Ch 2016 INNER APPROACHES TO MUMBAI General information Position Mumbai Harbour (18º 54' N, 72º 49' E) is the premier port on the W coast of India; its fine harbour, about 14 miles long with a general width of about 5 miles lies E of Mumbai Island. Function The port of Mumbai has over 50 berths with modern equipment for handling general cargo vessels, container ships and tankers; it also has numerous anchor berths. Mumbai is a major industrial centre; its population in 1987 was more than 8 million and rapidly increasing. Topography Mumbai Harbour contains several islands, rocks and shoals; its coastline is heavily indented with small bays and inlets. The N and NW parts of the harbour are filled by a coastal bank upon which lies Butcher Big Reef (18º 58' N, 72º 53' E), the E and SE parts are also filled by another coastal bank upon which lie Karanja Reefs (18º 54' N, 72º 54' E). There are general depths of between 5 and 10 m over much of the central and S parts of the harbour, with lesser depths and large shallow or drying areas covering the E and N parts; a similar strip lies around the Colaba Peninsula in the W Depths in the berthing areas are subject to change by siltation and dredging. Port limits The limits of the Port of Mumbai are shown on the chart. Approach and entry The port is approached from W and entered via a dredged channel, between Prongs Reef Lighthouse (18º 52'.7N, 72º 48'.OE) and an unnamed point of land 6 miles SE; the principal entry point being in the vicinity of a light-buoy (port hand) moored 1½ miles SE of the lighthouse. Traffic About 3000 vessels are handled annually. Port authority The port is administered by the Mumbai Port Trust, Port House, Shoorji Vallabhdas Marg, Ballard Estate, Mumbai 400 001, Limiting conditions Controlling depths There are maintained depths of 10.9 m in the channel from the E end of the approach channel, near the harbour entrance, to a position in the centre of the harbour, E of Middle Ground Islet (18º 55' N, 72º 51' E); thence there is a depth of 7.6 m in the channel leading WNW to the Port of Mumbai and 10.8 m in the channel leading NE to Butcher Island (Dia Deva) (jawahar Dweep) (18º58'N, 72º 54' E). Deepest and longest berths Port of Mumbai, Indira Dock and Butcher Island . Tidal levels See information in relevant Tide Tables. Mean spring range about 3.6 m; mean neap range about 1.4 m. Density of water Mumbai is essentially a salt water port; however, the density varies with the state of the tide and major fluctuations occur during the monsoon season. Maximum size of vessels handled Port of Mumbai, reported (1994) to be, vessels up to 228 m in length and 9.1 m draught. Butcher Island, vessels up to 125 000 dwt. Local weather Visibility is considerably reduced during the SW monsoon, and during cold weather which produces a smoke haze. Weather advice. The Port Meteorological Office at Indira Dock provides advice on request; weather information is broadcast daily at 0630 and 1030 local time. Arrival information Port operations Large vessels may enter Mumbai Harbour by day or night. Deep-draught vessels normally enter harbour 2 hours before high water. Port radio A port radio service is operated. For details see the relevant List of Radio Signals. Notice of ETA Vessels should send ETA, 96 hours in advance with confirmation 48 hours in advance to their agents, and 24 hours in advance to the Harbour Master. For details see the relevant List of Radio Signals. Pilots and tugs Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels over 100 tons N of a line drawn E/W through Prongs Reef Lighthouse (18º 52'.7N, 72º 48'.0E); such vessels may not enter, leave or shift berths in the area N of this line without a pilot or harbour official onboard. The pilot boards in the vicinity of a position 2 miles ESE of Prongs Reef Lighthouse. For further details see the relevant List of Radio Signals. Tugs are available. Vessels carrying certain types of dangerous cargo are required by Mumbai Port Rules, a copy which is supplied by the boarding pilot, to make certain signals to Prongs Reef Lighthouse, these are answered by day with corresponding signals at the lighthouse. Quarantine Quarantine Mumbai should be advised 24 hours before arrival using the standard form of message from the International Code of Signals. Vessels liable to quarantine follow the same procedure as that for vessels carrying dangerous cargoes. Harbour General layout The principal alongside berths for general cargo vessels are situated on the W side of the harbour, with the Naval Dockyard located within the tidal basin close S of the cargo berths and Mazagaon Dockyard lying to the N of them. Tankers are accommodated at Butcher Island or Pir Pau in the NE part of the harbour. Anchor berths, for general cargo vessels, are located in the middle of the harbour on both sides of the channel; those for naval vessels lie in the W part of the harbour, S of the tidal basin. There are several mooring buoys in the harbour, most are situated in or near shallow water. Signal stations The Port Signal Station is situated in a conspicuous tower on the E side of the head of Ballard Pier (18º 55'.7N, 72º 50'.7E). The Dock Signal Station stands on Bull's Nose at the entrance to Indira Dock, 4 cables N of the Port Signal Station, this station deals only with signals affecting the docking of vessels. The Naval Signal Station is a conspicuous flagstaff which stands on the S point of the tidal basin, 6 cables SSW of the Port Signal Station. For details of the Naval Signal Station at Colaba Point . Communication is by the International Code of Signals by day and by Morse code at night, or by VHF RT. For details see the relevant List of Radio Signals. Storm signals Storm signals are displayed from the Port Signal Station (18º 55'.7N, 72º 50'.7E) and from a flagstaff at the NE corner of Victoria Dock, 1½ miles N; the general system is used. Tidal streams Harbour. Tidal streams within the port of Mumbai set, with rates of ¾ to 3 kn, as follows. East side of the harbour, in-going stream: The stream sets NE abreast Karanja Island, setting more ENE after passing Karanja Beacon. Between Butcher Island and Elephanta Island the stream sets N, but towards Trombay Island it becomes NE. West side of the harbour, in-going stream: From Sunk Rock to Cross Island the stream sets NNE with a rate of 2 kn; N of Tucker Beacon (18º 56'.1N, 72º 52'.5E), where the stream separates, a branch of it turns N until abreast Mazagaon Dockyard; then the stream sets between NE and ENE to join the stream from the E side of the harbour N of Butcher Island. East side of the harbour, out-going stream: The stream starts later here than on the W side of the harbour. From the channel between Butcher Island and Elephanta Island, the stream sets SW, along the NW coast of Karanja Island; when abreast the entrance to Dharamtar Creek it sets WSW. West side, of the harbour, out-going stream: The stream at ordinary tides starts 30 to 35 minutes earlier than on the E side of the harbour; during strong spring tides the stream on the W side may start 40 minutes to I hour earlier. Inshore and near Indira Dock Wall, during the SW monsoon, the stream starts about 45 minutes before high water Mumbai. From Trombay Island to Mazagaon Dockyard the stream sets SW. From abreast Cross Island to W of Middle Ground Islet the stream sets SSW; in the middle of the harbour the set is S to SSW. From Middle Ground Islet to Sunk Rock the set is between S and SSW, but with the start of this stream the set off Sunk Rock is more W-going. Berthing area. The tidal stream in the vicinity of the tidal basin, Ballard Pier and the wet docks is as follows: The in-going stream 'in the vicinity of the tidal basin and the wet docks is deflected by South Breakwater and runs parallel to it, joining the main in-going stream, which passes E of Middle Ground Islet. The stream then sets ENE past the entrance to the tidal basin. An eddy runs S along the E side of Ballard Pier, before turning W into the tidal basin; the effect of this eddy has been felt up to ½ cable E of the SE extremity of Ballard Pier. The out-going stream flows close E of the head of South Breakwater, before turning SW parallel to it. See also information on the chart. rincipal marks Landmarks: The following marks on the W side of the harbour are positioned from the Taj Intercontinental Building (18º 55'.3N, 72º 50'.OE): Tower (7½ cables N). Building (4½ cables N). Building (6½ cables NNE). Building (2¾ miles NNE). Lighting tower (6½ cables ENE) standing near the head of South Breakwater. Tower (4 cables ESE) standing near the root of South Breakwater. Dome (½ cable S). Chimney (7 cables SSW). Building (9 cables SW) with another building of same height, 2 cables WNW. Saint Johns Church Spire (1¼ miles SW). Mast 1½ miles SW). Building (1¾ miles SW). Dome (2 miles SW). Tower(5cables NNW) The following marks on the E side of the harbour are positioned from Butcher Island water tower (18º 57'.6N, 72º 54'.2E): Flare (3¾ miles N). Chimney (3 miles N). Flare (3 miles N). Pir Pau Tomb (2½ miles NNE), a small mosque with a white dome standing on the S end of Trombay Island. White dome (3 miles NNE) with a flare ¾ cable S. Fort (5 miles NNE) in ruins. Tower (4 miles SSE). Flare (6¼ miles SSE). Directions Cautions: An area in which less water was reported lies close N of the main channel in the vicinity of 18º 52' N, 72º 50' E. Fishing stakes, often broken off just below the surface, extend about 5 cables ESE from Oyster Rock (I 8º 54'. 1N, 72º 49'.7E); they are usually removed during the SW monsoon. Fishing stakes may also be encountered in other parts of the harbour. Main channel From a position SE of Prongs Reef Lighthouse (18º 52'.7N, 72º 48'.OE) the main channel leads ENE then NNE through the anchorage area, passing on the W side of the channel (with positions from Oyster Rock, a flat islet with a tower standing on its NW side (18º 54'.1N, 72º 49'.7E)): SSE of a stranded wreck (1¾ miles SSW), thence: SSE then ESE of Colaba Shoals (1 mile SSW),thence: ESE of Sunk Rock (8 cables SSE), which is awash and marked by a light (round tower, red and yellow chequered) (28 m in height). Thence: ESE of Nigger's Head (3 cables SSW), a shoal extending SSW from Oyster Rock. Thence: ESE of Colaba Reef (7 cables NNE), a drying reef, surrounded by a number of detached reefs which also dry. The reef is marked by South Beacon (stone cylinder, black with white bands) which stands 1½ cables SW of the main reef; and by North Beacon, of similar colour and construction, standing close N of the reef. Thence: ESE of Dolphin Rock (9 cables NE), which is steep-to on its E side; the rock is marked by a light (grey masonry tower, white cupola) (18 m in height). Thence: ESE of Middle Ground Islet (1½ miles NE), which is rocky with two towers standing on it. Shoal water extends about 1½ cables NE from the islet, a light-buoy (red and white, spherical) marks the N end of the shoal. And passing on the E side of the channel: WNW of an unnamed buoy (black conical) (3 miles SSE) which marks the NW corner of fishing areas in the harbour entrance; the buoy is withdrawn from May to September. Thence: WNW of South Karanja Buoy (black, conical) (2½ miles SE) moored off the SW end of Karanja Reefs, thence: WNW of Karanja Reefs (3 miles E) which extend about 2 miles off the W end of Karanja Island. There are two spoil grounds, marked by a light-buoy (black and yellow, conical) mooredclose N, situated between the SW end of the reefs and South Karanja Buoy. Karanja Beacon (black, cone topmark) stands on the NW part of the reefs; the stranded wreck of the MV Indian Prosperity lies near the shore 2½ miles SE of this beacon. Thence: WNW of a dangerous wreck (2½ miles ENE) which lies near the ESE edge of the channel, the wreck is marked by a light-buoy (green, conical, starboard hand) moored close W; a stranded wreck, marked close ENE by a buoy (green, conical, starboard hand), lies 4½ cables ESE of the dangerous wreck. Thence: To a position W of North Karanja Light-buoy (green, conical) (3 miles ENE). The main channel then continues NE towards the oil jetties S and SE of Butcher Island and to the approach channel for Jawahar Lal Nehru Port, passing: SE of Tucker Light-beacon (round masonry tower, red with its lower part white and black bands, surmounted by a white framework structure) (18º 56'.1N, 72º 52'.5E), which marks the edge of the 5 m depth contour of the coastal bank SW of Butcher Island; a dangerous wreck lies 2 ½ cables SW of the beacon and North Tucker Beacon, marking a shoal patch, stands 2¼ cables NNW. Thence: NW of Uran Light-beacon (round, black) (18º 55'.7N, 72º 54'.IE) which stands on a drying reef, with West Uran Light-buoy (black, conical) moored 5 cables W and Uran Patch Light-beacon (framework tower, black) standing 5 cables NNE, each marking shoal water. Leading lights are exhibited from the SW side of Elephanta Island (18º 57'.4N, 72º 55'.8E); the alignment (055º) of these lights lead through the NE part of the channel, near its SE edge, to a position SSE of Butcher Island and to the vicinity of the W end of the approach channel to Jawahar La] Nehru Port. Useful marks North Channel Beacon Light (round, white with red bands, 8 m in height) (18º57'.1N, 72º 51'.2E). Green Island (18º 59'.6N, 72º 53'.2E), upon which stands a beacon, lies at the S end of a drying reef extending from the S side of Trombay Island. One radio mast (19º 00'.5N, 72º 53'.5E), red obstruction lights are exhibited from the top of each mast. Elephanta Patch Light (metal framework tower, black) (18º 58'.4N, 72º 55'.3E) stands on Elephanta Patch. Barrel beacon (18' 58'.2N, 72' 55'.8E) stands on the N end of Elephanta Island (Gharapuri) which is densely wooded with two hills separated by a ravine. Signal station flagstaff (18º 57'.5N, 72º 57'.3E) standson the SE end of Butcher Island. Butcher Light-beacon (18º 56'.8N, 72º 54'.3E) stands near the NW side of the channel S of Butcher Island. Gull Islet (Kansa Rock) (18º 50'.0N, 72º 53'.8E) lies off the entrance to Dharamtar Creek on a coastal bank that fills the SE part of Mumbai Harbour, a shoal patch lies 6 cables NNW of the islet. A light (aluminium framework tower, 26 m in height) is exhibited from the summit of the islet. Anchorages and prohibited anchorages General information The harbour provides numerous anchorages and individual anchor berths for several types of vessels. The principal anchorage areas are shown on the chart, these, and uncharted anchorages are described below. Merchant vessels anchorage The anchor berths for merchant vessels lie in the S part of the harbour, on both sides of the dredged channel; individual berths are shown on the chart. An area of foul ground lies mid-way between C 1 and D I Berths. As a general rule vessels should be moored SSW/NNE. During the fine weather season vessels should moor with 80 m of cable on each anchor, and for the rest of the year with 110 m of cable on the S anchor and 80 m on the N anchor; a vessel moored in the eddies off Middle Ground Islet should have 140 m of cable on the S anchor. Naval Anchorage Caution. A submarine cable is laid SW across the Naval Anchorage area from Middle Ground Islet. An area is reserved for naval vessels between Sunk Rock and the tidal basin, 2 miles N,. Mooring arrangements are similar to those for merchant vessels. Quarantine anchorage Vessels subject to quarantine will be instructed to anchor as convenient for boarding by the Port Health Officer. Explosives anchorage Vessels arriving with or embarking explosives or other dangerous cargoes will be anchored in the explosive anchorage located S of the main channel NNE of Karanja Beacon. Tanker anchorages Two anchorages for tankers are situated SW of Butcher Light-beacon (18º 56'.8N, 72º 54'.3E); a buoy (red, can) is moored between the anchorages and shoal water NW. Emergency anchorage An emergency anchorage is situated NE of Butcher Light-beacon. Caution. A submarine cable is laid across the channel, between Butcher Island and Elephanta Island, close N of the Emergency Anchorage area. Oyster Rock (18º 54'.1N, 72º 49'.7E). A prohibited anchorage area is established SW of the rock; its SE corner is marked by a buoy (white, can). Middle Ground Islet (18º 55'.1N, 72º 50'.9E). A prohibited anchorage area lies close E of the islet. Butcher Island (18º 58'N, 72º 54'E). An extensive prohibited anchorage area, enclosing Butcher Island, extends N from Butcher Light-beacon to the S coast of Trombay Island. The limits of the above prohibited anchorage areas are shown on the chart. Basin and Berths General information Cautions: The maximum draughts quoted for alongside berths and depths at berths in the port are subject to change by siltation and dredging. The Deputy Conservator of Mumbai Port promulgates declared draughts monthly. Berthing area: The tidal stream in the vicinity of the tidal basin, Ballard Pier and the wet docks is as follows: The in-going stream 'in the vicinity of the tidal basin and the wet docks is deflected by South Breakwater and runs parallel to it, joining the main in-going stream, which passes E of Middle Ground Islet. The stream then sets ENE past the entrance to the tidal basin. An eddy runs S along the E side of Ballard Pier, before turning W into the tidal basin; the effect of this eddy has been felt up to ½ cable E of the SE extremity of Ballard Pier. The out-going stream flows close E of the head of South Breakwater, before turning SW parallel to it. See also information on the chart. The alongside berths in the Port of Mumbai are situated in a series of jetties and wet docks on the W side of the harbour, the principal berths are described below. Directions: The berthing areas are approached through a channel, with a maintained depth of 7.6 m and 2 cables wide, which leads NW from the main channel E of Middle Ground Islet towards Ballard Pier (18º 55'. 7N, 72º 50'. 7E). Leading lights: Front light (framework tower surmounted by two discs, white with black borders, elevation 8 m) (18º 56'.ON, 72º 50'. 6E) stands near the root of Ballard Pier. Rear light (steel mast with similar discs, elevation 12 m) (120 m NW of front light). The alignment (305º) of these lights lead through the centre of the channel and S of Cross Island Reef (18º 56'. 5N, 72º 50'. 9E) which is marked at its S end by M Light-buoy (black and white, conical). Naval Dockyard Caution: The in-going and out-going streams flow strongly past the head of South Breakwater, causing vessels to sheer violently in this vicinity. The Naval Dockyard lies within a tidal basin which is entered between the S end of Ballard Pier and the N end of South Breakwater, 2 cables S. South Breakwater Light (metal mast on small building, 13 m in height) is exhibited from the head of South Breakwater. Leading lights: Front light (steel framework beacon surmounted by a white triangle with red stripe, elevation 14 m) (18º 55'. 6N, 72º 50'. 2E) stands in the dockyard. Rear light (similar construction, elevation 23 m) (183 m W of front light). The alignment (about 265º) of these lights, which are exhibited occasionally, lead close S of Ballard Pier to the Naval Dockyard. Ballard Pier Ballard Pier (18º 55'. 7N, 72º 50'. 7E) is the main terminal for passenger vessels, it is connected to the main railway system. The N part of the pier is operated as a container terminal. A light is exhibited from the head of the pier. It was reported (1994) that vessels up to 228 m in length and 9.1 m draught can be accommodated. Wet docks There are three wet docks, described below, which provide a total of 52 berths. Indira Dock: Indira Dock (18º 56'. 4N, 72º 50'. 6E) is entered close N of Ballard Pier. When a vessel is entering or leaving the dock by day a blue flag is hoisted at a flagstaff, near the dock entrance, on Bull's Nose; at night, the ship's name followed by the words "come on" are sent by light from the Port Signal Station. Vessels up to 191 m in length and 9.1 m draught can enter Indira Dock which is well equipped for working general cargo including containers. Berths on the S part of the outside wall of Indira Dock are maintained by dredging to a depth of 7 m; there is an approach channel to these berths, dredged to 6.1 m close W of Cross Island Reef Vessels are berthed bows S on the outer wall, by swinging off Bull's Nose and being towed stern first to the berth; this operation is carried out during daylight hours only. Victoria Dock and Prince Docks: These areas is presently under reclamation. Between the ferry terminal (18º 57'. 3N, 72º 51'. OE) and Mazagaon Dockyard, 7 cables N, there are several drying basins the positions of which may be seen from the chart. A fish wharf stands close NNE of the ferry terminal. Directions: A fairway marked by light-buoys, leads N from North Channel to a position off Mazagaon Dockyard. Oil jetties The principal oil jetties are situated in the NE part of the port. Butcher Island Berths (18º 57'.5N, 72º 54'.5E) provide four berths for tankers in the NE part of the harbour. A concrete jetty with three berths, each flanked by dolphins, extends from the E side of Butcher Island; this jetty carries a roadway and pipeline and provides Nos 1 to 3 Berths, for tankers up to 225 m in length, 9.7 m draught and 70 000 dwt. Number 4 Berth, for a tanker up to 300 m in length, 12.7 m draught, is situated on the edge of the dredged channel I mile SSW of Butcher Island to which it is joined by a causeway. Berthing. Loaded tankers berth at high water, two tugs are required to be in attendance. It is compulsory to test astern power during the approach to the port and again before berthing at the terminal. A turning basin is situated 3 cables SSE of Butcher Light-beacon. Tidal stream. The out-going stream sets onto Nos 1, 2 and 3 Berths; however, these berths are partially protected from the effects of the in-going stream, but it is reported that a set off the berths may be experienced. Number 4 Berth lies almost parallel to the tidal stream, however, a set off the berth may be experienced. Directions. The berths are approached via the channel described at 7.223, and thence, Nos 1 to 3 Berths, by the channel between Butcher Island and Elephanta Island. Leading lights: Front light Uran Patch (18º 56'.1 N, 72º 54'.3E). Rear light Uran Beacon (5 cables SSW of front light). The alignment (202¾º) of these lights lead to a position, E of Butcher Island Berths, in an area with a maintained depth of 10.8 m. Leading lights situated on the NE point of Butcher Island, in line bearing 255º, lead towards a small explosives pier and a mooring buoy, this mooring buoy was not on station in 1996. Pir Pau Berths (19º 00'.0N, 72º 54'.5E), serving the refineries on Trombay Island, are an arrangement of named berths situated on the S end of the island which project up to 4 cables SE of it; there is one long isolated finger pier, with a short T-head, about 1 mile ENE of the main berthing area. The berths are used by vessels, up to 171 m in length, for discharging LPG, butane and petroleum in bulk. New Pir Pau jetty (an extension of Pir Pau Jetty) lies, with its two deck T-head and flanked by berthing and mooring dolphins, in Trombay Channel; there is a charted depth (1997) of 11.7 m alongside the berth. A turning basin, 450 m diameter with a maintained depth of 8.7 m, is located close SE of the berth; the berth is connected to a terminal, about 1½ miles NW, by a continuous jetty with a 5.15 m wide roadway. The berth can accommodate one vessel at a time and is used for handling several POL products including LPG, LSHS, lube oil and bulk liquid chemicals; corrosive chemicals are not handled at this berth. Vessels between 97 and 197 m length, with a maximum displacement of up to 47 000 tonnes and draught of between 10.6 m and 11.1 m (depending on tidal conditions) may berth alongside. Berthing is available by day and night when weather conditions permit. Directions. The channel for tankers berthing at Pir Pau continues from the channel described at 7.243; it leads N passing W of W Elephanta Buoy (black, conical) to a position W of Elephanta Patch Light-beacon (18º 58'.4N, 72º 55'.3E), then NE to the new berth described above. There is a maintained depth in this channel of 8.7 m, over a width of 180 to 200 m, from E of Butcher Island to the turning basin SE of the new berth. From the turning basin vessels berthing at the other named berths proceed NE then N, following the buoyed deep water through Trombay Channel, to the E end of Pir Pau Deep about 1 mile E of the berths. Pir Pau Deep, a buoyed channel with a maintained depth of 5.5 m, leads W then WSW to the products berths. There is a turning basin situated close off the berths at the W end of the Deep. Pir Pau small craft channel. A channel, suitable for vessels with local knowledge, crosses the coastal bank in the NW part of the harbour from Mumbai Island to Pir Pau. The coastal bank is encumbered with several isolated wrecks, many shoal patches and submarine cables; the positions of which are shown on the chart. Directions. From a position about 7 cables E of North Channel Beacon (18º 57'.1N, 72º 51'.2E) the channel leads NE to the Pir Pau Berths passing NW of Butcher Big Reef (18º 58'N, 72º 53'E). This poorly defined channel, is only marked by a buoy (black, conical) near its mid point and by another buoy (white, conical) about 1 mile NNE of Butcher Big Reef; however, the stranded wrecks and mooring buoys shown on the chart may provide additional guidance. Port services Repairs Repairs of all kinds can be effected. There are a number of dry docks, including Hughes Dry Dock: about 304 m long and 30.5 m wide with a depth over its blocks at the entrance of about 9.75 m; the dock, which is entered through Indira Dock (7.238), can accommodate a vessel up to 80 000 dwt. Three slipways are available, the largest about: length 232 m, width 26 m, is suitable for vessels up to length 148 m, breadth 26 m and draught 4 m. A few floating cranes are available. Other facilities Hospital and de-ratting. Supplies Fuel oils at bunkering berths located in wet docks; fresh water at all berths and by water barges in the stream; fresh provisions. Communications There is regular communication by sea with the main ports of the world, the principal ports of India and with islands in the Indian Ocean. The international and national airports are situated at Santa Cruz, 13 km N of Mumbai. India State Railways connect with Mumbai. Small craft Anchorage There is anchorage for yachts NNW of Dolphin Rock (18. 54'.8N, 72. 50'.2E).