Sector2.TheBahamasWesternPart16pal land area on the E side of Little Bahama Bank and ranks asAspect.A conspicuous dish antenna is located in positionthe second-largest island of the Bahama archipelago.It is26°37.5'N,78°18.0'W.The buff-colored oil tanks behind theheavily forested in many areas and mostly low-lying through-sea island are conspicuous.out, particularly on thebank of W side.Pilotage.Pilotagefor the terminal is compulsoryto the seaOn the E side,a more or less continuoushighland ridge risesisland and the inner berths, which is performed by Berthingto a height of about 3Om for a distance of about 42 miles, be-Masters.Vessels should forward their ETAto thelocal authori-tweentheSextremityoftheislandandMarshHarbour.thead-ties on leaving the last port of call, and 72 hours,36 hours, andministrativecenterforandthelargestcommunityontheisland.24 hours prior to arrival.Southwest Point,the S extremity of Great AbacoIsland,andVessels should also establish contact via VHF channel 16Hole in the Wall, a natural arch in a low, flat, and rocky fingerwhen within 3miles of the port.The loading master will board about 2 miles S of the sea is-of land about 2miles ENE,are on either side of a narrowingland, but may meet the vessel at another location specified bypeninsula which,having an uneven and barren appearancefromtheoffing,risessteep-toexceptforashoalwaterbankofthe pilot.coral and sand extending about 5miles to the SE.Regulations.Information on terminal regulations shouldAbaco Light,closeN of Hole in theWall,is reported radarbe obtained from the berthing master at or before the transferconference.Dirty ballast reception facilities are not available;conspicuousat22milesSouthwest Point has anchorage close offshore to the W, intherefore, vessels should arrive with clean ballast.Vessels with18m, sand and seaweed,in a position with Abaco Lightbearingnon segregated ballast systems discharge the water ashore.075°,distant3miles.HoleintheWallhasanchorageforsmallThe sea island terminal is equipped with a sacrificial anodevessels with local knowledge,in 7.3m,inposition with Abacoprotection system to guard against galvanic corrosion. VesselsLight bearing 000° and the extremity of the Hole in the Wallwith an impressed voltage cathodic protection system are re-finger of land bearing 0780quested to turn it off while in the vicinity of the terminalSignals.The terminal (call sign: South Riding Point Con-Riding Point Terminal (26°36'N., 78°13'W.)trol)may be contacted on VHF channel 16.It has also been re-portedthattheterminal willrespondto thecall signBurmahWorld Port IndexNo.9987Shore Control."The terminal will provide an intrinsically safeVHF set for communications with the shore facilityduring the2.6Riding PointOil Terminal (SouthRidingPointOilcargotransferoperation.Vessels are also required to fly the Bahamian national flag,Terminal)is situated about 30 miles Eof Freeport Harbour andconsists of a sea island structure about 0.5 mileoffshore,asand Intermational Code flag Bravo.The terminal fire signal is awellasadredgedbasinforsmallervessels.continuoussoundingofshoresirens.Winds-Weather.The prevailing winds are from the SE.Anchorage.Vessels should contact the terminal operatorsDuring the winter months, numerous cold fronts transit the ar-for information on anchorage grounds and instructions.Tem-ea producing a predictable veering of the windtothe SW,thenporary anchorage is available in the charted area W of the seaN with the passage of the front. A strong frontal system mayisland, and is marked byEastBuoy,Mid Buoy,and West Buoyraise a swell up to 3m, but these quickly subside following theVessels upto100,000 dwt anchorbetween and on a linecon-passage of thefront.necting the buoys,in charted depths of 19.5to3lm,over a bot-Tides-Currents.—TheaverageLW is reported to be0.5mtom of sand, soft coral, and limestone, with good holdingbelow datum,while the average HW has been reported to riseground. Vessels should be prepared to move on short notice,0.8 to 1.5m.Currents in the vicinity of the sea island have beenespecially in periods of onshore winds, and should not attemptreported to seldom exceed 1 knot, and to run predominantlyEto anchor Eof East Buoy.Vessels wishing to wait offshore should remain W of the Wand WDepthsLimitations.-The sea island structure is fittedradio mast in position 2636.6'N,78°22.0"W.with a doppler sonar docking system.The system uses a variety2.7TheAbaco Cays,seaward of Great Abaco Island andof displays to indicate distance off theberth and speed of ap-Little Abaco Island, extend along the E and NE sides of Littleproach. Current and meteorological instrumentation are alsofitted.Bahama Bankfor a distance of about 102miles between Lyn-Berth No.1,the outerberth,is for vessels of 50.000toyardCay(26°20'N.,7700"W.),to theSE andWalkers Cay,to500,000dwt.The water depth is 30.4m (1994).the NW.Berth No. 2, the inner berth, has a depth of 25.9m (1994),They consist of a more or less continuous chain of largelyand isforvesselsof35,000to50,000dwt,with amaximumloaelongated low-lying islets interspersed with a multitude ofof 274m.Both berths have self-levelinggangways.above and below-water rocks which,for the mostpart, are situTwo inner harbor berths are for vessels not exceedingated some 2 to 4 miles within the shoal water areas inside the205.7m loa and 10.9m loaded draft.A set of range lights, inedge of the bank and are largely inaccessibleto ocean shipping.linebearing 340°,marks the dredgedchannel.ElbowCay(26°32N.,76°58'W.),theEoftheAbacoCaysThe terminal has been expanded to handle clean and dirtyand oneof thefirstlandfalls encountered byvessels making forproducts in addition to crude oil. There are eight large tanksNortheast Providence Channel from the NNE, has its N ex-availableforproducts storage.tremityintheform ofhigh.sandybluff.The largest vessel accommodated was reported to be ofElbow Cay Light,reported radar conspicuous at a distance of500,000dwtwithamaximumdraftof27.5m.14 miles, stands in theNpart of the island and on the W side ofPub. 147
16 Sector 2. The Bahamas—Western Part Pub. 147 pal land area on the E side of Little Bahama Bank and ranks as the second-largest island of the Bahama archipelago. It is heavily forested in many areas and mostly low-lying throughout, particularly on the bank of W side. 2.5 On the E side, a more or less continuous highland ridge rises to a height of about 30m for a distance of about 42 miles, between the S extremity of the island and Marsh Harbour, the administrative center for and the largest community on the island. 2.5 Southwest Point, the S extremity of Great Abaco Island, and Hole in the Wall, a natural arch in a low, flat, and rocky finger of land about 2 miles ENE, are on either side of a narrowing peninsula which, having an uneven and barren appearance from the offing, rises steep-to except for a shoal water bank of coral and sand extending about 5 miles to the SE. 2.5 Abaco Light, close N of Hole in the Wall, is reported radar conspicuous at 22 miles. 2.5 Southwest Point has anchorage close offshore to the W, in 18m, sand and seaweed, in a position with Abaco Light bearing 075°, distant 3 miles. Hole in the Wall has anchorage for small vessels with local knowledge, in 7.3m, in position with Abaco Light bearing 000° and the extremity of the Hole in the Wall finger of land bearing 078°. Riding Point Terminal (26°36'N., 78°13'W.) World Port Index No. 9987 2.6 Riding Point Oil Terminal (South Riding Point Oil Terminal) is situated about 30 miles E of Freeport Harbour and consists of a sea island structure about 0.5 mile offshore, as well as a dredged basin for smaller vessels. 2.6 Winds—Weather.—The prevailing winds are from the SE. During the winter months, numerous cold fronts transit the area producing a predictable veering of the wind to the SW, then N with the passage of the front. A strong frontal system may raise a swell up to 3m, but these quickly subside following the passage of the front. 2.6 Tides—Currents.—The average LW is reported to be 0.5m below datum, while the average HW has been reported to rise 0.8 to 1.5m. Currents in the vicinity of the sea island have been reported to seldom exceed 1 knot, and to run predominantly E and W. 2.6 Depths—Limitations.—The sea island structure is fitted with a doppler sonar docking system. The system uses a variety of displays to indicate distance off the berth and speed of approach. Current and meteorological instrumentation are also fitted. 2.6 Berth No. 1, the outer berth, is for vessels of 50,000 to 500,000 dwt. The water depth is 30.4m (1994). 2.6 Berth No. 2, the inner berth, has a depth of 25.9m (1994), and is for vessels of 35,000 to 50,000 dwt, with a maximum loa of 274m. Both berths have self-leveling gangways. 2.6 Two inner harbor berths are for vessels not exceeding 205.7m loa and 10.9m loaded draft. A set of range lights, in line bearing 340°, marks the dredged channel. 2.6 The terminal has been expanded to handle clean and dirty products in addition to crude oil. There are eight large tanks available for products storage. 2.6 The largest vessel accommodated was reported to be of 500,000 dwt with a maximum draft of 27.5m. 2.6 Aspect.—A conspicuous dish antenna is located in position 26°37.5'N, 78°18.0'W. The buff-colored oil tanks behind the sea island are conspicuous. 2.6 Pilotage.—Pilotage for the terminal is compulsory to the sea island and the inner berths, which is performed by Berthing Masters. Vessels should forward their ETA to the local authorities on leaving the last port of call, and 72 hours, 36 hours, and 24 hours prior to arrival. 2.6 Vessels should also establish contact via VHF channel 16 when within 3 miles of the port. 2.6 The loading master will board about 2 miles S of the sea island, but may meet the vessel at another location specified by the pilot. 2.6 Regulations.—Information on terminal regulations should be obtained from the berthing master at or before the transfer conference. Dirty ballast reception facilities are not available; therefore, vessels should arrive with clean ballast. Vessels with non segregated ballast systems discharge the water ashore. 2.6 The sea island terminal is equipped with a sacrificial anode protection system to guard against galvanic corrosion. Vessels with an impressed voltage cathodic protection system are requested to turn it off while in the vicinity of the terminal. 2.6 Signals.—The terminal (call sign: South Riding Point Control) may be contacted on VHF channel 16. It has also been reported that the terminal will respond to the call sign “Burmah Shore Control.” The terminal will provide an intrinsically safe VHF set for communications with the shore facility during the cargo transfer operation. 2.6 Vessels are also required to fly the Bahamian national flag, and International Code flag Bravo. The terminal fire signal is a continuous sounding of shore sirens. 2.6 Anchorage.—Vessels should contact the terminal operators for information on anchorage grounds and instructions. Temporary anchorage is available in the charted area W of the sea island, and is marked by East Buoy, Mid Buoy, and West Buoy. 2.6 Vessels up to 100,000 dwt anchor between and on a line connecting the buoys, in charted depths of 19.5 to 31m, over a bottom of sand, soft coral, and limestone, with good holding ground. Vessels should be prepared to move on short notice, especially in periods of onshore winds, and should not attempt to anchor E of East Buoy. 2.6 Vessels wishing to wait offshore should remain W of the W radio mast in position 26°36.6'N, 78°22.0'W. 2.7 The Abaco Cays, seaward of Great Abaco Island and Little Abaco Island, extend along the E and NE sides of Little Bahama Bank for a distance of about 102 miles between Lynyard Cay (26°20'N., 77°00'W.), to the SE and Walkers Cay, to the NW. 2.7 They consist of a more or less continuous chain of largely elongated low-lying islets interspersed with a multitude of above and below-water rocks which, for the most part, are situated some 2 to 4 miles within the shoal water areas inside the edge of the bank and are largely inaccessible to ocean shipping. 2.7 Elbow Cay (26°32'N., 76°58'W.), the E of the Abaco Cays and one of the first landfalls encountered by vessels making for Northeast Providence Channel from the NNE, has its N extremity in the form of high, sandy bluff. 2.7 Elbow Cay Light, reported radar conspicuous at a distance of 14 miles, stands in the N part of the island and on the W side of
Sector2.TheBahamasWesternPart17tothe SW in its approachto theNEcoast of Cuba and delimitsa small landlockedshoal waterbasin.where itfalls off with comparativeabruptness todepthsof sevHopeTownisontheEsideofthebasin.eral hundred meters, a vast area of shoal water largely unnavi-gable by ocean vessels but open to transit by small craft,particularly in its N and reaches.Land areas, aside from Andros Island, the W side of which islow-lying,marshy,and without maritime significance,aresmall and, withbutfewexceptions, areclustered to theNin thevicinity of the Bimini Islands. Cay Sal Bank is separate andfarther W.GreatIsaac(26°02'N.,79°05'W.),neartheNW extremityofGreat BahamaBank,isasmall.lowlyingbarrenisletsurmounted bya lighthouse reported to beradar conspicuous at 10miles.It extends to theESEfor a distance of about 29 miles by anarrowed scattering of above and below-water dangers ofwhich Gingerbread Ground is considered the principal sunkenhazardontheNsideofGreatBahamaBankTidal currents are strong in the vicinity of this hazard.Anchorage.Great Isaac has anchorage,according to windand sea conditions,either closeNNW,ini3m,or to the SSE,in7.3to9.1m.StrongENEandWSWwindscausetheanchoragestobecomeuntenable,whileattimes afreshS windblowingduringaNswellcreatesconditionsinwhichlandingon eitherside of the islet is impossible.Safe anchorage with good holding ground was reported, inabout 25m,NW and N from Great Isaac,distant 5miles.A depth of 16.5m was reported 6.5 miles NNE of GreatIsaac.Several shoals have beenreported to lie up to8.5miles N ofGreat Isaac Light.2.9TheBiminiIslands(25°44N.,79°15'W.)(WorldPortIndex No.10000),about 48 miles E of the U.S.mainland,areElbowCayLighton the NW edge of Great Bahama Bank and in the N part of ascatteringofisletsandcaysextendingsome35milesbetweenPelicanHarbour(26°23N.,7659'W.),about7milesSSWthe small black North Rock, in the N, and South Riding Rockof Elbow Cay,is one of the few deep water sheltered poolsin the S.The Bimini Islands consist of North Bimini Island and Southwithin the Abaco Cays accessible to ocean vessels.A formerBimini Island; theislands are low-lying,sandy,flat,and wood-timber-loading station and currently a nature preserve, the ba-ed, and are separated by a shallow and frequently shiftingsin is entered from sea through North Bar Channel with the aidof two privately-maintained white beacons in line bearingchannelthatleadstoa shoal waterharborareawithextensive290°facilities primarily of interest to the yachting and small boatThe channel is obstructed by a bar which,having a leastenthusiast.charted depth of 4.9m, breaks during strong E winds and be-AliceTown.asmallcommunityneartheSWextremityofNorthBiminiIsland.isanadministrativecenterandhubforcomes particularly hazardous when an E swell is runningone of the world's best knownbig game fishing areas.against an ebb or flood current. It is recommended that vesselsenter just before high water slack.NorthBiminiIslandhaschartedanchorageseawardofitsWWalkerCay(27°16'N.,78°24'W.),attheNWextremityofside. South Bimini Island has anchorage for small vessels withlocal knowledge,in a charted depth of 8.2m.in a position withAbaco Cays, is a small scrub-covered inhabited islet unique inBiminiIsland SWextremitybearing045°andRoundRock(Sthat it is the N islet of the Bahama archipelago. The N part ofof South Bimini Island)bearing 1690the archipelago, the above-water Jump Off Rocks, is 1 mile far-ther NW.BetweenSouthBimini Island and Ocean Cay,about 17milesSSE,the several elongated, wooded, and somewhat elevated islets Gun Cay,North Cat Cay,and South Cat Cay provide aGreatBahamaBank-WestSidenumber of anchorages and small harbors primarily for the ac2.8TheWsideof GreatBahamaBank,betweenGreatIs-commodationofpleasurecraftwithadraftoflessthan3.7msac in the Nand Cay SantoDomingo, some320miles totheTidal currents in this area tend to set directly onto and off GreatSE, describes a more or less regular arc of a circle that bulgesBahama Bank.Pub.147
Sector 2. The Bahamas—Western Part 17 Pub. 147 a small landlocked shoal water basin. 2.7 Hope Town is on the E side of the basin. 2.7 Pelican Harbour (26°23'N., 76°59'W.), about 7 miles SSW of Elbow Cay, is one of the few deep water sheltered pools within the Abaco Cays accessible to ocean vessels. A former timber-loading station and currently a nature preserve, the basin is entered from sea through North Bar Channel with the aid of two privately-maintained white beacons in line bearing 290°. 2.7 The channel is obstructed by a bar which, having a least charted depth of 4.9m, breaks during strong E winds and becomes particularly hazardous when an E swell is running against an ebb or flood current. It is recommended that vessels enter just before high water slack. 2.7 Walker Cay (27°16'N., 78°24'W.), at the NW extremity of Abaco Cays, is a small scrub-covered inhabited islet unique in that it is the N islet of the Bahama archipelago. The N part of the archipelago, the above-water Jump Off Rocks, is 1 mile farther NW. 2.7 Great Bahama Bank—West Side 2.8 The W side of Great Bahama Bank, between Great Issac in the N and Cay Santo Domingo, some 320 miles to the SE, describes a more or less regular arc of a circle that bulges to the SW in its approach to the NE coast of Cuba and delimits, where it falls off with comparative abruptness to depths of several hundred meters, a vast area of shoal water largely unnavigable by ocean vessels but open to transit by small craft, particularly in its N and reaches. 2.8 Land areas, aside from Andros Island, the W side of which is low-lying, marshy, and without maritime significance, are small and, with but few exceptions, are clustered to the N in the vicinity of the Bimini Islands. Cay Sal Bank is separate and farther W. 2.8 Great Isaac (26°02'N., 79°05'W.), near the NW extremity of Great Bahama Bank, is a small, low lying barren islet surmounted by a lighthouse reported to be radar conspicuous at 10 miles. 2.8 It extends to the ESE for a distance of about 29 miles by a narrowed scattering of above and below-water dangers of which Gingerbread Ground is considered the principal sunken hazard on the N side of Great Bahama Bank. 2.8 Tidal currents are strong in the vicinity of this hazard. 2.8 Anchorage.—Great Isaac has anchorage, according to wind and sea conditions, either close NNW, in 13m, or to the SSE, in 7.3 to 9.1m. Strong ENE and WSW winds cause the anchorages to become untenable, while at times a fresh S wind blowing during a N swell creates conditions in which landing on either side of the islet is impossible. 2.8 Safe anchorage with good holding ground was reported, in about 25m, NW and N from Great Isaac, distant 5 miles. 2.8 A depth of 16.5m was reported 6.5 miles NNE of Great Isaac. 2.8 Several shoals have been reported to lie up to 8.5 miles N of Great Isaac Light. 2.9 The Bimini Islands (25°44'N., 79°15'W.) (World Port Index No. 10000), about 48 miles E of the U.S. mainland, are on the NW edge of Great Bahama Bank and in the N part of a scattering of islets and cays extending some 35 miles between the small black North Rock, in the N, and South Riding Rock, in the S. 2.9 The Bimini Islands consist of North Bimini Island and South Bimini Island; the islands are low-lying, sandy, flat, and wooded, and are separated by a shallow and frequently shifting channel that leads to a shoal water harbor area with extensive facilities primarily of interest to the yachting and small boat enthusiast. 2.9 Alice Town, a small community near the SW extremity of North Bimini Island, is an administrative center and hub for one of the world’s best known big game fishing areas. 2.9 North Bimini Island has charted anchorage seaward of its W side. South Bimini Island has anchorage for small vessels with local knowledge, in a charted depth of 8.2m, in a position with Bimini Island SW extremity bearing 045° and Round Rock (S of South Bimini Island) bearing 169°. 2.9 Between South Bimini Island and Ocean Cay, about 17 miles SSE, the several elongated, wooded, and somewhat elevated islets Gun Cay, North Cat Cay, and South Cat Cay provide a number of anchorages and small harbors primarily for the accommodation of pleasure craft with a draft of less than 3.7m. Tidal currents in this area tend to set directly onto and off Great Bahama Bank. Elbow Cay Light
18Sector2.The BahamasWestern Part2.10Ocean Cay (SandyCay)(25°25'N.,79°13W.)0.5mile.(World PortIndexNo.9998)is the site of a significant explora-Diamond Point,about20miles SEofCayLobos,isthetion byprivate effort of extensive submarine deposits of arago-sunken SW extremity of Mucaras Reef which,marked by darknite (aform of limestone)and consists of a largely man-madecoral and grass,rises steep-to on the E side of the SE entranceabove-water area some 200 acres in extent.to Old Bahama Channel.The approach channel is about 1 mile long and has beenIn an emergency, vessels anchor in 9.2 to 11m, sand, any-dredgedto12mdeep.ItismarkedbysixbuovsandterminateswhereoverabankextendingNW fromDiamondPointandat the turning basin.The turning basin is located just S of theMucaras Reef for a distance of about 10 miles to the nearlychannel. Vessels are loaded here and there are reported depthsawashE extremity of Labanderas Reef.of 7.8 to10.6m.A set of range lights,in line bearing075°,hasDiamond Point and Mucaras Reef are considered extremelybeen reported to mark the channel.dangerous to vessels transiting the S reaches of Old BahamaVessels approaching Ocean Cay from the N or NW, general-Channel, because each rises steep-to in its deep-water ap-IlystandwelloffGreatBahamaBankWsideuntilabeamGunproaches and is sunken in shoal depths in a position largely outCay,then they haul SSE andmakefor the buoys at the entranceof convenientrange of all landmarks,with thepossible excep-to the channel leading to Ocean Cay berthing facility.tion of Cay Lobos Light.CavSantoDomingo(21°43'N..75°45'W.)isasmall low-ly-WhenapproachingfromtheS.theysimilarlystandwelltosea until South Riding Rock can be identified, then they pro-ing islet, marked by a light, located at the S extremity of Greatceed with caution to the channel entrance.Bahama Bank, as well as at the extremity of an underwaterPilotage.Pilotage is compulsory and is provided by thepeninsula which everywhere along its flanking periphery risescompany Port Director.steep-to from the depths, particularly to the S.Several sunken and nearly awash dangers are charted be-South Riding Rock (25°14'N., 79°10'W.), near the S ex-tweenCay SantoDomingo andDiamond Point,about90milesWNW.tremity of the cays and islets extending N and S from the Bimi-ni Islands, is low-lying, sparsely covered with brushwood, and2.13Cay Sal Bank (2350'N.,80°05'W.)is an isolated andmarked by a navigation light of significance to vessels pro-ceeding along theNW reaches of theW side of Great Bahamacomparatively-extensive shoal water area in a somewhat cen-Bank.tral position with Santaren Channel separating it from GreatSeveral anchorages are charted to the S, ESE, and E of theBahama Bank W side,with Nicholas Channel setting it apartlight.from the NE coast of Cuba,and with the Straits of Florida di-viding it from the U.S. mainland and the Florida Keys.It is roughly in the form of a triangle and has a number ofSouth Riding Rock to Cay Santo Domingoabove-water land areas scattered along its edges, save along its2.11TheW and S sides of Great Bahama Bank, for a dis-S or Nicholas Channel side, where a cursory examination hastanceofabout290milesbetweenSRidingRocksandCayreported the existence of numerous rocky heads.Santo Domingo,drop off from shoal depths todepths well overTides-Currents.The height of the tide and direction of200m within the space of a few miles and tend to bulgetothecurrentareinfluenced greatlybythe wind.Ingeneral.thetidalSW such that, in their approach to theNE coast of Cuba,theycurrentsetsontothebankfromalldirectionsonthefloodtideform oneof the confines tothedeep and clear, but compara-and off on the ebb.Near Double Headed Shot Cays, the tidaltively narrow Old Bahama Channel. Several islets and sunkencurrents arerotary.dangers lie on or near this plunging edge.InSantarenChannel,acurrentofmoderateorlowconstancyOrangeCay(2457'N.,79°09"W.),about17miles S offlows NW at about O.7knot, joining the Florida Current at theSouthRidingRock isquitebarren,risingabout3.9m above seachannel's.NWendIn Nicolas Channel, a weak current generally sets W or NWlevelandmarkedbyamast withanobservationplatformwhich,whenapproachingfromtheWorS,canbemistakenforbut an E or SE current may encroach into the channel'sW endthe light on South Riding Rock.2.14CaySal (23°42'N.,80°25W.),intheSWpartofCayA vessel found good anchorage,in 14.6m, in a positionSal Bank and the only inhabited land area, is about i mile long.about1.5milesWof OrangeCay's SextremityGuinchosCay(22°45'N.,78°07W.),about160milesSSEIt consists of an approximately circular low-lying islet which,ofSouthRidingRock.isalow-lyingsparselyscrub-coveredis-rising to a narrow range of sand hills on its NE side,has in itslet of sand and bleached dead coral. It has anchorage, in aboutinterior portions a large salt pond commonly replenished by7.4m, in a clear area about 1.5 miles to the W.heavy wind-driven seas that broach the islet along its SW side.Anoffshoreplatform was under construction about 14 milesItiscoveredwithstuntedpalmtreesandmarkedbyseveralWNW of Guinchos Cay.buildings standing on its W side.Anchorage is available,in12.8m, sand, in a position charted close W of the islet where2.12CayLobos(22°23'N.,77°35'W.),about110milestheplayoftidalandoceancurrentscanbeconsiderable.ItwasWNW of Cay SantoDomingo, is low-lying,rocky,and markedobserved that the current sets generally SE through the anchor-by a navigation light which,with its lighthouse reported radarage at a velocity of up to 2 knots.conspicuous at a distance of 12 miles, is of significance to ves-DoubleHeadedShotCaysextendasagroupofelongatedis-letsfromSouthElbowCay intheSW,toWaterCays intheNEselsintransitofOldBahamaChannelThe anchorage is in 9.2m, with the light bearing 114°, distantand are in a position on the NW side of Cay Sal Bank wherePub. 147
18 Sector 2. The Bahamas—Western Part Pub. 147 2.10 Ocean Cay (Sandy Cay) (25°25'N., 79°13'W.) (World Port Index No. 9998) is the site of a significant exploration by private effort of extensive submarine deposits of aragonite (a form of limestone) and consists of a largely man-made above-water area some 200 acres in extent. 2.10 The approach channel is about 1 mile long and has been dredged to 12m deep. It is marked by six buoys and terminates at the turning basin. The turning basin is located just S of the channel. Vessels are loaded here and there are reported depths of 7.8 to 10.6m. A set of range lights, in line bearing 075°, has been reported to mark the channel. 2.10 Vessels approaching Ocean Cay from the N or NW, generally stand well off Great Bahama Bank W side until abeam Gun Cay, then they haul SSE and make for the buoys at the entrance to the channel leading to Ocean Cay berthing facility. 2.10 When approaching from the S, they similarly stand well to sea until South Riding Rock can be identified, then they proceed with caution to the channel entrance. 2.10 Pilotage.—Pilotage is compulsory and is provided by the company Port Director. 2.10 South Riding Rock (25°14'N., 79°10'W.), near the S extremity of the cays and islets extending N and S from the Bimini Islands, is low-lying, sparsely covered with brushwood, and marked by a navigation light of significance to vessels proceeding along the NW reaches of the W side of Great Bahama Bank. 2.10 Several anchorages are charted to the S, ESE, and E of the light. South Riding Rock to Cay Santo Domingo 2.11 The W and S sides of Great Bahama Bank, for a distance of about 290 miles between S Riding Rocks and Cay Santo Domingo, drop off from shoal depths to depths well over 200m within the space of a few miles and tend to bulge to the SW such that, in their approach to the NE coast of Cuba, they form one of the confines to the deep and clear, but comparatively narrow Old Bahama Channel. Several islets and sunken dangers lie on or near this plunging edge. 2.11 Orange Cay (24°57'N., 79°09'W.), about 17 miles S of South Riding Rock is quite barren, rising about 3.9m above sea level and marked by a mast with an observation platform which, when approaching from the W or S, can be mistaken for the light on South Riding Rock. 2.11 A vessel found good anchorage, in 14.6m, in a position about 1.5 miles W of Orange Cay’s S extremity. 2.11 Guinchos Cay (22°45'N., 78°07'W.), about 160 miles SSE of South Riding Rock, is a low-lying sparsely scrub-covered islet of sand and bleached dead coral. It has anchorage, in about 7.4m, in a clear area about 1.5 miles to the W. 2.11 An offshore platform was under construction about 14 miles WNW of Guinchos Cay. 2.12 Cay Lobos (22°23'N., 77°35'W.), about 110 miles WNW of Cay Santo Domingo, is low-lying, rocky, and marked by a navigation light which, with its lighthouse reported radar conspicuous at a distance of 12 miles, is of significance to vessels in transit of Old Bahama Channel. 2.12 The anchorage is in 9.2m, with the light bearing 114°, distant 0.5 mile. 2.12 Diamond Point, about 20 miles SE of Cay Lobos, is the sunken SW extremity of Mucaras Reef which, marked by dark coral and grass, rises steep-to on the E side of the SE entrance to Old Bahama Channel. 2.12 In an emergency, vessels anchor in 9.2 to 11m, sand, anywhere over a bank extending NW from Diamond Point and Mucaras Reef for a distance of about 10 miles to the nearly awash E extremity of Labanderas Reef. 2.12 Diamond Point and Mucaras Reef are considered extremely dangerous to vessels transiting the S reaches of Old Bahama Channel, because each rises steep-to in its deep-water approaches and is sunken in shoal depths in a position largely out of convenient range of all landmarks, with the possible exception of Cay Lobos Light. 2.12 Cay Santo Domingo (21°43'N., 75°45'W.) is a small low-lying islet, marked by a light, located at the S extremity of Great Bahama Bank, as well as at the extremity of an underwater peninsula which everywhere along its flanking periphery rises steep-to from the depths, particularly to the S. 2.12 Several sunken and nearly awash dangers are charted between Cay Santo Domingo and Diamond Point, about 90 miles WNW. 2.13 Cay Sal Bank (23°50'N., 80°05'W.) is an isolated and comparatively-extensive shoal water area in a somewhat central position with Santaren Channel separating it from Great Bahama Bank W side, with Nicholas Channel setting it apart from the NE coast of Cuba, and with the Straits of Florida dividing it from the U.S. mainland and the Florida Keys. 2.13 It is roughly in the form of a triangle and has a number of above-water land areas scattered along its edges, save along its S or Nicholas Channel side, where a cursory examination has reported the existence of numerous rocky heads. 2.13 Tides—Currents.—The height of the tide and direction of current are influenced greatly by the wind. In general, the tidal current sets onto the bank from all directions on the flood tide, and off on the ebb. Near Double Headed Shot Cays, the tidal currents are rotary. 2.13 In Santaren Channel, a current of moderate or low constancy flows NW at about 0.7 knot, joining the Florida Current at the channel’s NW end. 2.13 In Nicolas Channel, a weak current generally sets W or NW, but an E or SE current may encroach into the channel’s W end. 2.14 Cay Sal (23°42'N., 80°25'W.), in the SW part of Cay Sal Bank and the only inhabited land area, is about 1 mile long. It consists of an approximately circular low-lying islet which, rising to a narrow range of sand hills on its NE side, has in its interior portions a large salt pond commonly replenished by heavy wind-driven seas that broach the islet along its SW side. 2.14 It is covered with stunted palm trees and marked by several buildings standing on its W side. Anchorage is available, in 12.8m, sand, in a position charted close W of the islet where the play of tidal and ocean currents can be considerable. It was observed that the current sets generally SE through the anchorage at a velocity of up to 2 knots. 2.14 Double Headed Shot Cays extend as a group of elongated islets from South Elbow Cay in the SW, to Water Cays in the NE, and are in a position on the NW side of Cay Sal Bank where
Sector2.The BahamasWestern Part19theFlorida Current, in its courseE and Nthrough the Straits ofclose WNW of the navigation light, is reported visible at a dis-Florida,usually sets close offshore at full strength.North El-tanceof18miles.bow Cay, the highest of the islets, is marked by a disused coni-Vessels anchor in moderate weather and during prevailing Ecal stonelighthouse.17.7m high.winds, in about 12.8m, white sand, with the navigation lightVessels.with thewind fromWSWthroughNtoNE.anchor.bearing 137°,distant about 1.3miles.in9.2to1lm,SE of ElbowCay,withthe disused lighthouseGreat Harbour Cay, the largest of the Berry Islands, liesbearingbetween315and338ofronted to the E by a small grouping of islets and several off-ly-With the wind from E thru S to SW, theyanchor in similaring sunken dangers which require caution in their approach.depths, sand, in a position close NW of the islet, with the dis-Bullocks Harbor,a modest community and local fishing cen-used lighthousebearing about 1370ter,is on the W side of the island and adjacent to an elaborateAnguilla Cays, near the SE extremity of Cal Say Bank, con-marina and resort complex which is reported to be of interestsist of several elongated scrub-covered sandy islands which,primarily to the small boat and yachting enthusiast.Small craft make their approach to Bullocks Harbor and theswampy near their S end, are marked here and there by stuntedpalmtreesneighboringmarinafromtheN,commonlybyway of GreatThe N end of Anguilla Cays is marked by a beacon, 5m high.Harbour.The islands are reported radar conspicuous at 12 miles.BetweenGreatHarbourCayandChubCay,about20milesA heavy surf breaks along the NE side of the islands and thetothe S.theBerryIslands continue in amore or less uninter-channels through them are reported to be narrow and shallow.rupted series of smaller islands of which a number are privatelyThe anchorage to the SW is reported to be good, with depthsowned.Little Harbour Cay,about one-third of the way along the arc,of11or12.8m.is somewhat higher than neighboring islands and thickly cov-ered with vegetation and coconut palms.The cay also shows aGreat Bahama Bank-Central Partlight. The island is sparsely inhabited and has a well-sheltered2.15The central partof GreatBahamaBank comprises thesmall craft basin on its W side,reported one of the finest in theareainandaboutTongueof theOceanand includestheBerryBerry Islands.Islands, the E side of Andros Island, and the islands and islets.2.17 Crab Cay (Thompsons Cay) (25°25'N., 7754W.)includingNewProvidence Island,ranging along the SE side ofNortheastProvidenceChannelformswithFrazersHogCay,thelargestislandcomplexintheTongue of the Ocean (24°00'N., 77°20'W.), sometimes ab-S part of the Berry Islands, and one of the principal landfallsbreviated TOTO,is a remarkable submarinecanyon leading infor small craft in theirtransit of Great Bahama Bank betweenfromtheopen seabywayofNortheastProvidenceChannel.TongueoftheOceanandtheBiminiIslandsChub Cay (25°24'N., 77°54'W.) is a port of entry. The mari-forms a deep elongated cul-de-sac having comparatively steep-to sides and an exceptionally flat bottom over the greater partna entrance channel has a depth of 2.1m.Leading lights in line,bearing 035o,lead into the channel.ofitslengthThe bulk of the water mass within the canyon shares largelyA distinctive 61m high water tower stands on Chub Cay,in the multiple characteristics of the oceanic water outside inwhere it is reported to be visible at about 15 miles.An openroadstead betweenFrazersHog CayandBird Cay.the Atlantic Ocean.withthenotableexceptions of asingulartransparency and a generally sluggish circulation.an extensively developed and privately-owned islet close SE.Because of its location, configuration,depth,water proper-has good anchorage sheltered from NE gale winds, in 7.3m,sand and coral, about 1 mile W of Bird Cay W extremityties,and stableconditions.Tongueof theOceanmaybechar-acterized as a small model ocean having many of theIt is recommended that vesselsmaking theirapproach fromadvantages of the larger bodies of water withfew of their dis-the W pass seaward of the above-water rocks lying about 2.5milesWof Bird Cay.advantages.Between the Berry Islands and Andros Island, Tongue of the2.16TheBerryIslands(25°35'N..77°45"W.),on theWOcean forms a bight extending about 17 miles N to S.Caution.Several submarine cable areas exist off AndrossideofNortheastProvidenceChannelandNoftheseawarden-trance to Tongue of the Ocean, consist of 30 larger islands andIsland, and may best be seen on the chart.a number of lesser islets lying scattered along Great Bahama2.18AndrosIsland(24°40'N..78°00'W.),thelargestofBank'sNsideintheformofanopenloopextendingfromthelow and quite rockyLittle Stirrup Cayin the N,toBlackwoodthe Bahamas, is along much of the W side of Tongue of theBush, charted as two small cays about 21 miles SSW.The is-Ocean, where it is fronted by a more or less continuous barrierreef which falls away steeply on its offshore side and largelylandsarewooded,comparativelylow-lying,andofprimaryin-terest to ocean shipping onlywhen in transit of Northwestblocks freeaccessto an intervening andmuchencumberedProvidence Channel and Northeast Providence Channel.shoal water margin on its onshore side.The island is low-lying,extensively covered by forests ofTidal currentsrun stronglyandsetdirectlyinand out of theopenings between the islands.pine and hard woods (e.g.mahogany,lignum vitae),and inhab-Great Stirrup Cay,thenorthernmostof theBerryIslands,isited primarily along its E coast. Its central portion is drownedmarked byanavigationlightwiththelighthousereported radarinswampsandunderanetworkofveryshallowwaterways,ofwhich somemaybefollowedfromonecoastto theotherbyconspicuousatadistanceof16miles,andbyaUnitedStatestracking station radio tower which, rising to a height of 6lmsmall boats with adequatelocal knowledgePub.147
Sector 2. The Bahamas—Western Part 19 Pub. 147 the Florida Current, in its course E and N through the Straits of Florida, usually sets close offshore at full strength. North Elbow Cay, the highest of the islets, is marked by a disused conical stone lighthouse, 17.7m high. 2.14 Vessels, with the wind from WSW through N to NE, anchor, in 9.2 to 11m, SE of Elbow Cay, with the disused lighthouse bearing between 315° and 338°. 2.14 With the wind from E thru S to SW, they anchor in similar depths, sand, in a position close NW of the islet, with the disused lighthouse bearing about 137°. 2.14 Anguilla Cays, near the SE extremity of Cal Say Bank, consist of several elongated scrub-covered sandy islands which, swampy near their S end, are marked here and there by stunted palm trees. 2.14 The N end of Anguilla Cays is marked by a beacon, 5m high. The islands are reported radar conspicuous at 12 miles. 2.14 A heavy surf breaks along the NE side of the islands and the channels through them are reported to be narrow and shallow. 2.14 The anchorage to the SW is reported to be good, with depths of 11 or 12.8m. Great Bahama Bank—Central Part 2.15 The central part of Great Bahama Bank comprises the area in and about Tongue of the Ocean and includes the Berry Islands, the E side of Andros Island, and the islands and islets, including New Providence Island, ranging along the SE side of Northeast Providence Channel. 2.15 Tongue of the Ocean (24°00'N., 77°20'W.), sometimes abbreviated TOTO, is a remarkable submarine canyon leading in from the open sea by way of Northeast Providence Channel, forms a deep elongated cul-de-sac having comparatively steepto sides and an exceptionally flat bottom over the greater part of its length. 2.15 The bulk of the water mass within the canyon shares largely in the multiple characteristics of the oceanic water outside in the Atlantic Ocean, with the notable exceptions of a singular transparency and a generally sluggish circulation. 2.15 Because of its location, configuration, depth, water properties, and stable conditions, Tongue of the Ocean may be characterized as a small model ocean having many of the advantages of the larger bodies of water with few of their disadvantages. 2.16 The Berry Islands (25°35'N., 77°45'W.), on the W side of Northeast Providence Channel and N of the seaward entrance to Tongue of the Ocean, consist of 30 larger islands and a number of lesser islets lying scattered along Great Bahama Bank’s N side in the form of an open loop extending from the low and quite rocky Little Stirrup Cay in the N, to Blackwood Bush, charted as two small cays about 21 miles SSW. The islands are wooded, comparatively low-lying, and of primary interest to ocean shipping only when in transit of Northwest Providence Channel and Northeast Providence Channel. 2.16 Tidal currents run strongly and set directly in and out of the openings between the islands. 2.16 Great Stirrup Cay, the northernmost of the Berry Islands, is marked by a navigation light with the lighthouse reported radar conspicuous at a distance of 16 miles, and by a United States tracking station radio tower which, rising to a height of 61m close WNW of the navigation light, is reported visible at a distance of 18 miles. 2.16 Vessels anchor in moderate weather and during prevailing E winds, in about 12.8m, white sand, with the navigation light bearing 137°, distant about 1.3 miles. 2.16 Great Harbour Cay, the largest of the Berry Islands, lies fronted to the E by a small grouping of islets and several off-lying sunken dangers which require caution in their approach. 2.16 Bullocks Harbor, a modest community and local fishing center, is on the W side of the island and adjacent to an elaborate marina and resort complex which is reported to be of interest primarily to the small boat and yachting enthusiast. 2.16 Small craft make their approach to Bullocks Harbor and the neighboring marina from the N, commonly by way of Great Harbour. 2.16 Between Great Harbour Cay and Chub Cay, about 20 miles to the S, the Berry Islands continue in a more or less uninterrupted series of smaller islands of which a number are privately owned. 2.16 Little Harbour Cay, about one-third of the way along the arc, is somewhat higher than neighboring islands and thickly covered with vegetation and coconut palms. The cay also shows a light. The island is sparsely inhabited and has a well-sheltered small craft basin on its W side, reported one of the finest in the Berry Islands. 2.17 Crab Cay (Thompsons Cay) (25°25'N., 77°54'W.) forms with Frazers Hog Cay, the largest island complex in the S part of the Berry Islands, and one of the principal landfalls for small craft in their transit of Great Bahama Bank between Tongue of the Ocean and the Bimini Islands. 2.17 Chub Cay (25°24'N., 77°54'W.) is a port of entry. The marina entrance channel has a depth of 2.1m. Leading lights in line, bearing 035°, lead into the channel. 2.17 A distinctive 61m high water tower stands on Chub Cay, where it is reported to be visible at about 15 miles. 2.17 An open roadstead between Frazers Hog Cay and Bird Cay, an extensively developed and privately-owned islet close SE, has good anchorage sheltered from NE gale winds, in 7.3m, sand and coral, about 1 mile W of Bird Cay W extremity. 2.17 It is recommended that vessels making their approach from the W pass seaward of the above-water rocks lying about 2.5 miles W of Bird Cay. 2.17 Between the Berry Islands and Andros Island, Tongue of the Ocean forms a bight extending about 17 miles N to S. 2.17 Caution.—Several submarine cable areas exist off Andros Island, and may best be seen on the chart. 2.18 Andros Island (24°40'N., 78°00'W.), the largest of the Bahamas, is along much of the W side of Tongue of the Ocean, where it is fronted by a more or less continuous barrier reef which falls away steeply on its offshore side and largely blocks free access to an intervening and much encumbered shoal water margin on its onshore side. 2.18 The island is low-lying, extensively covered by forests of pine and hard woods (e.g. mahogany, lignum vitae), and inhabited primarily along its E coast. Its central portion is drowned in swamps and under a network of very shallow waterways, of which some may be followed from one coast to the other by small boats with adequate local knowledge
20Sector2.The BahamasWestern PartMorgans Bluff (25°10'N.,78°02'W.)is a remarkable rockytheW extremity of NewProvidenceIsland and theE entranceheadland which shows a light. A harbor was under develop-point of Tongue of the Ocean.A more or less continuous chain of lesser islands and isletsmentS of thebluff.NicollsTown(25°08N..7800'W.),neartheNEextremityliesbetweenEleutheraIslandandNewProvidenceIslandof Andros Island, is a small community and the administrationSeveral navigable channels transit this chain and lead into ancenter for both the Andros Island and the Berry Islands. Rangeextensive and comparatively deep lagoon lying just withinlights, in line bearing 223.75°,lead through the reef at BethelGreatBahamaBank.Channel.2.21Egg Reefis thedangerous, sunken Nedge ofa some-MasticPoint,amodest settlement close SSE,is the siteofawhatbroad,shoal water coastal bank extendingN and E fromsmallprivately-ownedcommercialbasinfortheuseofsmallcraft calling in support of timber and farming activities underEleuthera Island.Several elongated, rounded,and rather wood-development nearby.ed islets are just S of the reef and extend from Saint George'sAndrosTown(24°43N.,77°47'W.)isat theentrancetotheCay, in the E, for a distance of about 8 miles to Egg Island, inthe W.A light is displayed from Egg Island.somewhatextensiveFreshCreekandwithinanareaunderde-velopment for the tourist trade. Atlantic Undersea Test andPierre Rock, 8m high and an excellent radar target at 16EvaluationCenter (AUTEC)AndrosIsland,has itsbase stationmiles, is about 0.5 mile N of the NW end of Saint George'sCay.about1.5milestotheSE.Theareaisrestricted.AnumberofSpanish Wells, a small community near the E extremity oflights are also shown within the area.Saint George's Cay,is reached by a small boat channel passing2.19SalvadorPoint(24°30'N..77°43W.)about14mileseither S and thence ENE of Egg Island, or S through the wind-SSE of Andros Town, and the SE extremity of Big Wood Cay,ing fairway leading between Saint George's Cay and Eleutheraabout 10 milesfarther SSE, are sites of twoAUTEC auxiliaryIslandstations.Submarine cables extend from the stations.Each isEggIsland has anchorage,in 14.6m,poorholding ground,fronted by a turning basin and approach channel dredged to thewith Egg Island Light bearing 025°, distant about 1 mile.Aaccommodation of small boats only.Bristol Galley,is anheavy swell usually sets into the anchorage.above-water rock about2.5milesNNE of Salvador Point.Caution.Less water than charted has been reported in theMangrove Cay (24°15N.,77°39W.),theadministrativevicinity of Egg Island.center for Andros Island, is a small settlement lying close W of2.22Fleeming Channel (Six Shilling Channel) (25°16'N.,the NE entrance to South Bight,the S of the waterways leading76°56W.),about 21miles SWof Eleuthera Island'sN extrem-through the middle portion of the island.GoldingCay.intheentrancetoSouthBight.isthesiteofaity,is a comparatively-deep passage which,entered betweenconspicuous AUTEC auxiliary station,fronted by submarinethe rounded Six Shilling Cays and Six Shilling Channel Light,cables, best seen on the chart.about 2miles SW, leads in from Northeast Providence Chan-BastianPoint(VictoriaPoint),theNentrancepoint of Southnel.Thereisaleastdepthof8.2minthefairwayof theen-Bight, has fair anchorage, in 22m, with Golding Cay's W sidetrance,withlesserdepthsinthenearvicinity.Tidalcurrents sebearing 169° and Flat Rock bearing about 222°across the inner reaches of the channel at a rate of 1 to 2 knotsCaution.Vessels are advised that the channel is danger-2.20KempsBay(24°03N.77°33W.),asmallcommuni-ous. Transit is recommended during the middle of the dayty about 10 miles SSE of South Bight,is the administrativewhen the tide is rising, winds are light, and the weather fore-centerfor theSpart of Andros Islandcast is favorable.A wreck,partially above-water, lies about 0.3Deep Creek,about4miles to the SSE,andHighPoint CaymileN of Six Shilling Channel Light.an off-lying islet about 6 miles farther SSE, are sites of two2.23 Douglas Channel (25°09'N., 77°06"W.), the principalAUTEC auxiliary stations.Each is fronted by a turning basinaccess to Shoe Hole Road and Douglas Road (Cochrane An-andapproachchanneldredgedtoaccommodatesmallboatsonly.A cable area fronts the station.chorage)fromNortheastProvidence Channel,is entered aboutTongue of the Ocean's S part has the form of a submerged12milesENEofNewProvidenceIsland'sEextremitythroughamphitheater with its W edge largely defined by an elongatedan intricate and much-encumbered passage leading betweenscattering of islets extending from Andros Island.Booby Island (Booby Cay), to the NE, and Rose Island, to theTheE side of its entrance is marked by the heavily woodedSW; two beacons are located at the E end of a reef extendingislet Green Cay,while its S rim is serrated by a series of ridgesfrom the E end of Rose Island.They also mark the W side ofwhichform the limits of many channels leading onto the SDouglas Channel.reaches of Great Bahama Bank.Temporary anchorage is available as charted in the seawardThe channels are navigable by small vessels with localapproach to the channel. Pilotage is compulsory, with the pilotknowledge, but tidal currents are of such strength that naviga-boarding off the entranceto Nassau Harbour, NewProvidenceIsland.tion is not recommended at night.Tongue of the Ocean has many testing and cable areas asShoe HoleRoad,a somewhat encumbered basin immediate-well as a 2 mile wide surfacetransit lane.ly inside the entrance to Douglas Channel, has anchorage, inThe SE side of Northeast Providence Channel extends ina7.4 to 9.2m, over a holding ground of poor quality.Duringgentle arc for a distance of about 56 miles between Bridgestrong N winds, vessels are advised to exercise caution forPoint,theNextremity of EleutheraIsland, andCliftonPoint,dragging anchor.Pub. 147
20 Sector 2. The Bahamas—Western Part Pub. 147 2.18 Morgans Bluff (25°10'N., 78°02'W.) is a remarkable rocky headland which shows a light. A harbor was under development S of the bluff. 2.18 Nicolls Town (25°08'N., 78°00'W.), near the NE extremity of Andros Island, is a small community and the administration center for both the Andros Island and the Berry Islands. Range lights, in line bearing 223.75°, lead through the reef at Bethel Channel. 2.18 Mastic Point, a modest settlement close SSE, is the site of a small privately-owned commercial basin for the use of small craft calling in support of timber and farming activities under development nearby. 2.18 Andros Town (24°43'N., 77°47'W.) is at the entrance to the somewhat extensive Fresh Creek and within an area under development for the tourist trade. Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) Andros Island, has its base station about 1.5 miles to the SE. The area is restricted. A number of lights are also shown within the area. 2.19 Salvador Point (24°30'N., 77°43'W.), about 14 miles SSE of Andros Town, and the SE extremity of Big Wood Cay, about 10 miles farther SSE, are sites of two AUTEC auxiliary stations. Submarine cables extend from the stations. Each is fronted by a turning basin and approach channel dredged to the accommodation of small boats only. Bristol Galley, is an above-water rock about 2.5 miles NNE of Salvador Point. 2.19 Mangrove Cay (24°15'N., 77°39'W.), the administrative center for Andros Island, is a small settlement lying close W of the NE entrance to South Bight, the S of the waterways leading through the middle portion of the island. 2.19 Golding Cay, in the entrance to South Bight, is the site of a conspicuous AUTEC auxiliary station, fronted by submarine cables, best seen on the chart. 2.19 Bastian Point (Victoria Point), the N entrance point of South Bight, has fair anchorage, in 22m, with Golding Cay’s W side bearing 169° and Flat Rock bearing about 222°. 2.20 Kemps Bay (24°03'N., 77°33'W.), a small community about 10 miles SSE of South Bight, is the administrative center for the S part of Andros Island. 2.20 Deep Creek, about 4 miles to the SSE, and High Point Cay, an off-lying islet about 6 miles farther SSE, are sites of two AUTEC auxiliary stations. Each is fronted by a turning basin and approach channel dredged to accommodate small boats only. A cable area fronts the station. 2.20 Tongue of the Ocean’s S part has the form of a submerged amphitheater with its W edge largely defined by an elongated scattering of islets extending from Andros Island. 2.20 The E side of its entrance is marked by the heavily wooded islet Green Cay, while its S rim is serrated by a series of ridges which form the limits of many channels leading onto the S reaches of Great Bahama Bank. 2.20 The channels are navigable by small vessels with local knowledge, but tidal currents are of such strength that navigation is not recommended at night. 2.20 Tongue of the Ocean has many testing and cable areas as well as a 2 mile wide surface transit lane. 2.20 The SE side of Northeast Providence Channel extends in a gentle arc for a distance of about 56 miles between Bridge Point, the N extremity of Eleuthera Island, and Clifton Point, the W extremity of New Providence Island and the E entrance point of Tongue of the Ocean. 2.20 A more or less continuous chain of lesser islands and islets lies between Eleuthera Island and New Providence Island. 2.20 Several navigable channels transit this chain and lead into an extensive and comparatively deep lagoon lying just within Great Bahama Bank. 2.21 Egg Reef is the dangerous, sunken N edge of a somewhat broad, shoal water coastal bank extending N and E from Eleuthera Island. Several elongated, rounded, and rather wooded islets are just S of the reef and extend from Saint George’s Cay, in the E, for a distance of about 8 miles to Egg Island, in the W. A light is displayed from Egg Island. 2.21 Pierre Rock, 8m high and an excellent radar target at 16 miles, is about 0.5 mile N of the NW end of Saint George’s Cay. 2.21 Spanish Wells, a small community near the E extremity of Saint George’s Cay, is reached by a small boat channel passing either S and thence ENE of Egg Island, or S through the winding fairway leading between Saint George’s Cay and Eleuthera Island. 2.21 Egg Island has anchorage, in 14.6m, poor holding ground, with Egg Island Light bearing 025°, distant about 1 mile. A heavy swell usually sets into the anchorage. 2.21 Caution.—Less water than charted has been reported in the vicinity of Egg Island. 2.22 Fleeming Channel (Six Shilling Channel) (25°16'N., 76°56'W.), about 21 miles SW of Eleuthera Island’s N extremity, is a comparatively-deep passage which, entered between the rounded Six Shilling Cays and Six Shilling Channel Light, about 2 miles SW, leads in from Northeast Providence Channel. There is a least depth of 8.2m in the fairway of the entrance, with lesser depths in the near vicinity. Tidal currents set across the inner reaches of the channel at a rate of 1 to 2 knots. 2.22 Caution.—Vessels are advised that the channel is dangerous. Transit is recommended during the middle of the day when the tide is rising, winds are light, and the weather forecast is favorable. A wreck, partially above-water, lies about 0.3 mile N of Six Shilling Channel Light. 2.23 Douglas Channel (25°09'N., 77°06'W.), the principal access to Shoe Hole Road and Douglas Road (Cochrane Anchorage) from Northeast Providence Channel, is entered about 12 miles ENE of New Providence Island’s E extremity through an intricate and much-encumbered passage leading between Booby Island (Booby Cay), to the NE, and Rose Island, to the SW; two beacons are located at the E end of a reef extending from the E end of Rose Island. They also mark the W side of Douglas Channel. 2.23 Temporary anchorage is available as charted in the seaward approach to the channel. Pilotage is compulsory, with the pilot boarding off the entrance to Nassau Harbour, New Providence Island. 2.23 Shoe Hole Road, a somewhat encumbered basin immediately inside the entrance to Douglas Channel, has anchorage, in 7.4 to 9.2m, over a holding ground of poor quality. During strong N winds, vessels are advised to exercise caution for dragging anchor