MALE ATOLL CHART 2599 General information: Position 2.249 Male Atoll (4º 25' N, 73º 30' E) lies on the N side of Vaadhoo Channel (2.248). General description 2.250 Male Atoll is the principal atoll of the Maldives and comprises of about 50 islets and islands. The lagoon is encumbered with coral reefs, and deep; the reefs, as a rule, easily discernible in favourable conditions of sun and sea; the bottom, except over the coral reefs, is coarse sand. On the E of Male Atoll, the seabed shelves steeply to depths of 2000 m; to the W it shelves less steeply to depths more than 300 m. Tourism is the principal occupation. South-eastern side of Male Atoll: Description 2.251 The barrier reef trends from Hulule (4º 11'.4 N,73º 31'.7 E) (2.272) about 19 miles NE to Meerufenfushi (2.252), the E-most islet of the atoll. The reef comprises a number of large reefs and is sharply marked by change of water colour or, in swell conditions, by breakers upon it. With several openings into the lagoon from this side of the atoll, there is a chain of islands spaced along the entire length. Principal islands and islets: 2.252 Most of the islands and islets on this side of the atoll, are wooded, and are described below,positioned from Farukolhufushi (4º 13'.9 N, 73º 32'.7 E): Farukolhufushi has a large lagoon extending SSW from the W side of the island and is a tourist resort. A channel into the above lagoon, suitable for vessels with a draught of less than 2m, has been constructed W of the island; the channel is orientated 115º/295º and it is marked, at its E and W ends by lights exhibited from grey beacons, in accordance with the IALA Maritime Buoyage System (Region A). The channel lies close N of the charted mole (4º 13'.8 N, 73º 32'.2 E); this mole has sand washed against its N side which is permanently dry with small bushes growing on it. Furanafushi (1 mile N) is a tourist resort. It has a small lagoon off the W side of the island which is entered at the SW corner of the fringing reef; the channel into the lagoon is marked by posts. Within the lagoon there are depths up to 9 m, with a bottom of sand and coral heads, that provides good anchorage for yachts and small craft. There is a stone jetty on the W point of the island and a breakwater encloses its SW part. Kaduoiygiri (1½ miles N) is a tourist resort. Lankanfinolhu (3¼ miles N) is a tourist resort with a large harbour under construction (1994) near the S end of its W side. In addition to the islands and islets described above, there are several other small islets shown on the chart all of which are reported to be tourist resorts. shoal water has in the past attracted local fishing craft. Lagoon entrances: 2.253 Bodu Kalhi (4º 16' N, 73º 33' E) the best and widest entrance into the lagoon of Male Atoll lies between Kaduoiygiri (2.252) and Lankanfinolhu (2.252), 1¾ miles NNE; the channel is about 1¼ miles wide between the reefs. There are depths of about 50 m in the deepest part of the fairway which lies 6 cables S of Lankanfinolhu Islet and about 3 cables clear of its reef; a bank with depths of 10 m or less extends 5 cables into the entrance N from Furanafushi (2.252). Kuda Kalhi (4º 14'.7 N, 73º 33'.0 E) is entered between the N edge of the reef surrounding Farukolhufushi (2.252) and the reef which extends from the SE point of Furanafushi (2.252); there is a least charted depth of 17 m in the S part of the entrance to the fairway, thence the channel, with reefs on each side, deepens in its centre to about 58 m. Close within the lagoon an isolated reef lies on the line of the fairway about 9 cables WNW of Farukolhufushi; another reef, with a shoal patch on its WSW side, lies about 7 cables W of the same island. Principal marks: 2.254 Landmarks: A conspicuous radio mast and a tower (both uncharted) stands on Girifushi (4º 19' N, 73º 34'.7 E) (2.252). Useful marks: 2.255 1.Radio mast (uncharted) (4º 21' N, 73º 37' E) stands on Lhohifushi (2.252). North-eastern side of Male Atoll: There are several 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. Western side of Male Atoll: Principal islets: 2.264 On this side of the atoll, the islets are generally small. Several are low-bush covered islets about 7 m high lying on the fringing reef, giving effective warning of the below-water reef lying some distance seaward of them. Most of the principal islets are tourist resorts, and are described below: Giraavaru (4º 12'.0 N, 73º 24'.8 E), an islet, lies at the NE point of the reef near the SW extremity of the atoll , is covered with scrub and a few coconut palms. It was reported that extensive development for small craft facilities are in progress. Lagoon entrances: 2.265 Giraavaru Irumathee Channel (4º 11'.0 N, 73º 24'.5 E), with a least charted depth of 46 m in the middle of its fairway is an easily discernible channel. Giraavaru Uthuru Channel, 1½ miles NW of Giraavaru Irumathee Channel, with lesser depth than the latter, is wider but has a shoal patch with a depth of 35 m in the middle of its fairway. Both entrances have a small islet lying near their SE entrance points. There are numerous openings into the lagoon between Giraavaru Irumathee Channel and Kithi Channel, 15 miles N, but many of these, including Kithi Channel and the unnamed widest opening on this side of the lagoon, situated W of Hebadhoo (2.264) and about 1¾ miles N of Kithi Channel, are encumbered with dangers as shown on the chart. Near the N point of the atoll, close NE of Olhuhali Islet, Olhuhali Uthuru Channel (4º 41'.5 N, 73º 27'.5 E) enters the lagoon from Gaafaru Channel (2.261), (2.264). The reef edges at the entrance to this channel are reported to be clearly visible and there is a least charted depth of 14m at the inner end of its fairway. During the NE monsoon, it is advisable to enter this channel at about the time of slack water on account of the strong W-setting current and the eddies experienced in Gaafaru Channel. Southern part of Male Lagoon: Description: 2.266 Depths generally range in several places from 40 to 60 m with abrupt shoals and reefs rising from the seabed within the S part of Male Lagoon. The reefs are usually easily discerned by sharp iridescent Water contrasts at their edges. In this part of the lagoon there are a few sandbanks and some drying reef edges Principal islets: 2.267 The principal islets in this part of the lagoon, having tourist facilities, and positioned from Kuda Wataru (4º 15'.6 N, 73º 22'.9 E) are described below: Kuda Wataru lying on the inner edge of the main barrier reef is a small sand islet; it is sparsely covered with low shrubs. A small scrub-covered sandbank lies about 7 cables SSW of the islet. Baros (3 miles ENE), is an islet wooded with coconut palm, which may appear to have high cliffs from a distance due to a mirage effect given by the tourist chalets that stand on the islet. A jetty, which extends from the S shore of the islet, is approached through a break in the surrounding reef; there are depths of about 1m alongside the jetty. Bodubados (6¾ miles E), enclosed by two breakwaters it has a small boat basin situated on its SE side; a light (uncharted) is exhibited from the E breakwater. Kudabados, lying 6 cables SE of Bodubados, is a wooded islet, with Bandos Maa Gaa, a large circular reef, adjoining its SE side. There are marked channels for both the islets through the reef on their E sides, and a deep narrow channel separates the two islets. Useful mark: 2.268 There are two radio masts in Bodubados (2.267); an obstruction light is exhibited from the E mast. Anchorages: 2.269 Keeping clear of the reefs, vessels may anchor anywhere in this part of the lagoon. Southern part of Male Atoll: General information and description: 2.270 In the S part of the atoll, there are the islands of Male (2.289), Hulule (2.272), Viligili (2.276) and several islets; they are mostly separated by navigable channels. Gaadhoo Koa (2.303) is the principal entrance into the S part of the lagoon. Male: 2.271 See 2.289 for description and details. Hulule: 2.272 Description: There is a airport on Hulule Island (4º 11'.4 N, 73º 31'.7 E). The runway extends about 6 cables N and 4 cables S of the extremities of the island, giving it a total length of 2 miles; a series of prominent low-level airport buildings stand along the centre part of the W side of the island. Works are in progress on the SE side of the island. From the S end of the airport runway Hulhule Falhu extends about 4 miles NNE. The islet of Farukolhufushi (2.252) lies towards the N end of this reef. 2.273 Landmark: Control tower (4º 11'.3 N, 73º 31'.7 E), a white building with a red roof, a light is exhibited. 2.274 Harbour. On the W side of the island there is a small boat harbour, breakwaters constructed along the outer edge of the reef protect it. The harbour is reported to be subject to silting. Entrances. The main entrance is marked by a light which is exhibited from the breakwater on its S side, and, is located abreast the centre of the island. There is another entrance about 1¼ cables farther N. Development. In 1994 the construction of further breakwaters from the atoll lagoon was in progress on the reef lying W of the S part of the airport runway. Approach. From the atoll lagoon, a channel gives access to Hulule; it has a charted depth of 1.5 m and passes between two beacons standing in the main breakwater entrance, thence through the reef and to the berths on the W side of the island. Berths. Four jetties are situated towards the N part of the W side of the island, each about 6 m long with depths from 0.9 to 1.8 m alongside; one jetty is of wood construction, the others are of coral and stone. It is forbidden to secure to these jetties, unless loading or unloading, because they are reserved exclusively for tourists in transit between the airport and other islands. Moorings. Two mooring buoys (yellow) are moored close NW of the N entrance to the harbour; these are used by small tankers. 2.275 Useful mark: Radio mast (38 m in height) stands about 1 cable NW of the airport control tower; red obstruction lights are exhibited from the mast. Several other radio masts, of lesser height, stand farther N. Viligili 2.276 Description. Viligili (4º 10'.4N, 73º 29'.1E), a tourist resort, lies about 1 mile W of Male (2.289). It is a low wooded island with a steep-to reef on its S and W sides; a drying reef, on which the sea usually breaks, extends seaward from Rat Point, the SE extremity of the island. A group of rocks (1 m in height), whose existence is doubtful, are reported to exist about 4 cables WSW of Rat Point. 2.277 Landmark: Dish aerial (uncharted) (4º 10'.3 N, 73º 29'.1E), white lies about 13/4 miles SW of Vihamanaafushi (2.283).in colour, stands about 30 m W of a radio tower. 2.278 Berth. With a depth of 0.9 m alongside, a jetty constructed from coral and cement, projects from the NE side of Viligili; it is protected at the offshore end by a coral breakwater (uncharted) from which a coral wall extends to the shore W of the jetty. This arrangement forms an enclosed swimming pool. 2.279 Viligili E entrance to lagoon. Maa Thila, a shoal, which lies in centre, divides the opening between Viligili and Male into two channels; further shoals of 11 and 15.4 m lie, respectively, 2 and 4 cables NNE of Maa Thila. In the above entrance tidal streams are strong and tide-rips form near the shoals; navigation in the channels is not recommended. Viligili W entrance to lagoon. With a least charted depth of 40 m the opening between Viligili and Gulhi Falhu (2.263), 1 mile WNW, is deep but it is narrow and not recommended for navigation. Another channel, 1½ mile farther W, is tortuous and also not recommended. Feydhoo: 2.280 Feydhoo (4º 12'.7 N, 73º 29'.2 E) lies 2¼ miles N of Viligili (2.276) and is a bare sandy islet mostly surrounded by a steep-to reef which dries in places. The islet is owned by the Ministry of Education and used as an education settlement. There are (uncharted) breakwaters extending from the N part of the islet on its E and W sides. Landing by boat, of not more than 0.6 m draught, can be effected by passing through a very narrow channel. On the NW side of the islet reclamation work was in progress (1994) 2.281 Landmark: Red House (uncharted)(4º 12'.7 N, 73º 29'.2 E). Aarah 2.282 Aarah (4º 13'.8 N, 73º 29'.7 E) islet is the holiday residence of the President of the Republic of Maldives and lies 1 miles NNE of Feydhoo (2.280). Access is restricted. Enclosed by two breakwaters, a small boat basin is situated on the S side of the islet. Vihamanaafushi: 2.283 Vihamanaafushi (4º 13'.6 N, 73º 31'.2 E), a tourist resort, lying 1½ miles E of Aarah (2.282), is densely populated on its W side; a small jetty extends S from its S shore. A mooring buoy, with a light-buoy moored close N, lies 2 cables SE of the islet. 2.284 Useful mark: Tower (4º 13'.6 N, 73º 31'.3 E), from which a red obstruction light is exhibited, stands on the NE part of Galu Falhu: 2.285 Galu Falhu (4º 12'.5 N, 73º 30'.0 E), is a circular reef which appears to contain deep water and lies about 13/4 miles SW of Vihamanaafushi (2.283). Dhoonidhoo: 2.286 Dhoonidhoo (4º 11'.8 N, 73º 31'.1 E) lying 1¾ miles SSW of Vihamanaafushi (2.283) is a wooded islet, and is surrounded by a reef. The Ministry of Public Safety administers it and landing is prohibited, but authorized boats can secure to the outer end of the E of the two coral breakwaters situated at the N end of the islet. Between the breakwaters, a derelict iron jetty is suitable only for small authorized boats. 2.287 Useful marks: There is a large low building standing at the SE end of the island. A large silver tank stands on the E side of the island. Funadhoo: 2.288 Funadhoo (4º 10'.9 N, 73º 31'.1E) an islet, lying 8 cables SSE of Dhoonidhoo (2.286) is covered with tall trees; it is surrounded by a reef which dries in places. The islet has a small harbour situated on the S side and another, which is a fuelling harbour with a tank farm onshore, on its NW side.There is a narrow channel through the reef to a jetty at the SW end of the islet. MALE: General information: Position 2.289 Male (4º 10'.5 N, 73º 30'.8 E) is situated near the SE point of Male Atoll. Function 2.290 Male is the capital of the Republic of Maldives and the seat of the office of the President. The island has a small harbour and a large anchorage. Tourism is the main industry The population of Male was estimated to be 263 189, in 1997. Topography: 2.291 Male and its nearby islands are all very low and the first landfall points visible are normally the buildings or ships at anchor. Most of the island is built upon; there are many modern buildings especially on the N side and there is a network of earth and paved roads; island is however thickly wooded . A sea-wall, built with tetrapods, extends along the S side of the island. Approach and entry: 2.292 The port is approached from SE via Gaadhoo Koa (2.303) and entered between, the SE point of Male Island and the S end of the airport runway on Hulule. Traffic 2.293 The port was used by over 200 international vessels in 1996 with a total dwt of 920 333; however, the port is also used regularly by local vessels and a total of 309 ships have been handled annually. Port authority: 2.294 Maldives Ports Authority, Maafannu, oduthakurufaanu Magu, Male, Republic of Maldives. Limiting conditions: Controlling depths 2.295 There are no draught restrictions in the anchorages, but in the enclosed harbours maximum draught of about 3 m is allowed. Deepest and longest berth: 2.296 Magathu Faalan (Northern Pier) (2.317). Mean tidal levels: 2.297 See information in relevant Tide Tables. Mean spring range about 0.7 m; mean neap range about 0.3 m. Density of water: 2.298 Density of water is normally about 1.026 g/cm3. Maximum size of vessel handled: 2.299 A vessel of 17 085 grt has used the port. Arrival information: Port radio: 2.300 For details see the relevant List of Radio Signals. Notice of ETA required : 2.301 Forty-eight hours notice of ETA is required. Confirmation to be intimated 24 and 3 hours before arrival. Pilots and tugs: 2.302 Pilotage is compulsory for all merchant foreign trade vessels and is available from 0630 to 2200 hrs. Pilots board in position (4º 10' N 73º 32'E), 3 hours notice is required. For further details see the relevant List of Radio Signals. Tugs are available. Harbour: General layout: 2.303 Anchorage and berthing areas. Anchorage areas in the open water N of Male and Viligili, 1 mile W consist outer harbour; the inner harbour provides numerous berths for small vessels on the N side of the island and another small enclosed harbour has been constructed at its SW corner. Approach channel. Gaadhoo Koa, with least charted depth of 35 m near the middle of the fairway, is the passage between the reefs fringing Male and Hulule,and is about 4 cables wide at its outer end. The channel is marked at its outer end by a light-buoy and a light beacon, its inner end is marked by two light-beacons. At its inner end the channel divides, passing each side of Funadhoo with deep water in both channels. For details of tidal streams and currents see 2.305. Permission is required from the local authority before entering Gaadhoo Koa. Tidal streams and currents 2.305 It appears that the monsoon currents far more than by the tidal streams influence water movement in and around Male. When the currents are flowing strongly tidal streams are probably only strong enough to increase or decrease the flow of the currents, but rarely strong enough to reverse their direction. Therefore, because they depend on the current, sets are often strong and unpredictable. 2.306 The streams from Vaadhoo Channel (2.248) set across in Gaadhoo Koa and during the NE monsoon a component of the current sets NW through the entrance setting a vessel towards the reef fringing the E side of Male; within the entrance, the flow then turns W between Male and Funadhoo. During the NE monsoon strong sets have been reported within Male Harbour. Local observation: The above flow was observed in February 1972, to start 1½ hours before high water and continue until 1½ hours before low water, attaining a maximum rate of 2½ to 3 kn N of Male Breakwater. At about the time of high water, this stream sets strongly along the N face of the breakwater; at the same time, the flow E of Funadhoo was weak and variable. 2.307 In the SW monsoon conditions a component of the current enters Male Lagoon through Giraavaru Irumathee Channel (2.265), 6 miles W of Male, flowing out principally through the channel E of Viligili (2.279) and between Male and Funadhoo into Vaadhoo Channel. Local observation: An E-going set was observed SE of a line joining Male and Hulule in August 1972; within this line, slack water was found between Funadhoo and Dhoonidhoo then a strong E-going set was encountered to the anchorage. It was also observed that four hours after low water, with the in-going stream tending to oppose the current, a moderate NE flow was experienced in the lagoon. 2.308 It was reported in 1991 that at the change of the monsoon the current in the approaches to Gaadhoo Koa had an E set of about 1 kn. At the same time, the tidal streams inside the lagoon were weak and variable, never exceeding ½ kn. Principal marks: 2.309 Landmarks: Television tower (red and white bands) (4º 10'.3 N, 73º 30'.6 E), red obstruction lights are exhibited. Mosque (4º 10'.7 N, 73º 30'.6 E), white in colour with gold dome; a minaret, white in colour with gold cupola, stands close NE of the mosque. Directions: Cautions: 2.310 Male and its nearby islands are generally not detected on radar until after a visual landfall has been made. Reclamation or construction work is going on several islands and radar ranges should be verified carefully. The recommended daylight approach to the anchorage N of Male, for all vessels, is through Gaadhoo Koa (2.303) except those of very low power, which normally use Bodu Kalhi; for details see 2.313. However, Gaadhoo Koa has proved to be increasingly dangerous for shipping with the seasonal monsoons causing strong currents that set across its mouth at a reported rate of up to 6 kn; night navigation of the channel is not recommended. For further details of currents and tidal streams see 2.305. Considerable small craft passenger traffic crosses the entrance channel, between Male Island and Hulule Harbour. Approach from east: 2.311 On positive identification of Male Island, course should be shaped for a position SE of it. Gaadhoo Koa may then be entered with the E side of Dhoonidhoo bearing 337º, open NE of Funadhoo, and by passing well clear of the 5.9 m shoal patch that lies about 2¾ cables E of Lonuziyaariykolhu Point; a light-buoy (port hand) is moored near the latter shoal. This track should be maintained until the S end of Hulule Runway bears about 085º when course should be altered to pass W of a dangerous wreck lying 4 cables NNW of the S end of Hulule Runway and through the middle of the channel between Funadhoo and Hulule. There after steer as required round the N side of Funadhoo and approach the anchorage. The reefs outline in this approach is very distinct. Approach from west 2.312 While approaching Male from W enter Kardiva Channel (4º 50' N, 73º 10' E) (2.330) between Thoddoo (2.196) and Gaafaru Falhu (2.338), 23 miles N of Thoddoo. Keeping a safe distance close N of Thoddoo, steer for the W entrance to Vaadhoo Channel (2.248) where course should be adjusted to pass S of Male; both Thoddoo and Male Islands are normally visible at a good distance and the former usually remains visible until the latter is sighted. There after, from a position SE of Male the directions given at 2.311 should be followed. Approach from north-east: 2.313 Bodu Kalhi (4º 16' N, 73º 33' E) is recommended route for low powered vessels, sailing vessels and other small vessels approaching from E. Vessels entering by this channel should steer for the deep-water fairway lying about 6 cables S of Lankanfinolhu Islet and some 3 cables clear of its reef; thereafter, the route leads 1½ miles W and 5 miles SSW to the anchorage N of Male, passing (with positions from the W point of Vihamanaafushi (4º 13'.6 N, 73º 31'.0 E): S of an unexamined shoal patch (3¾ miles NNE) with a charted depth of 7.1 m over it, and: N then WNW of an unnamed reef (2½ miles NNE); shoal patches extend about 1 cable NW and 2 cables S from this reef with charted depths, respectively, of 2.6 and 3.2 m near their outer limits. Then to: ESE of Bandos Maa Gaa (2¼ miles NNW) (2.267), then to: WNW of Vihamanaafushi (2.283), and: ESE of Aarah (1½ miles WNW) (2.282), then to: ESE of Galu Falhu (1½ miles SW) (2.285), then to: WNW of Dhoonidhoo (1¾ miles S) (2.286), and: Steer for the relevant anchorage area. Useful marks: 2.314 Two radio masts (4º 10'.3 N, 73º 31'.2 E)stand close together near the SE point of Male; red obstruction lights are exhibited; these masts readily identify the island from E. Telecommunications (postal) tower (not charted); a red obstruction light is exhibited. Port control building (not charted) stands onshore abreast the main entrance in the breakwater on the N side of the island; a prominent flagstaff stands nearby. Berths: Anchorages: 2.315 Caution. During the NE monsoon, anchoring less than 3 cables N of the breakwater is not recommended, because of the strong currents experienced in that vicinity. Outer harbour is situated N and NW of Male, and has the general anchorage areas for: tankers (two areas); dangerous cargoes; working cargo; military vessels and a waiting area. For further details see the relevant List of Radio Signals. Special moorings: 2.316 Small vessels can moor on the E side of Galu Falhu (2.285) during the SW monsoon conditions; an anchor is set in the coral of this reef to which a vessel can secure, with a stern anchor laid out to the E. Berths: 2.317 Principal berth. With a depth of 9.5 m alongside Magathu Faalan (Northern Pier), is 101.5 m long and has a height of 1.4 m above the chart datum. Inner harbour, With depths about 1.8 to 3 m and situated on the N side of the island, it provides berthing for dhonis craft (open local boats), inter island boats, government vessels, tourist and private launches. A low breakwater protects this harbour with five entrances into the main part of the harbour and one to a small basin at the E end. The main entrance, which is 17 m wide, lies 4½ cables WNW of Sawmill Point, the NE point of the island. All of the entrances are marked with lights, exhibited from beacons (black and white bands), in accordance with the IALA Maritime Buoyage System (Region A). Commercial Harbour, provides berthing for lighters and vessels with a draught of about 2.7 m and is situated at the NW corner of the island. It is enclosed by a breakwater with an entrance marked by lights in accordance with the IALA Maritime Buoyage System (Region A), Inter Island Harbour, provides berthing for inter-island trading boats and lighters and is situated at the SW corner of the island. It is enclosed by an unmarked breakwater. Port services Repairs 2.318 Facilities exist for limited repairs, general maintenance. There is a slipway for small craft up to 50 tons, underwater cleaning and welding can be arranged. Other facilities: 2.319 Hospital; de-ratting exemption certificates are available. Supplies: 2.320 Lubricating, diesel and gas oil, fresh water, provisions and fish are available. Heavy oil is not available. Communications: 2.321 Male International Airport at Hulule, 1 mile NE; and by sea. Regulations: 2.322 Immobilisation of vessel. For any work that would immobilise a vessel for more than 2 hours, prior approval from the harbour control office is required. Hot work. Written approval from the port authority is required for any hot work while in the anchorage or at a berth. Trade. Due to customs regulations, the islanders in the out-lying atolls of the Maldives are not permitted to trade with foreign vessels. All trade being conducted through Male. Rescue: 2.323 The following rescue facilities are reported to be available: Small salvage tug. Speed boats (40 kn). Seaplane and helicopters. See the relevant List of Radio Signals. for further information on rescue facilities.