CHART NO 313 MAMALLAPURAM TO POINT PUDI: Mahabalipuram to Kovalam (Covelong Point): Rockingham Patches: are a group of shoal patches which extend to about 1.2 miles N and 0.6 miles wide with a least depth of 3.3m about 3½ miles NNE of Mahabalipuram Lighthouse; a rocky head with a depth of 6.9m lies 4 cables S of the shoalest part. The coast between Sadras Fort (12º 32'N, 80º 10'E) and Kovalam Point, 16 miles NNE, should be approached with caution for depths below 30m due to outlying rocky patches at various places. The most prominent hills on the stretch of coast are:- Tiruppour Hills: 40m high 6½ mile NNW and 8½ miles NW respectively or Mahabalipuram identified by temples on their summits. Kovalam Point (Covelong Point): (12º 47'N, 80º 15'E) is a slight projection about 11 miles NNE of Mahabalipuram Lighthouse. The point is reported to be a good radar target at distances of upto 13 miles. A number of beach front villas can be seen along the coast all the way from Mamallapuram to Chennai. About 30 miles ESE of Covelong Point lies a firing practice area centered in position 12° 41' N, 080° 45' E. Anchorage: An open anchorage in depths of about 13m can be obtained E of Kovalam point at bearing 270º Kovalam point distant about 1 mile. Care should be taken to avoid rocks awash extending about 0.3 mile NE from Kovalam point. The low coast between Covelong point and Chennai, about 18 miles to the N is clear of dangers. Landing: may be affected during the SW monsoon near the rocks awash which extend 3 cables NE from Kovalam point. APPROACHES TO CHENNAI: Kovalam to Chennai: The coast between Kovalam point and Chennai, 18 miles N, is low and sandy with casuarina trees N and S and many prominent buildings at the center, Good landmarks are: Ottivakkam Hill: about 128m high and 8½ miles NW of Kovalam Point stands near the S end of a low range of hills running parallel to the coast. Perumbakkam Hill: 80m high and 7 miles NNW of Kovalam Point, appears as a flat round-topped hill from sea and is also a fairly good mark. Panchapandavar Malai (Pallavaram Hills): a double peaked hill 152m high with a white domed building on its summit lying about 12½ miles NNW of Kovalam Point. Caution: The wreck of the pilot boat, ML Balaram, dangerous to navigation, lies in position 13° 05'.9N, 80° 17'.7E, approximately 5 cables S of the outer arm light. Submarine Exercise: Area lies with its center about 20 miles ENE of Kovalam point. A good look-out should be maintained in the vicinity. Firing Practice area lies about 30 miles ESE of Kovalam Point, centered on 12°41' N, 80° 45'E as shown on the chart. Mariners are advice to exercise caution while navigating within this area. Between Kovalam Point and Chennai, two rivers Adyar and Cooum (Kuvam) Rivers flow into the sea. CHENNAI: Position: Chennai, (13° 06'N, 80° 18'E) the capital and seat of Government of the State of Tamil Nadu, is the Major harbour of the East Coast of India and the third largest port in India; it lies close to the sea on a low sandy coast exposed to heavy surf. The port with three docks, 24 berths and draught ranging 8.5 m to 16.5 m has emerged as a hub port for Containers, Cars and Project Cargo in the East Coast. Kuvam, a small river, flows through the city but its mouth is usually closed, except in the rainy season. The river is intersected by the Buckingham Canal which lies close behind this coast and connects a number of inland waterways. Chennai Light (13º 02'.3N, 80º 16'.8E) is exhibited from a triangular RCC tower (red and white bands), 46m in height ½ mile NNE of Saint Thomas Cathedral. A racon (K) transmits from the lighthouse. Arrival Information: ETA of vessels should be signaled at least 48 hours in advance. All vessels arriving from foreign ports have to request for pratique by radio addressed “Quarantine Chennai” not more than 12 hours or less than 4 hours before ETA. When approaching the harbour limits or when anchored in the roadstead, vessel must keep a look-out for Signal Station situated at the harbour office and contact the port control on Channel 16 MMB. Anchorage: Outer Anchorage: Chennai roadstead (13º 06' N, 80º 10' E) is exposed to all offshore winds; there is generally swell from seaward, causing vessels in the roadstead to labour or roll considerably. A second anchor should be ready for letting go and anchors should be buoyed. Vessels which are not been berthed on arrival should anchor South of latitude 13° 06' N. They should not anchor within Pilot Boarding Areas No 1 or No 2, which are shown on the chart, without permission from Port Control. The Dangerous wreck with mast visible of MV Deccan Pioneer lies in position about 9.7 cables SE end of Eastern Breakwater. Another wreck lies S of the outer arm Breakwater light at a distance of 4.8 cables. A cable area in which anchoring and fishing is prohibited lies in the S approaches to the harbour the limits of which are shown on the chart. The Anchorage lies 2 miles ENE of the harbour in a depth of 18 m, the holding ground is good with a coarse sand bottom. The new outer arm, 1004m long provides better shelter at the outer anchorage.A Number of submarine cables lie between the mouth of Kuvam and Adyar River. Anchoring and fishing is prohibited in this area.At night it is advised that vessels should not approach into depths of less than 16m without pilot. Approach Channel The approach channel to Chennai Harbour entrance, which is about 1½ cables wide at its narrowest portion, is dredged to depth of 19.2m and the inner channel is 18.6m and marked by numbered light-buoys of IALA System (Region A), green conical on the W (starboard) side and red can on the E (port) side. The seaward light buoy (green conical, quick flashing (3) every 5 seconds, radar reflector) lies 3¾ miles NE of the turning circle is maintained at a depth of 18m. The harbour basin is dredged to 10.8 m. Light-buoys Nos 3 and 4 are moored approximately 4½ miles NE of Fort St. George’s flagstaff. A Racon is situated on the shore almost 2 miles NNE of Fort Saint George. The racon ahead, bearing 257°, leads into the charted approach channel. A directional light is exhibited at night. Vessels should not approach within 5 cables of the approach channel unless a pilot is on board. The Dangerous wreck with mast visible of MV Deccan Pioneer lies in position about 9.7 cables SE end of Eastern Breakwater. Another wreck lies S of the outer arm Breakwater light at a distance of 4.8 cables. Spoil Ground: A spoil ground is centered 1.88 miles N of the outer arm light, another spoil ground lies 1.2 cables of the outer arm light. An examination anchorage area is enclosed by a line joining the following positions: 13° 08' 55" N, 80° 19' 30" E 13° 08' 55" N, 80° 21' 30" E 13° 07' 10" N, 80° 21' 10" E 13° 07' 10" N, 80° 19' 30" E 13° 07' 27" N, 80° 19' 15" E Chennai Harbour: Chennai Harbour is protected from N and NE by Northern Breakwater and Eastern Breakwater which extends 2½ cables SE thence 3½ cables SSW from a position 2¼ miles NNE of Fort Saint George's Flagstaff. The harbour is protected from E and SE by East Quay and new outer arm which extends 11½ cables NNE from a position 1 mile NE of the same flagstaff. A light is exhibited from the head of new outer arm. Georgetown, the commercial center of the city, stands immediately behind the harbour. In the Outer Harbour the Eastern Breakwater is 590 m long, Northern Breakwater is 460 m long, Outer Arm is 1,000 m long and the Upper Pitch Revetment is 950 m long.The S part of the harbour, forming the inner harbour, is protected by East Quay. The entrance to the inner harbour lies between the North Pier and a spur projecting from East Quay and is 122 m wide with a depth of 9.4 m. The Inner Harbour Eastern Breakwater is 1325 m long and Northern Breakwater is 575 m long. A light is exhibited at each side of the entrance. The major commodities handled in the Port are Crude oil & POL products, Containers, Automobiles, Edible oil finished Fertilizers, Fertilizer Raw Materials, and general cargo. On the danger signal being displayed, the Master of each vessel will take such measures for the safety of his vessel as he may consider requisite; no further instruction on that point will be furnished by the port authorities. 5 Master of vessel must use his own discretion whether to remain in the harbour or proceed to sea in cyclonic weather. Preference to mooring berths will be given to vessel with bulk cargo and those vessels which have broken their cargo. Chennai Fishing Harbour: Chennai Fishing Harbour KNOWN AS THE Royapuram Fishing harbor was established in 1984 under the administration of Chennai Port Trust. It is situated 1 mile N of Bharathi Dock; the harbour, which is well sheltered by two extensive breakwaters, provides berths for 1400 boats. Chennai to Ennore: Between Chennai and Ennore, 9 miles NNE. There are several small fishing villages on this part of the coast which is low and sandy. Tiruvottiyur: is the suburb of Chennai. It lies about 3½ miles N of Chennai harbour entrance. A stranded wreck lies ¾ mile SE of this village. Kasigobind Temple: A white temple 11m high, stands about 5 miles N of Chennai harbour entrance and is conspicuous; A 37 m high chimney lies ½ mile W of the temple. A conspicuous tower ½ mile further NE, having an elevation of 35m, are also good marks. Some conspicuous Chimneys stand ¾ mile SSW of the factory. Caution: When navigating the Coromandel Coast N of Chennai great care is necessary because currents are very variable both in rate and direction and sometimes may set towards the land. ENNORE MINOR PORT: General information: Ennore minor port was established south of the Kamarajar Port in 1996 by M/S Coromondel International Ltd. It consists of the marine structures of Multiple Buoy Mooring system with submarine pipeline for receiving Liquid Ammonia for the Fertilizer plant. The terminal facility comprises of a Pipe Line End Manifold (PLEM) (13º12’45”N, 80º20’39”E) and a four point mooring system located about 1NM from the coast line at a depth of 15 m. Two HPDE Pipelines of 8” diameter run from the PLEM at the mooring point to the Ammonia storage tank situated ashore within the fertilizer factory premises. Vessels proceeding to the ammonia discharge berth should approach the berth from NNE .Vessels are berthed on the line of bearing 165. The vessels are berthed between the two pair of buoys. The maximum draught of vessels permitted is 10.5 m KAMARAJAR PORT: Position: Kamarajar port (Ennore Port) (13°15'.40N, 80°20'.20E) is located on the Coromandel Coast about 12 miles N of Chennai Port. Kamarajar port is the first corporatized major port in India, under the management control of Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL). Kamarajar Port was originally conceived primarily to handle thermal coal to meet the requirement of Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB). Over the period the port was developed as a multi cargo port which handles liquid bulk, iron ore, automobiles, containers and bulk cargo with a handling capacity of 67.6 MTPA. Approach channel: Kamarajar port is protected by two breakwaters (rubble – mound with accropode armour protection type), south breakwater 1070m in length north breakwater 3080m in length. The approach channel is 3775m long and 250m wide. The approach channel has a depth of 19m. Turning basin is 600m in diameter with 15.5m depth. The channel is marked by 7 channel marking buoys and one fairway buoy. Vessels can approach the fairway buoy directly. Sufficient depths are available for approach. Fishing vessels near the fairway buoy may cause concern while approaching. Vessels should pass south of the fairway buoy and after crossing fairway buoy alter to a course of 290º (True). Pilot boards one cable south of fairway buoy. After proceeding for about 9 cables, alter to course 345º (True). The leading lights will be in transit till the vessel reaches the turning basin. These transit light towers on bearing 345° are used as navigational aids for entering and leaving harbour. Regulations: At least 48 hours notice to be provided to the Port prior arrival and followed by 24 hours, 3 hours. If ETA changes more than 2 hours, it should be notified immediately. The following VHF Channels are continuously monitored in the Port Signal station: Channel 16 – Distress, Channel 74 - Pilotage and Tug Handling, Channel 74 - Main Port Control working frequency. Channel 7 -Secondary Port Control working Frequency. The call sign for Kamarajar Pilots is “Kamarajar Port Control”. Ships to report on VHF Channel 16/74 to the Port Control 3 hours before entering or leaving the Port. Marine incidents are to be reported to Kamarajar Port Signal Station. Pilotage: is compulsory for all ships navigating within Kamarajar port. Pilots are available 24 hours for berthing and unberthing of vessels. The pilot boards about 0.1 miles S of fairway buoy Anchorage: may be obtained in depths of about 12m with the sand spit at the S entrance to Ennore breakwater bearing 309º distant about one mile. Vessel can safely anchor 2 miles E of the channel. Vessels inbound will be instructed to anchor 1.5 miles NE of the fairway buoy. Between Ennore and Kattupalli: 3 miles N, the coast is low, sandy and backed by an extensive plain which is densely wooded near the beach. Ennore Shoals: (13° 17' N, 80° 22'E) with a least depth of 2.4m lie about 3 miles NNE of the entrance to Ennore backwater and extend upto about 2 miles from the coast MIDPL KATTUPALLI PORT: General Information: Kattupalli Port is located in position (13º18’57”N, 80º20’45”E) 8 miles S of Pulicat lake and 3.5 miles N of Kamarajar port. The port is a privately built and owned all weather port and is named as Marine Infrastructure Developer Private Ltd (Kattupalli Port). Kattupalli Port is an all weather port with direct berthing facilities. It is a deep draught port capable of handling vessels of draught upto 14.0 m (14.5 m during high water). Port is capable of handling container vessel upto 334 m in length, Car carriers’ upto 230 m and Bulk carriers upto 250 m. The port authority should be contacted for the latest depth information. Harbour: The harbour is entered through a 225 mtrs wide dredged channel marked by light buoys. At the end of channel there is a turning circle, 580m in diameter, near main berthing area. The harbour is protected by two breakwaters North (1.7 km) and South (1.8 km) respectively. Approach Channel: From the pair of buoy the channel leads in WNW direction. The channel is marked with 05 pairs of buoys including one south cardinal buoy, near North breakwater Lt. that indicates a shoal (4.2 m) which lies 120 mtrs ENE from the buoy. One pair of leading lights bearing 282.5° assists in navigation through the channel during day and night hours. Fwd. transit mark (13°18'.40N, 80°20'.80E). Rear transit mark (13°18'.47N, 80°20'.48E) Two Anchorage areas, available in the port of Kattupalli are as follows: For dangerous cargo vessels area bounded by following co-ordinates: 13º 19'.15 N, 80º 23'.05E 13º 19'.15 N, 80º 23'.40E 13º 19'.42 N, 80º 23'.40E 13º 19'.42 N, 80º 23'.05E And For others vessels area bounded by following co-ordinates: 13º 18'.60 N, 80º 23'.05E 13º 18'.60 N, 80º 23'.40E 13º 19'.15 N, 80º 23'.40E 13º 19'.15 N, 80º 23'.05E A spoil ground exists bounded by following co-ordinates: 13º 19'.47 N, 80º 24'.01E 13º 19'.38 N, 80º 24'.55E 13º 20'.19 N, 80º 24'.68E 13º 22'.60 N, 80º 24'.13E KATTUPALLI SHIPYARD: General Information: L&T shipbuilding undertakes Ship repairs, refits and mid life upgrades catering to defence Ships Submarines and Commercial ships. The shipyard has a ship lift of 200 m long and 46 m wide with a nominal lifting capacity of 21050 Tons. Two Wet Berths are located on either side of the Shipyard shiplift (13°18'.42N, 80°20'.91E) having a length of 260m and width of 25m. Between Kattupalli and Pulicat: 8 miles N, the coast is low, sandy and backed by an extensive plain which is densely wooded near the beach. Pulicat Shoals: a chain of hard sandy patches with a least depth of 4.6m lie about 4 to 7 miles NNE of Ennur Shoals. The passage between Ennore Shoals and S patch of Pulicat Shoals is not recommended. Isolated shoal patches from 7.9m to 10m lie upto 5 miles N and NE of the N end of Pulicat Shoals. Pulicat: (13° 25'N, 80° 19'E) which is visible from seaward is situated on an island about 1 mile inshore at the S end of Pulicat Lake an extensive salt water shallow lagoon. Pulicat Lake: Pulicat Lake (13° 34'N, 80° 10'E) is the second largest brackish water lake or lagoon in India. It straddles the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states on the Coromandal Coast. The lake encompasses the Pulicat lake Bird Sanctuary. The barrier island of Sri Harikota separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal. The island is home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The large spindle shaped barrier island named Sriharikota separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal. The sandy barrier island of Irkam and Venad and smaller islands in the north are aligned north-south and divide the lagoon into eastern and western sectors. The morphology of the lagoons is categorized under four types with large areas under mudflats and sand flats. The fishing village of Pulicat is at the south end of the lake. The lagoon is aligned parallel to the coast line with its western and eastern parts covered with sand ridges. Area of lake varies with the tide; 170 sq miles in high tide and 97 sq miles in low tide. Its length is about 37 miles with width varying from 0.12 miles to 10.9 miles. Climate of the lagoon coast line is dominated by tropical monsoons. Three major rivers which feed the lagoon are the Arani River at the southern tip, The Kalangi river from the northwest and the Swarnamukhi river at the northern end, in addition to some smaller streams. The Buckingham Canal, a navigation channel, is part of the lagoon on its western side. The lagoon’s water exchange with the Bay of Bengal is through an inlet channel at the north end of Sriharikota and out flow channel of about 200 m width at its southern end, both of which carry flows only during the rainy season. Pulicat Light (13° 25'.2N, 80° 19'.7E) is exhibited and a racon (B) transmits, from a hexagonal masonry tower (black and white bands), 50m in height about 7½ miles E of Pulicat town. Anchorage can be obtained in depths of about 10.5m about 3 miles E of Pulicat Lighthouse. Buckingham Canal leads from the N end of Pulicat Lake to the next backwater, 13½ miles N and forms the W side of a narrow sandy Sriharikota Island. This canal suitable for small local craft, connects Chennai with the delta of Krishna River, a distance of nearly 200 miles N. Casuarina plantations extend about 11 miles N along the low coast N of the entrance to Pulicat Lake after which trees are few. Point Pudi (13o 46´ N, 80o 15´E) is low and sandy with hillocks 5m high on it and clumps of palm trees in the vicinity. A sandy spit extends 2¼ miles SE from the Point Pudi; in rough weather the sea breaks over this spit at a distance of about 1 mile shore. It is located at an elevation of 1 m above sea level.