PUB. 123 SAILING DIRECTIONS (ENROUTE) SOUTHWEST COAST OF AFRICA 2001 EIGHTH EDITION lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll lllllllllllllllllllllllll **CD-ROM ED. NO. NSN 764201400901 0 Included** SDPUB123 NIMAREF.NO. 80" 100" 120" 140" 160" 180" 160" 140" 120" 100" 80" 60" 40" 20" ()" 20" 40" 60" 80" I I I I I I I I I I ARCTIC183 ARCTIC OCEAN I 1180 I 181 I I OCEAN I .. . );83ao• ' .-~-~ 1-ao• ~· · 182 60" 60" I ~--~ v ll'tUI I~ I I 1""--A,....-A ........~\~-~it i-40° 40° 1 I <1\~J\ NORTH PACIFIC 1120 I . 20" ()" " 'lo. 126 20" -l \ 1<' ){ .• ~ 20"I 123 INDIAN '~I "; · ' ~ sou~HPActFlc ocE;~s INDIAN OCEAN OCEAN If-'"" 40° -l I i1Rni 171 ~ 4o• l/ ; ... 127 60" r I I I ¥· I I ~[ 60" 12ool -~.... ao• oo··-:::. 80" -..r' ( v-.~~~ Numbers in boxes 12001 ANTARCTICA indicate Planning Guides SAILING DIRECTIONS LIMITS 80" 100" 120° 140° 160" 180" 160" 140" 120° 100" 80" 60" 40" 20" o• 20" 40° 60" 80" PUB. 123 SAILING DIRECTIONS (ENROUTE) * SOUTHWEST COAST OF AFRICA * Prepared and published by the NATIONAL IMAGERY AND MAPPING AGENCY Bethesda, Maryland ©COPYRIGHT 2001 BY THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT NO COPYRIGHT CLAIMED UNDER TITLE 17 U.S.C. EIGHTH EDITION For sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office Superintea dt'nt of Documents, Mail Stop: SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-9328 How to Keep this Book Corrected As initially published, this book contains material based Between Edition , the Record of Corrections Published in upon information available in the National Imagery and Weekly Notice to Mariners, located below, affords an Mapping Agency through the date given in the preface. The alternative system for recording applicable Notice to Mariners publication of New Editions wiU be announced in Notice to numbers. The Summary of Corrections, Volume 5, contains a Mariners. Instructions for ordering the latest Edition will be cumulative list of corrections for Sailing Directions from the found in CATP2V01U, Ordering Procedures. date of publication. Reference to the Summary of Corrections should be made as required . In the interval between Editions, information that may Book owners wiU be placed on the Notice to Mariners amend material in this book is published in the weekly Notice mailing list on request to the DEFENSE LOGISTICS to Mariners. The Notice to Mariners number and year can also AGENCY, DSC-R , ATTN: Product Center 9 , 8000 Jefferson be marked on the applicable page of the Sailing Directions. Davis Highway, Richmond VA 23297-5337. Record of Corrections Published in Weekly Notice to Mariners Notice to Mariners Year 20 Year 20 1 ........... .. 14........... 27.......... . 40 ......... .. 1.. .......... . 14........... 27 ......... .. 40 .......... . 2 ............ . 15........... 28 .......... . 41. ........ .. 2............. 15.......... . 28.......... . 41......... . . 3 .......... ... 16 ...... .... . 29...... .... . 42 .......... . 3............. 16.. ...... . .. 29 ......... .. 42 .......... . 4 ........... .. 17 ......... .. 30.......... . 43 ......... .. 4............. 17........... 30........... 43 .......... . 5 ........... .. 18........... 31.......... . 44 .......... . 5............. 18........... 31... ...... .. 44 .......... . 6 ........... .. 19........... 32........... 45 ......... .. 6............ . 19........... 32 .......... . 45 ........... 7 ........... .. 20........... 33........... 46........... 7............. 20.......... . 33.......... . 46 ...... ... . . 8 ............ . 21 ......... .. 34.......... . 47 .......... . 8 ........ .... . 21 ........... 34........... 47 ..... .... .. 9 ............ . 22.. .. ...... . 35 .......... . 48 ......... .. 9............. 22........... 35.......... . 48.. ... .... .. 10.. .... .... . 23........... 36.......... . 49........... 10.......... . 23......... .. 36.......... . 49........... 11 .. .. ..... .. 24......... .. 37........... 50........... 11... ...... .. 24........... 37 .......... . 50........... 12.......... . 25 ........... 38 .......... . 51 ......... .. 12.......... . 25 .......... . 38 ..... ...... 51 ......... .. 13........... 26......... .. 39........... 52 .... ..... .. 13........... 26........... 39.......... . 52........... Year 20 Year 20 1 ............ . 14........... 27.......... . 40 ......... .. ! ........... .. 14........... 27 .......... . 40 .......... . 2 ............ . 15......... .. 28 .......... . 41... ...... .. 2............. 15........... 28 ......... .. 41.......... . 3 ........... .. 16........... 29.......... . 42 .......... . 3 ............ . 16.......... . 29 .......... . 42 ......... .. 4 ........... .. 17........... 30.......... . 43 .......... . 4 ............ . 17........... 30.......... . 43 .......... . 5 ............ . 18........... 31 ........... 44 .......... . 5............. 18.......... . 31 ........... 44 .......... . 6 ........... .. 19......... .. 32........... 45 .......... . 6............. 19.......... . 32.. ........ . 45 ........... 7 .... ........ . 20........... 33........... 46........... 7............. 20.......... . 33 .......... . 46........... 8 ............ . 21......... .. 34.......... . 47 .......... . 8 ............ . 21........... 34.......... . 47 .......... . 9 ............ . 22........... 35 .......... . 48 .......... . 9............. 22........... 35 .......... . 48 .......... . 10 .......... . 23 ...... .... . 36....... ... . 49 .......... . 10......... .. 23 .......... . 36........... 49........... 11. ......... . 24........... 37 ......... .. 50........... 11 ........... 24........... 37 ......... .. 50........... 12........... 25 ........... 38 .......... . 51 ........... 12........... 25.......... . 38 .......... . 51........... 13.......... . 26........... 39......... .. 52 .......... . 13........... 26........... 39.......... . 52........... Pub.123 Preface Pub. 123, Sailing Directions (Enro te, Southwest Coast of Africa, Eighth Edition, 2001, is issued for use in conjunction with Pub. 160, Sailing Direction s ( Ianning Guide) South Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean. The ::ompanion volume is Pub. 124. This publi cation has been corrected to 1 September 2001, including Notice to Mariners No. 35 o 200 I. Explanatory Remarks Sailing Directions are publi shed by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA), li!der the authority of Department of Defense Directive 51 0_ .40, dated 12 December 1988, and pursuant to the authority contained in U. S. Code Title 10, Sections 2791 and 2792 an T· tle 44, Section 1336. Sailing Directions, covering the harbors, coasts, and waters of the world, provide information at cannot be shown graphically on nautical chart and .s not readily available elsewhere. New Editions of Sailing iiiections are corrected through the date of the publications ~hawn in the preface. In the period between Editions, impo ant information, which may amend material in the publica on, is published in the weekly Notice to Mariners. Sailing Directions (Enroute) include detailed coastal and port approach information which su plements the latest revised print of the largest scale chart foc sale by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency. This pub ·cation is divided into geographic areas called "Sectors." Sector limits are shown on a chartlet following the Table of Contents The standard format of the Sector is de cribed below. Chart Information.-A graphic e) to the larges t scale charts is included for each Sector. T he key has a border scale graduated to help identify by approxi ae coordinates, the best scale chart for a place. Refer also to the Index-Gazetteer at the back of the book . Coastal Winds, Currents, and lce.-Special graphics that depicted coastal winds, weather, tide cJrrents and ice for the Sectors have been removed. General weather information can now be found within the text. Dangers.-As a rule outer danger~ a;e fully described, but inner dangers which are well-charted are, for the most part, omitted. Numerous offshore danger , 5rouped together, are mentioned only in general terms. Daogers adjacent to a coastal passage or fairway are described. Coastal Features.-It is assumed ar the majority of ships have radar. Available coastal descripti m and views, useful for radar and visual piloting are include ir. geographic sequence in each Sector. Ports.-Directions for entering porn are depicted where appropriate by means of chartlets, sk tcltes, and photos, which facilitate positive identification of landmarks and navigational aids. These chartlets and sketches are not always to scale, however, and should be used only a a general informational guide in conjunction with the best c e chart. Specific port facilities are omitted from the st dud format. They are tabulated in Pub. 150, World Port Index. lndex-Gazetteer.-Navigational features and place-names are listed alphabetically in the bact of the book. The approximate position, along with the Sector and paragraph Pub.123 numbers (e.g. 1.1), facilitate location in the text. Refer to the Chart Information graphic for the Sector, where the largest scale chart showing the feature is depicted. Geographic Names are generally those used by the nation having sovereignty. Names in parentheses following another name are alternate names that may appear on some charts. In general, alternate names are quoted only in the principal description of the place. Diacritical marks, such as accents, cedillas, and circumflexes, which are related to specific letters in certain foreign languages, are not used in the interest of typographical simplicity. Geographic names or their spellings do not necessarily reflect recognition of the political status of an area by the United States Government. Soundings are referred to the datum of the charts and are expressed in meters. Heights are referred to the plane of reference used for that purpose on the charts and are expressed in meters. Bearings are true, and are expressed in degrees from 000° (north ) to 360°, measured clockwise. General bearings are expressed by initial letters of points of the compass (e.g. N, NNE, NE, etc.). Adjective and adverb endings have been discarded. Wherever precise bearings are intended degrees are used. Courses are true, and are expressed in the same manner as bearings. The directives "steer" and "make good" a course mean, without exception, to proceed from a point of origin along a track having the identical meridiana! angle as the designated course. Vessels following the directives must allow for every influence tending to cause deviation from such track, and navigate so that the designated course is continuously being made good. Distances are expressed in nautical miles of 1 minute of latitude. Distances of less than I mile are expressed in meters , or tenths of miles. Wind Directions are the true directions from whkh winds blow. Current Directions are the true directions toward which currents set. Light and Fog Signals are not described, and light sectors are not usually defined. The Light Lists should be con ulted for complete information. Radio Navigational Aids are not described in detail. Publication No. 117 Radio Navigational Aids should be consulted. Special Warnings.-A Special Warning may be in force for the geographic area covered by this publication. Special Warnings are printed in the weekly Notice to Mariners upon promulgation and are reprinted annually in Notice to Mariners No. 1. A listing of Special Warnings currently in force is printed in each weekly Notice to Mariners, Section ill, Broadcast Warnings, along with the notice number of promulgation . In force Special Warnings are also available on the Maritime Safety Information Center Home Page (http:// 164.214.12.145/index) under the heading "Broadcast Warning Messages." Corrective Information.-It is requested that the MARINE NAVIGATION DEPARTMENT, ST D 44, NATIONAL IMAGERY AND MAPPING AGENCY, 4600 SANGAMORE ROAD, BETHESDA MD 20816-5003, or any of its branch m offices be advised of any inaccuracy found in this publication or of additional navigational information considered appropriate for insertion. The Sailing Directions Information and Suggestion Sheet on page IX may be used for this purpose. Imagery and Copyright-Most of the photographs in this publication are copyright protected by their rightful owner and may not be reproduced without their permission. The photographs used in this publication are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be used or relied upon for navigational purposes. Reference List The principal sources examined in the preparation of this publication were: British Hydrographic Department Sailing Directions. South African Sailing Directions. Various port handbooks. Reports from United States Naval and merchant vessels and various shipping companies. Other U.S. Government publications, reports, and documents. Charts, light lists, tide and current tables, and other documents in possession of the Agency. Internet Web site: Simon Baillie-Cooper and the Lighthouses of South Africa Home Page http://www.lighthouses.co.za IV Pub.123 Contents How to Keep this Book Corrected ........................... . .. . ... .. ... ... .... . ............................ II Preface.... ... .. .. ... . ......... . .. . ....... . ....... . ... ........... ..... .. .... .. ............. . ........... ill Chartlet-5ector Limits ... ..................................... . .. . ...... . .... . .... .. ... .. ... .. .. .. ... . . VII Conversion Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vill Sailing Directions Information and Sugge tion Sheet ....... . ... .. .. .... . ... ... ..... . ...... ..................... IX Abbreviations ........ ... . . . . .. .. . .................. . ........................................ .. .. . . . ... . XI Sector 1 Cape Palmas to Cape Saint Paul . . . . . ................. ... .. ... . ................... ... . ..................... 1 Sector 2 Cape Saint Paul to Cape Formoso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Sector 3 Cape Formoso to Cap Lopez ....... . .... .. . ... ... . ..................... . ... .. ........ ..................... 25 Sector 4 Cap Lopez to Ponta Albina . . . . . . . . . . .................... .. ... .. ... .. ... ... .... . . .. . ... .. .. .. ............ 51 Sector 5 Ponta Albina to the Cape of Good Hope ... .. . .... .. .... . .............................. .... ............. .... 79 Sector 6 Islands and Seamounts in the South Adam.i.c Ocean ..................... . ... ... ... .......... .... .............. 109 Glossaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................... . .... .. ... ... ........... .. .. ... ... .. .. ... ... 121 Pub.123 20" 10" o· 10" (SEE PUB. 143) EQUATORIAL GUINEA o• o· 0 10" 10 ANGOLA ST. HELENA 0 <) 20" 2 NAMffiiA ~ C\j ...... § a.. SOUTH lli AFRICA ~ 30" 30'1 TRISTAN o DACUNHA GROUP 40" 40" () GOUGH ISLAND so• 50 10" 20" 20" 10" SECTOR LIMITS -PUB. 123 Pub.123 Conversion Tables Feet to Meters Feet 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 0.00 0.30 0.61 0.91 1.22 1.52 1.83 2.13 2.44 2.74 10 3.05 3.35 3.66 3.96 4.27 4.57 4.88 5.18 5.49 5.79 20 6.10 6.40 6.71 7.01 7.32 7.62 7.92 8.23 8.53 8.84 30 9.14 9.45 9.75 10.06 10.36 10.67 10.97 11.28 11.58 11.89 40 12.19 12.50 12.80 13.11 13.41 13.72 14.02 14.33 14.63 14.93 50 15.24 15.54 15.85 16.15 16.46 16.76 17.07 17.37 17.68 17.98 60 18.29 18.59 18.90 19.20 19.51 19.81 20.12 20.42 20.73 21.03 70 21.34 21.64 21.95 22.25 22.55 22.86 23.16 23.47 23.77 24.08 80 24.38 24.69 24.99 25.30 25.60 25.91 26.21 26.52 26.82 27.13 90 27.43 27.74 28.04 28.35 28.65 28.96 29.26 29.57 29.87 30.17 Fathoms to Meters Fathoms 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 0.00 1.83 3.66 5.49 7.32 9.14 10.97 12.80 14.63 16.46 10 18.29 20.12 21.95 23.77 25.60 27.43 29.26 31.09 32.92 34.75 20 36.58 38.40 40.23 42.06 43.89 45.72 47.55 49.38 51.21 53.03 30 54.86 56.69 58.52 60.35 62.18 64.01 65.84 67.67 69.49 71.32 40 73.15 74.98 76.81 78.64 80.47 82.30 84.12 85.95 87.78 89.61 50 91.44 93.27 95.10 96.93 98.75 100.58 102.41 104.24 106.07 107.90 60 109.73 111.56 113.39 115.21 117.04 118.87 120.70 122.53 124.36 126.19 70 128.02 129.85 131.67 133.50 135.33 137.16 138.99 140.82 142.65 144.47 80 146.30 148.13 149.96 151.79 153.62 155.45 157.28 159.11 160.93 162.76 90 164.59 166.42 168.25 170.08 171.91 173.74 175.56 177.39 179.22 181.05 Meters to Feet Meters 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 0.00 3.28 6.56 9.84 13.12 16.40 19.68 22.97 26.25 29.53 10 32.81 36.09 39.37 42.65 45.93 49.21 52.49 55.77 59.06 62.34 20 65.62 68.90 72.18 75.46 78.74 82.02 85.30 88.58 91.86 95.14 30 98.42 101.71 104.99 108.27 111.55 114.83 118.11 121.39 124.67 127.95 40 131.23 134.51 137.80 141.08 144.36 147.64 150.92 154.20 157.48 160.76 50 164.04 167.32 170.60 173.88 177.16 180.45 183.73 187.01 190.29 193.57 60 196.85 200.13 203.41 206.69 209.97 213.25 216.54 219.82 223.10 226.38 70 229.66 232.94 236.22 239.50 242.78 246.06 249.34 252.62 255.90 259.19 80 262.47 265.75 269.03 272.31 275.59 278.87 282.15 285.43 288.71 291.99 90 295.28 298.56 301.84 305.12 308.40 311.68 314.96 318.24 321.52 324.80 Meters to Fathoms Meters 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 0.00 0.55 1.09 1.64 2.19 2.73 3.28 3.83 4.37 4.92 10 5.47 6.01 6.56 7.11 7.66 8.20 8.75 9.30 9.84 10.39 20 10.94 11.48 12.03 12.58 13.12 13.67 14.22 14.76 15.31 15.86 30 16.40 16.95 17.50 18.04 18.59 19.14 19.68 20.23 20.78 21.33 40 21.87 22.42 22.97 23.51 24.06 24.61 25.15 25.70 26.25 26.79 50 27.34 27.89 28.43 28.98 29.53 30.07 30.62 31.17 31.71 32.26 60 32.81 33.36 33.90 34.45 35.00 35.54 36.09 36.64 37.18 37.73 70 38.28 38.82 39.37 39.92 40.46 41.01 41.56 42.10 42.65 43.20 80 43.74 44.29 44.84 45.38 45.93 46.48 47.03 47.57 48.12 48.67 90 49.21 49.76 50.31 50.85 51.40 51 .95 52.49 53.04 53.59 54.13 VIII Pub. SAILING DIRECTIONS FORMATTON AND UGGESTION SHEET The National Imagery and Mapping Agency values your input for the next edition of Sailing Directions. Any additional information from you is greatly appreciated. For your ctJnvenience mailing is now easier with this self-addressed perforated page which may also be used to fax information directly. Fax: 301-227-3174 I~TERNET: SDPUBS@NIMA.MIL Contributor: Date: _____ Vessel: Address: Pub. number: Please prov de details of your observations. Indicate affected sector and paragraph, along with the date of observation. Pub.l23 -----------FOlD ---------- NATIONAL IMAGERY AND MAPPING AGENCY ST D44 4600 SANGAMORE ROAD BETHESDA MD 20816-5003 FOlD Pub.l23 Abbreviations The following abbreviations may be used in the text: Units ·c degree(s) CentigraJe km kilometer(s) m meter(s) em centimeter(s) cu.m. cubic meter(s) mb millibars megahertz dwt deadweight tons MHz mm millimeter(s) FEU forty-foot equivalent Jnits nrt net registered tons grt gross registered to1s TEU twenty-foot equivalent units kHz kilohertz Directions s south N north ssw southsouthwest NNE northnortheast SW southwest NE northeast WSW westsouthwest ENE eastnortheast w west E east WNW westnortbwest ESE eastsoutheast NW northwest SE southeast NNW northnorthwest SSE southsoutheast Vessel types Roll-on Roll-off LASH Lighter Aboard Ski p ro-ro ULCC Ultra Large Crude Carrier LNG Liquified Natural .Ja.> VLCC Very Large Crude Carrier LPG Liquified Petrolel.El Jas OBO Ore/Bulk/Oil Time GMT Greenwich Mean Time ETA estimated time of amval UTC Coordinated Universal Time ETD estimated time ofd eparture Water level LWS low water springs MSL mean sea level HW high water MHWN mean high water neaps mean high water springs LW low water MHWS mean low water neaps MHW mean high water MLWN mean low water springs MLW mean low water MLWS high water neaps HAT highest astronomical tide HWN HWS high water spring; LAT lowest astronomical tide LWN low water neaps Communications HF high frequency DIF direction finder very high frequency RIT radiotelephone VHF ultra high frequency LF low frequency UHF MF medium frequency Navigation LANBY Large Automatic avigation Buoy SPM Single Point Mooring NAVSAT Navigation Sateli te TSS Traffic Separation Scheme ODAS Ocean Data Acq isi:ion System VTC Vessel Traffic Center SBM Single Buoy Moc·ri .g VTS Vessel Traffic Service Miscellaneous COLREGS Collision Regula-ions IALA International Association of Lighthouse No./Nos. Number/Numbers PA Position approximate Authorities IHO International Hy ro0 raphic Office PD Position doubtful IMO International Maritime Organization Pub. Publication loa length overall St./Ste. Saint/Sainte XI Pub.123 IVORY COAST 57062 GULF OF GUINEA 57080 LOCATOR SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN 1" 1" ""= c ?' .... N Additional cha rt cover age may be round in CATP2, Catalog or Nautical Ch arts. SECTOR 1 -CHART INFORMATION .... ~ SECTOR! CAPE PALMAS TO CAPE SAINT PAUL Plan.-This sector describes the West African coast between Cape Palmas and Cape Sain Paul. The descriptive sequence is from W to E. General Remarks 1.1 The coast described in this sector is bordered by reefs and relatively elevated as far as the IV approaches to Cape Three Points, a distance of about 230 niles. It is fronted by a low, sloping, and sandy beach backed by tall vegetation. The W part of the coast, between Cape Pair::J.as and Cape Three Points, is high, rocky, and rises gradual y to the interior. The E part of this coast is low, sandy, and baoced by a number of lagoons. Several rivers discharge throug this stretch of the coast, but are of little navigational value. The shoreline, which is subject to a dangerous surf, consists n o.> tly of a sandy beach backed by tall brushwood . Winds-Weather.-The SE trade v...in system is the basic and most extensive wind regime in the ar:!a. Between S"S and 3o·s, winds blow from the SE quadrnn just about all year round . These trade winds are most stro• gly developed between 1o·s and 25"S, where their frequency ap roaches 85 percent. The average strength of these winds rarges from force 3 to 4 in the waters of the N part to force 4 to 5 in the waters lying between 2o · s and 3o ·s. Within 100 miles of the coast, between Mayumba (3. 24'S., 10.39'E.) and Cape Town, theSE trade::; are deflected and blow parallel to the coast, which results i a predominance of S winds. To the N of 20·N and to the W o f 1 o· w, in accordance with the counterclockwise flow arolild the South Atlantic Anticy cl one, the winds take on a more E component. Th e Doldrums, which is associated with the equatorial trough, is a band of light and variable w~ds. For most of the year, thi s band is located in the N part of the area, but from late Febru ary through March, it reaches lhe portion of the area lying N of the Equator. During these IIDntls, winds to theN of the Equator are calm for about 40 percent of the time. The most significant of the loca l wird regimes in the area is the Southwest Monsoon. This large scJ.le sea breeze occurs in theN sections over the Gulf of Guinea ard extends 100 to 200 miles inland. It is strongest from June th:! ough August, but is prevalent all year round. The monsoon is ll deflection of the SE trade winds toward the heated contine al interior. Its influence is fe lt up to 1o·s and it acts very muc1 t ke a land-sea breeze regime. At Douala (4"03'N., 9 ·41'E.), for example, while SW wind s are prevale nt duri ng the afternooo , heir frequency drops to 5 perce nt in the early morning hours The harmatta n, a wind of continental oigin, is hot, dry, and blows fro m the NE q uadra nt. It reaches the shores of the Gulf of Guinea and extends seaward. This w· d is prevalent from December thro ugh early March and is USl.l ally laden with fine dust, which ca n seriously impair visib. it) in the form of haze. The harmattan is found mainly bet\"een Cape Palmas and Douala. A local wind occurring to theN of the Congo River is known as a tornado. This should not be confused with the phenomenon, known by the same name, which occurs in the United States. African tornados are violent wind squalls which often accompany thunderstorms. They are most frequent from January to early May and from September to November. Tornados can originate either on the land and move seaward or over the water and move onshore. The barometer gives no warning, but a dark bank of cumulonimbus clouds, with tops reaching 6,000m or more, usually indicates the approach of a tornado. At the base of the cloud bank, there is generally a roll of low clouds and the atmosphere becomes still and oppressive as it approaches. A sudden wind squall, with gusts of 50 knots or more, occurs as the roll of low clouds passes overhead. Then, a few minutes later, rain begins and is accompanied by thunder and lightning . The rain is often very heavy and may reduce visibility to practically zero. The wind usually lasts for less than one hour, but the rain may continue longer. These tornados may be local or they may have the characteristics of a squall line, 100 miles or more wide. Occasionally, these tornados occur without any rain and are known appropriately as dry tornados. Gales are infrequent over most of the area. Along the coast and to the N of the Equator, they occur on 1 to 6 days annually. From the Equator to Walvis Bay, gales occur on less than 1 day per year. At Walvis Bay, gales can be expected on 14 days annually; 7 of these days occur in October while 4 of these days occur in July and August. To the S and into the subtropics, gale frequencies increase. At Cape Town, gales occur on an annual average of 22 days, with most from December through March. Over the ocean area, gales are infrequent to the N of 25"S. They occur for an average of 3 percent of the time from April through September between 25"S and 3o· s . The frequency of the gales increases rapidly to the S of 3o· s and from May through September they occur for I0 to 20 percent of the time between 3o·s and 35"S. During this same period, gales occur for 12 to 25 percent of the time between 35 ·s and 4o ·s. To the S of 4o · s, data is too sparse for an accurate analysis. All sea areas lying near the shores of the continents and larger islands are influenced by land and sea breezes. Modification of the prevailing winds by onshore winds during the afternoon and offshore winds during the early morning causes corresponding increases or decreases in sea heights. Gravity winds usually result when dense cold air, which accumulates on the continental highlands, flows rapidly down the slopes and out over the sea. They can produce high waves for a short distance from the shore. Tides-Currents.-The Guinea Current is felt in the vicinity of Cape Palmas and as far E as Pointe Tafou. It disappears about 100 miles ENE of this latter point and then resumes weakly to the E of Abidjan. The currents generally begin about 80 miles E of Abidjan and set inshore between this location and Cape Three Points. Pub.123 Sector 1. Cape Palmas to Cape Saint Paul The currents in the vicinity of Cape Three Points are variable in both strength and direction. A current setting E, with a rate as high as 3 knots, has been reported. Vessels heading W from Cape Saint Paul to Cape Three Points are advised to stay as close to the coast as safety permits. Such vessels usually encounter only a weak current with a rate of 0.4 knot. However, vessels taking the direct route generally encounter a current which ,at times, attains a rate of 3 knots. Depths-Limitations.-Depths in the approaches to this coast are deep and clear of dangers. The 200m curve lies generally parallel to the coa t and between 13 and 23 miles offshore. The only exception is Le Trou Sans Fond, in the approaches to Abidjan, where the 30m curve lies almost parallel to the coast and between 1 mile and 6 miles offshore. There are no known dangers outside of the 200m curve. Caution.-Vessels should not approach within 2.5 miles of the coast between Cape Palmas and the Cavalla River (4°22'N., 7°32'W.). The depths lying off the coast are very irregular, particularly in the vicinity of Growa Point W21 'N., T37'W.) and Cavalla Point W21'N., 7o36'W.). Cape Palmas to Abidjan 1.2 Cape Palmas W22'N., T44'W.), 19m high, is a rocky peninsula which is connected to the mainland by a low and sandy isthmus. Between this cape and Growa Point, 6.7 miles E, the coast consists of a high, sandy beach. A conspicuous black rock lies about 2.5 miles E of the cape. A shallow lagoon lies close behind the sandy foreshore and extends parallel to it for about 3.5 miles. The village of Buddu is situated near the E end of this lagoon. During the rainy season, the lagoon breaks through to the sea and flows out between the groups of houses standing in the village. Newill Rock, with a least depth of 6m, lies about 1.7 mile ESE of Cape Palmas. Athol Rock, with a least depth of 6.4m, lies about 3 miles WSW of Growa Point. Two rocky heads, with depths of 6.4 and 9.lm, lie about midway between Newill Rock and Athol Rock. A shoal patch, with a depth of 16.5m, was reported (1967) to lie about 4.5 miles SSE of Cape Palmas. Growa Point (4°2l'N., T37'W.) is a long, low, and rocky projection. Growa Reefs, on which the sea breaks heavily, extends up to about 0.8 mile SW and 0.4 mile S from this point. During good weather, landing is possible in the vicinity of the point, but a surf boat is necessary. Helene Woerman Rock, with a least depth of 3.7m, lies about 2.5 miles SW of Growa Point. This steep-to rock, which was reported not to break in the dry season (November to March), is the outermost danger along this part of the coast. A shoal patch, with a depth of 10m, lies about 1.7 miles SSW of Growa Point and another patch, with a least depth of 9m, lies between it and Growa Reefs. Harvey Rock, on which the sea always breaks, lies about 1.2 miles WSW of Growa Point. Several rocky patches, with depths of 5 to lOrn, lie within 0.5 mile of Harvey Rock. A patch, with a least depth of 9.lm, lies about 1 mile SSW of Cavalla Point. Foul ground, with several above-water rock , extends up to 0.8 mile from the coast between Growa Point and Cavalla Point. Cavalla Ledge, formed by a group of shoals, lies about 1 mile offshore, 2.8 miles ESE of Cavalla Point. The shallowest Pub.123 shoal, with a depth of less than 1.8m, breaks and lies at the NW end of the group. 1.3 The Cavally River W22'N., T32'W.) indents the coast 4 miles E of Cavalla Point. It is navigable up to about 40 miles above the mouth by small power vessels. This river forms the boundary between Liberia and the Ivory Coast. Two umbrella trees stand close together on the W side of the entrance and a small house, with a tiled roof, is situated close W of them. The entrance channel, which is about 90m wide between the sand banks, is constantly changing. Sunken rocks lie close offshore at the W side of this channel and the bar, which fronts the entrance, has the reputation of being the most dangerous along this part of the coast. The village of Blieron is situated on the E side of the entrance. A prominent white building, with a red roof and a flagstaff, is situated in the village. Anchorage may be obtained, in depths of 12 to 15m, sand and mud, about 1 mile S of this building. Between the Cavally River and Pointe Tafou, 10.5 miles ENE, the coast is low, sandy, and backed by a dense forest. It is broken occasionally by clumps of trees up to 60m high. A prominent flat-topped hill rises 3 miles N of the entrance to the river. It has a conspicuous knob, 94m high, standing close W of the center. In clear weather, thi knob is visible from up to 18 miles to seaward. A rounded, andy point is located 2.7 miles E of the mouth of the Cavally River and is fronted by extensive reefs, which extend up to about 0.8 mile seaward. Several rocks, up to 3.7m high, lie in the vicinity of these reefs. A stranded wreck, which was reported ( 1987) to be radar conspicuous, lies in the vicinity of these rocks. Subra Meno Point W22'N., T27'W.) is located 4.5 miles ENE of the mouth of the Cavally River and a stranded wreck lies 0.4 mileS of it. A 9.lm patch has been reported to lie 2.7 miles SE of the point. Rocks, which break, lie 0.7 mile offshore, 2.5 mile E of the point. Pointe Tafou W25'N., T22'W.), marked by a light, is a low and rocky point lying at the W entrance of the Tafou River. This river is small and used only by canoes. It was reported (1969) that the entrance had silted up and only the beach was in use. Pointe Basha W28'N., T15'W.) is located 7.5 miles NE of Pointe Tafou. The coast between consists of a sandy beach backed by densely wooded country. Pointe Basha, which shelters a loading anchorage, is surmounted by a rock which resembles the outline of a fort from the W. A buoy is moored 1.6 miles ENE of this point. Grand Basha, a village, stands on the N side of the entrance to a river, 1 mile N of the point. It may be identified by a prominent long and low house with a gray roof. Pointe Boubele, the S entrance point of the river, is marked by two beacons. A post, with a triangular daymark, stands 0.9 mile NNE of Pointe Boubele, but it is situated near the shore and not easily distinguished. A wharf, which is used by lighters, fronts the shore close N of Pointe Boubele. Anchorage may be obtained, with good holding ground, in depths of 12 to 16m, sand and broken shells with gravel, about 1 mile E of Pointe Boubele. The coast continues ENE for 13 miles from Pointe Basha to Pointe Poor. A long and narrow lagoon lies clo e behind the Sector 1. Cape Palmas to Cape Saint Paul beach, which fronts the coast for the last 8.2 miles. The sandy beach barrier that separates this lagoor:: from the sea is covered with trees, but occasional bare spots s how where the waters burst through in the rainy season. Pointe Poor (4. 32'N., T03'W.) is low, rocky, and fringed by rocks which extend up to about 0.3 mi1e seaward. 1.4 Poste de Bereby (Point Sag:ree) (4 . 34'N., T01'W.), located 2 miles NE of Pointe Poor, i; one of the few places along this part of the coast where landing is possible. Moderately high mountains rise 8 and 12 miles NNW of this point and provide good landmarks. An:.:borage can be taken, in a depth of 20m, sand, about 0.5 mile S3 of the point. Pointe Kadabou (4.39'N., 6. 54'W.} is located 8.5 miles NE of Poste de Bereby. The coast between consists of a succession of sandy bights divided by rocky point;. From about 1 mile NE of Poste de Bereby, an extensive chain of reefs lies parallel to the coaft and extends for about 4.5 miles. Dot Devil, with a black ba~e, lies 2.3 miles SW of Pointe Kadabou. This islet is 13m high and has a flat summit which has been whitened by numerou · sea birds settling on it. A shoal, which breaks, lies 0.3 mile N::'ffi of the islet. Pointe Kadabou consists of a bold rutd rocky cliff, 36m high, which can easily be recognized by a \olhite rock standing near its summit. The village of Basa (Grande Berebi) is situated on this point and several reddish house~ with a group of palm trees, are prominent from seaward. A roadstead, used mostly for loading timber, lies at the head of the bight entered N of Pointe Kadabou. A river, with a lagoo a at its entrance, empties into the head of this bight. Anchora!Y may be obtained, in a depth of 11m, about 0.5 mile E of Pointe Kadabou, or in a depth of 14m, about 1 mile ESE of the same point. R oche Katoum (4 .40'N., 6. 53'W.), ying about 1 mile NE of Pointe Kadabou, appears white on its u pper part, but becomes brown during the rainy season. Shoals :'!xtend up to about 200m seaward from the W and NE sides of ttis rock. Poin te Tab u (4"42'N., 6.42'W.) is lccated 13.5 miles ENE of Basa (Grande Berebi). The coast bet'Veen consists mostly of sandy beaches and is wooded with umerous villages. The shore is rocky and steep-to in place& umerous rocks, both above and below-water, lie off this coast and it should be given a wide berth. The coast from Pointe Tahu conti::mes for 6 miles to the entrance of the San-Pedro River. It is §enerally sandy, wooded, and fringed by rocks. Caution.-It was reported (1993) that the ro-ro ferry Jumbo is stranded ashore near Basa (Grand Berebi) in approximate position 4·39'N, 6. 55'W. It was reported (1995) that the a vessel had grounded in approximate position 4. 38'.5N, 6. 55.C'W, and that the owners intend to abandon the vessel as a cons.-uctive total loss. 1.5 San-Pedro (4 .44'N., 6. 37'W.) (World Port Index No. 45963), a partly-sheltered harbor, lies 1.5 miles SW of the mouth of the San-Pedro River. It is used mostly for the export of timber. Winds-Weather.-The harbor is exposed to E and NE winds and seas. At such times, a heavy swell may also be experienced at the quays. Tides-Currents.-The tidal range in the harbor is about 1.5m. The tidal currents attain rates of 0.5 to 1 knot at the entrance, but are less inside the harbor. A strong undertow may be felt within the harbor between June and September. Depths-Limitations.-The harbor is entered through a channel, 137m wide, which is dredged to a depth of 12m. There are three principal quays. The W quay has 586m of berthage, with a depth of 10.5m alongside. The E quay has 1,120m of berthage with depths of 8.5 to 10.5m alongside. Vessels of up to 25,000 dwt, 220m in length, and 9.8m draft can be accommodated. The S quay, 154m long, has a dredged depth of 10.5m alongside. It can be used by vessels of up to 150m in length and 8.5m draft. Several head and stem mooring buoys are situated in depths of 10 to 11m within theN part of the harbor. They form berths which may be used by vessels of 100 to 200m in length with drafts of 8.5 to 10.5m. A cement berth, 200m long, lies on the NW side of the harbor and has a depth of 11m alongside. It can accommodate vessels of up to 195m in length and 10.5m draft. A tanker berth lies on the W side of the E quay. It can accommodate vessels of up to 90m in length and 5.5m draft. A turning basin, 400m in diameter, lies in the center of the harbor and is dredged to a depth of 11m. Aspect.-Two multi-storied buildings, the E of which is taller, stand on the coast, close WSW of the harbor entrance. A conspicuous radio tower is situated 0.6 mile WNW of the harbor entrance. A main light (San-Pedro) is shown from a metal framework tower, 27m high, surmounting theE end of the summit of a hill which rises 1 mile NE of the harbor entrance. A prominent building and a silo stand 0.9 mile and 1.3 miles WSW, respectively, of the light. A lighted range, which may best be seen on the chart, indicates the entrance channel. Pilotage.-Pilotage is compulsory. Pilots can be contacted by VHF and board about 1 mile off the harbor entrance. Vessels should send their ETA 24 hours in advance, with a confirmation message 3 hours before arrival. Generally, vessels may enter by day only, but can depart by day or at night. Anchorage.-Vessels may anchor, while awaiting a pilot, in a depth of 18m, sand with good holding ground, 0.8 mile SSE of the head of the W breakwater. Anchorage is not recommended W of the meridian passing through the head of the W breakwater. Caution.-It was reported (1996) that the dredged areas in the harbor are no longer maintained and depths are less than charted in many places. 1.6 Between San-Pedro and Sassandra, 34 miles ENE, the coast generally consists of cliffs backed by mountains, some peaks of which are conspicuous. Collines Temple, 158m high, rises 7 miles NE of San-Pedro and marks the W end of a coastal mountainous chain which extends ENE for 27 miles. Pointe Monoho (Pointe Drewin) (4 . 48'N., 6. 26'W.) is located 5 miles E of Collines Temple. This point is prominent, high, rocky, abrupt, and wooded. It is fringed by several rocks which extend up to about 150m NNE. Landing can be effected on the gently sloping beach which lies in the sheltered inlet, P ub. 123 Sector 1. Cape Palmas to Cape Saint Paul close W of the point. Anchorage may be obtained, in a depth of 11m, 0.3 mile E of the point. Pointe Enframa (4"52'N., 6°13'W.) is located 14 miles ENE of Pointe Monoho. The coast between is formed by a succession of small, rocky points with sandy beaches extending between them. The shore is fringed, in places, by reefs. The villages of Basa and Lolieko are situated 6.2 miles and 7.5 miles NE, respectively, of the point. 1.7 Sassandra (4"57'N., 6°05'W.), a harbor, is dominated on the W side by an abrupt headland which is 67m high and covered with luxuriant vegetation. The town stands between this headland and the entrance of the River Sassandra, 0.8 mile NNE. The harbor was reported (1983) to be permanently closed. A school stands near the coast, 0.7 mile SW of Sassandra. It is conspicuous, well-lighted, and reported to be visible from up to about 15 miles seaward. A conspicuous hospital, consisting of a large whi te building, stands on a rocky spur, 45m high , and overlooks the town. A navigational light is shown from a tower, 1Om high, standing on the headland which rises on the W side of the former harbor; however, it is reported that the lights of the town are usually seen before this aid. The coast extending to theE of Sassandra is flat for 3.5 miles and then hilly for 2.5 miles. The hills attain heights of about 110m and are broken by ravines. Pointe Brouko (Pointe Mortality) (4 °59'N., 5°58'W.) is located 7 miles ENE of Sassandra;several villages are situated in this vicinity. The point is prominent, bold, and steep-to. From about 7 miles ENE of Pointe Brouko, a series of red cliffs begin and extend for 18 miles to Fresco. A beach stretches to the E of Fresco and is bordered by a row of trees in the middle of which is a wood. Between Fresco and Grand-Lahou, 34 miles E, the coast is low and thinly wooded. It is bordered by a sandy beach on which the heavy surf frequently makes communication with the shore impossible. 1.8 Grand-Lahou (5"09'N., 5o00'W.) (World Port Index No. 45970) stands on the W side of the entrance to the Bandama River. This town can be identified by two prominent houses, one with a black and the other with a red roof, standing at the W end. The entrance to the river is very narrow and is fronted by a dangerous bar. The yellowish water from the river can be seen to the E of the mouth and up to nearly 2 miles offshore. A main light is shown from a tower, 17m high, standing in the town. A racon is situated at the light. Anchorage may be taken, in a depth of 15m, sand and mud, about 0.5 mile SSE of the light. The holding ground is good, but vessels roll heavily at this anchorage. Between Grand-Lahou and Abidjan, 61 miles E, the coast is bordered by a sandy beach. Numerous villages are situated along the shore, but are difficult to identify. The only danger is a shoal patch, with a least depth of 5m, lying about 4 miles ESE of the light at Grand-Lahou. Lagune Eerie lies behind the coast, about 13 miles E of Grand-Lahou. This lagoon extends in a W to E direction for about 65 miles and contains numerous islands. Pub.123 Grande Jack (5 °11 'N., 4 °28'W.) is situated 29 miles E of Grand-Lahou. This village can be identified by the mass of foliage in the background and a prominent house with a white roof standing close E of it. Jacqueville (5"12'N., 4 °23'W.) (World Port Index No. 45980), situated 37 miles E of Grand-Lahou, can be identified by a group of white houses, two water towers, and a church. The entire length of the village is fronted by palms. 1.9 Le Trou Sans Fond (The Bottomless Pit) (5 °13'N., 3o58'W.) is a funnel-shaped submarine canyon which penetrates the coastal bank in the approaches to Abidjan. At a distance of 9 miles offshore, this canyon has a width of about 4 miles and a depth of over 800m. It still has a depth of 200m about 1.3 miles offshore, while at the head, close to the edge of the beach, there is a depth of 40m. Caution.-An oil and gas field lies centered 16 miles SE of Grand-Lahou. It is reported (1995) to consist of three platforms, a storage tanker, and an SBM. The platforms are supported by several high strength cables in a triangular formation that radiate out at 7.6m below the sea level and then connect to the seabed. Vessels are requested to give this field a wide berth. A restricted area, which may best be seen on the chart, lies centered 8 miles S of Grande Jack and surrounds an abandoned oil field. Due to the existence of underwater obstructions, anchoring and fishing are prohibited within this area. Abidjan (5.15'N., 4•01 'W.) World Port Index No. 46000 1.10 Abidjan is the capital and principal port of the Ivory Coast. It provides a sheltered harbor and is also a major railroad terminal. Winds-Weather.-The wind usually blows from the SW with frequent calms, especially during the dry seasons. A dry wind blows occasionally from ENE between December and February. Hurricanes are frequent, particularly in April, May, October, and November. The weather in this vicinity consists of four seasons, as follows: 1. A long dry season from December to April. 2. A long rainy season from May to the middle of July. 3. A short dry season from the middle of July to September or October. 4. A short rainy season from September or October to November, A swell from the SW, which never quite subsides, generally attains a height of 0.3m and causes rollers along the beach in the vicinity of the port. This swell has been reported to occasionally attain a height of 1.8m during June, July, and August. Tides-Currents.-The tides rise about 1.2m at springs and 0.9m at neaps. At springs, the ebb tidal current attains a rate of about 6 knots at the eaward end of Canal de Vridi. The flood current is weaker and at neaps and during the rainy season, it is imperceptible. At the entrance of Canal de Vridi, the tidal currents sometimes set toward theW bank with strong eddies. At such Sector 1. Cape Palmas to Cape Saint Paul times, vessels should use care a~ they may encounter difficulties in maneuvering, particular!; heavily loaded tankers. Depths-Limitations.-The port i~ entered through Canal de Vridi which is about 1.5 miles long. This canal has a width of 370m, except at the seaward end where it is only about 200m wide. The canal has been dredged (1992) to a depth of 13.5m.. Vessels can transit through the canal when the tidal current is setting at a rate of less than 2 knots.. At neaps, this occurs anytime. At springs, this occurs from 1 hour before to 1 hour after HW and from 1 hour before to 30 minutes after LW. Large vessels are advised to arrive at the entrance to the canal atHW. Overhead power cables, with a min mum vertical clearance of 66m, span the canal, 0.6 mile NW of the S entrance. A tanker berth, consisting of an L-shaped jetty, lies near the middle of the E bank of the canal. It is equipped with breasting dolphins and mooring buoys and has a d epth of 1Om alongside. Vessels of up to 21Om in length rnd 9.I m draft can be accommodated. A mineral pier, with a depth of 8m alongside, lies in the N part of the E bank of the canal. A private fertilizer pier, 90m long, lies close E of the mineral pier and can accommodate vessels of up to 130m in length and 7. _m draft. South Quay, 0.8 mile long, extends N from a point located 0.5 mile NE of the N end of the cancl. It provides ten berths and is reported (1989) to have depths cp to 12.5m alongside. A ro-ro pier is situated S of South Quay. his 200m long and has a depth of 12.5m alongside. A fishing vessel basin is situated M of South Quay. It has 1,050m of berthage with depths of 5 to 7m alongside. West Quay, 0.8 mile long, extends NW from the fishing basin. It provides ten berths and has a depth cf 10m alongside. North Quay, 0.4 mile long, extends NE frorr West Quay. It provides five berths and has a depth of 10m alongside. Banana Wharf, 240m long, lies N of North Quay. It provides two berths and has a depth of 7m alon~side. There are facilities for general cargo, ro-ro, container, timber, fruit, bulk, tanker, and fishing vessels. Vessels of up to 260m in length and 11.3m draft can be accommodated, but the maximum draft for entry is sometimes reduced to 9m during periods of heavy swell. It was reported (1995) that vessels Jf up to 220m in length could only enter with drafts up to lOAm and vessels of up to 260m in length could only enter with drafts up to 9.1m. Aspect.-Lighted ranges, which rr:ay best be seen on the chart, indicate the channel leading to the canal entrance. An outer lighted buoy, equipped with a racon, is moored about 0.9 mile SE of the S entrance of the canal. Several oil tanks, flares, a refinery, and a signal station, all prominent, stand on the E side of tre canal. A conspicuous crane stands on the W side of the entnmce to the canal. A main light is shown from a cons{icuous tower, 27m high, standing 2.5 miles E of the S canal en ance. The government palace, a large pwminent building, stands on a small hill, in the SW part of the town. Two conspicuous power station chimneys stand on theE side of the canal, 0.7 mile NW of the signal station. Pylons, supporting the overhead power cable, stand close S of the po"Ver station and are also conspicuous. Ile Boulet (5"16'N., 4 •06'W.) forms theW side of the canal. It has a wall, painted white, bearing 313 • ahead. It is used as a mark by vessels transiting the canal. Pilotage.-Pilotage is compulsory for vessels of more than 150 nrt. Pilots can be contacted by VHF and generally board about 0.5 mile ENE of Lighted Buoy R. All vessels should send an ETA 24 and 6 hours in advance. A confirmation message should then be sent 1 hour before arrival. Regulations.-A Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) is in operation in the approach to Canal de Vridi. The VTS Control Zone is a circular area, with a radius of 1 mile, centered on Lighted Buoy R. The VTS center, call sign Vigie, can be contacted on VHF channel 12 and 16. Anchorage.-Vessels awaiting the pilot should anchor W of the meridian passing through the S entrance point of Canal de Vridi. Vessels should anchor in depths of over 20m, sand with good holding ground, at least 1 to 2 miles off the coast. Caution.-Several submarine cables, which may best be seen on the chart, lie across Canal de Vridi. A dangerous wreck is reported to lie about 0.5 mile SSW of the S entrance to Canal de Vridi. Large vessels must comply with certain conditions and entry to the port may be delayed by adverse conditions of swell, current, or tide. The local authorities should be contacted in advance for the latest information concerning any restrictions. Abidjan to Takoradi 1.11 Port-Bouet Offshore Terminal (5"14'N., 3•58'W.) (World Port Index No. 45990) lies 2.7 miles E of the entrance to Canal de Vridi and serves the refinery at Abidjan. An outer lighted buoy is moored 1.6 miles SSW of Port Bouet. Submarine pipelines extend 0.9 mile SSE and 2.1 miles SSW from the vicinity of Port-Bouet. A berth, consisting of several mooring buoys, lies at the seaward end of the W pipeline. It can handle tankers of up to 80,000 dwt, from 170 to 270m in length, and up to 14m draft. A berth, consisting of an SBM, is moored at the seaward end of the E pipeline. It can handle tankers of up to 250,000 dwt, 200m in length, and 21m draft. The SSW swell in the vicinity of the berths usually attains a height of 1.5m, but can reach a height of 2.7m during July and August. Pilotage.-Pilotage is compulsory. Pilots can be contacted by VHF and board about 2 miles SSW of the outer lighted buoy moored off Canal de Virdi. Tugs are compulsory. Vessels must send their ETA through their agents 72 and 24 hours in advance. Vessels must also contact the Abidjan Port Master the day before arrival at the Vridi roadstead and at least 6 hours before arrival to confirm the ETA. Caution.-A restricted area, which may best be seen on the chart, surrounds the offshore terminal. Vessels not proceeding to or from the terminal are prohibited from entering this area without prior permission. Belier Oil Field cs·os'N., 3·so'W.), conSISting of one production platform, lies centered 11 miles SSE of Port-Bouet. A submarine pipeline extends between this field and PortBouet. Pub.123 Sector 1. Cape Palmas to Cape Saint Paul 1.12 Grand Bassam (5 . 12'N., 3.43'W.), situated 15 miles ESE ofPort-Bouet, stands on the narrow and sandy neck which separates Lagune Ouladine from the sea. A ruined pier extends S from the town and the Komoe River (Flueve Comoe) flows into the sea 2 miles E of it. Three radio masts and a tower are situated 2.7 miles ENE and 0.8 mile E, respectively, of the pier. The yellowish waters of the river discolor the sea up to about 4 or 5 miles offshore. Vessels anchoring at Grand Bassam usually moor, in depths of 11 to 18m, good holding ground, off the ruined pier. Local knowledge is advised. Canal d'Assinie (Assinic River) (5 . 07'N., 3· 11'W.) lies with its mouth about 27 miles E of Grand Bassam. The coast between is fringed by trees, 30 to 35m high, and numerous huts are situated along the beach. The bar, which fronts the river, is often impassable and can only be crossed by small craft. A village stands close W of the river entrance; the town of Assinie is situated 8 miles E of it. 1.13 The coast extends 42 miles E from the entrance to Canal d'Assinie and is formed by a sandy beach, with lagoons and swamps, backed by hills. The interior of the country consists of thick forest. The boundary between the Ivory Coast and Ghana lies about 13 miles E of the entrance to Canal d'Assinie. The Ankobra River (4"54'N., 2· 16'W.) is fronted by a shallow bar and boats should not attempt to cross it without local knowledge. With a heavy swell, the sea breaks in depths of less than 5m in the vicinity of the river entrance. Several rocks, above and below-water, lie close outside the mouth of the river. Axim Bay is entered close S of the entrance to the river. It lies between Akrumasi Point and Pepre Point, 2.5 miles SSE. The N shore of this bay is sandy and the E shore is rocky. The shores are backed by densely wooded land which rises to hills, 60 to 90m high. Round Hill, 77m high, rises 1.2 miles E of Akrumasi Point. 1.14 Axim (4 . 52'N., 2•15'W.) (World Port Index No. 46020), an anchorage port for timber, lies at the E side of the bay, 0.7 mile N of Pepre Point. Bobowasi Island, which is marked by a light, lies 0.4 mile NNW of Pepre Point and is connected to the coast by a reef. Litton Rock, with a least depth of 6.4m, lies about 2.3 miles W of the S extremity of Bobowasi Island. It is surrounded by rocky patches, with depths of 7 to 9m, which extend up to 0.3 mile seaward. Watts Rock, with a least depth of 6.7m, lies 0.7 mile S of Pepre Point and is surrounded by foul ground. Heaven Rock, with a least depth of 2.lm, lies about 1 mile W of Bobowasi Island and is also surrounded by foul ground. Depths of less than 9m lie close W, N, and ESE of this rock. Benin Rock, with a least depth of 6.4m, lies 0.4 mile NW of Bobowasi Island. Anchorage may be obtained in a depth of 9m, good holding ground, 0.7 mile WNW of Bobowasi Island and midway between Heaven Rock and Benin Rock. The coast between Axim and Cape Three Points, 12 miles SE, is indented by several bays. Cape Three Points (4 . 45'N., 2·05'W.) is the name given to the middle one of three points which form a section of the Pub . 123 coast, 3.5 miles long. The entire face of this section, from West Point to East Point, consists of a series of hills with abrupt sides and rocky points. A light is shown from a tower, 19m high, standing on the S extremity of the cape. Cape Shoal, a group of dangerous rocks, lies 0.8 mile SSW of Cape Three Points and has a least depth of 4.6m. The sea does not always break on this group and even with heavy rollers, the rocks only break at considerable intervals of time. Vessels are advised to stay in depths of at least 35m in this vicinity. 1.15 Achowa Point (4. 46'N., 1. 58'W.) is located 6 miles ENE of Cape Three Points. The coast between is bold and rocky for nearly 1 mile. It then becomes an undulating plain fronted by a sandy beach. The depths offshore between these points are very irregular and vessels should not approach the coast without local knowledge. Achowa Point is composed of several rocky projections, with reefs extending a short distance from each of them. Several above-water rocks lie close off the W side of the point and may be seen distinctly from seaward. A rock, with a least depth of 5.5m, lies 0.4 mile SSW of the outermost above-water rock. A rock, with a least depth of 18m, lies about 2.5 miles S of the point. Adoblo Rock (4"50'N., 1 · 53'W.) lies at the end of a sandy projection which extends about 6.5 miles NE of Achowa Point. It is large, black, and shaped like a haystack. Between this rock and Takoradi, 9 miles ENE, the character of the coast changes and the shore is fronted by reefs, irregular depths, and rocky shoals. Vessels are advised to keep in depths of at least 20m because of the numerous dangers. 1.16 Takoradi (4 .53'N., 1 · 44'W.) (World Port Index No. 46040), a sheltered harbor, lies in the SW part of Takoradi Bay, which is entered between Takoradi Point and Sekondi Point, 4 miles NE. Winds-Weather.-Squalls occur from the middle of February to the beginning of June and from the middle of October to the middle of December. They approach from between NE and SE, but usually from the former direction. The rainy season is from July to September. Tides-Currents.-The tidal currents set in and out of the harbor entrance and run parallel to Lee Breakwater. Their effect is slightly noticeable in the E part of the harbor, but elsewhere it is nearly imperceptible. Outside the harbor, a current sets E along the N side of Lee Breakwater and across the entrance. Rollers, which generally break W of Takoradi Point, are comparatively slight within the bay. Depths-Limitations.-The harbor entrance was reported (1995) to have a depth of 10.6m. The port has 1,400m of principal quayage, which provides seven main berths. These berths are 157 to 225m long and have depths of 8.6 to 10m alongside. There are facilities for general cargo, ore, bulk, ro-ro, and tanker vessels. Vessels of up to 186m in length and 9.2m draft can be accommodated. In addition, nine mooring buoy berths are situated in the S part of the harbor. These berths can be used by vessels of 103 to 182m in length and up to 9.8m draft. Sector 1. Cape Palmas to Cape Saint Paul Aspect.-Takoradi Reef extends 0.6 mile S and 1 mile E of Takoradi Point. The harbor is formed by two breakwaters. Main Breakwater extends E and NNE along the N side of the reef. Lee Breakwater extends E from point lying 0.4 mile N of the root of Main Breakwater. The: e breakwaters form an entrance, about 200m wide, which faces N. A conspicuous hotel, over 30m high, stands 0.3 mile WNW of Takoradi Point. A prominent clock k>wer and a water tower, marked by a light, stand close together 0.3 mile W of the inner end of the harbor. Several prominent oil tanks are situc:ted near the root of Lee Breakwater Three radio masts stand 1.5 miles NNW of the root of Main Breakwater. Pilotage.-Pilotage is compulsory and is available from 0600 to 1800 hours for arrivals and )600 to 2300 hours for departures. Vessels should confirm th ir ETA when within 30 miles of the port. Pilots can be conta·:;ted by VHF and board 0.7 mile NE of the head of Main Breal