2531-RODRIGUEZ ISLAND

General Information
The island is roughly elliptical, of volcanic origin and rises to a height of 396 m with the central peak of Mount Limon (19°42´.40S 63°26´.62E). From a central E ridge, spurs, separated by deep ravines, extend to the N and S coast, giving the island a rugged appearance.
The entire island is surrounded by a coral reef which, at the E end, is steep-to while, from S through W to NW, the reef is flat, extending up to 4 miles from the coast. The reef, which encompasses a number of small basaltic islands, dries in patches at LW springs and is scattered with shallow pools and narrow, shallow passages only suitable for local canoes
Pilotage. There are no pilots but local boatmen are available to advise on navigation of the channels.
Regulations. Clearance must be obtained from Mauritius Marine Authority of Port Louis before calling at Rodriguez Island. Requests for clearance should include the vessel's dimensions and purpose of visit

Natural conditions 
Current. In the area surrounding Rodriguez Island, the W-going South Equatorial Current is of mainly moderate constancy and generally has rate from ¾ to 1¼ Kn. The current is less constants of latitude 20'S, with an average rate of ½ to ¾ kn.
Tidal streams. These are not appreciable, except the channels and passages through the reef.
Sea and swell. Even when calm, the sea breaks on the reef and, with the swell that usually rolls in often breaks in depths of 18 m, more than 1 cable outside the reef itself. The breakers are heaviest at Quatre-Vingts Brisants (19°49´65S 63°20´65E), the SW comer of the reef, where the edge is broken into detached patches.
Rollers. These occasionally affect the island, coming from all quarters. Here, they generally last only a few hours but cause heavy breakers on all shoal places and make boat work hazardous.

Coastal Passages
Approach.A bank of coral and sand with depths from 37 to 73 m extends up to 12 miles from the reef around Rodriquez Island. The edge of the bank falls steeply to ocean depths, and soundings should therefore give warning of approach to the reef. An approach from S should be made with care, however, as the edge of the bank lies only 2 miles outside the reef in this direction.

Directions
Passage west of Rodriguez Island
From a position SW of the island, off Quatre-Vingts Brisants (19°49´.65S 63°20´.65E), the SW corner of the reef, the track W of Rodriguez Island to the vicinity of Mathurin Bay, 11 miles NNE, leads outside the reef surrounding the island, passing: 
W of Aux Coco Island (19°43´.35S 63°18´.13E), a sandy cay covered with low scrub, then to: 
W of Aux Sables Island (19°42´.14S 63°18´.41E), which is similar to Cocoa and then to:
Round the NW point of the reef (19°39´.55S 63°18´.95E), then to: 
N of Western Patch (19°39´.16S 63°24´. 67E), a group of shallow coral heads, then to: A position in the approaches to Mathurin Bay.

Passage east of Rodriguez Island 
From the position of Quatre-Vingts Brisants (19°49´.65S 63°20´.65E), the SW corner of the reef, the track E of Rodriguez Island to the vicinity of Mathurin Bay, 10 miles NNE, leads outside steep-to reef surrounding the S and E coasts of the island, passing:
SE of Pointe l'Ancre (19°49´.52S 63°25´.65E), then to:
SE of the entrance to Grande Passe (19°46´.15S 63°27´.80E), then to: 
E of Troud'Argent (19°42´.90S 63°30´.00E), then to:
NE of Pointe Coton (19°41'.00S 63°29´.89E), then to:
N of Pointe Aux Comes Point (19°40'.08S 63°27'.41E), then to: 
N of Middle Ground (19°39'.40S 63°25'.60E), a large coral shoal with many coral heads which extends W from the coastal reef forming the E entrance point to Mathurin Bay. Middle Ground does not show generally and except when rollers occur, the sea never breaks on it then to: 
To a position in the approaches to Mathurin Bay

Useful Mark:
Crab Island (19°46´.37S 63°21´.75E), an islet off the S coast of Rodriguez Island with a central hill.

Anchorage
Reef. In light winds, a vessel may anchor almost anywhere outside the reef in 18 to 37 m. The reef blocks the entrances to several coves which indent the S, W and N coasts of the island and although some are relatively deep, they are useless as anchorages

PORT SOUTH EAST

General information
Position. Port South East (Sud Est) (19°45´.00S 63°26'.83E) is a harbour formed by an inlet in the reef lying parallel to the S coast of Rodriguez Island.
Approach and entry. The harbour is approached from S through Grande Passe (19°46'.15S 63°27´.80 E), which is entered 1½ miles offshore. The passage is only ½ cable wide in places and tortuous, access being difficult, although moderately deep and clear of dangers. 
Largest vessels drawing not more than 6.1m may anchor in the harbour. 
Local weather. Sea breaks on the bar when rollers occur. Wind is often strong or above. 
Pilotage. There are no pilots. But local boatmen are available to advice on navigation of the channel.
Local knowledge is necessary for entry to Port South East which should not otherwise be attempted, except in an emergency. 
Tidal streams are strong.
Directions. There are no marks for the entrance to Grande Passe, but it can be clearly seen from a high vantage point at a distance of 1 or 2 miles. From the entrance, the track through the channel leads:
N for about 5½ cables, then to:
NW for about 4½ cables, then to: 
N for about 3 cables, then to:
WSW for about 3½ cables, then to: 
To a position about 3½ cables E of Hermitage Island
Anchorage. Port South East is well sheltered from the sea, being protected by the reef. Anchorage may be obtained in a clear area with depths from 6 to 18 m, mud and sand, good holding ground. The berth lies E of a detached reef surrounding Hermitage Island (19°45´.11S 63°26'.58E) which is situated in the middle of the harbour.

MATHURIN HARBOUR

General Information. 
Mathurin is a small port and also the administrative centre of the town. The Mathurin town stands on the narrow coast surrounded by steep features towards its South.
Position. 
Mathurin harbour is located in Rodriguez Island in position (19º 41'S, 63º 25'E).
Arrival Information. 
All vessels to contact the port administrative authority on MMB channels 16 and 14 for confirming suitability of berthing.
Port Radio. 
MMB channels 16 and 14 are used for Port/Pilots communication.
Anchorage. 
Anchorage may be obtained in Mathurin bay, 085° Booby Island 2nm (mud and fine sand).
Pilotage. 
Pilot is available with prior request of at least 48 hours. The Pilots arrive from Mauritius by air.
Approach Information. 
The channel is about 130m wide and the turning basin diameter is 260m. The channel is marked by lighted beacons. Vessels approaching Rodriguez Island, Port Mathurin should arrive north of the island in position 043º Booby Island Lt. 1.92nm 345º forward mark of Leadings light 2.29nm north of the Western Patch and middle ground well clear off the reef.
Navigational Aids. 
Booby Island Light (Q.3M) in position (19º 40'S, 63º 23'.4E), Leading lights (165º) and channel marking beacons may be used for navigation. 
Directions.
Western pass is wide and generally free from dangers, between western patch on west and middle ground on east. Narrow passage of 1 cable width with depths of more than 30m exist between two shoal depth of 6.9 and 6.2m. The first shoal patch exists 1.55 cables west of middle ground and extends along the line of bearing 344º-1.6nm from front leading light with a least depth of 6.9m. The second shoal patch lies 1.45 cables west of first shoal patch. Safe navigable water exist between these two shoal patches with minimum 15.1m and maximum 31m of depth for passage.
Port Mathurin leading lights (165º): 
Front light (white triangle, pointing up) on the forward mark is clearly visual. Aft mark (triangle, pointing down) 420m SSE of front light. The rear transit mark is not easily identifiable but visual when lit. The alignment (165º) of these lights, which are exhibited occasionally, leads through western pass in to Mathurin Bay.
Night navigation in the channel is not recommended. Vessels must embark Pilot with local knowledge. During high water eddies may form in the inner turning basin in the vicinity of the Mathurin Jetty.  
Berthing and Wharves. 
Mathurin Jetty is 180m long, lies on a bearing of 242º and, from the E end, a covered jetty with a length of 25 m lies on a bearing of 330°. The depth alongside the quay is 8.5 m at LW. 
Harbour Facilities. 
Repair for small crafts and Medical facilities are available.
Supplies. 
Supply of fresh water, vegetables and fruits are available in limited quantity. Fuel oil is not available.
Ferry Services. 
Ferry service with Port Louis is available.
Port Authority.
Mathurin Port is administrated by Island Commissioner under guidelines of Mauritius Port Authority.