HAZIRA TO UMARGAM - 209 Topography Southern coast of this stretch of coast is generally low, sandy and fringed with bushes, it is indented by shallow bays and creeks; inland, there are several prominent peaks. The coast, North of Nani Daman (20° 25'N, 72° 50'E) is watered by springs and thickly covered by vegetation or date palms in several places. The tide runs up through the river mouths or creeks and behind small hillocks of drifted sand where it floods extensive salt marshes. There is an alluvial belt, towards the N end of this coastline, through which the Tapi (Tapti) River forms a deep and fertile delta. On this stretch of coastline; the rivers, shallow bays and creeks are mostly fronted by an extensive coastal bank making them accessible only at high water and with local knowledge. Off-lying shoals Malacca Banks consist of four long narrow banks, lying between the parallels 20° 20' N and 21° 12' N, which obstruct the entrance to the Gulf of Khambhat their names, from E to W, are Eastern Bank, Breaker Bank, Narmada Bank and Western Bank; the positions and extent of these banks are shown on the chart. 1 It is inadvisable to use Malacca Banks Channels, which although deep, are generally narrow and intricate towards their N ends; also, the channels are unmarked and to distant for fixing from objects on the coast at their S ends. 2 Malacca Banks are steep-to in places and, as soundings may not give sufficient warning, should not be approached on a falling tide. The N limit of the banks has not been closely examined. 3 The general alignment of the Malacca Banks is subject to change and less water than charted may exist. The charted shoals are reported to be shifting. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution and for latest information refer to the local authorities. Eastern Bank has very deep water close to shoal patches, some of which dry, and over which the sea breaks in its N part. Breaker Bank has extensive shoal patches, lying in a N/S direction on its N part, over which the sea breaks; the sandbank near its centre (20° 45' N, 72° 24' E) is visible at a good distance with the sun on it. Narmada Bank has an extensive patch of drying sand near its centre and a small patch near its N end. Western Bank dries in places. Depths There are no charted dangers S of latitude 21° 00' N, to seaward of the 10 m depth contours lying off the Konkan Coast and Eastern Bank. Principal marks Landmarks: The following marks are positioned from the watch tower that is described below: Building, water tower and chimneys (51/2 miles WSW). Kribhco Chimney (21° 10' N, 72° 42'.2 E). Towers (1.2 miles WNW). Towers (21/4 miles NW). Major lights: Lights- Landmarks. The following marks are positioned from the watch tower that is described below: Watch tower (21º 08'.865N, 72º 44'.16E). Building, water tower and chimneys (5½ miles WSW). Chimney (19º 58'.01 N, 72º 42'.98 E), red obstruction lights are exhibited (275 m in height). Chimney (2 miles WNW). Towers (3 miles WNW). Towers (2¼ miles NW). Flare situated (5 cables NNE). 2 Major lights. Tarapur Point Light (19º 50'.74N, 72º 39'.46E). Umargam Light (white concrete tower, red bands, 30 m in height) (20º 11'.8N, 72º44'.94E) stands close SSW of a ruined tower situated on the S side of the entrance to Varoli River. Storm signals are displayed in the vicinity of the light, the brief system is used. See 1.36. Valsad Khadi Light (white tower, red bands, 45m in height) (20º37´.78N, 72°53´.22E). Machhiwada Light (white round concrete tower, black bands, 30 m in height) (20º 48'.76N, 72º 49'.70E) stands 6 cables NW of the N entrance point of Kanai Creek. Wasi Borsi Light (white square concretetower, red bands, 34 m in height) (20º56'.13N,72º45'.64E)stands 1 mile NNW of the N entrance point of Purna River. Hazira Light (white round masonry tower, 25 m in height) (21º 05'.53N, 72º 38'.56E) stands 6 cables NE of Suvli Point. Vaux's Tomb, which of a former Deputy Governor of Mumbai accidentally drowned in Tapi River, stands close SE of the lighthouse Extensive reefs and foul ground extend up to 4 miles offshore close S of Nani Daman, vessels should not approach this coast in depths of less than 20 m. Malacca Banks Channels. It is inadvisable to use these channels which, although deep, are generally narrow and intricate towards their N ends; also, the channels are unmarked and too distant for fixing from objects on the coast at their S ends. Malacca Banks are steep-to in places and, as soundings may not give sufficient warning, should not be approached on a falling tide. The N limit of the banks has not been closely examined. Local knowledge is must to use the Sutherland channel. Sutherland Channel Sutherland Channel leads E of Eastern Bank 5 miles N from a position W of Suvali Point (21° 05' N, 72° 38'E), to a position SW of Suvali Bank. Suvali Bank (21° 12' N, 72° 36' E) which dries, is sandy at its edge with mud near the high water mark, it is just detached from the coastal bank E. Useful marks Maroli Light (white metal framework tower, 12 m in height) (20° 17'.8N, 72° 46'.7E) is exhibited from 16th September to 15th June. Storm signals are displayed at Maroli, the brief system is used. See 1.49. Patia Hill (20° 15'.5N, 72° 47'.5E) with Maroli, Lakdia and Samarvel Hills standing, respectively, 21/4 miles NNE, 21/2 miles NE and 2 miles E. Jogmari Hill (20° 19'.5N, 72° 51'.0E) has a wooded summit. Indragadh Hill (20° 22'N, 72° 51' E) is surmounted by a ruined fort. Damanganga River Light (white masonry tower, 35 m in height) (20° 24'.6N, 72° 49'.9E), stands on the bastion of a fort, situated on the S side of the river entrance. Parnera Hill (20° 33'N, 72° 57'E) has a ruined fort standing close NW of its summit. Valsad Bay Light (metal framework tower, 10 m in height) (20° 37'.8N, 72° 53'.2E) is exhibited from September to June at the S entrance point to Valsad Creek. Monument (20° 53' N, 72° 48' E), reported to be a white domed tomb standing among dark green trees and especially prominent from SW. Surat Roads including Hazira Offshore Terminal and Tapi River Surat Roads Surat Roads Including Hazira Offshore Terminal and Tapi River 1 Position. Surat Roads (21º 01'N, 72º 38'E), situatedabout 2.5 miles S of Suvali Point, is the anchorage for Tapi River. 2 Weather.In these roads unsettled weather withS winds, which precede the SW monsoon, occur earlier than at Mumbai. After mid-April and in early May strong S winds are common, raising a considerable sea during spring tides; the approach of a gale during this period may be heralded by dark cloudy weather, with a gloomy and black atmosphere visible to the SE which, is accompanied by lightning and. weak variable breezes mostly from SE. 3 Climate. For details in the vicinity of the Tapi River, see climatic table 1.175. 4 Tidal streams. The in-going stream sets N, continuing for 1 hour after the time of local high water. Spring tidal streams are strong at the outer anchorage, especially the out-going stream, which sets S at a rate of from 4 to 5 kts.Nearer the bar the streams are weaker. The tide often falls 2 m before the tidal stream turns S. Anchorage 1 Extensive reefs and foul ground extend up to 4 miles offshore between Vadhavan Point (19º56'.0 N, 72º 39'.85 E) and a position close S of Nani Daman, 30 miles NNE; vessels should not approach this coast in depths of less than 20 m. 2 Malacca Banks Channels. It is inadvisable to use these channels which, although deep, are generally narrow and intricate towards their N ends; also, the channels are unmarked and too distant for fixing from objects on the coast at their S ends. 3 Malacca Banks are steep-to in places and, as soundings may not give sufficient warning, should not be approached on a falling tide. The N limit of the banks has not been closely examined. 4 Vessels can obtain anchorage one mile S of Surat Roadsin depth of 12 m. Vessels anchoring need to veer additional cable because of the strong tidal streams, particularly on the out-going stream. Lighterage areas 1 An area close S of Surat Roads is reported to be designated an LPG and chemical lighterage area, as shown on the chart, another area close W of the roads, also shown on the chart is general lighterage area. 2 While using the areas vessels should be guided by the information given above regarding weather and tidal streams. Vessels not involved in cargo transshipment operations are advised to keep well clear. Hazira offshore terminal 1 General information.Hazira Offshore Terminal (21º 09'.0 N, 72º 34'.37 E) consists of an SPM (named Reliance) which is located in the N part of Sutherland Channel, as shown on the chart. 2 The berth is suitable to accommodate vessels of between 15 000 and 50 000 dwt, in a depth of about 25 m, with a maximum arrival draught of 13 m. 3 Anchoring and fishing is prohibited within 1 mile of the SPM and within 2½ cables of the pipeline that leads, from the SPM, to the shore.A fog signal is sounded from the mooring. 4 Tidal streams in the vicinity of the SPM are reported to set in a N/S direction with a spring rate of about 5 to 6 kts; the tidal range is reported to be approximately 7 m. 5 Approach and berthing.The approach to the SPM is from S through Sutherland Channel. The pilot normally boards 3 miles of SPM. Berthing at the SPM is only carried out during the daylight periods of slack high or low water; a tug is available to assist. 6 Anchorage. Near the S end of Sutherland Channel, tankers waiting to berth at the SPM anchor, as directed by the pilot, in an area shown on the chart. Tapi River 1 Position. Tapi (Tapti) River (21º 03'.0N, 72º 40'.0E) is entered between Suvali Point (21º 10'.3 N, 72º 38'.39 E) and the N entrance point of Mindhola River, 4 miles E. 2 General information. Tapi River is about 450 miles long and from its mouth it is tidal for a distance of 15 miles. Small local craft ascend to Surat(21º11'.73N, 72º 49'.72E) and boats can reach Amroli, 11 miles farther upstream. 3 Controlling depths. Tapi River bar dries; itsentrance and the river are encumbered with numerous Sandbanks, some of which dry. A vessel of about 1.8 m draught may navigate in the river at more than half tide. 4 Tidal levels. Mean spring range about 3.7 m; mean neap range about 2.0 m. See information in Tide Tables. 5 Storm signals are displayed at Magdalla by using the brief system. See 1.36. 6 Directions. Assistance of local pilots is necessary while navigating through this channel as they can only point out the navigable channel because the sandbanks and channels are continually shifting. A light-buoy (safe water) is moored SW of the channel in the vicinity of its entrance. 7 Facilities.Tug and barges. Tapi River ports Hazira (21° 06' N, 72° 39' E), on Suvali Point at the Tapi River estuary, is a large industrial port being developed to bring gas ashore from the offshore oilfields NW of Bombay. The port will also be used to relieve bulk cargo congestion at Bombay. Coastal ports, creeks, bays and anchorages Moti Daman 1 Position.Moti Daman (20º 24'.48 N, 72º 50'.0 E), a town, lies on the S side of the entrance to Damanganga River, Nani Daman town lies on its N side. 2 General information.Daman forms part of the Union Territory of Daman and Diu. 3 Off-lying dangers.A foul ground is shown on the chart 2¾ miles WSW of the river entrance, its position is approximate; an underwater dangerous rock lies about 1 mile N of this foul ground. 4 Controlling depths. The bar is flat, off the mouth of the Damanganga River and consists mostly of hard sand, but rocky ground with drying patches projects about 1¼ miles offshore from the river entrance; the bar has a least charted depth of 0.8 m. Inside the bar, between the forts flanking the entrance, there is a pool with a depth of 5.7 m; upstream from the entrance depths reduce rapidly. 5 Storm signals are displayed from a signal station situated in the vicinity of Damanganga River Lighthouse (20º 24'.58 N, 72º 49'.84 E) by using the brief system is used. See 1.48. 6 Landmarks. The forts on each side of the entrance to Damanganga River, two square steeples and white buildings serve to identify the port. 7 Directions. During high water in fine weather, vessels not exceeding 500 tons may enter Damanganga River. Vessels should keep the river entrance open bearing about 090º and moor in mid-channel abreast the forts; local knowledge is necessary. 8 Anchorage. Vesselscan anchor, 4¾ miles W of Damanganga River Lighthouse in a depth of about 9 m, mud Umarsadi Creek 1 Position.Umarsadi Creek (20º 32'.17 N, 72º 53'.17 E) lies at the entrance to Par River. 2 Controlling depths.The bar at the entrance to Umarsadi Creek dries and there are depths of less than 1.8 m for a distance of 2 miles seaward of the entrance. 3 Landmark. A pagoda is situated 5 cables N of theN entrance point of the creek. Directions 1 The following directions may be of assistance to small vessels to enter Umarsadi Creek in an emergency with local knowledge: 2 Keep in depths of more than 5.5 m until a high white building in Pardi (20º 30'.61 N, 72º 56'.81 E) bears about, but not more than, 112º. 3 Steer inshore keeping the entrance to Par River open; when Parnera Hill (20º 33'.05 N, 72º 56'.87 E) bears 079º a vessel will be within the bar. Valsad Bay 1 Position.Valsad Bay (20º 38'.45 N, 72º 53'.05 E) lies inland of a straight stretch of coast and is entered 6½ miles N of Umarsadi Creek. Valsadtownissituatedabout 3 miles ESE of ValsadBayLight(20º37'.88N, 72º 53'.18 E). 2 Controlling depths.There is an extensive flat of mud and sand; fronted the Valsad Bay, which dries, extending about 7½ cables seaward; vessels can only cross this flat at high water. 3 Off-lying dangers.Extensive shallow rocky patches lie 4½ miles SW and 3½ miles W of Valsad Bay Light. 4 Auranga River flows into the S part of Valsad Bay; its entrance nearly dries but within the river there are depths of 2.1 to 2.7 m. 5 Tidal levels Mean spring range about 5.1m; mean neap range about 2.3 m. See information in Tide Tables. 6 Tidal stream.The in-going stream in the roadstead, abreast the entrance to Valsad Bay, sets for 1 hour after the time of high water in the estuary. 7 Anchorage.Medium draught vessels may obtain anchorage about 8½ miles W of the entrance to Valsad Bay in depths of about 8 m, clear of the submarine gas pipeline. Ambika River and Kanai Creek 1. Ambika river (20º 44'.89 N, 72º 51'.34 E) is entered between Moti Danti in the south and Kanai on the north. The area dries at places and numerous sand banks are observed between Kanai Creek and Moti Danti. Kanai Creek Light exhibiting characteristics of Fl(2)W20s is seen as a prominent structure on the North of Kanai creek. The cylindrical concrete tower is painted with alternate white and black bands. 2. A wharf 350m long with depths as low as 2-3m alongside for berthing fishing vessels has been newly constructed along E-W direction Purna River 1. Purna river(20º 56' N, 72º 47' E), one of the chief tributaries of Tapti River is primarily used by large fishing boats. The river meanders at its mouth and thus provides shelter for fishing boats from the swell of the Arabian Sea. A new fishing harbour with a wharf of 200 m is under construction at the NW end of Purna river mouth. 2. Wasi Borsi light characterized by alternate red and white bands on a concrete white square tower and Fl W 7s stands on the northern bank of Purna river mouth