Approaches To Karwar And Belekeri Chart 2353 1 Position. Belekeri (14° 42' N, 74° 16' E) Belekeri is a small ore landing port on a promontory extending W from S side of the entrance to Belekeri Creek.It is located 8 km north to Ankola and 15 km South to Karwar. 2 The main advantage of this port is its proximity toHospet and Bellary cities which are major producers of Iron Ore. This port is mainly used for Exporting of Iron Ore. Vessels won't come to shore/berth. Ore is transported to ships in sea through bargers. For now three jettys are available for barger loading. Port is not well dredged. Some private companies are operating. 3 Function. The port is an open roadstead port mainly used for Exporting of Iron Ore. Vessels won't come to shore/berth. Ore is transported to ships anchored outside the port through barges. 4 Port authority. The port is administered by the Port Conservator. Landmark 5 Kukra Island (14° 42'.5 N, 74° 14'.4 E), a wooded island with a tower standing near its N point. A drying rock lies close SE of the island. Useful marks: 6 Kukra Light (white tower with black bands) is exhibited from September to May from the S part of Kukra Island. Belekeri Point (14° 42'.4 N, 74° 15'.5 E) is low flat and rocky with a large prominent bungalow standing among trees. The point is surrounded by a number of islands, and has foul ground and rocks awash extending 9 cables S and 7cablesW. Anchorages: 7 Belekeri Roads lie between KusuldivaGudda(14° 38' N, 74° 16' E) and Kwada Point (6½ miles NW); vessels at anchor load iron ore from lighters in the N part of the roads. Anchorage for medium draught vessels may be obtained with Kukra Island Light bearing about 080° distant 2½ miles in depths of 11 m, mud; shallower draught vessels can anchor with the light bearing 065° distant 1¾ miles in depths of 9 m, mud, as shown on the chart. 8 Berth. There is a quay, for lighters loading iron ore, in Belekeri Creek. 9 Supplies.Provisions; water by barge from Karwar. Bunkers are not available. 10 A dangerous wreck, marked close SE by a light-buoy (port hand), lies 1.6 miles WSW of the island. Other Places Gangavali River (14° 36' N, 74° 18' E). Gokarn (14° 33' N, 74° 19' E), Famous temple town. Mudhulla Point (14° 53' N, 74° 06' E). KARWAR General information Position Karwar town (14° 48.8' N, 74° 08' E), the names of the anchorage offshore and the port of Karwar are given after it, is situated on the SE shores of Karwar Bay. Function Karwar is an all-weather intermediate port with an open roadstead anchorage. The chief imports are fertilisers, rock phosphate, industrial salt and timber whereas the principal exports are iron ores, manganese ores, granite stone, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid and marine products. The port also has the capacity for transshipment traffic. Reclaimation activities from 14-46.17N 74-08.69E to 14-44.76N 74-09.50E is in progress for berthing facilities in future. Topography Karwar Peninsula. The town of Baitkol (Baitkal), forms the S side of Karwar Bay, lies in a valley situated near the center of the peninsula. The coastline of the SW side of this promontory is indented with numerous bays, most of which have rocky headlands; the salient features of this stretch of coast are described from Kwada Point (14° 43' N, 74° 12' E) to Karwar Head 8½ miles NW. Kwada Bay lies between Kwada Point and Arge Cape, 3½ miles NW. Golari Creek (Manzel Creek) enters the NW part of the bay and extends inland to the NE; the valley and the low lying land NW of the creek give Arge Cape and HebattuGudda, its highest point, the appearance of an island. The largest bay on this coast is Binge Bay, which extends 2½ miles NW from Arge Cape to Binaga Point. Baitkol Point (14° 47'.lN, 74° 06'.7E) separates two small sandy bays; an unnamed bay lies SE, and Baitkol Bay lies NW of the point. Another small bay lies between Machhli Bandar Reef (14° 47'.5 N, 74° 06'.l E) and Karwar Head. Karwar Bay lies between the peninsula that extends W from the SE head of the bay to Karwar Head (14° 48' N, 74° 06' E), and Shimisgudda Island and Kurmagadgudda Island situated 1¾miles W of the NE head of the bay. Shimisgudda Island is wooded. Kurmagadgudda Island is encircled by fortifications and is wooded with a tower standing near its centre; it is surrounded by shoal water but there is a safe narrow channel between the two islands Oyster Rocks, a prominent group of islands and rocks which extend about 5 cables SW and 9 cables E from Oyster Rocks Lighthouse (14°49'.22 N 074°03'.63 E); a cylindrical masonry structure 63 m tall painted alternate red and white, should be given a wide berth. Devgadgudda Island has Mandalgudda Island cables SW and Karkaigudda Island close E, with East Islet about 3 cables farther E; Devgadgudda and Karkaigudda Islands are covered with jungle, East Islet is a bare rock. Karkaigudda Island is surrounded by foul ground; a detached shoal lies midway between the dangers extending from the E end of this island and East Islet. There is a customs house and several other buildings standing on Karkaigudda Island. A rock which dries lies 1 cable E of East Islet, during the fine season the sea does not break over this rock at high water. Detached shoals lie ½ cable E and ¾ cable SE of the rock. Port limits The port limits are shown on the chart. Approach and entry Karwar Bay is entered between Badchidhar Point (14° 48'.3 N, 74° 05'.6 E), the NW point of Karwar Head, and Dayamada Point, 2¾ miles NNE. The approach to the port is through a buoyed channel. The port is entered between the W and E headlands of BaitkolCove (14° 48' N, 74° 07' E). It is presently reported that channel buoys have been removed. Traffic About 100 vessels use the port annually. The port can handle vessels upto8.5 m draught. Port authority The port is administered by the Port Officer, Karwar Port Office, Karwar 581 301.Tele - +91832221342, Email - portofkrw@yahoo.com The Port Office and Custom House stand near Karwar Lighthouse(14° 48'.2 N, 74° 07'.4 E) Development Indian Naval Karwarnaval base, including shipbuilding and repair facilities, is in progress in Binge Bay (14° 46' N, 74° 08' E). There are plans to develop facilities for a deep sea fishing harbour within the Karwar Port complex. Limiting conditions Controlling depths.A least depth of 6 .0 m exists in the inner part of approach channel. Depths of 5.1 m exist in the turning circle and depths upto 8.0 m are present in the approach to Baitkol cove. Maintenance dredging has not been carried out in the entrance channel since 2011. Mariners are to consult port authorities for latest bathymetry information. Tidal levels. See information in Tide Tables. Mean spring range about 1.4 m; mean neap range about 0.8 m. Local weather and sea state. During the SW monsoon, the wind and sea state, precludes cargo operations in the open roadstead anchorage. Arrival information Port operations. The port has an all-weather capacity located in Baitkol Cove. It is considered to be one of the safe berthing areas between Kochi and Mumbai. Port radio. There is a port radio station, which operates during day light hours. The port radio station operates on MMB CH 12 and CH 16 is used as calling channel, for details see the relevant List of Radio Signals. Notice of ETA. Forty-eight hours’ notice of ETA is required, ETA and pratique messages should be sent through Mumbai or Goa coast radio stations. Outer anchorage. Vessels awaiting a pilot may obtain anchorage 6½ cables SSE of Oyster Rocks Light, in a depth of about 12 m, soft mud and sand. Pilotage is compulsory; it is provided by the Port Officer. Tugs. Two tugs are available with 30& 10 ton Bollard pull capacity Tug assistance can be sought on VHF MMB channel 12 and 16 from Port. Harbour General layout The alongside berthing area consists of a narrow cove facing NE, with a turning basin situated close off its entrance. The principal anchorage area is located near the middle of Karwar Bay. Depths Alongside depths of 6.0m are present in the berthing area within Baitkol cove, then depths reduce rapidly towards the SW part of the cove which Dries. Theprincipal anchorage area, N of the approach channel, has depths of between 7 and 9 m over an extensive area. Storm signals Storm signals are displayed from a flagstaff (14° 48'.2N, 74° 07'.4 E); the general system is used. Principal marks The following are marks positioned from the Flagstaff (14048’.2 N,74007’.4E): Tanks (5 Cable WSW) Tower exhibiting red lights (6.6 cables NNE) Tower (1.4 miles NNE); another tower, exhibiting red lights, standing 1.5 cables WNW of it. Directions General Cautions: Vessels approaching from N should give Parker Rock (14° 51' N, 74° 02' E) a wide berth. Vessels carrying dangerous cargoes should contact the Port Authority for restrictions that apply to their approach. While approaching or entering the Karwar Bay vessel should have no difficulty by day or night, having first made Oyster Rocks Lighthouse. Baitkol Cove Approaching to the Baitkol Cove (14° 48' N, 74° 07' E) is through a channel about 2½ miles long and ¾ cable wide. Leading beacons: Front beacon (elevation 7 m) (14° 48'.6 N, 74° 07'.6 E). Rear beacon (elevation 15 m) (180 m E of front beacon). The alignment (090½°) of these beacons leads through the channel to a position N of AmbariSunv (Fisherman's Rock) (14° 48'.4 N, 74° 06'.4 E). Then to: Leading beacons: Front beacon (elevation 7 m) (14° 48'.4 N, 74° 07'.6 E). Rear beacon (elevation 12 m) (100 m ESE of front beacon). The alignment (103¼°) of these beacons leads in the channel ESE to the N edge of the turning basin 4 cables NNE of the cove. Then to: The dredged channel leads SW to the cove, passing SE of Baitkol Rock (14° 48'.3 N, 74° 06'.8 E) which is marked on its NE side by a buoy (black, conical). The leading beacons leading into the port are not conspicuous till less than 01 mile due to infrastructure development. Principal Anchorage, approaches The principal (inner) anchorage in Karwar Bay (14° 49'.0 N, 74° 06'.3 E) can be approached direct by vessels of suitable draught passing S or N of Oyster Rocks. South approaches.From SE, between Mogeragudda Island (14° 47'.7 N, 74° 05'.4 E) and Karwar Head (5 cables NE). Or:From SW, between Mogeragudda Island and Mandalgudda Island (2 miles NW), passing well clear of GudsarSunv(14° 47'.9 N, 74° 04'.7 E). North approaches. From NW, vessels should pass clear of Parker Rock (14° 51' N, 74° 02' E), a shoal consisting of rock sand and shell, lying 2½ miles NW of Oyster Rocks Lighthouse; this danger is unmarked. A detached patch lies 1 cable E of the rock. Between East Islet (14° 49'.1 N, 74° 04'.3 E) and Shimisgudda Island (1½ miles NE) . An area of foul ground lies 4 cables SSE of the island. Clearing bearing. The W extremity of Anjadip Island (14° 45'.2 N, 74° 06'.6 E) in line with the E extremity of Mogeragudda Island (14° 47'.7 N, 74° 05'.4 E) bearing 154° clears E, but only by about 1½ cables, the dangers lying E of East Islet. Or: From NNW Caution. Small vessels approaching from NNW, or leaving the port, and passing between Parker Rock and the coast NE should pass seaward of the following islets and dangers lying close offshore, (positioned from LoliemPoint (14° 55' N, 74° 03' E): WSW of Loliem Rocks (1 mile S), a group of above water rocks with a rock awash 2¼ cables NNE. Then to:WSW of Black Rock (2 miles SE) which is fringed with reefs, then to:WSW of an unnamed islet 3½ miles SE), then to: WSW of Kangiguda Islet (4 miles SE), a densely wooded islet. Then to: WSW of Kangi Islet (5 miles SE). Clearing bearing. The SW end of Kurmagadgudda Island (14° 50' N, 74° 06' E) in line with Guddehalli Betta (14° 47' N, 74° 10' E) ,bearing 131°, clears the dangers just described to the SW. Then to: WSW of Shimisgudda Island (14° 50'.2 N, 74° 05'.7 E); or, pass through the channel between Shimisgudda Island and KurmagadguddaIsland (3 cables NE). Useful marks Karwar Head (14° 48'.2 N, 74° 05'.6 E), a promontory covered with dense jungle. BaitkolGudda (14° 48'.0 N, 74° 06'.4 E). BanaraGudda (14° 47'.8 N, 74° 07'.2 E).Sadashivgarh Hill (14° 50'.8 N,74° 08'.0 E) stands close within the entrance to Kalinadi Creek, the ruins of an old fort stand on its summit. The ruins of another fort on a hill lie about 3 cables ENE Oyster Rock lighthouse Fish factory (14°48'03.63''N 074°06'48.10''E)Ht – 18m; Grey metallic cylindrical structure) on the foothills of Karwar Head Navy watch tower(14°48'03.67''N 074°06'39.56''E)Ht – 12m; White masonry structure. Berths Anchorages Caution: An area of foul ground, the site of a wreck, lies in position 14° 49'.7 N, 74° 05'.8 E, about 8 cables NNW of Karwar Bay's principal anchorage. A submarine pipeline is laid 2 miles WSW from the unnamed bay lying immediately SE of BaitkolPoint (14° 47' N, 74° 07' E). Outer (14° 48'.6 N, 74° 04'.0 E). Pilotage anchorage. Inner (14° 49'.0 N, 74° 06'.3 E). The principal anchorage, for working cargo, lies in the SE part of Karwar Bay in a depth of about 7 m, soft mud; as shown on the chart. Karkaigudda Island (14° 49' N, 74° 04' E). There is anchorage NE of the island, during the SW monsoon, with Oyster Rocks Lighthouse bearing 248° distant about 8 cables, in a depth of 10 m, soft mud. Baitkol Cove (14° 48' N, 74° 07' E). There is an anchorage near the head of the cove in a depth of 2.7 m for small vessels, with local knowledge. Alongside berths Berths. The existing length of General cargo berths, New Cargo Berth and Lighterage Wharf is 440m. The lay of the berth is 045-215. Less depthis reported alongside the berths.Mariners are advised to contact port authority for the latest depths. Extension work oflightrage wharf is in progress, on completion of this work the total length of the wharf increase to 500m. Port services Facilities. Cargo lighters; hospital. Supplies. Limited provisions; fresh water by barge; fuel oil for small craft only. Bunkering facilities are provided by IOC from Baitkol. Cargo Handling. The port is declared for container traffic with facility of barge operations to be undertaken when necessary. No crane is available but private vendors facilitate availability of mobile cranes on jetty before arrival of ship at the Port. Small craft For small craft, there is ample shelter in Kalinadi Creek (14° 50'.5 N, 74° 07'.5 E) which is situated on the NE side of Karwar Bay. The entrance to the creek is much encumbered by sandbanks and the channels between which are subject to frequent change. Local knowledge is considered essential. About 2½ cables E of Shitta Point (14° 50'.3 N, 74° 07'.6 E), the S entrance point of the creek, there is a pier; 1½ cables farther SE there is small jetty from which a ferry crosses the creek to a another jetty located between two beacons on the N bank. The coastline on the S side of the creek is low. Landing place On the E side of Devgadgudda Island, landing in small boats can be effected in fine weather; it should not be attempted on the W side of the island which is steep-to.