NP 1

RECORD OF AMENDMENTS

The table below is to record Section IV Notices to Mariners amendments affecting this volume.Subparagraph numbers in the margin of the body of the book are to assist the user when making amendments to this volume.

Weekly Notices to Mariners (Section IV)

2006 2007 2008 2009

IMPORTANT SEE RELATED ADMIRALTY PUBLICATIONSThis is one of a series of publications produced by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office which should be consulted by users ofAdmiralty Charts. The full list of such publications is as follows:

Notices to Mariners (Annual, permanent, temporary and preliminary), Chart 5011 (Symbols and abbreviations), The MarinersHandbook (especially Chapters 1 and 2 for important information on the use of UKHO products, their accuracy and limitations),Sailing Directions (Pilots), List of Lights and Fog Signals, List of Radio Signals, Tide Tables and their digital equivalents.

All charts and publications should be kept up to date with the latest amendments.

NP 1

AFRICA PILOTVOLUME I

Arquiplago da MadeiraIslas Canarias

Arquiplago de Cabo VerdeWest coast of Africa from

Cap Spartel to Bakassi Peninsula

FOURTEENTH EDITION2006

PUBLISHED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE

ii

Crown Copyright 2006

To be obtained from Agentsfor the sale of Admiralty Charts and Publications

Copyright for some of the material inthis publication is owned by the authority

named under the item and permission for itsreproduction must be obtained from the owner.

Previous editions:

First published as Western Coast of Africa 1849. . . . . . . . 2nd Edition as Africa Pilot Volume I 1856. . . . . . . . . . . . 3rd Edition 1873. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4th Edition 1880. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5th Edition 1890. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6th Edition 1899. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7th Edition 1907. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8th Edition 1920. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9th Edition 1930. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10th Edition 1939. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11th Edition 1953. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12th Edition 1967. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13th Edition 1982. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iii

PREFACE

The Fourteenth Edition of Africa Pilot Volume I has been compiled by Mr Hemant Vora. The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office hasused all reasonable endeavours to ensure that this pilot contains all the appropriate information obtained by and assessed by it at the dateshown below. Information received or assessed after that date will be included in Admiralty Notics to Mariners where appropriate. If indoubt, see The Mariners Handbook for details of what Admiralty Notics to Mariners are and how to use them.

This edition supersedes the Thirteenth Edition (1982) and Supplement No 8 (2002), which are cancelled.

Information on currents and climate has been based on data supplied by the Met Office, Exeter.

The following sources of information, other than UKHO Publications and Ministry of Defence papers, have been consulted:

BritishFairplay Ports Guide 2004/2005Lloyds List Ports of the World 2004/2005Lloyds Shipping Statistics 2004.Whitakers Almanack 2005The Statemans Year Book 2005Cruising Guide to W Africa 1997, RCC Pilotage Foundation.

PortugueseRoteiro da Costa de Portugal, Arquiplago da Madeira, 2001.

SpanishDerrotero de la Costa W de Africa, 1996.

FrenchC4Instructions nautiques, Afrique (cte ouest) 1997.

United StatesPub.143, Sailing Directions W Coast of Europe and N W Africa, 2003.Pub.123, Sailing Directions S W Coast of Africa, 2001.

Dr D W WilliamsUnited Kingdom National Hydrographer

The United Kingdom Hydrographic OfficeAdmiralty WayTauntonSomerset TA1 2DNEngland16th March 2006

CONTENTSPages

Preface iii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contents iv. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Explanatory notes vi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abbreviations viii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glossary x. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index chartlets facing 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHAPTER 1

Navigation and regulationsLimits of the book (1.1) 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigational dangers and hazards (1.2) 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Traffic and operations (1.5) 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charts (1.17) 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aids to navigation (1.22) 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pilotage (1.27) 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Radio facilities (1.28) 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regulations (1.40) 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Signals (1.56) 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Distress and rescue (1.58) 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Countries and portsArquiplago da Madeira (1.75) 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Islas Canarias (1.85) 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Republic of Cape Verde (1.95) 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Kingdom of Morocco (1.105) 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Islamic Republic of Mauritania (1.115) 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Republic of Sngal (1.125) 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Republic of The Gambia (1.135) 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Republic of GuineaBissau (1.145) 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Republic of Guinea (1.155) 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Republic of Sierra Leone (1.165) 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Republic of Liberia (1.175) 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Republic of Cte dIvoire (1.185) 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Republic of Ghana (1.195) 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Republic of Togo (1.205) 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Republic of Benin (1.215) 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Federal Republic of Nigeria (1.225) 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Principal ports, harbours and anchorages (1.235) 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Port services summary (1.236) 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Natural conditionsMaritime topography (1.241) 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Currents and tidal streams (1.247) 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sea and swell (1.257) 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sea water characteristics (1.262) 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Climate and weather (1.266) 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Climate tables (1.291) 49. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meteorological conversion table and scales (1.312) 71. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHAPTER 2Arquiplago da Madeira and Islas Selvagens 73. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHAPTER 3Islas Canarias 85. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHAPTER 4Arquiplago de Cabo Verde 113. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHAPTER 5Cap Spartel to Punta Durnford 135. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 6

Punta Durnford to Dakar 175. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHAPTER 7

Dakar to Rio Nunez 205. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHAPTER 8

Rio Nunez to Blubarra Point 249. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHAPTER 9

Blubarra Point to Abidjan 285. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHAPTER 10

Abidjan to Tema 307. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHAPTER 11

Tema to Forcados River 325. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHAPTER 12v

Forcados River to Calabar 355. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DISTANCE TABLEDistance table 378. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

INDEXIndex 379. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

vi

EXPLANATORY NOTES

Admiralty Sailing Directions are intended for use by vessels of 150 gt or more. They amplify charted detail and contain informationneeded for safe navigation which is not available from Admiralty charts, or other hydrographic publications. They are intended to be read inconjunction with the charts quoted in the text.

This volume of the Sailing Directions will be kept up-to-date by the issue of a new edition at intervals of approximately 3 years, withoutthe use of supplements. In addition important amendments which cannot await the new edition are published in Section IV of the weeklyeditions of Admiralty Notices to Mariners. A list of such amendments and notices in force is published quarterly. Those still in force at the endof the year are reprinted in the Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices to Mariners.

This volume should not be used without reference to Section IV of the weekly editions of Admiralty Notices to Mariners.

CDROM

Status. A compact disc is provided at the back of this volume. The paper publication of Sailing Directions satisfies the requirements ofChapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. The CD version does not satisfy these requirements and should onlybe used in conjunction with the paper publication and any amendments affecting the paper publication. Where any discrepancy existsbetween data on the CD and in the paper publication of Sailing Directions, the paper publication (inclusive of amendments) is to be reliedupon.

Disclaimer. Whilst the UKHO has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that the data on the CD was accurate at the time of production, ithas not verified the data for navigational purposes and the CD is not suitable, and is not to be relied upon, for navigation. The use of the CD forthis purpose is at the users own risk. The UKHO accepts no liability (except in the case of death or personal injury caused by the negligenceof the UKHO) whether in contract, tort, under any statute or otherwise and whether or not arising out of any negligence on the part of theUKHO in respect of any inadequacy of any kind whatsoever in the data on the CD or in the means of distribution.

Conditions of release. The material supplied on the CDROM is protected by Crown Copyright. No part of the data may be reproduced,stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwisewithout the prior written permission of the UKHO. The copyright material, its derivatives and its outputs may not be sold or distributed orcommercially exploited in either an original or derived form without the prior written permission of the UKHO. For the avoidance of doubt,the supplied material, its derivatives and its outputs shall not be placed, or allowed to be placed, on a computer accessible to Third Partieswhether via the Internet or otherwise. The release of the supplied material in no way implies that the UKHO will supply further material.

References to hydrographic and other publications

The Mariners Handbook gives general information affecting navigation and is complementary to this volume.

Ocean Passages for the World and Routeing Charts contain ocean routeing information and should be consulted for other than coastalpassages.

Admiralty List of Lights should be consulted for details of lights, lanbys and fog signals, as these are not fully described in this volume.Admiralty List of Radio Signals should be consulted for information relating to coast and port radio stations, radio details of pilotage

services, radar beacons and radio direction finding stations, meteorological services, radio aids to navigation, Global Maritime Distress andSafety System (GMDSS) and Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) stations, as these are only briefly referred to in this volume.

Annual Summary of Admiralty Notices to Mariners contains in addition to the temporary and preliminary notices, and amendments andnotices affecting Sailing Directions, a number of notices giving information of a permanent nature covering radio messages and navigationalwarnings, distress and rescue at sea and exercise areas.

The International Code of Signals should be consulted for details of distress and life-saving signals, international ice-breaker signals aswell as international flag signals.

Remarks on subject matterBuoys are generally described in detail only when they have special navigational significance, or where the scale of the chart is too small

to show all the details clearly.

Chart index diagrams in this volume show only those Admiralty charts of a suitable scale to give good coverage of the area. Marinersshould consult NP 131 Catalogue of Admiralty Charts and Publications for details of larger scale charts.

Chart references in the text normally refer to the largest scale Admiralty chart but occasionally a smaller scale chart may be quoted whereits use is more appropriate.

Firing, practice and exercise areas. Submarine exercise areas are mentioned in Sailing Directions. Other firing, practice and exerciseareas maybe mentioned with limited details. Signals and buoys used in connection with these areas maybe mentioned if significant fornavigation. Attention is invited to the Annual Notice to Mariners on this subject.

EXPLANATORY NOTES

vii

Names have been taken from the most authoritative source. When an obsolete name still appears on the chart, it is given in bracketsfollowing the proper name at the principal description of the feature in the text and where the name is first mentioned.

Tidal information relating the daily vertical movements of the water is not given; for this Admiralty Tide Tables should be consulted.Changes in water level of an abnormal nature are mentioned.

Time difference used in the text when applied to the time of High Water found from the Admiralty Tide Tables, gives the time of the eventbeing described in the Standard Time kept in the area of that event. Due allowance must be made for any seasonal daylight saving time whichmay be kept.

Wreck information is included where drying or below-water wrecks are relatively permanent features having significance fornavigation or anchoring.

Units and terminology used in this volume

Latitude and Longitude given in brackets are approximate and are taken from the chart quoted.

Bearings and directions are referred to the true compass and when given in degrees are reckoned clockwise from 000 (North) to 359Bearings used for positioning are given from the reference object.Bearings of objects, alignments and light sectors are given as seen from the vessel.Courses always refer to the course to be made good over the ground.

Winds are described by the direction from which they blow.

Tidal streams and currents are described by the direction towards which they flow.

Distances are expressed in sea miles of 60 to a degree of latitude and sub-divided into cables of one tenth of a sea mile.

Depths are given below chart datum, except where otherwise stated.

Heights of objects refer to the height of the object above the ground and are invariably expressed as ... m in height.

Elevations, as distinct from heights, are given above Mean High Water Springs or Mean Higher High Water whichever is quoted inAdmiralty Tide Tables, and expressed as, an elevation of ... m. However the elevation of natural features such as hills may alternatively beexpressed as ... m high since in this case there can be no confusion between elevation and height.

Metric units are used for all measurements of depths, heights and short distances, but where feet/fathoms charts are referred to, theselatter units are given in brackets after the metric values for depths and heights shown on the chart.

Time is expressed in the four-figure notation beginning at midnight and is given in local time unless otherwise stated. Details of local timekept will be found in Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.

Bands is the word used to indicate horizontal marking.

Stripes is the word used to indicate markings which are vertical, unless stated to be diagonal.

Conspicuous objects are natural and artificial marks which are outstanding, easily identifiable and clearly visible to the mariner over alarge area of sea in varying conditions of light. If the scale is large enough they will normally be shown on the chart in bold capitals and may bemarked conspic.

Prominent objects are those which are easily identifiable, but do not justify being classified as conspicuous.

viii

ABBREVIATIONSThe following abbreviations are used in the text:

AIS Automatic Identification SystemALC Articulated loading columnALP Articulated loading platformAMVER Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue

System

C degrees CelsiusCALM Catenary anchor leg mooringCBM Conventional buoy mooringCDC Certain Dangerous CargoCVTS Cooperative Vessel Traffic System

DF direction findingDG degaussingDGPS Differential Global Positioning SystemDW Deep WaterDSC Digital Selective Callingdwt deadweight tonnageDZ danger zone

E east (easterly, eastward, eastern, easternmost)EEZ exclusive economic zoneELSBM Exposed location single buoy mooringENE east-north-eastEPIRB Emergency Position Indicating Radio BeaconESE east-south-eastETA estimated time of arrivalETD estimated time of departureEU European Union

feu forty foot equivalent unitfm fathom(s)FPSO Floating production storage and offloading

vesselFPU Floating production unitFSO Floating storage and offloading vesselft foot (feet)

g/cm3 gram per cubic centimetreGMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety SystemGPS Global Positioning SystemGRP glass reinforced plasticgrt gross register tonnagegt gross tonnage

HAT Highest Astronomical TideHF high frequencyHMS Her (His) Majestys Shiphp horse powerhPa hectopascalHSC High Speed CraftHW High Water

IALA International Association of LighthouseAuthorities

IHO International Hydrographic OrganizationIMO International Maritime OrganizationITCZ Intertropical Convergence Zone

JRCC Joint Rescue Coordination Centre

kHz kilohertzkm kilometre(s)kn knot(s)

kW kilowatt(s)

Lanby Large automatic navigation buoyLASH Lighter Aboard ShipLAT Lowest Astronomical TideLF low frequencyLHG Liquefied Hazardous GasLMT Local Mean TimeLNG Liquefied Natural GasLOA Length overallLPG Liquefied Petroleum GasLW Low Water

m metre(s)mb millibar(s)MCTS Marine Communications and Traffic Services

CentresMF medium frequencyMHz megahertzMHHW Mean Higher High WaterMHLW Mean Higher Low WaterMHW Mean High WaterMHWN Mean High Water NeapsMHWS Mean High Water SpringsMLHW Mean Lower High WaterMLLW Mean Lower Low WaterMLW Mean Low WaterMLWN Mean Low Water NeapsMLWS Mean Low Water Springsmm millimetre(s)MMSI Maritime Mobile Service IdentityMRCC Maritime Rescue Co-ordination CentreMRSC Maritime Rescue Sub-CentreMSI Marine Safety InformationMSL Mean Sea LevelMV Motor VesselMW megawatt(s)MY Motor Yacht

N north (northerly, northward, northern,northernmost)

NATO North Atlantic Treaty OrganizationNavtex Navigational Telex SystemNE north-eastNNE north-north-eastNNW north-north-westNo numbernrt nett register tonnageNW north-west

ODAS Ocean Data Acquisition System

PEL Port Entry LightPLEM Pipe line end manifoldPOL Petrol, Oil & LubricantsPSSA Particularly Sensitive Sea AreasPWC Personal watercraft

RCC Rescue Coordination CentreRMS Royal Mail ShipRN Royal NavyRoRo Rollon, RolloffRT radio telephony

ABBREVIATIONS

ix

S south (southerly, southward, southern,southernmost)

SALM Single anchor leg mooring systemSALS Single anchored leg storage systemSAR Search and RescueSatnav Satellite navigationSBM Single buoy mooringSE south-eastSPM Single point mooringsq squareSS SteamshipSSE south-south-eastSSW south-south-westSW south-westSWATH small waterplane area twin hull ship

teu twenty foot equivalent unitTSS Traffic Separation Scheme

UHF ultra high frequencyUKC under keel clearance

UKHO United Kingdom Hydrographic OfficeULCC Ultra Large Crude CarrierUN United NationsUT Universal TimeUTC Co-ordinated Universal Time

VDR Voyage Data RecorderVHF very high frequencyVLCC Very Large Crude CarrierVMRS Vessel Movement Reporting SystemVTC Vessel Traffic CentreVTMS Vessel Traffic Management SystemVTS Vessel Traffic Services

W west (westerly, westward, western,westernmost)

WGS World Geodetic SystemWMO World Meteorological OrganizationWNW west-north-westWSW west-south-westWT radio (wireless) telegraphy

xGLOSSARY

Portuguese (P), Spanish (S), French (F) and Arabic (A) terms and words found on charts and in the Sailing Directions

Foreign word Language English meaninga, as P the (fem). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . abiad, abyad, abyadh A white. . . . . . . . . . . . abra S, P cove, creek, haven. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . acantilados S, P cliffs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . adentro S, P inner, inside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . aduana S, P customs house. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . afuera S outer, outside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . aguada S, P watering place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . aguado S sharp, pointed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . aguas muertas S neap tide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . aguas vivas S spring tide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . aguja S needle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ahmar A red (masculine). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ain, in A spring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . al . . A the. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . albufera S, P lagoon, pond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . aldea S village. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . aldeia P hamlet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . alto S, P height. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . altura S, P height. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . amarelo P yellow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . amarillo S yellow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . amarradero S mooring, dolphin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . anak, anaq A cliff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ancho S, P wide, broad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ancladero S anchorage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ancn S open bay, roadstead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ancoradouro P anchorage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . angostura S, P narrows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . angra S cove, creek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . anse F cove, bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . apetrachamento P stores, marine chandlery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . archipel F archipelago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . archipilago S archipelago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . areia P sand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arena S sand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arenal S extensive area of sand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arish, arisha A dune. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arrecife S, P reef. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arrire port F inner port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arroyo S stream, rivulet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . astillero S shipyard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . atalaia P lookout, watchtower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . atalaya S lookout, watchtower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . atraque S berth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . avant port F outer port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . avituallmento P victualling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . azul S, P blue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

bab A narrow strait, gate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bacia P basin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . baha S bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bahr A river, lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . baa P bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . baid, bdiya A desert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . baie F bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . baixa S, P shoal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . baixo (adj) P shoal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bajamar (BM) S low water (LW). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bajo S shoal, below, under, low. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . balad A town, village, land. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . balisar P beacon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . balise F beacon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . baliza S beacon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . banc F bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . banco S, P bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . barlovento P windward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . barra S, P bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . barre F bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign word Language English meaningbarranco S precipice, ravine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . basse F shoal, sandbank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . batera S, P battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . batterie F battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . beheira, bahra, buhireh A lake. . . . . . . . . . bir, bir A wells, well. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . blanc F white. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . blanco S white. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . boca S, P mouth, entrance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . boghaz, bghz A entrance channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . boia P buoy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bois F wood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . boquern S wide mouth, opening or. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

entranceboquette S narrow entrance, gap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bou, bu (abbrev. ab) A father, chief. . . . . . . . . . . bouche F mouth of river or strait. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . boya S buoy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . branco P white. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . brazo S arm (of the sea). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bruma S fog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . buque S ship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . burj A fort, castle, tower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cabeza S shoal head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cabezo S shoal head, summit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cabo S, P cape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cais P quay or wharf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cala S, P narrow cove, fiord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . calanque F creek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . caleta S cove. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . camino S road. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . canal F channel, canal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . canto S, P bluff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cap F cape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . capela P chapel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . capilla S chapel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . carreira P narrow channel, slipway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . carrera, carreiro S narrow channel, passage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . casa S, P house. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . castelo P castle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . castillo S castle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . castro S headland, hillock surmounted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

by ruinscatedral S, P cathedral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cayo S cay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cerrito S hillock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cerro S, P hill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chane F chain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chaloupe F launch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chalutier F trawler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chteau F castle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chausse F causeway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chenal F channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chico S small. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cidade P city, large town. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cidadela P citadel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cima S, P summit, crest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cinzento P grey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ciudad S city, town. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ciudadela S citadel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . clocher F steeple. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . col F mountain pass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . colina S, P hill, hillock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . collado S hillock, elevation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . colline F hill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . concha S, P cove. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cono S, P cone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . convento S, P convent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cordillera S mountain range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . coroa P sandy head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GLOSSARY

xi

Foreign word Language English meaningcorona S crown, summit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . corriente S current. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . costa S, P coast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cte F coast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . coto S summit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . crique F creek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cruz S, P cross. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cueva S cave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cua S quoin, wedge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cuspide S summit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

darse F basin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . drsena S basin, dock, backwater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dentro P inner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . desembarcadero S landing place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . desembarcadouro P landing place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . desembocadura S mouth of a river. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dique S, P, F mole, dock, embankment,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

levee, dikedoca P dock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . doca de mars P tidal basin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . doca de flutao P wet dock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . draga S dredger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . duna S, P dune. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . duque de alba S dolphin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

cluse F lock of a canal or basin, sluice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . eglise F church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . el S, A definite article (masc). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . embarcadero S wharf, landing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . embocadura S mouth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . enfilacin S transit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . enseada P bay, bight, cove. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ensenada S bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . entrada S, P entrance, fairway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pi F spur, groyne. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ermida P hermitage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ermita S hermitage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . esclusa S, P lock (canal or basin). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . escollo S shallow rock, reef awash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . espigo P projecting point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . espign S spur, arm of mole. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . esporo P groyne. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . estacada P pier, projecting wharf, mole. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . estaleiro P shipyard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . est F east. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . este S, P east. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . esteiro P creek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . estero S creek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . estrecho S strait, narrows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . estreito P strait, narrows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . estribor S starboard hand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . etang F lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

falaise F cliff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fango S mud. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . faralln S stack, steep rocky islet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . farilho P stack, steep rocky islet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . faro S lighthouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . faux F false. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fondeadero S anchorage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fortaleza S, P fortress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fora P outer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . forte S, P fort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . freo S strait. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . frontn S walllike cliff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fuerte S fort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fundeadouro P anchorage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

garganta S narrow passage, sound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . garita S sentry box, hut, lookout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gasr A castle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gebel A hill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gera A lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign word Language English meaninggezret, gezira A island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gharb A west. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . golfe F gulf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . golfo S, P gulf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . goulet F narrow entrance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gran, grande, grand(e) S, P, F large, great, big. . . . . . . gris S grey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . grupo S group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

hajar A stone, rock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . halat A sandbank which dries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hamr A red (feminine). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hassar, hissar A rock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . herradura S horseshoeshaped bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iglesia S church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . igreja P church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . le F island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ilha P island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ilhu P islet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lot F islet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . nsua S, P small islet or rock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . isla S island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . isleta S islet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . islote S small barren islet, skerry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . istmo S, P isthmus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

jabal, jebel, jbel A mountain, hill, island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jam, jmi A mosque. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . janub, junub A south. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jazirat A island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jete F jetty, pier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jn A bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

kabir A big. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kalat, kelat, kulat A castle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kasba, kasbah A citadel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kefr, kafr A village. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kibli A south. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . km A mound, hillock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kothon, liman A port, anchorage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

la, las S definite article (fem). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lac F lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lago S, P lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lagoa P small lake, marsh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . laguna S, P lagoon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lagune F lagoon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . laja S flat rock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . laje P flat rock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lancha de socorro S lifeboat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lastra S rocky ledge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . laxe S rock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . leste P east. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . levante S, P eastern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lodo S mud. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . loma S hillock, knoll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lomo S ridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . los S definite article (masc). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

maghreb, maghrub A west. . . . . . . . . . . . . . maison F house. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . malecn S quay, mole. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mamelles F paps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mar S, P sea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mrabt, marabout A monument, tomb,. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

saints tombmar P tide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . marea S tide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . margen S, P shore, river bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . marigot F side channel, backwater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . marisma S marsh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . marsa, mers, mersa A bay, cove, harbour, anchorage. . . . . . . . . . . . . masjid A mosque. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GLOSSARY

xii

Foreign word Language English meaningmata P forest, wood, thicket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . matla A east. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mdano S dune, sandhill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mdene, manra, manr A minaret. . . . . . . . . medio S middle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . menhir F large raised stone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . meridional S, P southern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mesa or meseta S tableland, plateau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . milieu F middle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mnat A harbour, bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . minqar A point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mirjan A coral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mogote S hummock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mle F mole, pier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . molhe P mole, pier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . montaa S mountain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . montanha P mountain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mont F mountain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . monte S, P mount, mountain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . montculo S knoll. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . morro S, P headland, bluff, head of. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

breakwatermouillage F anchorage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . moulin F mill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . muelle S pier, jetty, mole. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

nabi, nebi A tomb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . nahr A river. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . natur A tower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . naufragio S wreck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . naufrgio P wreck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . negro S, P black. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . niebla S fog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . noir F black. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . nord F north. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . norte S, P north. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

o, os P definite article (masc). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . occidental S, P western. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . occidentale F western. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . oeste S, P west. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . oriental S, P eastern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . orientale F eastern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . orilla S shore, edge, river bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . oued, uad A river. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ouest F west. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

palheiros P fishing village. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . palo S mast, spar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pan de azcar S sugarloaf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pantano S swamp, marsh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . parcel P reef, shoal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . paredo P seawall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pasaje S passage, ferry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . paso S pass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . passe F channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pedra P stone, rock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pedregal S stony or rocky patch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pea S, P rock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . penasco S large rock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pennsula S, P peninsula. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pen S rocky mountain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pequeno P small. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pequeo S small. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pertuis F opening or strait. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pescado S fish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . petit F small. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . petn S pinnacle rock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pic F peak. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . picacho S sharp peak. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pico S, P peak. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . piedra S stone, rock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pierre F stone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign word Language English meaningpiloto S, P pilot (official). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . piton F mountain peak. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . placer S shoal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . plateau F tableland or flat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . playa S beach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pleamar (PM) S high water (HW). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . poblacin S town. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . poblado S village. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . poniente S western. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pointe F point, headland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ponta P point (of land). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pontal P promontory, point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pont F bridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ponte P bridge, pier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pontcais P pier, jetty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . portinho P small port or harbour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . porto P port, harbour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . povoa P large town. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . povoao P village. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pozo S well, deep hole in seabed or. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

riverprctico S pilot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . praia P beach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . presqule F peninsula. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . preto P black. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . promontorio S promontory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . promontrio P promontory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . puebla S village. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pueblecito S small town, village. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pueblo S town. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . puente S bridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . puerto S port, harbour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . punta S point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . puntal S narrow point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

quai F quay, wharf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . qalat A castle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . qasr A castle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . qornet A peak. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . quebrada S, P ravine, gully, cut, gap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . quebramar P breakwater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

rada S roadstead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rade F roadstead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rampa P ramp, boatslip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ras, ras, rs A cape, point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rcif F reef. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . regato S torrent, stream. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . remolcador S tug. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . restinga S, P reef, spit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ria P inlet, estuary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ra S inlet, estuary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . riachuelo S rivulet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ribera S shore, river bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ribero P brook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rio P river. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ro S river. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rivire F river. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . roca S rock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rocha P rock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . roche F rock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rocalloso S pebbly, stony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . roche F rock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rochedo P rocky place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rochel S rocky patch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rocher P, F rock, usually above water. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rodal S shoal, usually rocky and of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

some extentrojo S red. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rompeolas S breakwater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rompientes S breakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . roquerio S rocky shoal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rouge F red. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GLOSSARY

xiii

Foreign word Language English meaningsabakat, sabkha, sbcha A salt lake, salt lagoon,sebkha, trga salt marshsable F sand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . saghira, seghir, saghir A small, little. . . . . . . . . . . sakije A canal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . salinas S salt pans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . san, santo, santa S saint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . so, santo, santa P saint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . seno S bight, sound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . septentrional S, P northern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . serra P mountain range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . serriana S mountain ridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . shab, shab, shib A rock, reef, rocky shoal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . shark A east. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sharm, sherm A cove, creek, inlet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . shmal, shaml A north. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sidi, saiyid A Lord, master (title of. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

decendants of the prophet and saints)

sierra S mountain range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sommet F summit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sotavento S, P leeward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sucio S foul. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sud F south. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sul P south. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sur S south. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . surgidero S anchorage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

tallet A mountain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign word Language English meaningtarf, taraf A cape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tell, tall, tlia A hill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tenedero S holding ground, anchorage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . torno F bend, turn (in waterway). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . torre S, P tower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tour F tower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . touza S rock (usually lying off a larger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

feature)

umm A mother. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

vado S ford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vale P valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . valle S valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . varadero S slipway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . varadouro P landing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . verde S, P green. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vert F green. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viejo S old. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viga S, P lookout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vila P town, village, villa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . villa S town, villa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ville F town. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . villorio S hamlet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . volcn S volcano. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . volo P volcano. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

wd, wadi . A valley, river bed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ROMANIZATION SYSTEM FOR ARABIC BGN/PCGN 1956 System

This system was adopted by the BGN in 1946 and by the PCGN in 1956 and has been applied in the systematic romanizationof geographical names in Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria,Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, all of which have been covered by published BGN gazetteers.Uniform results in the romanization of Arabic are difficult to obtain, since vowel points and diacritical marks are generallyomitted from both manual and machine writing. It follows that correct identification of the words which appear in anyparticular name, knowledge of its standard Arabicscript spelling including proper pointing, and recognition of dialectal andidiosyncratic deviations are essential.In order to bring about uniformity in the Romanscript spelling of geographical names in Arabiclanguage areas, the system isbased insofar as possible on fully pointed modern standard Arabic.

CONSONANT CHARACTERS

Arabic Romanization Examples and Remarks

Final Medial Initial Independent

GLOSSARY

xiv

Arabic Romanization Examples and Remarks

Final Medial Initial Independent

GLOSSARY

xv

Arabic Romanization Examples and Remarks

Final Medial Initial Independent

VOWEL CHARACTERS AND DIACRITICAL MARKSArabic Romanization Examples and Remarks

GLOSSARY

xvi

Arabic Romanization Examples and Remarks

GLOSSARY

xvii

NOTES

xviii

NP 67WEST COAST OF SPAINAND PORTUGAL PILOT

NP 45 M

ED PILO

T VOL I

Continued on Index 1(b)

NORTH

ATLANTIC

OCEAN

ARQUIPLAGO DECABO VERDE

ISLAS CANARIAS

Cabo Spartel

I. de Maderia

Lanzarote

Fuerteventura

Gran Canaria

Tenerife

CapRhir

C. Tarfaya

C. Bojador

C. Blanc

C. Verga

Pta.Durnford

Bissau

Santiago

Bavista

SantoAnto

So Nicolau

A F R I C A

Anza-Agadir

Essaouira

Safi

Casablanca

Layoune

Ad Dakhla

Nouakchott

Nouadhibou

Dakar

Saint-Louis

Banjul

Port Kamsar

Conakry

3132

1147

3135

3134

3133

366

0306

3132

3133

3134

3135

Rabat

2

3

4

5

5

6

7

8

35

30

25

25 20 Longitude 15 West from Greenwich 10 5

25 20 15 10 5

20

15

10

35

30

25

20

15

10

Chapter Index Diagram

NP 1(a)Africa Pilot Vol Ixix

R. Niger

R. Benue

12

NP 2AFRICA PILOT

VOL II

osKoko

WarriPortHarcourt Calabar

Brass

3118595

3

1

1

8

10

5

0

5

5

10

10

NP 1(b)Continued on Index 1(a)

8

9

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G U L F O F G U I N E A

A F R I C A

Abidja

n

Cona

kry

Sass

an

dra

C. St. Ann

Cape Mount

Freetown

Yangisei

Monrovia

Buchanan

GreenvilleHarper

C.Palm

as

C.Thre

e Poin

ts

C. S.

PaulSaltpond

AccraTema

Cotonou Lag

0306

1147

595

3139

1147

3139

Chapter Index Diagram

10

5

0

15

15

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10

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Meridian 0 of GreenwichAfrica Pilot Vol I

xx

1LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPERTAINING TO NAVIGATION

While, in the interests of the safety of shipping, the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office makes every endeavour to include in itshydrographic publications details of the laws and regulations of all countries appertaining to navigation, it must be clearly understood:

(a) that no liability whatsoever can be accepted for failure to publish details of any particular law or regulation, and(b) that publication of details of a law or regulation is solely for the safety and convenience of shipping and implies no recognition

of the international validity of the law or regulation.

AFRICA PILOTVOLUME I

CHAPTER 1NAVIGATION AND REGULATIONS

COUNTRIES AND PORTSNATURAL CONDITIONS

NAVIGATION AND REGULATIONS

LIMITS OF THE BOOKCharts 4104, 42091.1

1 This volume contains Sailing Directions for the coastalwaters of the W coast of Africa, lying within the followinglimits:From Cap SpartelS and E to

3547N 556W

Bakassi Peninsula 430N 830Ethence SW to 419N 823Ethence S to 400N 823Ethence SW tobut excluding Zafiro Terminal(NP2)

000 500E

thence W along the equator to 2000Wthence NW to 1145N 4000Wthence N to 3600N 4000Wthence E to Cap Spartel 3547N 556W

2 The above area includes Arquiplago da Madeira andIslas Selvagens (Chapter 2), Islas Canarias (Chapter 3) andArquiplago de Cabo Verde (Chapter 4).

NAVIGATIONAL DANGERS AND HAZARDS

Abnormal refraction1.2

1 Abnormal refraction occurs at times off the West Africancoast, particularly off the coasts of Morocco and

Mauritania, and is sufficient to produce mirage. Thisrefraction is likely to cause errors when using a sextant.

Ocean Data Acquisition System Buoys1.3

1 Ocean Data Acquisition System buoys may beencountered moored off the coasts of the countries coveredby this volume, both offshore and close inshore, includingthe approaches to major ports.

These buoy systems vary considerably in size and maybe either moored or freefloating. As far as possible theposition of moored systems will be promulgated and thosesystems considered to be of a more permanent nature arecharted. The systems should be given a clearance of atleast 1 mile, or 2 miles in the case of vessels towingunderwater gear.

2 Wave Recorder buoys, generally of smaller dimensionsthan ODAS buoys, coloured yellow and exhibiting similarlights, may also be encountered off these coasts. Theyshould be given a berth of at least 5 cables.

For further information on ODAS buoys see TheMariners Handbook. No additional information regardingODAS and Wave Recorder buoys is given elsewhere in thetext of this book unless included in Directions.

Piracy and armed robbery1.4

1 The security of vessels off the West African coast and atsome ports is a serious problem.

In recent years many attacks by gangs of thieves, someof whom were armed, have been reported. These havetaken place generally in the outer anchorages, but somehave been on vessels alongside in harbour and some at sea.In one case a member of the crew was killed.

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2

2 Fire hazard. In addition to loss of property and injuryto crew members, thieves used naked lights for illuminationcreating a serious fire risk.

Regulations to curb the activities of armed thieves are inforce at certain ports and are mentioned later in the text.

Masters are advised to take all possible securitymeasures, to maintain strict antipiracy watches day andnight, and not to permit unauthorised craft to comealongside.

In addition, all suspicious craft and piratical attacksshould be reported to IMB Piracy Reporting Centre. SeeAdmiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 1 (1) for furtherinformation.

TRAFFIC AND OPERATIONS

Routes1.5

1 Offshore. Information concerning transoceanic passageswill be found in Ocean Passages for the World.

Traffic separation scheme, adopted by the IMO hasbeen established in the W approaches to Strait of Gibraltar,about 14 miles NW of Cap Spartel (5.19).

Fishing

Dangerous marine animals1.6

1 Several forms of dangerous marine animals inhabit thewaters covered by this volume. Certain invertebrates,several fishes, and one species of sea snake are venomousand potentially lethal. Other forms possessing strong jawsand sharp teeth are capable of inflicting serious wounds.One species, an electric ray, can deliver a powerful electricshock. Still other marine animals contain poisons which,when ingested, may cause serious internal illness.

2 Venomous marine vertebrates are most abundant intropical coastal waters. Jellyfish, such as the Portuguesemanofwar, and lions mane, are occasionally present inlarge numbers in open sea waters where they drift with thecurrent or the wind. Contact with the tentacles of thesejelly fish results in a painful sting, which may occasionallybe fatal.

3 Stinging corals, cone shells, and sea urchins lying on thebottom are a threat to collectors, waders and swimmers.Handling or stepping on any of these species may result inpainful injuries. Stingrays, some of which attain large size,are usually buried in sandy or other soft bottoms. Thesekiteshaped fish have their tails armed with one or morespines which can inflict serious injuries on anyone whosteps on them. Several kinds of poisonous catfish andscorpion fish also inhabit the tropical waters of this area.Caution should be exercised when handling them sincetheir dorsal and pectoral spines may inject a powerfulvenom.

4 Woundinflicting animals such as sharks and barracudasare mostly inhabitants of warm waters. They may bepresent anywhere in the open seas but predominantlyfrequent river mouths, coral reefs and rocky outcrops. Themaneater, bonito, hammerhead, tiger, blue, sand, andseveral kinds of grey sharks are most likely to attack man.Moray eels, though not likely to attack unless provoked,are particularly abundant in reefs and rocky outcrops of thewarm waters of this area.

5 Crocodiles may inhabit estuarine and swampy regions intropical and subtropical areas and may even be seenswimming along coastal stretches.

The shock generated by the electric ray is unpleasant inthe extreme. These rays are common in sheltered estuarinewaters where they spend much of their time partially buriedin the bottom.

Marine farms1.7

1 Marine farms, which may be either floating orsubmerged, are established at several locations and, whereknown, are charted. They are usually marked bylightbuoys (special) or lights.Fishing vessels1.8

1 Concentrations of fishing vessels may be met all theyear round off the coast of West Africa and in the SWapproaches to Strait of Gibraltar (see 5.4).

Exercise areas

Firing practice and exercise areas1.9

1 Portuguese and Spanish authorities have establishedseveral firing practice and naval exercise areas off thecoasts of Arquiplago da Madeira and Islas Canarias,respectively. The principal types of practice carried out, andthe warning signals used, are similar to those described inAnnual Summary of Admiralty Notices to Mariners.Detailed descriptions are not given in the text of the bookas warnings of firing practices and exercises are publishedin the local notices to mariners and are broadcast by coastradio stations. Portuguese stations transmit details of theareas on the 1st day of each month. Spanish stations give48 hours notice of exercises taking place.

Submarine exercises1.10

1 Submarines may exercise in the area covered by thisvolume. Notice of submarine exercises is given only inexceptional circumstances and therefore mariners shouldkeep a good lookout for submarines.

The Mariners Handbook and Annual Summary ofAdmiralty Notices to Mariners give general information onthe characteristics of British submarines and visual signalsused to denote their presence; in general, other countriesconform to this method of signalling.

2 Because submarine navigation lights are, of necessity,close together and low down, care should be taken not toconfuse them with the lights of fishing vessels or othersmall craft.

Submarine buoys1.11

1 Spanish submarines are fitted with two indicator buoys,one at each end of the vessel, which can be released frominside the submarine in case of necessity when she isunable to to come to the surface.

In Spanish submarines the buoy in the bow is paintedred and yellow, exhibits a white light, and has a telephonewhich can be operated from inside the submarine. Thebuoy in the stern is painted yellow.

2 The buoys are moored to the submarine by a wire cablenot more than 125 m in length. If one of these buoys issighted in waters of a greater depth than 150 m, it can beconcluded that it is adrift.

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3

Each buoy is fitted with a metal plate carrying thefollowing inscription:SUBMARINO (...) Submarine (name)AVISEN A LAS AUTO-RIDADES

Inform the authorities

CUIDADO Take careNE SE TIRE DE LABOYA, QUITESE LATAPA Y SIGANSELAS INSTRUCCIONESINTERIORES

Do not pull on the buoy,remove the cover andfollow the instructionsgiven inside.

Marine exploitation

Seismic survey operations1.12

1 General information about vessels engaged in seismicsurveys and advice on precautions in the vicinity of thesevessels is given in The Mariners Handbook. The areas inwhich seismic survey operations are taking place arepromulgated from time to time as radio navigationalwarnings (1.36) and in local Notices to Mariners.

Oil and gas fields1.13

1 Offshore oil and gas exploration and production iscarried out in coastal and deepwater areas covered by thisvolume, in particular within Bight of Biafra and along thecoasts of Mauritania, Cte dIvoire and Ghana.

Production platforms and associated structures, includingtanker moorings and storage tankers, generally exhibitMorse (U) lights, aircraft obstruction lights and also soundfog signals. They are sometimes marked by buoys.

2 Unauthorised navigation is prohibited within 500 m ofall such structures, including storage tankers which canswing about their moorings. Tankers manoeuvering in thevicinity of platforms should be given a wide berth.

For further information see The Mariners Handbook.

Submarine pipelines1.14

1 Caution. Gas from a damaged oil or gas pipeline couldcause an explosion or other serious hazard. Pipelines arenot always buried and their presence may effectively reducethe charted depth by as much as 2 m. Where pipelines areclose together, only one may be charted. Mariners shouldnot anchor or trawl in the vicinity of a pipeline; they riskprosecution if damage is caused.

For further information see The Mariners Handbook.

Wellheads1.15

1 Mariners are warned that charted information about thepresence of submerged wellheads and other underwaterobstructions may be incomplete and therefore specialcaution must be exercised by vessels when navigating inareas of offshore oil and gas activity.

Production wells and suspended wells generally projectwell above the level of the seabed. For further informationsee The Mariners Handbook.

Helicopter operations1.16

1 Any ship may need to make use of helicopters either asa matter of routine or in an emergency. Embarkation ofpilots, delivery of essential stores or changing crew byhelicopter are already routine operations for large tankers orbulk carriers off certain ports. These vessels either carrytheir own company handbook on helicopter operations, orone issued by the International Chamber of Shipping.However, in an emergency any vessel may be called uponto operate with helicopters. For further information seeAnnual Summary of Admiralty Notices to Mariners and TheMariners Handbook.

CHARTS

General information1.17

1 For the coast of Africa covered by this volume, the onlycharting authority are the former colonial powers whoproduce modern large scale charts for the coastal areas.British Admiralty charts are compiled and corrected fromthem.

2 The primary authoritative charts are those published bythe following countries:

Portugal for Arquiplago da Madeira, Arquiplago deCabo Verde, Guinea and GuineaBissau.

Spain for Islas Canarias and Morocco.France for Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Cte

dIvoire, Togo and Benin (formerly Dahomey).3 Orthography throughout the whole area presents a

problem, as every country has changed its form ofgovernment and in many cases consequential changes ofnames have followed. Names on charts may not thereforealways be the latest and where applicable the old and newnames are given in Sailing Directions.

4 Chart maintenance for most minor ports depends upondata received from local authorities which variesconsiderably from country to country. Information is oftenbased only on reports from ships. Charts and publicationsmay therefore not be up to date. Mariners are advised tonavigate with caution and seek information also from othersources that may be available to them.

5 Knowledge of many of the charted offshore banks anddangers has been built up over the years by many shipreports. Few of these features have been properly surveyedby modern methods. Many areas outside the charted bankshave yet to be examined, and it is probable that othersignificant features remain as yet uncharted. See also articleon the use of charts in The Mariners Handbook.

Admiralty charts1.18

1 British Admiralty charts covering the area of theseSailing Directions are adequate for use on passage, forentry into the principal ports and harbours, and to reach arequired pilot station.

Charts are based on the most recent information receivedfrom regional charting authorities.

Foreign charts1.19

1 In certain areas, where the British Admiralty Chartsshow insufficient detail for navigating close inshore orwithin inland channels, these Sailing Directions have beenwritten using foreign charts. The text has been written on

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4

the assumption that mariners wishing to navigate thesewaters will have provided themselves with suitable chartson which to do so.

Datums

Horizontal1.20

1 In areas covered by modern surveys, British Admiraltycharts are referred to WGS84 (World Geodetic System1984). Elsewhere charts may be undefined.

Differences in graduation may be apparent whentransferring positions from one chart to another. When indoubt, it is advisable to transfer positions relative tocommon charted features rather than to geographicalcoordinates.

Vertical1.21

1 Depths. On recent British Admiralty charts, the chartdatum used is LAT. On other charts reference should bemade to the title notes on the chart.

Drying heights on British Admiralty charts are shownas being above chart datum.

Elevations. British Admiralty charts MHWS orMHHW.

AIDS TO NAVIGATION

Lights1.22

1 Navigational lights are the responsibility of theappropriate national authorities.

Major lights are those with a nominal range of 15 milesor more.

Light structures only are described in this volume; forfurther details see Admiralty List of Lights and Fog SignalsVolume D.

Landmarks1.23

1 Caution is necessary when evaluating the descriptionsgiven in this volume concerning landmarks, such as trees,many of which date from surveys of 1825 onwards, andthe colour and shape of buildings. New buildings may havebeen erected and old trees or houses destroyed, so thatmarks, which may at one time have been conspicuous onaccount of their isolation, shape or colour, may no longerexist or may now be difficult to identify.

Buoyage

General1.24

1 Mariners should not rely on buoys being in their chartedpositions at all times. Buoys should be regarded as warningmarkers and not as infallible navigation marks. Theposition of any buoy may not be as charted due to storm,collision, current, or undersea features such as shoals, reefs,or ledges which tend to render the buoy being easilydisplaced. In one area covered by this volume, reports(2004) have been received that stolen buoys were beingused as water reservoirs.

2 Mariners should always navigate their vessels by visualbearings and radar distances of fixed shore objects, bysoundings, or by the use of satellite or radio navigationsystems whenever possible, rather than relying on buoys.

Due to their widespread use the term radar reflector isnot included in the description of buoys mentioned in thetext.

IALA Maritime Buoyage System1.25

1 The IALA Maritime Buoyage System Region A (red toport) is in use throughout the area covered by this volume.

For full details of the system see The MarinersHandbook and IALA Maritime Buoyage System.

BERTHING1.26

1 Berthing. Care needs to be exercised when berthing.Many harbours are liable to silting and need regulardredging. Accordingly, depths may not be as charted.Mariners should check with port authorities prior toentering harbour.

Caution also needs to be taken to clarify details ofreported depths alongside as some ports quote depthsmeasured at a set distance off the quay.

PILOTAGEGeneral1.27

1 Information on pilotage procedures at individual ports isgiven in the text at the port concerned. See also AdmiraltyList of Radio Signals Volumes 6 (2) and (3).

RADIO FACILITIES

Electronic position fixing systemsSatellite navigation systems1.28

1 Information concerning satellite navigation systems andother electronic fixing systems are contained in AdmiraltyList of Radio Signals Volume 2. Satellite navigation systemsare under the control of the owning nation which canimpose selective availability or downgrade the accuracy tolevels less than available from terrestrial radio navigationalsystems. Therefore satellite based systems should only beutilised at the users risk.

Global positioning system1.29

1 The Navstar GPS, a military satellite navigation systemowned and operated by the United States Department ofDefense, provides worldwide position fixing.

The system is referenced to the datum of the WorldGeodetic System 1984 (WGS84) and therefore positionsobtained must be adjusted, if necessary, to the datum of thechart being used.

Differential GPS1.30

1 Differential GPS compares the position of a fixed point,referred to as the reference station, with positions obtainedfrom a GPS receiver at that point. The resulting differencesare then broadcast as corrections to suitable receivers toovercome the inherent limitations of GPS. For a list ofreference stations within the limits of this volume seeAdmiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.Global navigation satellite system1.31

1 The Russian Global Navigation Satellite System(GLONASS) is similar to GPS in that it is a spacebased

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5

navigation system which provides worldwide positionfixing.

The system is referenced to the Soviet GeocentricCoordinate System 1990 (SGS90) and as for GPSpositions must be adjusted, if necessary, to the datum ofthe chart being used.

For full details on the above systems see Admiralty Listof Radio Signals Volume 2.Loran C1.32

1 Loran C is a long range hyperbolic radio navigationsystem using at least three land based radio transmittersand receivers to allow mariners to determine their position.Skywave coverage is available in the vicinity ofArquiplago da Madeira (2.1) and Islas Canarias (3.1). Fordetails see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.

Other aids to navigation

Racons1.33

1 Those racons which are pertinent to coastal and inshorenavigation are included within the navigational text. Seealso Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 2.

Automatic Identification Systems1.34

1 Details of AIS are given in The Mariners Handbook.

Maritime radio stations1.35

1 Maritime radio stations are established in several of thecountries covered by this volume. For a list of maritimeradio stations which are available within or adjacent to thearea covered by this volume, and for details of the servicesthey provide, see Admiralty List of Radio SignalsVolume 1 (1).

Radio navigational warnings

Worldwide Navigational Warning Service1.36

1 The area covered by this volume lies within the limits ofNAV/METAREA II and HYDROLANT long range warningservices.

NAVAREA II warnings are issued by France, through:a) SafetyNET (Enhanced Group Calling International

SafetyNET).Vessels must ensure that their Inmarsat C MES is

configured to receive messages from the appropriateNAVAREA/METAREA in order to receive Safety NETbroadcast.1.37

1 Local radio navigational warnings are broadcast inEnglish from the following stations:

MadeiraPorto Santo (in Portuguese and English)

Islas CanariasTenerife (in English and Spanish)Puerto de la Luz (Las Palmas) (in English and

Spanish)2 Morocco

CasablancaGhana

TakoradiTema

HYDROLANTS are broadcast by Boston, USA.For full details of the services provided see Admiralty

List of Radio Signals Volume 3 (1) and 3 (2).Navtex1.38

1 Navtex, which fulfils an integral role in the GMDSS, isan automated direct printing service, broadcast on 518 kHz,for the promulgation of navigational and meteorologicalwarnings to ships. It has been developed to provide a lowcost, simple, means of receiving marine safety informationonboard ships at sea and in coastal waters. It is availablefrom Las Palmas in Islas Canarias for the area covered bythis volume.

2 For further details see Admiralty List of Radio SignalsVolume 3 (1).

Radio medical advice1.39

1 Mariners may obtain medical advice by radio from theInternational RadioMedical Centre (CIRM) in Rome. Forfurther information, and for details of the coast radiostations see Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 1 (1).

REGULATIONS

International regulations

Submarine cables and pipelines1.40

1 Mariners are warned that every care should be taken toavoid anchoring or trawling in the vicinity of submarinecables or pipelines on account of the serious consequenceswhich would result from fouling them. See The MarinersHandbook for information on the International Conventionfor the Protection of Submarine Cables, together withadvise on the action to be taken in the event of fouling acable or pipeline.

Pollution1.41

1 Prevention. The International Convention for thePrevention of Pollution from Ships 1973 was adopted bythe International Conference on Marine Pollution convenedby IMO in 1973. It was modified by the Protocol of 1978relating thereto and adopted by the InternationalConference on Tanker Safety and Pollution Preventionconvened by IMO in 1978. The convention, as modified bythe protocol, is known as MARPOL 73/78.

2 The Convention consists of six annexes. Annex I (Oil),Annex II (Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk), Annex III(Harmful Substances carried at Sea in Packaged Form) andAnnex V (Garbage from Ships) are mandatory; Annex IV(Sewage from Ships) and Annex VI (Air Pollution) areoptional.

MARPOL 73/78 and Annexes are described in detail inThe Mariners Handbook.

Traffic separation schemes1.42

1 See IMO publication Ships Routeing for generalprovisions on ships routeing. Regulations for IMO adoptedschemes are contained in Rule 10 of InternationalRegulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972. All TSSshown on British Admiralty charts are listed in AnnualNotice to Mariners No 17; this indicates which schemes areIMOadopted and includes other relevant information.

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European Community regulations

Directive 2002/59/EC1.43

1 General information. This Directive establishes acommon vessel traffic monitoring and information systemthroughout European Community (EC) waters, which inthis volume includes the waters of Archiplago da Madeiraand Islas Canarias. The principal provisions are describedbelow. They apply in general to all commercial vesselsover 300 grt but the rules concerning the notification ofcarriage of dangerous or polluting goods applies to allvessels regardless of size.

Caution. These extracts are for reference purposes onlyand are not to be regarded as a statement of the applicablelaw. The full text of the regulations is the sole authoritativestatement of the applicable law and it is recommended thatit is consulted. The regulations to which the followingrefers is Directive 2002/59/EC or the appropriate enablinglegislation drafted by individual member states, which inthe United Kingdom is The Merchant Shipping (TrafficMonitoring and Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2004,a copy of which can be obtained from Her MajestysStationery Office (www.hmso.gov.uk).1.44

1 Ship reports. All vessels bound for a port within theEC must report to the Port Authority at least 24 hours priorarrival, or, if the voyage is less than 24 hours, no later thanthe time of departure from the previous port. The reportshall include the following information:

Name, call sign, IMO or MMSI number.Port of destination.ETA and ETD at port of destination.Total number of persons onboard.

2 Upon receipt of a ships report, the Port Authority willnotify the national coastguard authority by the quickestmeans possible. This information will then be pooled in theEuropeanwide telematic network called SafeSeaNet.

Any amendments to the initial ship report must benotified immediately.

Mandatory ship reporting systems. All vessels shallreport to the coastguard authority on entering an IMOadopted mandatory ship reporting system, the report beingmade in the recognised format (See Admiralty List of RadioSignals Volume 6). The coastguard authority is to beinformed of any changes to the initial report.1.45

1 Vessel Traffic System. All vessels are to participate inand comply with VTS systems operated by EC memberstates and also those systems operated by member states inconjunction with cooperating nonmember states. Thisincludes those systems operated by member states outsidetheir territorial waters but which are operated in accordancewith IMO guidelines.

Routeing Schemes. All vessels must comply with IMOrecommended TSS and Deep Water route regulations. (SeeIMO publication Ships Routeing Guide).1.46

1 Automatic Identification System and Voyage DataRecorder. All vessels are to be equipped with AIS andVDR. The systems shall be in operation at all times. By2008 individual coastguard stations throughout the EC arerequired to be able to receive AIS information and to relayit to all other coastguard stations within the EC.1.47

1 Notification of dangerous