Chart 3007 Nagapattinam Anchorage General information 2.6 1 Nagapattinam. Nagapattinam port (10°46'N, 79°51'E) is an all weather direct berthing port for small ocean-going vessels. Nagapattinam is one of the minor ports of Tamilnadu and one of the earliest Portuguese settlements on the East coast of India. It is open roadstead port and lies at the mouth of Kaduvaiyar River. 2 During the Northeast Monsoon from Oct to Mar, the predominant wind is North Easterly with a force of 6 to 7 knots. During the Southwest Monsoon, the wind is Westerly with a maximum force of 6 knots. 3 Regular trading vessels use the port by anchoring and working cargo in the open roadstead using local lighters. 4 Trade. The major import and export includes Naptha, HSD, SKO, cement, turmeric, handloom cloths and miscellaneous cargo. The chief imports are palm oil, copra cake etc. 5 Nagapattinam Shoals. A narrow ridge about 8 miles long composed of hard sand and stones with depth of 5.9 m to 9.4 m. It lies parallel to the coast about 4 to 5 miles offshore. It is steep-to at its N end about 6 miles SE of Nagapattinam. 6 This stretch of coast should not be approached within depths of 14 m. It is advisable to keep outside the 20m contour, especially in the vicinity of Nagapattinam Shoals, until the conspicuous church spire at Nagapattinam bears 297° or less; this bearing will lead vessels off Nagappattinam Shoal. 7 Nagapattinam Light. (10°45'.95N,79° 51'.01E) This light is exhibited from a white circular masonry tower with black bands, 50 m in height and about 1 cable N of entrance to Kaduvaiyar River. The lighthouse transmits DGPS corrections and also has a Racon (G). Landmarks 2.7 1 A minaret, 46 m high at Nagore, about 3½ miles N of Nagappattinam can be seen before the adjacent coast becomes visible from seaward side. 2 Approaching closer, the following landmarks are conspicuous: 3 A church 23 m in height, at Vailankanni at about 5 miles S of Nagappattinam light tower. 4 A conspicuous tall church spire 2 cables NNW of the old light house. 5 A Signal Station lies about 2 cables SW of Nagapattinam lighthouse close to the flagstaff. The following are the positions of conspicuous objects. 6 Nagapattinam Light House (10°45'.95 N, 79°51'.01E). 7 Water Tank, Kichchankuppam (10°42'.20 N, 79°50'.97 E). 8 Customs Quarters (Grey) Water Tank, (10°45'.41N, 79°50'.88E) Nagapattinam. 9 Hussain Jumma Masjid (10°46'.05 N, 79°50'.75E). 10 Salamanan Water Tank (10°45'.94N, 79°50'.91 E). 11 Muncipal Water Tank (10°46'.46 N, 79°50'.54 E). 12 Police Telecommunications Tower (10°46'.42 N, 79°50'.44 E). 13 Nagore Aandagai Dargah Minaret (10°49'.11 N, 79°50'.46 E). Sandbar 2.8 1 The Sandbar at the entrance of the Kaduvaiyar river have a least depth of 1.5 m over it. A Rubble Mound Breakwater is constructed at the north and south sides to maintain the depth of the sandbar. The sea breaks over the bar, in almost all weathers and it can be dangerous for ships unless carefully handled. It is advisable to not cross the sandbar after dark. The channel leading to the wharf about half a cable south of the entrance is dredged to 3m. Anchorage 2.9 1 The anchorage off Nagapattinam is an open road stead. The bottom is sandy and muddy which forms good holding ground. The depth decreases gradually towards the coast. Anchorage may be obtained in good holding ground with the lighthouse bearing between 281° and 285°, in a depth of 7 to 8 m. This anchorage is open to all but W winds and is uncomfortable because vessels nearly always lie athwart wind and sea. Port Officer may be contacted for proper anchorage position. During North-east monsoons it is not advisable to anchor in depths less than 10 m. Directions 2.10 1 Vessels bound from S should keep in depths of over 37 m when near Point Pedro Shoal and should not close the coast between Point Calimere and Nagappattinam within 18m until the conspicuous church spire bears less than 305°. 2 Current off Nagapattinam generally set with the wind; the direction and force depends on the wind. 3 Rocks and Obstructions. Rocks and piles exist near and adjacent to the navigable channel. Rock awash at chart datum is present in position (10°45'.8N, 79°51'.1E). Sand bar exist at the tip of south break water. Mariners to exercise caution while approaching the channel. 4 Wreck. A wreck in position (10°49'.70N, 79°53'.0) is dangerous for navigation. 5 Pilotage is compulsory. Facilities 2.11 1 One 230 m jetty is available, depth alongside jetty is 8 m.There is a Groyne, 91 m long which marks the S entrance point of the river, and a pier, 242 m long and 4.6 m wide, projecting E from the N entrance point. The pier is fitted with gates which are closed during the NE monsoon. 2 The port is provided with wharves viz, North, Central, South and South extension, running to a length of 610 m provided with electric lighting for night work. Cargo boats berth alongside the wharves. The depths alongside these wharves are of the order of 1.3 to 1.8 m. Embarkation and disembarkation of passengers take place in the Northern end of the Central berth, Central and South wharves are utilized for the shipment of onions and other cargoes. Landing of fertiliser and food grains can be carried out on all the wharves. 3 The quay for the lighters is 487 m long and extends S from the root of the pier along the W bank of the river. There are 50 lighters with a total capacity of 1500 tons and one 4 ton mobile crane at the lighter quay. Lighters load and unload at quay during high water. 4 There are 9 cargo sheds with a total storage capacity of 51,000 tons. There are also two top covered open cargo transit sheds with a total floor area of 726 sq. m. available at the port. Limited repair facilities for boats are available. Medical facilities are available. De-ratting certificates can be issued by the Port Health Officer. One tug is available. General 2.12 1 A modern Edible Oil Storage Terminal is there in the port complex to receive and store the cargo. Edible oil vessels regularly call this port. Supplies 2.13 1 Diesel oil is available in limited quantities. Fresh water supplies are made through tanks loaded in cargo boats at an average of 30 tons per day. 2 Provisions can be supplied by agents of the vessels. Port Signal Station 2.14 1 The PSS is situated on top of the New Port office building close to SW of the lighthouse. Vessels can communicate with the Port Signal Station by using VHF Channel 16 and the International Code of Signals. Storm Signals are displayed from the Port Signal Station and the extended system is used. 2 Communications. MMB Ch 16 is manned only during office hours from 0900-1300 and 1400-1800 hrs. The port is connected with the general railway system and excellent National road system. The nearest airport is at Tiruchirappalli. 3 Port Authority The port is administered by a Port Officer. Port is closed on Saturday, Sunday and State Government holidays. Tele: +91 4365 242363/242255. Fax: +91 4365 242363. Email: Nagappattinamport@gmail.com.