HUGLI RIVER Chart 3011 The approach to Hugli River is through Eastern Channel, Western Channel, having been closed to shipping in 1969. The entrance to Hugli River lies about 11/2 miles W of the W extremity of Sagar Island (21º39' N, 88º 02' E). Buoyage. In 1981 conversion to IALA (Region A). System of buoyage began. The change over to this system is however expected to take some time. Pilotage is compulsory for all merchant vessels of over 100 tons. Maximum permitted draught of vessels that can be taken up river depends upon forecast made by the Harbour Master (River). The forecast is available with the pilots; for vessels with maximum speed 0f 7 knots, special arrangement must be made with the Port Pilotage Authorities. The Port Authorities issue Monthly Forecasts of the maximum permissible draught for passage of the Hugli to and from Calcutta and the optimum time for embarking the point at the Sandheads. In recent years severe silting has resulted in vessels with lesser draughts making to Culcutta. Farakka Barrage, 60 miles N of Calcutta and additional barrage N & S of Agnimarichar (22º00' N, 88º 08' E) have enabled diversion of more water into Haldia Channel to reduce the effects of tidal bores. In 1986 it was reported that Sand Island SW of Agnimari Char were to be washed away to allow a channel to run from Jellingham Channel to Rangafala Channel W of Agnimari Char. Caution, The chart can not be depended on for position of light-vessels and buoys which are shifted as necessary; changes N Intermediate Light-vessel are not promulgated by Notices to Mariners. In some parts of the river the change in depths and in the directions of the channels are so rapid that they cannot be described here and vessel have to depend upon the Pilotage Authorities for the latest information in this regard. As no vessel is permitted to proceed up river without a pilot, descriptions of light-vessels and light buoys N of Lat. 21º 40' N, are not given. During the SW monsoon, from 15 March to 15 October, the pilot vessel is underway when supplying a pilot during the NE monsoon she usually anchored near or upto 5 miles N of Eastern Channel Light-vessel (20º55' N, 88º 15' E). Masters of vessels wishing to pick up a pilot are advised to approach the pilot vessel from astern on the same heading and distant about three ship's lengths. The pilot vessel will go ahead, drooping or towing a motor boat which should be picked up. The pilot vessel always either turn round or move far enough ahead to allow the vessel picking up the boat sea room for maneuver. Deep draught vessels approaching slowly during the SW monsoon should bear in mind that the pilot vessel is drifting to leeward and should therefore approached slightly on her starboard quarter. A long boat rope and a ladder fitted with man ropes should be ready on the starboard side. During the SW monsoon the pilot vessel when on station at the Sandheads at the will exhibit, between sunset and sunrise, a white flashing light every three seconds from the top of the superstructure, the light has been reported as of low intensity and not easily distinguished. In addition to the appropriate signals for pilot vessel on station and under way, a light is exhibited at the foremost head, in accordance with the orders of the local Pilot Authorities, and also a stern light. The pilot flag is only exhibited when there are pilots available on board. When at anchor the pilot vessel will display by day the appropriate signals from the International Code of Signals and by night the appropriate signals for a pilot vessel at anchor. If no vessel showing the above signals is seen at the Sandhead it should be understood the no pilots are available and instruction should be sought by radio. When within Hugli River, vessels with a pilot embarked hoist a blackball at the mast head lowering it to half-mast when at low speed. Arrival Instructions. Vessels arriving at the Sandheads should have their clocks set to Indian Standard Time; i.e. 51/2 hours in advance of GMT. Vessels should inform the pilot vessel at least 24 hours in advance of their ETA stating gross tonnage, drought in freshwater, speed, length over all, whether explosives are on board, number of passengers and live stock, giving details. Whenever the voyage is less than 24 hours the local agent should notify the Port Pilotage Officer, Calcutta, of the ETA in advance immediately on leaving her last port of call. To get to Calcutta, 125 miles from the Sandheads on one tide it is best to arrive at the Sandheads at time of low water; it is necessary to have day light for the last three hours of the passage. Signals from the pilot vessel concerning winds, sets and preparations for bad weather should not be disregarded. Tidal Streams, With the first of the flood setting W a vessel should stand E and with the first of the ebb setting W stand W and N. Anchorage, A vessel when forced to anchor through stress of weather should endeavor to anchor S of parallel 21º N in a depth of not less than 27m mud, and should not close the pilot vessel until the weather moderates. When anchoring, vessel should stem the tide before letting go an anchor as the tidal stream runs strongly at the Sandheads. At night Eastern Channel Light-vessel with her single riding light forward it is a guide. If approaching from the E, Swatch of No Ground, described subsequently in chapter 6, can be of assistance, and the 37m line is a useful safeguard in approaching the Sandheads. On arrival at Sandheads, vessels are advised to another E of Eastern Channel light vessel in depths of between 27m leaving W side clear. In the event of depression and cyclones one can experience very heavy ground swell. When it is not possible to stay at anchor, then it is advisable for vessels to weigh anchor and cruise in deeper waters. Directions for Sandheads. With approaching the Sandheads off Hugli River, soundings are a valuable guide. A vessel is advised to keep in depths of not less than 35m until certain of her position. If approaching from SW it should be noted that higher parts of the coast lie between Pundi River and Ganjam. After Ganjam to N the coast is mainly low-lying and difficult to identify particularly in poor visibility. In day light and clear weather a vessel a vessel should sight Jaganath Temple at Puri or the Sun Temple at Konark and then shape course for Eastern Channel Light-vessel, paying particularly attention to the soundings. The tidal stream incline towards the land with the risking tide and away from it with the falling tide. Towards the close of SW monsoon the wind often from E and the currents sets strongly SW. The Calcutta Decca Chain covers the approaches to Hugli River. Hugli River, is the W channel by which Ganga River enters the bay of Bengal. On the E Hugli River is connected by tidal channel with the distributaries by which Ganga River enters the sea. Tidal Streams. The strength of the tidal streams vary in different parts of the Hugli River at different times of the year, the rate is the least during the NE monsoon from November to February, when it is 3 to 31/2 knots at springs and 11/2 to 2 knots at neaps. From March to June during the SW monsoon, when the winds blow in the direction of the flood stream, the rate may increase from 4 to 6 knots at springs. The descent of freshets from July to October causes the ebb current to predominate and it reaches a maximum of 7 knots at springs; at this time the flood stream is hardly appreciable except in the estuary. The tidal streams in the Eastern Channel are given in the table on chart 301; these are without taking into account influence of the wind. Both the in going and outgoing streams set across Gaspar Channel especially during the last quarters of the falling tide. The tidal streams run fairly through Sagar Roads. Bore. At low water during spring tides, the flow of the floods streams checked by the shallow and restricted bed of the river and by the sea ward flow of water from the upper reaches. These conditions can lead to the creation of a tidal bore. Bores in the Hugli River occur only with greater than average spring tides and usually when freshets the seaward flow. There is considerable diurnal inequality in the tide of the Hugli River, the higher high water of springs occurring at night between October and march and during the day between may and September. A bore is more likely to occur preceding the higher high water than preceding the lower high water. There is therefore, a seasonal variation in the probability of the occurrence of a bore. During the NE monsoon, from November to February, freshets do not occur and in consequence, bores are very rate. When they do occur at this season, it is likely to be at night and because they are unexpected, they are particularly dangerous. It is advisable to anticipate their occurrence during this season whenever greater than average spring tide are predicted. During the SW monsoon, the occurrence of freshets during greater than average spring tides, will always cause bores. The first appearance of the bore is on Diamond Sand (22º10' N, 88º 10' E), on the W side of the river abreast Diamond Harbour, where the ascending wave runs on as a breaking roller. It is not of much consequence, however, until it enters contracted reaches above Hugli Point, when besides swamping boats, it affects vessels at anchor by causing them to run up streams, especially if there is a strong S breeze. The bore reaches a maximum at Calcutta and disappears above Naya Serai, 14 miles farther up the river. Vessels at moor surge and roll during the passage of the bore as there is a sudden lift of from 1.2 to 1.8m; when bores are expected, springs must be put on the flood moorings close down to the buoys to relive the jerk on the cable and bits when the bore comes up. Vessels at anchor have been known to break their anchor chain during extreme tidal bores. Quarantine Regulations The master of an incoming vessel should report the health condition of his vessel to the pilot on his boarding the vessel at the Sandheads and act in accordance with his instructions. A vessel arriving at the Sandheads from an infected port., or having plague on board which one or more case of plague have taken place within 12 days of the date of arrival, shall display the usual quarantine flag and the signal indicting the port left, until permitted, in writing by the health officer to haul them down. During this period no communication shall be held with the shore or with any other boat or vessel, with the exception of the not supplying the pilot and his assistants. In the case of vessels with any case of sickness on board which the pilot has reason to believe to be plague, he shall inform the Health Officer at Sagar, and shall not proceed beyond Diamond harbour without permission. If the pilot has no reason to believe that there is anyone suffering from plague onboard, he shall bring the vessel into the river and anchor until visited by the health Officer. Vessels with cases of small pox, cholera, measles, or other epidemic diseases or of diphtheria or scarlatina, onboard, or if two or more deaths from suspicious causes have occurred during the voyage, are to report the cases to the pilot, immediately after he boards the vessel, then he will give instructions regarding the signals to be displayed by the vessel. A vessel that had called at any yellow fever infected port within one month of arrival at Calcutta, even though it may have entered another Indian Port during that period, will not be granted free pratique. Health officials will board such a vessel at her berth. Radio pratique may be obtained prior to arrival at the Sandheads in accordance with local instructions The quarantine station is located at Diamond Harbour. Approach Channels Jenson Sand, a spit lying 8 miles SSW of the entrance to rasulpur River, dries 1.2m at its centre and extends S to meet Spence Sand, which dries 0.1m, at its middle extends N W for about 3 miles and then SW for about 4 miles. Three more smaller sand spits lie around Jenson and Spence Sand spits. Western Sea Reef, a tongue shaped spit on which depth are less than 5m, extends 21 miles S from Spence Sand. Eastern Brace. The N part of the Western Sea Reef, having comparatively less depths, is known as Eastern Brace; min bad weather the sea heavily breaks over this spit. E B Buoy, black can; cylinder topmark is moored about 1 mile WSW of the S end of Western Sea Reef. The Sandhead, The pilot vessel's cruising station, which lies 45 miles S of Sagar Island, is known as the Sandheads. Eastern Channel Light-vessel (20º55'N, 88º15'E) with a red hull and name painted on the sides and having a mast surmounted by a black ball is moored about 6 miles N of the Sandheads. A light is exhibited from a structure amidships and the vessel exhibits a riding light. A fog signal is sounded and a racon transmits from the Light-vessel. Eastern Channel Light Vessel. Eastern Channel Station Buoy (Black and white stripes, conical, red framework topmark is moored 1 1/2 miles NE of Eastern Channel Light Light -vessel. A dangerous wreck with mast showing above water and marked on the S side, by a green conical buoy lies 5 miles NE of Eastern Channel Light vessel. Intermediate Light-vessel, with a red hull and name painted on her side and wit a mast surmounted by a black cone, is moored in position (21º11'. 05 N, 88º 12'.88 E), a fog signal is sounded from the light vessel. A wreck, with a depth of 6.4m over it, marked by a buoy, black and yellow horizontal bands, can, lies 11/2 miles ENE of the Light vessel. Another wreck dangerous for surface navigation whose position is approximate lies about 5 miles NE of Intermediate Light-vessel. Western Channel Station Buoy Red and white conical black frame work topmark is moored about 19 miles S of S end of Eastern Sea Reef Caution. The position of buoys at the entrance to Hugli River changes with the changes in the entrance channel. Intermediate light vessel Reef Station Buoy, white and conical, is moored 14 miles SW of Intermediate Light-vessel. Eastern Sea Reef (21º14' N, 88º 03' E), with depth of 0.3m to 4.9m, has its S extremity about 29 miles S of Sagar Island Lighthouse. This reef extends S from Lower Long Sand, a drying shoal, with the n end about 41/2 miles SSW of Sagar Island Lighthouse. Sea Reef is marked on the W side of its N part by buoys known as "A', 'B' and 'C', (red, can triangular topmark) Upper Long Sand (21º34' N, 87º 57' E), a drying bank, lies with its upper end abut 51/2 miles SW of Sagar Island Lighthouse. Western Channel, which is not in use since 1969, lies between Western Sea Reef and Eastern Sea Reef and leads into Beaumonts Gut which in turn leads into Sagar Roads. A Wreck ,dangerous to surface navigation, lies in position (21º32'.3 N, 87º58'.9 E) in the center part of Beaumonts Gut. Another wreck lies about 3 miles SSW of this wreck A bar at the S end of Beaumonts Gut is marked by LBG Buoy; UBG Buoy is moored about 7 miles N of LBG Buoy lies in Beaumonts Gut off the W side of Lower Long Sand. Mizen Sand, a small drying bank, lies about 21/4 miles N of Upper Long Sand ; Tigris Sand lies about 1 mile farther N. LWA light buoy b(port hand) is moored near the NE end of Mizen Sand. AD Light Buoy port hand is moored close to the E side of Tigris Sand. AS Light Buoy mark the Auckland Bar. The depth over is bar is 4.6m. Light Buoys mark Jellingham Channel from Auckland Bar to Haldia Port 16 miles NNW. Lower Long Sand Mark is a beacon standing on the W side of Lower Long Sand about 61/2 miles SW of Sagar Island Lighthouse. Middle Ground Sand is a narrow sandpit extending NS for 15 miles, with depth of less than 5m, SW of Beaumonts Gut and is marked on its E side by M Buoy (green, can shape with triangular topmark), which also marks dangerous wreck, and by L Buoy (black can with cylindrical topmark), The shallowest portion of Middle Ground Sand lies at its N end over which the sea breaks heavily during the SW monsoon heavy breakers also rise at its S end during bad weather. Middle Ground, is a shallow sandspit, with depths, with depths, of less than 5m over it, extending 10.5 miles SE from the S extremity of Lower Long Sand. Sea breaks heavily during the SW monsoon over the middle and S end of Middle Ground Eastern Channel, The entrance to the Hugli River now in use, lies, between Middle Ground E of Eastern Sea Reef on the W and a tongue-shaped spit with depths less than 5 m extending 20 miles SSE from New Island (21º 34' N, 88º 12'E), Eastern channel and Gasper Channel, its continuation N, lead to Sagar Roads. Lower Gasper Light-vessel (21º23'. 28 N, 88º 10'.34'E), with are hull and name painted on her sides and having one most surmounted by the lower half of black ball, is moored 4 miles NE of Middle Ground (21º 21' N, 88º 06'E), a fog signal is sounded from the light-vessel Lower Gasper Light Vessel LMG Buoy (black can, staff and black frame topmark) is moored close E of Middle Ground on the W side of Eastern Channel, 21/2 miles W of Lower Gasper Light vessel. LG Station Buoy is moored 2 miles E of Lower Gasper Light-Vessel. USS Buoy is moored 5 miles farther NNW, O Buoy, moored & 1/4 miles SSE of Sagar Island Lighthouse marks a channel leading between Lower Long Sand and New Island ( Moori Island), A dangerous wreck lies 11/2 miles NW of LG Station Buoy. UG Station Light-Buoy (red can, radar reflector) is moored 8 1/2 miles SSE of Sagar Island Light house; Middleton Dumping Light-Buoy (black conical) is moored 8 1/2 miles SE of the lighthouse. Upper Gaspar Light-vessel (red hull, name on sides) is moored 10 miles SSE of Sagar Island Light tower. In 1979 a stranded wreck lay on the W side of the channel 31/4 miles S of Upper Gasper Light-vessel. G No 1 Light- Buoy (red can) is moored 3 1/2 miles NW of Lower Gasper Light vessel. A wreck, dangerous for surface navigation, lies 2 1/2 miles NE of the light-buoy. The Fairway through Gasper channel is marked by Light-buoys; Middleton Nos. V III, and Middleton Fairway on the E side and Middleton Nos. IV and II on the W side. NO. 4S Light-buoy and No. 3S Light-buoy mark wrecks 11/2 miles SW respectively of Sagar Island Light-Tower. A buoy (W cardinal) marks a wreck close off-shore 8 cable SW of Sagar Island Lighthouse. Storm and Weather Signals, When the weather in the Bay of Bengal is disturbed, storm signals are shown at Sagar Island Lighthouse, near the telegraph office at Diamond Harbour, near the clock tower at the entrance to Kidderpore Docks and on the Port Commissioner's Office Calcutta. The extended system of storms and weather signals is used at Sagar Island. These signals are the same as those that are described in chapter one, but a more detailed signification of some of the signals are as follows; Signal V indicates that a storm of moderate severity will probably cross the coast E of Sagar Island and W of Chttagong, Vessels may proceed to sea if the height of the barometer, stae of the sea, and weather are such as to lead matters and pilots to infer that there is no danger. The wind at the mouth of Hugli will probably back from NE, through N, to NW or W. Signal VI indicates that storm of slight or moderate severity will probably cross the coast W of Sagar Island and N of False Point. The wind at the mouth of Hugli will probably veer from NE, through E, to SE. As these E winds will raise a heavy swell and produce a strong W set in the channel at the Sandheads., it is advisable that none but fast power vessels in light trim should put to sea, and those only if the weather appearance and state of the sea are not too unfavorable. Signal VII indicates the approach towards Sagar Roads (21º 38 N, 88º 00E), of a storm of slight or moderate intensity. It is advisable that no vessels, except fast vessels in light trim, should put to sea until the wind direction and force, the state of weather of weather and sea, and the rise of the barometer indicate that the storm has either broken up or passed inland. It should be remembered that cyclonic storms and small extent in the Bay of Bengal sometimes blow with hurricane force, and raise a light sea near their centers. Signal VI indicates that storm of slight or moderate severity will probably cross the coast W of Sagar Island and N of False Point. The wind at the mouth of Hugli will probably veer from NE, through E, to SE. As these E winds will raise a heavy swell and produce a strong W set in the channel at the Sandheads., it is advisable that none but fast power vessels in light trim should put to sea, and those only if the weather appearance and state of the sea are not too unfavourable. Signal VII indicates the approach towards Sagar Roads (21º 38 N, 88º 00E), of a storm of slight or moderate intensity. It is advisable that no vessels, except fast vessels in light trim, should put to sea until the wind direction and force, the state of weather of weather and sea, and the rise of the barometer indicate that the storm has either broken up or passed inland. It should be remembered that cyclonic storms and small extent in the Bay of Bengal sometimes blow with hurricane force, and raise a light sea near their centers. Signal VIII indicates that a storm of great intensity will cross the coast E of Sagar Island and W of Chittagong. No deep laden vessels nor vessels of low power, should put to sea should remain in the river until the storm has reached the coast and passed inland. The wind at the mouth of Hugli will probably back from NE, through N, to NW or W. Signal IX indicates that a storm of great intensity will cross the coast W of Sagar Island and N of False Point. No vessel should go to sea, and masters and pilots of outward-bound vessel should be guided by the appearance of the Weather and height of the barometer in deciding weather it is advisable to proceed below Diamond harbour or mud Point, 18 miles above Sagar Roads. The wind at the mouth of (21º 40 N, 87º 55'E), will probably veer from NE, through E, to SE. Signal X indicates the approach of a storm of great intensity towards the sea from Sagar Island, or proceed down river from Diamond harbour and all vessels should be properly secured. The masters of vessels in the port should take the special precautions for safety laid down in the port rules. Note: A severe cyclonic storm is frequently, accompanied by a storm wave, which is not often the case with small cyclonic storm. The height and destructive effect of a storm wave depend quite as much on the state and character of the tide when the cyclonic center reaches the coast as upon the depression of center or the intensity and extent of the storm. Tidal Signals. Tidal semaphores have been established at the following places to indicate the rise of tide in Hugli River:- Sagar Island - 1/2 mile SSW of the lighthouse. Gangra - 7 1/2 miles NW of the end of Sagar Island. Balari - on the W bank 12 miles NE of Gangra Tidal Station Hugli Point Moyapur - 17 miles above Hugli Point Akra - 101/2 miles above Moyapur. Rajabagan - 3 miles above Akra. At the moment high water, a ball is hoisted to its upper position; as the tide begins to fall, the ball is lowered to the lower position until the tide has fallen by one meter when the ball is hauled down. At low water the ball is hoisted to the lower position; as the tide begins to rise, the ball is hoisted to its upper position until the tide has risen by one meter, when the ball is hauled down. Night semaphores are established at Sagar (21º 39 N, 88º 03E), Gangara, Balari, Hugli point and Moyapur. Each Semaphores can exhibit two flashing lights an upper light showing a two seconds flash every eight seconds and a lower light showing a flash every second. The rise of the tide is indicated as follows:- Upper light Green 1.0m and 4.0m Both lights Green 1.2m and 4.2m Green over Red 1.4m and 4.4m Green over White 1.6m and 4.6m Lower light Green 1.8m and 4.8m Upper light Red 2.0m and 5.0m Red over Green 2.2m and 5.2m Both lights Red 2.4m and 5.4m Red over White 2.6m and 5.6m Lower light Red 2.8m and 5.8m Upper light White 3.0m and 6.0m White over Green 3.2m and 6.2m White over Red 3.4m and 6.4m Both lights White 3.6m and 6.6m Lower light white 3.8m and 6.8m One red fixed light is exhibited if the semaphores is not working. 1