KASHIDHOO TO NORTH MALE ATOLL CHART NO. 2597 KARDIVA CHANNEL Description: 2.330 Kardiva Channel (Kaashidoo Channel) (4º 50' N,73º 10' E) lies between North Ari and Male' Atolls to the SE and South Maalhosmadulu and Faadhippolhu Atolls, respectively, to the NW and N. The channel is orientated NE/SW and it is one of the principal routes in an E/W direction through the Maldives for ocean going vessels; for details of such routes see Ocean Passages for the World. The channel is divided at its E part by the island of Kaashidhoo (2.337) into two channels; Kaashidhoo Kuda Channel leads S of the island and Kaashidhoo Bodu Channel leads N of it. Depths: 2.331 The channel is deep and in the fairway, there are no charted dangers. Tidal streams and current: 2.232 Tidal streams set ENE when in-going and WSW when out-going through the channel, at a rate of up to 2 kn. The tidal stream is inappreciable when in-going during the NE monsoon; but the out-going is reinforced by the surface current generated by the monsoon. Similarly, the out-going stream is weak or absent and the in-going stream is strong during the SW monsoon. Lights: 2.333 In the Channel and in its vicinity lights of limited range are exhibited. Approach aspect: 2.334 The Channel’s W entrance is not easily identifiable; the wooded islets in Ari Atoll (2.177) and Goidhoo Atoll (2.338) lie several miles within the dangers of their barrier reefs. The channel’s E entrance has Gaafaru Falhu (2.262) on its S side which also is not easily identifiable; however, the N part of this entrance is well defined by Kaashidhoo (4º 57'.5 N, 73º 28'.0 E) (2.337) in the centre of the entrance, and by the islets on the SE end of Faadhippolhu Atoll (2.391) at its N entrance point. Useful marks 2.336 Kaashidhoo (4º57'.0 N, 73º 28'.0 E) 2.337 KASHIDHOO General information: 2.337 General information. It is a wooded island (4º 57'.0 N, 73º 28'.0 E) with a town situated on its N side. A reef extends about 1½ miles NW from the NW side and the island is steep-to on its SE side. Lagoon; There is a small lagoon formed by the reef on the NW side of the island, and entrance to which, is about 5 cables NW of the NE point of the island. Useful marks: Kaashidhoo Light (black cylindrical daymark on grey framework tower, 12 m in height) (4º 57'.5N, 73º 28'.5E) stands near the E extremity of the island. Two prominent palm trees stand on the N side of the reef upon which Kaashidhoo lies. Landing on the island is possible only by entering the lagoon because, except at the entrance to the lagoon, a heavy surf found around the island and its reef. North-eastern side of North Male Atoll Principal islets: 2.257 Helegeti (Helengeli) (14¼ miles NW), a low long wooded islet, is a tourist resort with a small jetty situated on its W side. Kagi (18¾ miles NW), a small wooded islet is not a tourist resort; however, it is used by dhonis craft (open local boats), and a limited supply of fresh water is reported to be available. Lagoon entrances: 2.258 Helegeli Irumathee Channelolhi (4º 38' N, 73º 34' E), with least charted depth of 37 m in the fairway, enters the lagoon, S of Helegeli Islet (2.257), between the reef enclosing this islet and an unnamed reef about 3 cables SE. The entrance to the channel is reported to be well defined by a distinctive dark coral rock, which dries; the channel is much used by local craft. Another channel lying close N of Helegeli Islet is narrow in comparison with the S channel and has a reported least depth of 20m. Kagi Kanduolhi (4º 42'.0 N, 73º 30'.5 E), the N most entrance into the lagoon on this side of the atoll, passes between reefs which are marked by drying rocks and gives deep clear access to Kagi (2.257). There are several other entrances into the lagoon on this side of the atoll, most have deep channels but there are no landmarks to identify them. Nevertheless, a vessel may pass through the wider ones in favourable conditions and keeping a good lookout. Useful mark: 2.260 Maa Haa Light-beacon No 1 (grey framework tower on a concrete base, 5 m in height) (4º 36'.0 N,73º 29'.9 E) stands near the centre of the S edge of Maa Haa Reef. Gaafaru Channel and Gaafaru Falhu: Gaafaru Channel: 2.261 Gaafaru Channel (4º 43' N, 73º 27' E) separates Male Atoll from Gaafaru Falhu; the channel is about 1¼ miles wide at its narrowest part and is deep and free from charted dangers. Current: During the NE monsoon a 2 to 3 kn current sets W through the channel causing strong eddies and turbulence where it meets the tidal streams from Male Atoll. Gaafaru Falhu: 2.262 General information: Gaafaru Falhu (Burulu Falhu) (4º 45' N, 73º 26' E) is a small atoll lying on the N side of Gaafaru Channel (2.261). Gaafaru (4º 44'.2 N, 73º 29'.9 E), an islet, stands near the SE point of the atoll with a village,. A clump of trees stands on the reef about 1 mile WSW of the islet. Useful mark: Stranded wreck (4º 46'.8 N, 73º 24'.1E),( position approximate) lies on the NW side of the atoll. Lagoon entrances: The NW entrance, Hulhangu Channel (4º 46'.4 N, 73º 23'.9 E) gives deep but narrow access to the lagoon; 4 miles E, the Iruwai Channel, , is shallow and encumbered with rocks close within the lagoon. Good conditions and local knowledge are considered essential before entry as both entrances are not well marked. Through the barrier reef boat passages exist about 1 mile W and N of Gaafaru; a beacon stands in the vicinity of the latter passage. Reclamation: Velifaru a small reclaimed island lies 1 NM south west of Gaafaru. Thumbafhushi, a reclaimed island with some industrial units lies 3 NM south of Helengeli. Resorts: The Island of Eriyadu, Helengeli and Kagi have resorts with jetties. Seaplanes operated by Island Aviation Services Ltd and Maldivian Air Taxi operates to and from the resorts. Protected Area: Makunudhoo Kandu is declared a protected place by Maldivian Government. Kagi (18¾ miles NW), a small wooded islet is not a tourist resort; however, it is used by dhonis craft (open local boats), and a limited supply of fresh water is reported to be available Akirifushi (4º 38' N, 73º 24' E), lies on the barrier reef and is a low islet covered with bushes; Olhuhali, a similar islet, marks the NW point of the atoll and lies about 4½ miles NE of Akirifushi. Western side of North Male Atoll: Principal islets 2.264 Akirifushi (4º 38' N, 73º 24' E), lies on the barrier reef and is a low islet covered with bushes; Olhuhali, a similar islet, marks the NW point of the atoll and lies about 4½ miles NE of Akirifushi.