Approaches To Mathurin Harbour 
Chart No. 2505

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 (19°41'S, 63°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 043° Booby Island 
Lt. 1.92nm 345° 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 (19°40'S, 63°23'.4E), Leading lights (165°) 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 344°-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 (165°): 
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 (165°) of 
these lights, which are exhibited occasionally, leads through western pass in to Mathurin Bay.

Leading beacons transit (232.5°) is not sensitive. 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 242°. The depth adjacent to the jetty is 7.8m.
 
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.