Tuticorin
(Minor port)

Chart 2075
General information
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1	Position.  Tuticorin (08°48´.02N, 78°09´.62E) lies at the head of a shallow bay close NW of Tuticorin (Major Port).
	Function. Tuticorin, also known as Tuttukuddi, is the largest commercial town on the W side of the Gulf of Mannar. The port is an open roadstead, well-protected by the land to the W from the SW monsoon; it is available in all seasons. 
2	Approach and entry. The port is approached through a channel, 135 m wide, and entered S of Horseshoe Spit.

Port authority. See 4.54.

Limiting conditions
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1	Controlling depth. There is a least depth of about 2.0 m in the approach channel. In 1992 it was reported that the channel could only be used by vessels with a maximum draught of 1.5 m, and that most of the cargo handling is by lighter from vessels at anchor.
2	Deepest and longest berth is 219 m long with a least depth of less than 3.0 m.

Tidal levels see information in Tide Tables. Mean spring range about 0.7 m; mean neap range about 0.1 m.
Arrival information

4.73
1	Same as Tuticorin (Major port), see 4.56.

Harbour
4.74                                                                                             
1	Layout. The port lies on the W coast of a large shallow bay which is open NE but well protected from the SW monsoon. The main berthing area is partially protected from the NE monsoon by the N harbour wall, but it is exposed to the E.
	
	Storm signals are displayed from a signal station with a flagstaff (29 m in height) standing at the N end of Pandiyan Island; the general system is used.
	
	Currents. See 4.64.
4.75
1	Landmarks:
	Our lady of Snows Spire church (Blue and white building with black spire, 34 m in height) (08°47´.97N, 78°09´.40E).
Sacred Heart Cathedral (yellow spire, 51 m in height) (08°48´.29N, 78°09´.38E).
Harvey Chimney (45 m in height) (08°48´.38N, 78°09´.55E).
2	There are numerous dangers lying N of the anchorage areas and in the E approach to the entrance channel; throughout the approach a vessel's position should be verified frequently to ensure a safe passage.
3	From the general anchorage area the route leads NNW passing: ENE of a wreck with a least depth of 5.1 m (08°46´.01N, 78°13´.07E), a foul ground lies close E to it; then to: Clear of a wreck (08°47´.42N, 78°13´.32E),
then to clear of a dangerous wreck (08°47´.40N, 78°12´.93E) (position approximate), then to:
4	Clear of a dangerous wreck (08°47´.63N, 78°12´.76E) (position approximate), then to a position ENE of the light. Then the track leads W to the leading line to the entrance channel.
5	Leading lights:
	Front light (metal framework tower) (standing at the head of Landing Pier (08°48´.11N, 78°09´.62E)). 
	Rear light (metal framework tower) (259 m from front light).

Useful marks 
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1	Water tower (19 m in height) (08°47´.66N, 78°09´.38E).
	St. Mary’s Statue (08°48´.71N, 78°09´.60E).

Berths
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1	There are piers in Tuticorin (minor port) of from 42 to 145 m long and wharves from 87 to 219 m long.
2	Berthing for small vessels, protected by a breakwater from E, is situated 5 cables S of the town and adjoins the main berthing area.

Port services
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1	Repairs.A small dry dock; 42 m in length, 15 m wide, 200 dwt of capacity with a depth on sill at MHWS of 2 m is available for local port vessels. Minor repairs can be done.
	Other facilities. Small hospital; divers.
	Supplies. Limited supply of fresh water at berths or by barge; provisions are plentiful, fuel is not available.