Approaches To Shirali And Bhatkal Chart 2356
	Bhatkal
	General information
1	General information.The port of Bhatkal(13º 58’N, 074º32'E)isa well-protected port on the bank of Bhatkal riversurrounded by hills and river.
2	Function.	The port is not open for any activities other than for the local fishing boats due to insufficient depths.
3	Anchorage.The approaches to port are very rocky and dangerous and sufficient caution is therefore to be exercised when entering the port.
4	Anchorage for shallow draught vessels is found with the main Light House bearing 014 distance 2 ½ cables in depths of 6-8m. Shallow draught vessels can anchor with the light house bearing 058 distances 1 mile in 10m depth. The anchorage has good holding ground.

	Pilotage
1	The system of licensed pilot is not there in the port. Ocean going steamers are however piloted into the anchorage by the Port Officer who is also Master Mariner. 
2	Landmarks.There are two conspicuous islands laying northward of the port namely the Netrani (or Pigeon Island) and Hog(Shirali)Island situated about 19 km WNW and 6.5 km NW respectively from the port. Thepigeon island is wooded and flat topped whereas the Hog Island is 356ft high and is peaked.
3	Bhatkal light which is a conspicuous lighthouse on the hill 150ft tall and 20 miles range is a prominent light of the area. There is also an auxiliary light on the slope of the same hill with a range of 17 miles.

	Berthing and Wharves
1	There exists a lighterage wharf which is 186m long with a stacking area of 16 sq.m. Cargo shed measuring 20X7.5X4.5m has a stacking area measuring 675cu.m. A ramp measuring 20X10m which is adjusted to the wharf is a special feature of the port.
	A mini ramp 12 ½X6m which is also adjustable with the existing wharf is used for specially taking hauling up of small crafts.

	Repairs
1	There are small private workshops with welding and other minor repair facilities for sailing and fishing vessels.

	Port Authority
1	The Honavar port Divisions, functions with two ports namely Bhatkal Port and Tadri Port. Thus the address of port authority is:- 
	Port authority. Deputy Port Conservator, Port Office, Honavar, Karnataka– 581 395. 
	E-mail: portofficer@sancharnet.in

	Directions

1	Caution. Vessels should not proceed in depths of less than 20 m, when closing the port, unless local knowledge is available, for dangers, in addition to those described below, lie in or near the approaches.
2	Approach from SW. The route leads NE then E from a position SW of the port to a position SW of the mouth of the river, passing:
	NW of a 3.9 m rocky shoal (13°57´.05N, 74°31´.36E), then to:S of a 4.5 m shoal (13°57´.97N, 74°31´.37E), then to:To the inner anchorage. 
3	Approach from NW. From a position NW of the port, keep the summit of Shirali Island (14°01'N,74°29'E) (6.124) bearing 006° or more and alter course for the anchorage when Bhatkal Lighthouse bears 090°, passing:
	S of a shoal (13°58´.71N, 74°29´.20E), then toSouth of a 4.7 m shoal (13°58´.30N, 74°30´.00E), then to: 
	As for the SW approach to the inner anchorage