by turtle. Dwarka Point (22°14’N., 68°57’E.) is the Wextremity of the promontory on which the town of Dwarka is located. A light is shown from a white, square stone tower, 48m high, on the point. Three chimneys, the tallest 69m high, are conspicuous near the point. Caution. A dangerous wreck lies 4.5 miles offshore, about 8 miles S of the light. Dwarka Temple (Jagat Mandir), a stone structure, 51m high, carved with figures from base to summit, lies within Dwarka Fort on high ground close to the sea. In clear weather this temple is conspicuous and can be seen from 17 to 18 miles. A column lies close to the edge of the cliff a short distance W of the temple. Rupen Bandar, the port for Dwarka, is shallow and obstructed by rocks at its entrance, about 1 mile N of Dwarka. The cliffs between Rupen Bandar and Dwarka are about 12.2m high and covered with cactus bushes. Dwarka has been reported to be a good radar target at 23 miles. Tidal currents abreast Rupen Bandar set N with the flood, at a velocity of more than 2 knots, and SSE with the ebb, at about the same velocity. Farther N the tidal currents are stronger. Anchorage for large vessels can be taken in 20 to 22m, sand, with Dwarka Temple bearing 069°, distant 1.5 miles, but the bottom is rocky in the approach to the Gulf of Kutch, and several vessels have lost their anchors. Madhi, about 12 miles SE of Dwarka, is a village with a small dark temple and an old tower lying on elevated rocky land near the coast. About 4.8 miles NW of Madhi, a fresh water stream flows into the sea during the rainy season. There are many such streams along the Kathiawar coast, which cause breaks in the coral reef that fringes the coast, furnishing good landing places where small boats can lie aground in the mud. The coast between Madhi and Meda Creek, about 22 miles SE, consists of a high sandy ridge, with dispersed gaps. The only conspicuous objects on this coast are two small conical hills about 3 miles SE of Madhi. A prominent radio mast, marked by a red obstruction light, is situated 4.5 miles SE of Madhi. Meda Creek, the estuary of a river, dries. Miani, a small village with a fort, lies on the E bank of the creek. On the W side of the creek, abreast the village, is a pagoda or temple on a hill about 56m high. Meda Creek has been reported to give good radar returns at 15 miles. The coast between Meda Creek and Porbandar, about 16 miles SE, is low but rises gradually NW. Porbandar (21°38’N., 69°36’E.) Porbandar, the largest town on the coast of Kathiawar, lies on the E side of the entrance to a narrow creek, which flows out between the town and a point on which lies Kadar Pir, a conspicuous mosque with an elevation of 8m. A conspicuous pillar is situated on the coast 0.5 mile NW of the mosque. The principal imports are fertilizers, tiles, timber, fresh dates, and petroleum products; exports include cement, groundnut oil, and cotton. An S-shaped breakwater, 2,560m in length, extends S from the point on which lies Kadar Pir and provides shelter for a port which is in operation throughout the year. In 1986, the port was reported to be in a run down state; only one vessel a month was reported to have used the port. Tides Currents. Tidal currents are not perceptible in the offing. In the entrance of the shallow creek the ebb current runs very strongly and continues for some time after LW. Caution. The indentation is shallow as the coastal bank, with depths of less than 5.5m, extends about 0.8 mile offshore..1.23 Barda Hills (Barda Range) (21°48’N., 69°44’E.), about 10 miles NE of Porbandar, are conspicuous and make a good landfall; in clear weather they are visible from 25 or 30 miles. Porbandar Light is shown from a tall, round, stone tower with black horizontal bands lying on the coast in front of the town. Conspicuous chimneys are situated 1 mile N and 0.5 mile ESE of New Hazur Palace. In addition, the towers of the water works, 1.5 miles N of the palace, are prominent. The Rajah’s old palace, a white square building with a red roof, lies 0.5 mile ESE of New Hazur Palace. Porbandar to Veraval The coast between Porbandar and Navibandar, about 15 miles SE, consists of sandhills with clumps of trees near the villages. Inland there is an extensive swamp, which is flooded during the rainy season. At Tukda (Tunkra), about 10 miles SE of Porbandar, there is a conspicuous temple. Navibandar (21°27’N., 69°47’E.) is a walled town close to the coast. A light is shown from the sea-face wall of the centre bastion at Navibandar from September to June. The Bhadar River enters the sea about 0.75 mile NW of the town, and its entrance is shallow and rocky. Gorakhanath (21°32’N., 70°32’E.), 1,117m high, lies about 53 miles NNW of Diu Head and about 35 miles inland. The mountain is an enormous granite rock, conical, isolated, and bare, upon which there are numerous temples and monasteries. In clear weather, it is prominent from Porbandar to abreast Diu Head, but farther NW it is obscured by the Barda Hills. Madhavpur, about 15 miles SE of Navibandar, is a small walled town on the coast. The town of Mangrol, about 12 miles farther SE and 1 mile inland, has a high tower which is conspicuous from 10 or 12 miles. Mangrol Light is shown from a square house at Mangrol Bandar. There is a pier, 122m long, on the coast SW of Mangrol. Megal River, about 11 miles SE of Mangrol, flows into the sea during the SE monsoon, but, like most rivers on this coast, its mouth is generally choked with sand. Veraval (20°54’N., 70°22’E.) The town of Veraval shows up well from seaward, as many of the houses rise up abruptly from the surrounding countryside. The custom house, a large white building facing the sea, is the most conspicuous landmark. Somnath, a town of about the same size as Veraval, is situated on the coast about 1.8 miles ESE of Veraval. Veraval is an open roadstead where vessels load and discharge by lighters working to quays in the inner Harbour. The inner Harbour, close SE of the custom house, is sheltered by a breakwater extending SE from the coast. The port is closed to shipping from May 15 to September 15. Tides Currents. Tidal currents are not perceptible in the roadstead, but there is sometimes a surface drift of about 0.5 knot, depending on the wind A chimney, 51.5m high, is conspicuous about 1 mile NW of the custom house (previously described). Veraval Light (20°54’N., 70°21’E.) is shown from a white masonry tower, 33.5m high, with black bands, situated near the coast about 1 mile WNW of the custom house. Deni Barra, a cliffy point, 9.1m high, with a temple, 7.6m high, is conspicuous about 0.5 mile NW of Veraval Light. Bhirbhanjan (Bhirria) Temple is conspicuous about 0.8 mile E of the custom house. Beacon “A” Light is shown from a white, square, mansonry structure, 6.1m high, close SW. Somnath, about 1.8 miles ESE of Veraval, is surrounded by a wall of dark-colored stone. A conspicuous temple, 56m high, lies on the seaward side of the town. Two buoys, both of which are drawn when the port is closed, mark the entrance to the inner Harbour. Signals. There is a signal station at Veraval which vessels may communicate with by the International Code or Morse Code. Storm signals are displayed from the mast above the custom house; the general system is used. Veraval to Diu Head The coast between Sutrapara, about 7.5 miles ESE of Veraval, and Mul Dwarka, about 11 miles farther ESE, is low and sandy with patches of cliffs at intervals. Mul Dwarka (20°45’N., 70°40’E.) is a small bluff point with a temple on its summit which has an elevation of 23.7m. The point can be identified by the white sand on the top of the cliffs and the dark building of the temple. The Surmat River flows into the sea about 1.5 miles W of Mul Dwarka, and the Singavado River empties about 0.5 mile E of the point; the latter river has very little water in it except during the rains. Kodinar, a town about 3 miles NE of Mul Dwarka, is just visible among the trees. The coast between Mul Dwarka and Diu Head (20°41’N., 70°50’E.), about 10 miles ESE, consists of rocky points with sandy bays between and some cliffs 9.1 to 12m high. A submerged rock, with depth of 2m or less, lies about 2.5 miles W of Diu Head Light tower. Chara is a village near the coast, about 3 miles ESE of Mul Dwarka. The coast is more densely wooded here, and the trees are larger than elsewhere on the coast. A white tomb lies close to the coast about 0.8 mile W of Chara. Tides Currents. Between Sutrapara and Diu Head the ebb current sets WNW and the flood ESE at a velocity of 1 to 1.5 knots, but they are subject to irregularities. In December and January, with the current setting up the coast, the west-going tidal current is increased and the east-going tidal currents is weakened and may at times be imperceptible. Caution. The coast between Mul Dwarka and Diu Head is fronted by a rocky shoal lying about 1.5 miles offshore, and with a least depth of 3m. A vessel should not approach it to a depth of less than 24m. Diu Head (20°41’N., 70°50’E.), a rocky bluff, about 30.5m high, can be identified by the lighthouse, two long buildings, and a small temple lying near its summit. From this summit the land slopes gradually E, terminating in a rocky point, on which there is a cairn, 7.6m high. Gir Hills, about 25 miles N of Diu Head, extend about 40 miles in an E-W direction and attain an elevation of about 640m, but cannot be seen from any great distance from the SW. Nandivela, 527m high, the SE peak of the range, lies about 27 miles NE of Diu Head and is conspicuous from the S. Caution. An extensive offshore area bounded approximately by the parallels of 18°00’N and 19°50’N, and the meridians of 71°00’E and 72°40’E, is being developed for oil production. Numerous oil derricks, oil production platforms, single point moorings, etc., obstruct navigation within the area. Recommended routes have been established by Indian authorities to aid traffic transiting the area, as well as vessels bound to or from the port of Mumbai. The Indian government requests that vessels remain 1 to 2 miles to starboard of the tracklines shown on the chart, consistent with safe navigation, and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS). The extent of the development area and the recommended routes are best seen on the appropriate area chart. Madhwad Bay (Mandwa Bay) (20°42’N., 70°56’E.) lies between the E extremity of Diu Head and Nagwa Point, the SW extremity of Diu Island, about 3.5 miles E. The bay affords shelter from NW winds, and the holding ground is good, but there is frequently a swell setting into it. The anchorage should not be used with S or E winds. The coast at the head of the bay between Diu Head and Brancavara Creek, about 2.25 miles ENE, consists of low sand hills backed by marshy land, which is partly submerged at HW springs. Between Brancavara Creek and Nagwa Point, the coast consists of sand dunes which extend inland to a thick unbroken belt of palm trees. Madhwad Creek, which dries, is entered about 0.9 mile NNW of the E extremity of Diu Head. Nagwa Point (20°42’N., 70°54’E.) is a dark bluff, with cliffs 9.1 to 12.2m high, rising to a 19.8m summit marked by a bush. Shoal water, over which the sea breaks occasionally, extends about 0.3 mile WSW from Nagwa Point. A conspicuous temple lies on the E entrance point of Brancavara Creek. Another prominent temple is situated about 0.5 mile farther NE. Caution. Rocky Shoal, with a least depth of 2.4m, lies in the middle of the entrance of the bay. The E end of this steep-to shoal, over which the sea occasionally breaks, lies about 1.3 miles WSW of Nagwa Point. Madhwad Bainsla, a rock 1m high, lies about 0.2 mile E of the E extremity of Diu Head. Foul ground, over which the sea breaks heavily, extends about 0.1 mile N and 0.3 mile E from this rock. At springs, strong tide rips and overfalls occur E of Madhwad Bainsla. Kachbi Reef (Khasbi Reef), which dries from 0.6 to 0.9m, lies about 0.5 mile E of the SW entrance point of Brancavara Creek. Directions. Vessels intending to anchor E of Rocky Shoal should approach with the conspicuous temple on the E entrance of Brancavara Creek bearing 322°, and anchor when the S extremity of Nagwa Point bears 077°, distant 0.9 mile, in 11m, sand and mud. Vessels approaching from the E and intending to anchor NW of Rocky Shoal should steer with Madhwad Bainsla, or the E extremity of Diu Head, bearing more than 283°, and open well N of the light structure on Diu Head. This course leads S of the S extremity of Rocky Shoal. Course should be altered N for the anchorage about 1 mile ENE of the E extremity of Diu Head, when the E of two distant sharp peaks bears 005°. Steer for this peak on this bearing, taking care to avoid a 4.9m patch about 0.5 mile NW of Rocky Shoal. Vessels can anchor when the cliffs on the S side of the entrance of Madhwad Creek bear 270°, with the S entrance point of the creek about 1.25 miles. When approaching this latter anchorage it should be remembered that the flood current sets strongly toward Rocky Shoal and the ebb current toward Madhwad Bainsla. Diu Harbour (20°43’N., 71°00’E.) Diu Harbour, between the E end of Diu Island and the mainland N, is open E and somewhat encumbered by shoals. Diu Island is separated from the mainland by Sesalkhada Creek, which runs through the middle of a large swamp. The seaward side of the island is composed chiefly of sandstone.cliffs; the hills on its W part are about 30.5m high. The citadel of Forte do Diu, at the E extremity of Diu Island, is conspicuous from seaward. Tides Currents. The flood current S of Diu sets ENE, with a greatest velocity at springs of 1.5 knots. It often runs for 2 hours after the time of HW by the shore. The ebb current sets WSW at a velocity of 2 knots at springs, and often runs for 2.5 hours after the water along the shore has began to rise. These irregularities of tides will account in some measure for the eddy currents off Diu Head. A reef, which dries in places, extends about 0.5 mile ENE from the E extremity of Diu Island. A light is shown near the centre of Forte do Diu, and Couraca Light is shown periodically from the NE extremity of the same fort. The town of Diu, close W of the fort, is enclosed by a wall which is breached in many places on its W sides. There are several prominent buildings in the town. Forte do Mar is situated about 0.2 mile N of Forte do Diu, on the N side of the entrance to Sesalkhada Creek; it lies at the SE edge of a spit and is periodically marked by a light. A temple, about 0.7 mile NNW of Forte do Mar, is conspicuous in the N part of the village of Ghoghla. A guard house, with a red roof and a palm tree, are conspicuous about 1.3 miles NNE, and 2 miles N of Forte do Mar. Signals. Storm signals are displayed from a flagstaff in Forte do Diu; the Brief System is used. Diu Harbour to Jafarabad Harbour Eastward of Diu Harbour the coast is high, with deep water close to it for 2 miles to the promontory of Nawabandar. Nawabandar (20°44’N., 71°05’E.) is situated at the E end of the above promontory. A light is shown from a white circular building on the promontory. The town of Delvada, about 2.5 miles NW of Nawabandar, has a large conspicuous temple with twin minarets. Storm signals are shown at Nawabandar using the Brief System. The channel between the reef W of Bhensala Rock and the reef projecting ENE of Panikota Islet is not recommended, for although there is plenty of water, there are no navigational aids. The village of Rajpura (Rajvla) lies on a point about 3.5 miles ENE of Panikota Islet; a light is shown seasonally from this point. There is high ground, with steep cliffs, close W of the village. A shoal, with a least depth of 4.3m, lies about 0.8 mile SW of the point, and about 0.3 mile offshore. Murex Bluff, 25m high, lies about 5 miles farther ENE. Murex Reef, which dries from 1.8 to 2.7m, extends about 1 mile E of the bluff. Jafarabad (20°52’N., 71°21’E.) Jafarabad is an open roadstead affording little protection during the SW Monsoon. The Harbour is shallow and a ledge of flat rocks extends nearly 0.5 mile W from the E side of the Harbour entrance. Jafarabad is a walled town, with several round towers, on the highest of which there is a flagstaff 34.8m high. The town, situated on high ground, can be seen from the S and E over the intervening rising ground, about 1 mile inland on the W bank of the river of the same name. Jafarabad Harbour is situated in a shallow bay about 1 mile across, at the entrance to Jafarabad River. A breakwater ends with an L-shaped jetty extending about 0.5 mile W from the shore near the cement factory on the E side. A second breakwater extends ENE about 0.3 mile from the W entrance point of the bay. A light shows from the W breakwater head. A channel about 40m wide was being dredged to a depth of 5.5m in 1986, leading to a dredged basin of the same depth having a diameter of 300m, around the L-shaped jetty. Range lights, in line bearing 222 , lead to the jetty. Tides Currents. Outside the Harbour the tidal current sets E with the flood and W with the ebb along the coast. At springs, the E current continues to run for about 1 hour after the time of HW, and the Wcurrent continues to run until 4.hours before the time of the following HW. Both currents attain a maximum velocity of 4 knots after running for 3 hours. At neaps, the E current continues to run for 30 minutes after the time of HW, and the W current continues to run until 4.5 hours before the time of the following HW. The maximum velocity of the flood is 1.8 knots and of the ebb 1.5 knots. At neaps, the current changes from ebb to flood in a clockwise direction and the flood to ebb in a counterclockwise direction. Aspect. Barman Hill, 105m high, is conspicuous about 6.5 miles NNW of Jafarabad. Lor Hill, 146m high, about 3 miles W of Barman Hill, is also conspicuous. A chimney, 90m high, and a conspicuous tower, 103m high, are situated close together at a cement factory on the E entrance point of the river. Lights are shown from the SW and NE entrance points of the Harbours. A white beacon marks the W edge of the ledge of flat rocks extending from the E side of the Harbour entrance. Pipavav Bandar (20°58’N., 71°30’E.) Pipavav Bandar is the principal port for Dungar, about 6 miles N, and the principal town on this part of the coast. West Channel, the recommended channel to Pipavav Anchorage, leads between the W entrance point and Shial Bet (20°54’N., 71°31’E.). East Channel, passing N of Shial Bet, should only be used by light-draft vessels with local knowledge, and only at low water. Only small vessels with local knowledge can proceed to Pipavav Bandar, as there is only a depth of 2.1m in the channel leading to it. Chanch Island, the W extremity of which is located about 2.3 miles NNE of Shival Island, fronts the coast for about 4.5 miles. There is an extensive mangrove swamp close inland, which is submerged only at very high spring tides Tides Currents. The ebb current, which sets SW from S of Chanch Island, divides N of Bhensala Rock, one branch setting W through East Channel and then SW through West Channel, attaining a velocity of 2 knots at springs and 1 knot at neaps. The other branch sets toward Savai Bet Reef and then W along the coast at a velocity of 2 to 2.5 knots at springs and of 1.5 knots at neaps. The flood current sets across the S approach to West Channel and there divides. One branch sets N through the channel and then NE toward Chanch Island at a velocity of 1.5 to 2.5 knots at springs and about 1 knot at neaps. The other branch sets ENE past Savai Bet Reef, and then toward Bhensala Rock at a velocity of 3 knots at springs and 2 to 3 knots at neaps. Strong eddies form in West Channel at HW and low water. The shores of the islet are composed of rocky cliffs, 10.4 to 16.5m high, with the exception of the NE side and the shore of a small bay on its NW side which are low and sandy. Remains of old fortifications are on the N and E sides of the islet, and the greater part of the islet is covered with ruins of what must have been extensive buildings and temples. Savai Bet Reef, a drying reef, steep-to on its E edge, extends about 0.4 mile E from Savai Bet. Bhensala Rock, a bluff rocky islet, 15m high and nearby steep-to on its E side, is located 1 mile ENE of Savai Bet. Montapat Creek separates the NW and N sides of Chanch Island from the mainland, and is the outlet for waters that cover an immense tract of marshy land at high water. A circular tower, 7m high, is conspicuous at the W edge of a reef extending about 0.3 mile WSW from the W extremity of Chanch Island. One Tree Hill, at the W extremity of Chanch Island, is 14m high. Spit Sand, which dries 0.3m, extends nearly 1.8 miles SW from the SW edge of the above-mentioned reef. The SW edge of Spit Sand is called The Spit and has a least depth of 1.9m. A palace, 25m high, about 2 miles ENE of the circular tower, is a good landmark from the SE and S. Beacons on the mainland, in line bearing 019°, and about 2 miles N of Shial Bet, lead through West Channel. Beacons lie on drying reef on each side of the entrance to West Channel. Chaschuda Temple, 23m high, is conspicuous on the mainland about 1.5 miles WSW of Shial Bet. Directions. Vessels should enter West Channel with the beacons on the mainland in line bearing 01°, and steer in on this bearing until Chachuda Temple bears 27?°, when course can be shaped to the anchorage. Pipavav Bandar to Gopnath Point Islet Point (21°00’N., 71°41’E.), about 10 miles NE of Shial Bet, is prominent and hilly. Several islets front the point and are connected with each other and the coast by a drying reef of rocks. The S islet, about 0.8 mile S of the point, is 15m high and nearly steep-to. A spit, with a depth of 4m, extends about 0.8 mile ESE from this islet. Patva Bay, between Islet Point and a bluff point, 15.2m high, about 2.5 miles WSW, is shallow and mostly dries. The height between Islet Point and Gadhada, about 4 miles ENE, is filled with the coastal reef, which extends about 1.3 miles offshore in places. Gadhada, a village, is situated on the edge of a cliff, 19.8m high. A detached 7.3m patch lies about 3 miles SW of Gadhada, and about 1.8 miles offshore. The coast between Gadhada and the SW entrance of Mahuva Bay is composed of limestone cliffs, fringed by a coastal reef, extending about 0.2 mile offshore and steep-to.. Mahuva Bay (21°02’N., 71°47’E.) nearly dries and shows a mass of rocks and stones. Its SW entrance point is a bluff, 24.4m high; the NE entrance point, the SW extremity of Jegri Island, is similar, but 18.3m high. Jegri Island, sparsely cultivated, has bold rocky cliffs on its S and E sides, and its W part consists of sandhills from 18.3 to 23m high. A drying reef extends about 0.2 mile E from the SE extremity of Jegri Island, which is marked by a light. Mahuva Bandar is situated at the head of Mahuva Bay, and is approached through a creek which nearly dries. Mahuva, a walled town with a conspicuous temple near its centre, lies about 2.8 miles N of Mahuva Badar, from which it is separated by an extensive swamp, submerged at HW. Anchorage can be taken by small vessels in about 13.1m, mud, with the light structure on Jegri Island bearing 040°, distant 0.6 mile. Jegri Bay (Katpur Bay), between Jegri Island and Cave Point, about 2.3 miles NE, is a shallow bight, the head of which, consisting of sand and mud, dries to a distance of about 0.7 mile seaward; the depths increase gradually to seaward. Bhawani Temple, on top of a sandhill at the head of Jegri Bay, is conspicuous. Tidal currents S and W of Jegri Island set in the direction of the line of the coast, the flood E and the ebb W; at springs, the flood current attains a velocity of 2.5 knots and the ebb current a velocity of 1 knot. Kotada Bluff (21°07’N., 71°58’E.) is 24m high and conspicuous. During Wwinds boats can land on the NE side of the bluff. Methla Point, about 2 miles farther ENE, is a low rocky projection, 7.6m high, rising about 0.5 mile N to the average elevation of the undulating land in this vicinity of more than 30.5m. Bhensala Rock, 25m high, lies on the drying coastal reef about 2.5 miles NE of Methla Point. Jhanjhmer is a walled town on the coast about 4 miles NE of Methla Point. The remains of a square and conspicuous old fort are situated close S of the town. A light is shown about 0.2 mile S of the fort. Anchorage for small vessels can be obtained in 10m, sand and mud, about 0.9 mile SE of the fort. About midway between Jhanjhmer and Gopnath Point, there is a projecting point, 27.4m high, with a tower close inland. Gulf of Cambay (Khambhat) The Gulf of Cambay is about 30 miles wide at its entrance between Gopnath Point (21°12’N., 72°07’E.) and Suvali Point (21°05’N., 72°38’E.). Malacca Banks, with deep channels to the W and E, lie in the fairway of the approach. Grant and Sutherland Channels are safer to use than the channels between the banks, as the mariner is able to accurately fix his position from the objects on the coast, but Sutherland Channel should be used only by those with local knowledge. The S part of the gulf is deep, but the N part is much encumbered with sandbanks, which frequently change because of the force of the bores and freshets from the rivers. Deep-draft vessels can proceed up the gulf as far as Piram Island, about 28 miles NNE of Gopnath Point. Local knowledge is necessary for vessels navigating above Gogha, about 6 miles NW of Piram Island. Caution. Considerable shoaling is reported in the entrance of the Gulf of Cambay and mariners should navigate with caution in this vicinity. The sand and banks in the upper part of the gulf are subject to great alterations. Any directions for navigating this area must be considered as general only and local knowledge is necessary. Malacca Banks is the general name for four long narrow shoals lying in and obstructing the entrance of the Gulf of Cambay, between the parallels of 20°20’N and 21°20’N. These shoals, named in order from W, are Western Bank, Narmada Bank, Breaker Bank, and Eastern Bank. Deep channels are between these shoals, but they are narrow at their N ends, and it is inadvisable to use them. Western Bank dries in places. Grant Channel, between Western Bank and the coast NW, is steep-to on both sides, with general depths of 11.3 to 27m. The bottom is sand toward the bank and mud toward the coast. Less water than charted has been reported (1993) in Grant Channel off the N end of Western Bank. Narmada Bank has a large area of drying sand near its centre. Breaker Bank has a long sandbank near its centre, which may be seen a long distance from the masthead when the sun shines on it at high-water neaps, but it is submerged at high-water springs. Depths of 2.7 to 3.3m lie at the N end of Breaker Bank, about 16 miles ENE of Gopnath Point; a drying patch was reported (1954) in this vicinity. A dangerous wreck lies about 5 miles SW of Breaker Bank, approximately in position (20°25’N., 72°06’E.). Eastern Bank has several shoal patches, some of which dry. Because the depths are deep within 0.2 mile of these shoal patches in many places, soundings give little warning of the approach to these dangers. Sutherland Channel, between Eastern Bank and the coast eastward, is about 2.5 miles wide at its narrowest part, WNW of Suvali Point. Two lighterage areas, one for general cargo and one for chemical and LPG cargo, which are best seen on the chart, are located about 5 miles W of Suvali Point. Hazira Offshore Terminal (21°09’N., 72°34’E.) is located about 6 miles NW of Suvali Point, at the head of Sutherland Channel. The pilot, which boards at the Surat Roads Anchorage, can be contacted on VHF channel 67. The terminal is an SPM and is approached through Sutherland Channel. Tidal currents set N and S in the channel at rates of up to 6 knots at springs. Vessels between 15,000 and 50,000 dwt, with a maximum draft on arrival of 13m, can be accommodated. Vessels are berthed only during daylight hours during slack water. Caution. The N end of Malacca Banks should not be approached with an ebb tide, because, being nearly steep-to, soundings do not give sufficient warning. This area also has not been closely examined.. Tapani Oil Development Area is located in the W approach to the Gulf of Cambay. Several unlit structures are located within this area. Bhavnagar (21°46’N., 72°07’E.) The new port of Bhavnagar consists of a tidal basin, capable of receiving deep-draft vessels. Kalubhar River (Bhaunagar Creek), entered about 3 miles farther N, is only accessible to small coasters. Large vessels wishing to communicate with the city of Bhavnagar (Bhaunagar), or discharge cargo in the stream, can anchor N of Perigee Rock. The coast between Kuda Point and Ghogha (21°41’N., 72°17’E.), about 4 miles NNW, is low and marshy. It is fronted by reefs, parts of which dry, and shoalwater extends nearly 2.5 miles offshore. Abreast Ghogha, the foreshore is mud and shingle, drying to a distance of about 0.5 mile offshore. Ghogha is a walled town and the land in the vicinity is inundated at spring tides. The coast from Ghogha to Bhavnagar Point, about 9 miles NNW, consists of a mud flat overgrown by low mangrove bushes, and intersected by numerous small drying creeks. Tides Currents. The tidal rise at Bhavnagar is 10.2m at MHWS and 8.3m at MHWN. At Piram Island, high tide is 40 minutes earlier, and the tidal rise is 8.9m at MHWS, and 7.3m at MHWN. The direction and velocity of the tidal currents are irregular between Gopnath Point and Bhavnagar, and are affected by local winds, especially in Malcolm Channel. At the S of Channel Bank the current divides. At the N end of Bhavnagar Channel the flood and ebb currents have a velocity of about 3 knots at springs and 2.5 knots at neaps. These velocities are likely to increase when freshets occur in Kalubhar River. The general direction of the tidal currents is parallel to the coast. The duration of SW at the N end of Bhavnagar Channel varies from 13 to 20 minutes at springs and from 12 to 22 minutes at neaps. Depths Limitations. Vessels up to 152m long, with a maximum beam of 19.5m, can enter the port. The permissable draft is reported to be the height of the predicted tide less 5.2m. The tidal basin of Bhavnagar New Port can accommodate two vessels of up to about 128m in length. The permissible draft varies between 7m and 9.1m, depending on the height of the tide. The concrete wharf on the S side of the tidal basin, near its head, is 268.9m long; the basin has depths of 7.6 to 9.1m. The entrance width of the lock gate is 21m, and vessels with a maximum beam of 19.8m can enter the tidal basin. Vessels arrive and depart at about HW slack. They enter with a tug ahead; another is available in the turning basin, where they are usually swung and berthed starboard side-to. On the S side of Kalubhar River, and N of the city of Bhavnagar, there is a steel pier which can accommodate coastal vessels of medium draft. Vessels using the pier lie alongside with an anchor down, and can lie on the mud at LW.. Ruvapara Light (21°47’N., 72°14’E.) is shown from a gray hut on piles, on the SW side of Bhavnagar Channel, about 1 mile NNW of Bhavnagar New Port. A tower, 25m high, is conspicuous about 0.8 mile S of Bhavnagar New Port, and 0.5 mile inland. Lights, in line bearing 251°, situated at the head of Bhavnagar New Port, lead into the tidal basin. Mariners are warned that due to frequent changes in the banks and channels N of Piram Island, local knowledge is necessary. A light is shown on Bhavnagar Point and on Johnson Point, about 1.3 miles ESE. The above points are the W and E entrance points, respectively, of Kalubhar River. Beacons, in range, lead across the drying banks in Kalubhar River. Due to the continual silting, the depths in the river and its approaches are liable to change, and the range beacons are liable to alteration. Dredging is continually in progress. Directions. No directions are given due to the frequent changes in the channels and banks, and local knowledge is necessary. A wide berth should be given the area around Perigee Light Vessel due to extensive silting. Lock Gate Surge is unusual in that it is lifted vertically before being swung clear. Successive heights of tide at HW during springs can vary by up to 2m, resulting in unequal water levels. The initial lock gate lift, at any time between 2.5 and 0.5 hour before HW, can cause a surge within the dock basin and at-tention to moorings and gangways during this period is recommended. Luhara Point (21°39’N., 72°33’E.), the N entrance point of the Narmada River, is the highest ground in the vicinity; the land is generally low, and consists of sandhills covered with trees. The highest sandhill, about 24m high, rises just within Luhara Point. Luhara Point Light is shown from a white tower with red diagonal stripes on the point. The drying coastal bank extends about 2.5 miles SSW, and about 1.3 miles W of the point. Bar Sands, which dry, lie close S of the S edge of the coastal bank, and are marked W by a red conical buoy. Bharuch Roads is the roadstead W of the entrance to Narmada River. The anchorage is unprotected, but the bottom is good holding ground of sand and mud. At the anchorage the tidal currents set N with the flood and S with the ebb; the flood runs for about 1 hour after the time of HW. Anchorage in Bharuch Roads can be obtained in 16.5m with the light structure on Luhara Point bearing 024°, distant 4.5 miles and the light structure on Piram Island bearing 272°. Narmada River, tidal for about 55 miles, can only be navigated by vessels drawing more than 1.8m between half flood and half ebb, and then only if possessing local knowledge. Pilotage for the river can generally be obtained off the bar of the river. Kerselea Bank, lying between Luhara Point and Alia Bet, is an extensive area of mud and sand, which dries up to 4.4m. Bharuch Channel, the principal entrance of the river, leads W and N of Kerselea Bank. Vessels can pass either N or S of Bar Sands. Tides Currents. The flood current entering Narmada River flows until about 1 hour after the time of HW, and sometimes attains a velocity of 5 to 6 knots. The ebb sets out strongly and runs occasionally until 1 hour after the time of LW. During the flood tide there are heavy overfalls on the outer edge of the bar. The coast between Luhara Point and Ban Creek, about 4.5 miles N, consists of moderately high sandhills. Then to the entrance to Dhadhar River, about 7.5 miles farther NNE, the coast is low and composed of sand and mud. Dahej and Gandhar, about 3.8 and 15 miles, respectively, NNE of Luhara Point, are the only large villages near the coast. They both have conspicuous buildings, which can be seen from a considerable distance. A drying flat extends from 1 to 3 miles offshore between Luhara Point and the S entrance of the Dhadhar River. The S part of this flat is steep-to at its W edge. Anchorage can be taken in about 18.3m with Luhara Point Light bearing 137°, about 5.3 miles. Dhadhar River nearly dries about 1.5 miles within the entrance, and local knowledge is necessary to enter the river. Devajagan Light is shown periodically from a circular stone column, 13.4m high, on Tankari Point, the N entrance point of the Dhadhar River. A pagoda lies about 0.5 mile NW of the light structure. Makra Bank, which dries near its centre, lies with its SE extremity about 6 miles NW of Luhara Point and about 4 miles offshore. The bank is narrow and extends about 10.3 miles N. Mariners are warned that owing to frequent changes in the banks and channels in the upper part of the Gulf of Cambay, local knowledge is necessary. Tankari Road, the roadstead off the entrance to Dhadhar River, can be identified by the light structure and pagoda on Tankari Point. Vessels can anchor with the light structure bearing 047°, about 3.8 miles, and the buildings at Gandhar bearing 086°. The flood current in Tankari Road continues to run for about 1 hour after the time of HW. The greatest velocity of the tidal currents in the roadstead is 6 knots at spring tides. Gulf of Cambay to Daman In the N part of the coast, between Suvali Point (21°05’N., 72°38’E.) and Daman, is an alluvial belt through which the Tapi River forms a deep and fertile delta. Along the S part of this coast are small hillocks of drifted sand, and the coast in some parts is watered by springs and covered with a thick growth of creepers and date palms. Through the river mouths and inlets the tide runs up behind the sandhills and floods a large area of salt marshes. The rise of the tide renders these rivers and inlets accessible at HW, but local knowledge is necessary. Tapi River lies between Suvali Point (described with the Gulf of Cambay Eastern Side) and the N entrance point of the Mindhola River, about 3.5 miles E. The river and its entrance are encumbered with numerous sandbanks, several of which dry. The river is tidal for 15 miles, and small craft can ascend the river to Surat, about 14 miles above the entrance. A vessel of 1.8m draft can only navigate in the river at more than half-tide. Directions for entering the river cannot be given, as the sands and channels are continually changing; the navigable channel can only be pointed out by local pilots. The bar dries, but there is a spring rise of about 6.1m, and off the city of Surat there is a pool with depths of from 3.7 to 5.5m. Magdala is a lighterage port 5 miles within Tapi River on the S bank, with a 107m long wharf. Storm signals are shown at Magdala using the Brief System. Surat lies in a bend on the E bank of the river and extends about 1.5 miles along the river front. A splendid girder bridge spans the river at the city. Surat Roads is the name given to the anchorage off the entrance of the Tapi River, about 2 miles SW of Suvali Point. Tides Currents. The flood current sets N and continues to run for 1 hour after the time of HW. At the outer anchorage, during springs, the tidal currents are very strong, especially the ebb, which sets S at a velocity of 4 to 5 knots; nearer the bar the tidal currents are weaker. The tide frequently falls more than 1.8m before the tidal current turns S. Directions. Vessels bound for Surat Roads from the S should, from abreast Daman, set course for the roads, keeping in depths of 9.1 to 18.3m. Between the Mindhola River and the Purna River, about 9 miles SSE, there is a low sandy plain with some scattered palmyra trees. A black beacon, 13.7m high with white bands, lies on the N entrance point of the Purna River. Wasi Borsi Light is shown from a white, square, concrete tower with red bands 0.6 mile NNW of the entrance point of the Purna River. A tomb, with a white dome about 3.5 miles farther SE, is conspicuous among the dark green trees, especially when seen from SW. The entrance to the Ambika River lies about 10.5 miles SSE of the Purna River. Kanai Creek lies just N of the entrance to the Ambika River. Kanai Creek Light is shown from a white, round, concrete tower with concrete tower with black bands 0.6 mile NW of the N entrance point of the creek. The Auranga River (20°38’N., 72°53’E.) flows into the sea through Bulsar Khari, a creek. A light is shown on the S entrance point of Bulsar Khari. Hills, about 30.5m high, are about 5.5 miles NE of the light structure and about 5 miles inland. Shoals, with depths of less than 1.8m, lie about 3.5 miles W, and 4.3 miles SW, respectively, of Bulsar Khari. A 5.8m patch lies about 9 miles WSW of Bulsar Khari. Anchorage can be taken by large vessels in 7.3 to 9.1m, about 8.5 miles W of the entrance to Bulsar Khari. Par River flows into the sea through Umaradi Creek, about 6 miles S of Bulsar Khari. Parnera Hill, 184m high with a fort on it, lies about 3.5 miles ENE of the creek entrance. Daman (20°25’N., 72°50’E.) lies on both sides of the Damanganga River, and can be identified by the forts on either side of the river entrance, and by two square steeples and its white buildings. Other landmarks are a 109m hill, with an idgah, or Mohammedan place of prayer, on its summit, about 2.8 miles NE of the river entrance; Indragadh Hill, 102m high, with a fort in ruins on its summit, about 3.25 miles SSE of the river entrance; and Jogmari Hill, 229m high, about 2 miles farther SSE. Daman Light is shown from a white masonry tower on the bastion of the fort on the S side of the entrance. The bar at the mouth of the Damanganga River is flat, mostly hard sand, except N of the N point of the river entrance, where the rocky ground projects some distance offshore; the bar has 0.3m or less over it. Vessels, not exceeding 500 grt, sometimes enter the river at HW in fine weather and moor abreast the forts, where there were depths of 4.1 to 5.2m, soft mud. Local knowledge is necessary. Anchorage can be taken in 9m, about 4.5 miles W of the river entrance. Daman to Vasai Creek The coast between Daman and Vadhavan Point, about 30 miles SSW, is bordered by extensive reefs and foul ground extending up to 4 miles offshore. Vessels should not approach this coast in depths of less than 18.3m when navigating in the vicinity. Between Daman and Umargam, about 13 miles SSW, the coast is low, fringed with bushes, and backed by several conspicuous hills. Indragadh Hill and Jogmari Hill were described with Daman. Dhodi Phar, 148m high, is conspicuous.about 7 miles S of Daman. Patia Hill, 98m high, lies about 3.3 miles SW of Dhodi Phar. A light is periodically shown from a white framework tower, 10.7m high, at Maroli, about 6 miles N of Umargam. Umargam (Umargaon) (20°12’N., 72°45’E.), a small town with a ruined tower, lies on the S side of the entrance of the Varoli River. Umargam Light is shown from a white concrete tower with red bands, close SSW of the ruined tower. Storm signals are shown at Maroli and Umargam using the Brief System. A partially wooded range, the summits of which are conspicuous from seaward, lies from 7 to 12 miles inland, between Umargam and Mahim, about 34 miles S. High Lan of St. John, a rounded mountain 540m high, slopes gradually N and S from its centre about 9 miles SSE of Umargam. Muslia (Maha Luxmi), about 9.5 miles SE of the High Land of St. John, has a pointed summit, 461m high. Kaldurg Fort, about 6 miles NE of Mahim, is 469m high and resembles a castle when seen from NW. The coast between Umargam and Gulur Point, about 8 miles S, is low and sandy. The latter point is low and covered with coconut trees. A detached 9.4m rocky patch lies 6.5 miles offshore, 6 miles NW of Gulur Point. Dahanu (19°59’N., 72°43’E.) is a village on the N side of the entrance of Khondha Creek. A light is shown at Dahanu. Vadhavan Point, about 4 miles farther SW, is low and covered with mangrove bushes. Foul ground extends nearly 2 miles W, and about 2.8 miles SSW of the point. Tarapur Point (19°50’N., 72°39’E.) is bordered by foul ground extending about 0.8 mile W; a narrow reef extends about 2.8 miles NNW from the N extremity of the point. A light is shown from a white square masonry tower, 25m high with black bands, on the N extremity of the point. Tarapur Harbour, formed by the barrier reefs extending SSW from Vadhavan Point and NNW from Tarapur Point, is only accessible to small coastal vessels. The coast between Tarapur Point and Satpati, about 7.5 miles S, is low, rocky, and densely wooded. Vessels should not proceed into depths of less than 14.6m off this part of the coast. A light is shown at Satpati and at Nawapur, about 3.5 miles N. Storm signals are shown at Nawapur using the Brief System. The village of Mahim (19°39’N., 72°43’E.) lies on the coast, about 5 miles SSE of Satpati. Kelve, about 2 miles farther S, lies on the N side of the entrance of Danda Creek. A small detached rock, with a fort on it, lies just off the entrance of the creek. A light is shown at Kelve. A detached 5.5m patch lies about 4 miles WSW of Mahim. Drying reefs extend about 2 miles off this part of the coast. Ussapur Rock, 14m high, lies on the coastal reef about 4 miles S of Kelve, and about 0.5 mile offshore. Drying rocks extend about 1 mile W of the rock. Arnala Island (19°28’N., 72°44’E.), 10m high with a fort on it, lies about 0.5 mile offshore, and is fringed by rocks on all sides. Shoal water, with depths of less than 5m, extends about 1 mile W of the island. Arnala Island has been reported to give good radar returns at 27 miles. Arnala Light is shown from a white framework tower on the coast, abreast the S end of Arnala Island. Agashi Bay, entered N of Arnala Island, is very shallow, encumbered by shoals, and can only be navigated by a small vessel at about the time of HW. The coast between the low point abreast Arnala Island and the N entrance of Vasai Creek, about 8 miles SSE, is very low; shoal water, with depths of less than 5m, extends about 2 miles offshore. Vasai (Bassein) Creek to Mumbai Dongri Point (19°18’N., 72°47’E.), the S entrance point of Vasai Creek, is a bluff point as seen from seaward. It rises to an elevation of 94m about 0.5 mile S of the point, and then slopes gradually to level country about 2 miles farther S. A light is shown from about mid-September to mid-June. Poshpir, a rocky islet 11m high, lies about 3 miles NW of Dongri Point. Drying rocks extend about 2 miles WNW of the same point. When there is no wind the sea does not break on the drying rocks and the sandbanks in the entrance to Vasai Creek, and there are no indications of their existence. Depths of less than 5m extend about 3.5 miles W of the entrance to Vasai Creek. Northward of Vasai Creek there are several landmarks conspicuous from seaward. Girij Hill, a small round hill 53m high, lies about 4.5 miles N of Dongri Point, and about 2 miles inland. Kamandurg, about 9 miles E of Girij Hill, is conical and 652m high. This mountain, with the high land of Salsette Island to S, cannot be mistaken by a vessel N of Mumbai. The conspicuous plateau of Tungar, about 2 miles long in a N-S direction, and attaining an elevation of 660m, is located about 4 miles NNW of Kamandurg. Vasai Creek (Vasai Creek), entered between Dongri Point and a point about 1 mile NNE, is a tortuous stream which can be navigated only by small vessels with local knowledge and a draft of not more than 3.7m. The entrance of the creek is always difficult except at slack water, as both flood and ebb current set across the channel. The sea breaks heavily across the entrance during the SW monsoon. Tides Currents. Currents in Vasai Creek attain a velocity of 3 knots at springs, but about 5 miles above the entrance they decreases to 1.5 and 2 knots. In the creek the tidal currents continue to set about 1 hour after the times of HW and LW. Slack water lasts for about 15 to 25 minutes. Vasai lies about 0.5 mile inland on the N side of the creek. A fort, with the citadel near the middle, lies S of Vasai near the landing place. Storm signals are shown at Vasai using the Brief System. The village of Dongri lies on the S side of the creek, about 1 mile SSE of Dongri Point. Panju Island (19°20’N., 72°51’E.), connected to the mainland N and S by an iron railroad bridge, is low and swampy. Salsette Island lies between Vasai Creek and Mumbai. The mountain range on the island has several conspicuous peaks; the central and highest, Kanheri (Khanher Peak) (19°13’N., 72°55’E.), 460m high, lies about 9.5 miles SE of Dongri Point..From the W, Kanheri appears to have a flat summit. Shendur, about 3 miles NNE of Kanheri and the N peak of the island, is a sharp detached peak 459m high. An aviation light is shown from a 27m tower near the S end of Salsette Island. The W side of Salsette Island is fronted by islands and islets, which are separated from it by creeks and drying flats. Foul ground extends about 1.5 miles W from these islands and islets. Dharavi Island, the N and largest of the islands facing Salsette Island, extends from Dongri Point to Manori Point, about 7 miles S. The latter point is a bluff of dark bare rock, 30.2m high. Utan Light is shown from a black and white square tower, 12.2m high, on a salient point about 2 miles SSE of Dongri Point. Storm signals are shown at Utan using the Brief System. Gori Rock, a conspicuous sharp black pinnacle, 30.2m high, about 3.3 miles NNE of Manori Point, and about 1.5 miles inland, forms a good landmark. A temple, with a white dome, lies on the N summit of a round hill, 35m high, about 2.8 miles E of Gorai Rock; the dome is conspicuous from seaward. High Rock, a sharp pinnacle, 9m high, about 2 miles SW of Dongri Point, lies on a drying reef. Outer Islet, 3m and composed of sand, lies at the S end of this drying reef, about 1 mile S of High Rock. Green Islet, from 0.9 to 1.2m high, covered with short green scrub and surrounded by a ledge of rocks, lies about 3 miles NNW of Manori Point and about 0.8 mile offshore. Marva Island, low and covered with palm trees, lies close E of Manori Point. Reefs extend about 0.5 mile W of Madh Island. Ambu Islet (19°08’N., 72°47’E.), at the SW edge of the reefs, is low, covered with palms, and has an old watchtower on it. Mehti Khada, a small rock, 4.3m high and steep-to on its W side, lies about 0.5 mile W of Ambu Islet. Madh Island, about 36m high and well-cultivated with coconut and fruit trees, lies close S of Marva Island. There are some ruins on its summit, and a fort in ruins on its SE point. Harvey Patches (Hervey Patches), with a depth of 1.8m, about 1 mile S of Madh Island, are marked N by a red conical buoy from October to May. The sea always breaks over Harvey Patches. A dangerous wreck lies about 4.5 miles W of Harvey Patches and is marked close W by a lighted buoy. Juhu Island, with its S extremity about 4 miles SE of Ambu Islet, has a sandy coast and is covered with coconut and date palms. Andheri Hill, 61m high, isolated and bare, lies about 1 mile E of the N end of Juhu Island. Uarashi, a reef, lies about 1 mile W of the S end of Juhu Island. A light is shown from October to May on the S end of Uarashi. Some rocks, one of which is awash, lie about 0.8 mile NW of the S end of the reef. Shoals, with a least depth of 4.6m and 4m, lie about 1.5 miles W and NW, respectively, of Bandra Point, the S extremity of Salsette Island. The coast between Worli Point, the NW extremity of Mumbai Island, and Malabar Point, about 5.3 miles SSW, is fringed by drying reefs and shoal water, with depths of less than 5.5m extending up to 1 mile offshore in the N part and about 0.5 mile off the S part. A conspicuous TV tower lies at an elevation of 305m, 1.5 miles SSE of Worli Point. Mumbai (18°55’N., 72°50’E.) The city of Mumbai, on Mumbai Island, is the largest city of India and the principal seaport on its W coast. Mumbai Harbour lies between Mumbai and Trombay Islands to W and N, and Karanja Island and the mainland to E and S. It is the only natural deep-water port on the W coast of India. The Harbour contains several islands, rocks, and shoals, with numerous bays and inlets indenting its shores. The direction and management of the port, including pilotage, berthing, docking, and wharves under control of the trustees of the port, are vested in the Deputy Conservator. The facilities of the port are mainly on the E side of Mumbai Island. An oil terminal is situated on Butcher Island. A submarine exercise area is centreed 67 miles W of the entrance to Mumbai Harbour. Another submarine exercise area is centred between the Fifty Fathoms Flat and Direction Bank, about 75 miles offshore. Numerous small fishing vessels, with buoyed nets, are likely to be encountered up to 25 miles offshore from Mumbai. A depth of 23m was reported in 1987 close W of the 200m depth contour in approximately 19°00’N., 69°55’E. Mariners are advised not to anchor or fish near the pipelines to avoid damaging them. Offshore Oil Development Areas. An extensive area of producing oilfields and exploration areas lies off the Indian coast and the approaches to the port of Mumbai. Numerous derricks, oil production platforms, wells, SPM, and other obstructions impede safe navigation of the area. Indian authorities have established recommended routes to aid traffic transiting the area, or bound for the port of Mumbai, which may be seen on the appropriate chart. Vessels are advised not to approach within 2.5 miles of production platforms, and are prohibited from passing within 500m of any installation or structure. Submarine oil and gas pipelines have been established from some producing fields to the entrance of Mumbai Harbour. Vessels should exercise caution when navigating in this vicinity. Oil wellheads exist in 19°20’N., 72°03’E.; and 19°44’N., 72°01’E., about 53 and 70 miles NW of entrance to Mumbai Harbour. For further information consult Pub. 160, Sailing Directions (Planning Guide) South Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean. Transshipment of petroleum products is carried out from large storage tankers moored in the vicinity of position 18°53’N., 72°26’E. Any vessel in difficulty within 50 miles of any production platform or rig and likely to drift towards platforms or rigs should contact Mumbai Radio on 500 kHz and standby offshore supply vessels on VHF channel 16 for assistance.. Mumbai High Oilfield Development Area. This area is situated with its centre about 90 miles WNW of the entrance to Mumbai Harbour. The area extends 25 miles in an E-W direction and 47 miles in a N-S direction containing numerous production platforms within. Three lighted tanker mooring buoys are situated close together in the N part of the area. Flares are lit from this vicinity. Another lighted tanker mooring buoy is situated 10 miles SSE of the above buoys. Oil and gas pipelines are laid ESE from the centre of the oilfield to Mumbai. Mukta Panna and Vasai Oilfield Development Area. This area is situated with its centre 50 miles NW of the entrance to Mumbai Harbour. The area extends 21 miles in a E-W direction and 33 miles in a N-S direction. Submarine oil and gas pipelines from Mumbai High Oilfield are laid passing through the centre of Vasai Oilfield Area with a gas pipeline branching 115 miles NNE to Danti at Mindhola River (21°04’N., 72°43’E.). Neelam Heera and Ratna Oilfield Development Area. This area is situated with its centre about 40 miles SW of the entrance to Mumbai Harbour. The area extends 14 miles in an E-W direction and 40 miles in a N-S direction. Recommended Routes. In the approaches to Mumbai, recommended routes are charted to assist mariners to navigate safely in the vicinity of the development areas. One route leads in an E-W direction passing S of Mumbai High and Mukta Panna and Vasai Oilfield Development Area and N of Neelam Heera and Ratna Oilfield Development Area. Other routes lead in NNE-SSW directions, passing W and E of Neelam Heera and Ratna Oilfield Development Area. Mariners are advised to keep 1 or 2 miles to starboard of the centrelines of these routes in the approaches or departure form Mumbai, and to be consistent with the 72 COLREGS. A circular lightering area, best seen on the chart, is located about 22 miles W of Malabar Point. All vessels are advised to maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 6 and 19 and to give the area a wide berth. In clear weather the high peak of Malangar (19°06’N., 73°11’E.), 789m high, is conspicuous in the offing. On the summit of this peak is an enormous perpendicular cliff, topped by a fort in ruins. On nearer approach Kanheri and Shendur, on Salsette Island on the N side of the Harbour, and Kankeshwar and the Sagaragarh Range, S of the Harbour, can be seen. Kanheri and Shendur were previously described with Salsette Island. Kankeshwar, a mountain 384m high, lies about 26 miles SW of Malangarh. It is separated by a valley from a thickly wooded range of hills which extends along the SE side of the entrance of Mumbai Harbour. Thal Knob, 54.2m high with a conspicuous white beacon, 18.3m high on its summit, lies about 4.3 miles NW of Kankeshwar. False Knob, about 0.5 mile SSW of Thal Knob, is similar in appearance, but somewhat lower. In thick weather these hills, being detached from the more distant highland, stand out well among the coconut trees. Ashuerra Hill, 243m high, about 3.5 miles ESE of Thal Knob, has two hummocks named The Paps. A black beacon, 24m high, lies on North Pap. Gull Islet (Kansa Rock) (18°50’N., 72°54’E.), 6.1m high and marked by a lighted beacon, 20.4m high, lies about 2.3 miles NNE of Thal Knob. Karanja (Great Karanja), 302m high, is a long and flat-topped hill at the S end of Karanja Island, about 2.8 miles ENE of Gull Islet. The S side of this hill is steep and almost inaccessible, but the N side slopes gradually from its base to a peak on which there is a ruin. A conspicuous flare chimney lies at the SE end of the island; a conspicuous tower lies on the SW slope of Kharavli, a 214m hill near the NW extremity of the island. Submarine Oil and Gas Pipelines are laid from the SW point of Karanja Island, WSW through the entrance to Mumbai Harbour and then NW to Mumbai High Field. Kharavli, 212m high at the N end of Karanja Island, about 2.8 miles NNW of Karanja, is formed by the junction of 4 ridges and has a very sharp summit. Mumbai Harbour has been reported to give good radar returns at 22 miles. Visibility may be reduced by heavy rain during the SW monsoon. A smoky haze frequently hangs over the area from November to March. Fifty Fathoms Flat, lying between 60 and 120 miles W of Mumbai, is an extensive bank with depths of 82 to 92m, fine sand, although a muddy bottom has occasionally been found between this bank and Direction Bank. Direction Bank, with its N end about 39 miles WSW of the SE entrance point of Mumbai Harbour, extends about 27 miles in a S direction, and has depths of 37 to 64m, coarse sand and small shells. Eastward of this bank the depths decrease gradually from about 55m, off its E edge, towards the coast. Vessels approaching Mumbai from the N of Direction Bank will run a considerable distance before the depths will decrease from 73m to 55m, but the depths will then decrease rapidly to 37m, which depth is found about 15 miles W of Kanhoji Angre Island (18°42’N., 72°49’E.) or the light structure on Prongs Reef, about 10.5 miles farther N. A vessel approaching this bank from the W will pass over Fifty Fathoms Flat, then gradually shoal to depths of 73m, and then suddenly to 55 and 42m over Direction Bank. After crossing the bank the depths will again increase to more than 55m over the greater part of the bank, and to about 50m at its S end. Approaching Mumbai from the SW, if the vessel is S of Direction Bank, the depths will decrease rapidly from 73m to 55m, and continue between 55 and 37m for some distance until the latter depth is obtained about 17 miles offshore. Tides Currents. The tidal rise at Mumbai is 4.4m at MHWS, and 3.3m at MHWN. The velocity and direction of the tidal currents in the approaches to Mumbai are generally as follows, but they are greatly influenced by winds and heavy rains. Off the SW extremity of Prongs Reef the flood current at first sets ESE and, as the velocity increases, shifts to the NE. Eastward of this reef, as far as Sunk Rock, it sets between NNE and N by E. Between Thal Shoal, and a position about 4 miles WNW, the flood current sets between ESE and ENE, resulting in a more northerly direction as the velocity increases. In East Channel Swatch, E of Thal Shoal it sets about NNE, taking a more easterly direction as it crosses the mouth of Dharamtar Creek.. On the N side of the entrance the ebb current sets SW from Sunk Rock to abreast the light structure on Prong Reef, where it shifts to between NW and SW, changing to about SSW as the tide strengthens. On the S side of the entrance of the Harbour the ebb current sets WSW across the entrance of Dharamtar Creek altering to between SW and SSW on nearing Thal Shoal, and still more to the S as it continues S. Between Thal Shoal and a position about 4 miles WNW, it sets about WSW. The tide does not set fairly through the channel, but the flood sweeps E over the foul ground of Thal Shoal. During rains in the SW monsoon the ebb sets strongly W out of Dharamtar Creek. The velocity of strong tides between Thal Shoal and Prongs Reef is from 2.5 to 3 knots and perhaps as much as 4 knots during the rains. On the W shore of the Harbour, from Sunk Rock to Cross Island, the flood current sets NE to NNE. On the E shore of the Harbour the flood current sets NE along the W shore of Karanja Island. It sets NE between Butcher and Elephanta Islands, and then NE toward Trombay Island. The ebb current sets WSW from the S of the channel between Butcher and Elephanta Islands and along the W coast of Karanja Island. Abreast Dharamtar Creek the current sets WSW. On the W shore, from Cross Island to inside Middle Ground Islet, the ebb current sets SSW, and then to Sunk Rock in a SW direction. From Cross Island to E of Middle Ground Islet, in mid-channel, the ebb current sets from SW to SSW. Then to Sunk Rock it sets SW, but at the first of the ebb the set is more W. Southward of Dolphin Rock the flood current at springs has a velocity of 2 knots and the ebb current 1.5 knots. In other parts of the Harbour the velocity is from 0.5 to 1.5 knots. The ebb current on the W shore of the Harbour occur from 30 to 35 minutes earlier than on the E shore, and during strong tides from 40 minutes to 1 hour sooner. Inshore and near Indira Dock wall, during the SW monsoon, the ebb current occurs about 45 minutes before the time of HW. This is important for vessels docking. It has been observed that the flood current divides in the vicinity of Ballard Pier, causing a counter clockwise movement off the naval dockyard, the current taking a S direction near the breakwater pier. Vessels entering the dockyard with a flood current are advised to keep the rear range beacon slightly open N of the front beacon to avoid being set onto breakwater pier. Depths Limitations. There is a least depth of 9.1m in the fairway of the entrance to Mumbai Harbour until abreast Sunk Rock Light. A least depth of 9.6m was reported in the entrance channel and approaches to the tanker berths on Butcher Island. The shallowest bar extends from abeam the entrance buoys to abeam Middle Ground Islet. Less water than charted has been reported (1990) S of Sunk Rock. Silting may result in lesser depths than charted in the Harbour. Indira (Alexandra) Dock has depths of 9.1 to 10.3m alongside. The entrance lock is 227m long, 30.4m wide, with a depth of 8.2m on the outer sill and 7m on the inner sill at LW. The maximum size ship that can enter Indira Dock at HW is 206m in length with a draft of 9.5m. One berth is equipped to handle container traffic. Vessels are not handled at night in Indira Dock except under special circumstances. When vessels are entering or leaving the dock by day, a blue flag is hoisted at the flagstaff on Bulls Nose. Ballard Pier, the continuation of the W side of Indira Dock entrance lock, has a passenger berth, with a depth of 7.6m alongside, and a depth of 10.4 alongside the extension, but this is liable to vary due to silting. Since completion of the South Breakwater, tidal eddies have been reported by ships berthing at Ballard Pier. It has been reported (1994) that Ballard Pier has been dredged to accommodate vessels up to 228m long, with a maximum draft of 9.1m. Victoria Dock, N of Indira Dock, has an entrance width of 24.3. The maximum size ship that can enter the dock is 140m in length by day, 122m in length at night, with a draft of 7m, and a width of 23.5m. Prince’s Dock has an entrance width of 20.1m; the width of the passage leading to Victoria Dock, close S, is 19.5m. The maximum size ship that can enter Prince’s Dock is 152.1m in length, with a draft of 6.6m, and a width of 18.4m. Ships can be taken into Prince’s Dock only from about 2.3 hours before the time of HW to 0.5 hour after the time of HW. They cannot leave the dock after the time of HW because the outgoing current commences in that vicinity about 1.5 hours before the time of HW and sets directly down on to the reef N of Cross Island at about the time of HW. The maximum draft for entering the docks is subject to the tide. There is a terminal facility located on the E side of Butchers Island. It consist of a concrete jetty about 520m long. The jetty has three pier heads, with dolphins at each end of the pier head. The jetty carries a roadway and pipelines and has berths for three vessels of various sizes. The berths are numbered from N to S as No. 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Each berth is provided with dolphins and mooring dolphins. Tankers up to 70,000 dwt, with a maximum length of 229m and a maximum draft of 9.7m, can be berthed. A fourth oil berth, lying S of Butchers Island, has been added for loading and discharging of crude oil. The maximum draft of a vessel mooring at No. 4 berth is 12.7m. Tankers up to 125,000 dwt can be berthed at this pier. Loaded tankers are berthed at HW. It is compulsory to test astern power during the approach and before berthing at the terminal. Pir Pau Pier, T-headed, at the S end of Trombay Island, is 174m long with a dredged depth of 6.8m alongside. Tankers up to 171m long, with a maximum draft of 5.5m, can be accommodated. Pir Pau Deep, dredged to 5.5m, leads W from W from the channel to the pier. New Pir Pau Jetty has a depth of 11m alongside. Vessels up to 45,000 tons, with drafts of 10.6 to 11.1m and lengths of 97 to 197m, can be accommodated. Nhava Island (18°58’N., 72°57’E.) lies close E of N breakwater head. The main channel approach, marked by range lights in line bearing about 085°, passes SE of Elephanta Island, and has a maintained depth (1990) of 11m. Hughes Drydock, the largest drydock, is entered from Indira Dock. It has the following dimensions: maximum length, 304m; breadth at entrance, 30.4m; depth on blocks at entrance, 6.3m below chart datum; depth over blocks at entrance, 10.5m at MHWS. The maximum drafts for alongside berths are subject to change due to siltation and dredging. The Deputy Con-servator of Mumbai Harbour issues maximum drafts monthly. Kanhoji Angre Island (18°42’N., 72°49’E.), S of the Harbour entrance and about 2.5 miles offshore, has two hills, on the S and higher of which lies the lighthouse with a flagstaff NE of it. The island, sparsely covered with trees and scrub, is surrounded by the remains of a wall. A rock drying 3.8m, marked by a beacon 3m in height, lies 0.2 mile NE of Kanhoji Angre Island. Leading lights are exhibited on the E side of Kanhoji Angre Island, 1.3 miles NE of the main light; when in line bearing 168° they lead W of the drying rock and to the landing place. Colaba Point (18°54’N., 72°49’E.) is the S extremity of Colaba Peninsula, a narrow peninsula extending SW from Mumbai Island. The peninsula is covered with buildings which continue N in an unbroken line and connect with the more thickly settled part of the city. A spoil ground lies 4 miles WSW of Colaba Point. Prongs Reef, which dries, extends about 1 mile SSW from Colaba Point. Prongs Reef Light (18°53’N., 72°48’E.) is shown from a round tower, 52.5m high, painted in red, white and black horizontal bands near the S end of Prongs Reef. Foul ground extends about 1 mile SW, SE, and E of the light structure. Vessels signaling this lighthouse are reported by telephone to Mumbai. The light structure is reported to be a good radar target at 17 miles. A dangerous wreck, with masts above water, is situated 5.5 miles SW of Prongs Reef Light tower, with another dangerous wreck 0.4 mile NNE from it. The area is considered foul and dangerous to navigation. Malabar Point, about 3 miles NNW of Colaba Point, and Malabar Hill, about 1 mile farther NE, have been reported to give good radar returns at 22 and 39 miles, respectively. Kanhoji Angre Island Light, about 10.5 miles S of Prong Reef Light, is shown at an elevation of 47m from an octagonal tower, surmounting a flat-roofed house, 31.5m high, on the summit of Kanhoji Angre Island. It is connected by telephone with Mumbai. If a vessel is seen to be lying into danger, a warning rocket signal is fired, and the International Code signal “You are standing into danger” is displayed. Kanhoji Angre Island has been reported to give good radar returns at 17 miles. Foul ground and shoal water extend about 3 miles offshore between Kanhoji Angre Island and the SE entrance point of Mumbai Harbour. Thal Shoal, about 6 miles N of Kanhoji Angre Island and 2.5 miles offshore, is composed of sand and rock, with several detached heads, and a least depth of 4.3m. A black conical buoy is moored off the W side of Thal Shoal. Thal Reefs, SE of Thal Shoal, consists of numerous reefs and rocks extending about 1.5 miles offshore. Detached shoals, with depths of less than 5.5m, lie within 1 mile W of Thal Reef. A prohibited area, best shown on the area chart, lies close N of Thal shoal. East Channel Swatch, with a least depth of 5.8m, lies between Thal Shoal and the detached shoals W of Thal Reef. SW Prongs lighted buoy, moored about 1.5 miles SSW of Prongs Reef Light, marks the edge of the shoal water SW of Prongs Reef. A lighted buoy moored about 1.5 miles SE of Prongs Reef Light marks the N side of the fairway into the Harbour. Sunk Rock (18°53’N., 72°50’E.), awash and marked by a light, lies about 1.3 miles E of Colaba Point. A stranded wreck, marked by a lighted buoy, lies 2.3 miles SE of Sunk Rock. Another dangerous wreck, marked by a lighted buoy, lies 1.8 miles S of Sunk Rock. Oyster Rock, about 0.8 mile WNW of Sunk Rock, is flat and 21.5m high; a tower, with an elevation of 28m, stands on it. Fishing stakes extend about 0.5 mile E of Oyster Rock; care is necessary when navigating in this vicinity, as the stakes are often broken off just below-water. Dolphin Rock, nearly steep-to on its E side and marked by a light, lies about 1.5 miles N of Oyster Rock. Middle Ground Islet, rocky and about 12.5m high, lies about 0.8 mile ENE of Oyster Rock; two towers, with an elevation of 17m, lie on the islet. Shoal water extends about 110m SW and 0.2 mile NNE, respectively, from the islet. Range lights, in line bearing 305°, on Ballard Pier, about 0.5 mile farther N, lead through the middle of the approach channel to the pier. The Naval Dockyard lies about 0.5 mile NW of Middle Ground Island. South Breakwater, marked at its head and root by towers having an elevation of 58m, forms an enclosed area E of the Naval Dockyard. The Naval Signal Station, with a flagstaff, is conspicuous near the root of South Breakwater.. Cross Island, 19.5m high, lies about 1.8 miles farther N, and about 0.3 mile off Victoria Dock. The N side of the Harbour is occupied by an extensive coastal bank, with depths of less than 5.5m. Tucker Beacon, about 1.8 miles ENE of Middle Ground Islet, marks the S edge of the bank. The beacon is a cylindrical structure, painted in red, white, and black horizontal bands, and shows a light. Gull Islet (Kansa Rock) lies off the entrance to Dharamtar Creek, on a bank filling the SE part of Mumbai Harbour. Gull Islet Light is shown from a framework tower on the summit of the islet. Karanja Reefs, farther N, extend about 2 miles off the Wside of Karanja Island. Karanja Beacon, a black steel structure, 8.5m high, surmounted by a cone, lies near the NW edge of the reefs, about 5 miles N of Gull Islet. Two spoil grounds, the N marked approximately 0.5 mile NNW by a lighted buoy, are situated between South Karanja Buoy and Karanja Reefs. A dangerous wreck, marked by a buoy, lies about 1.5 miles SW of Karanja light. Butcher Island (18°58’N., 72°54’E.), 20m high, with an oil terminal on its SE side, lies about 5 miles NE of Middle Ground Islet. A conspicuous water tower, with an elevation of 31m, stands near the centre of the island. Butcher Rock, steep-to on its S and E sides, lies about 0.6 mile S of Butcher Island and is marked by Butcher Beacon, a red stone beacon, 7.6m high, from which a light is shown. A breakwater, extending NNW from Butcher Rock, is 3m above chart datum and uncovers at half tide. Elephanta Island, 174m high, about 1 mile E of Butcher Island, is wooded with two hills separated by a ravine. Elephanta Patch Beacon, from which a light is shown, lies about 0.5 mile NW of Elephanta Island. The channel leading ENE and NNE between Butcher and Elephanta Islands is marked by ranges. Range lights, shown on the SW side of Elephanta Island, in line bearing 055°, lead between the shoals on either side of the channel. This range intersects with a lighted range leading NNE, which is in line bearing 203°, astern. The rear light of the latter range is shown from a lighted beacon on Uran Shoal (18°56’N., 72°54’E.). Trombay Island, N of the Harbour, attains an elevation of 305m at Trombay Peak (19°02’N., 72°55’W.). There are several oil refinery chimneys on the S side of the island; the flares from these chimneys are conspicuous and visible from seaward. Pir Pau Tomb, a conspicuous mosque with a white dome, 24m high, stands on the S extremity of Trombay Island. A white dome, 42.5m high, and a chimney, 125m high, are conspicuous about 0.5 mile farther NNE. Radio masts, each marked by red lights, stand on the SW end of Trombay Island. Directions. Vessels may approach Mumbai from N to S through W, but attention must be paid to areas in which fishing stakes may be encountered, as indicated on the area chart. In 1987, it was recommended for vessels to pass N of Mumbai Lightship in order to avoid the spoil ground and fishing stakes lying W of Thal Shoal and the foul area. The Harbour entrance lies between lighted buoys moored N of Thal Shoal and SE of Prongs Reef, 2.5 miles NW of the shoal. If approaching from the NW, keep North Pap Beacon (18°46’N., 72°56’E.) in line with Thal Knob Beacon, on a bearing of 121.5°, which leads close SW of SW Prong Lightbuoy. If awaiting a pilot, anchor, draft permitting, SE of Sunk Rock Light structure. If approaching from the S, pass W of the buoy marking Thal Shoal. During the SW monsoon, when it may be difficult to identify marks, or during the cold weather, when a smoke haze often reduces visibility, the best time to make Mumbai is about 1 hour before sunrise when the lights are still visible.