Practical Sailing Directions ... Second edition, etc

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PRACTICAL SAILING DIRECTIONS 45D Coasting <5uuU ieom ran SAND HEADS TO RANGOON, MAULMAIN, AKYAB, AND VICE VERSA; WITH A TABLE FOR THE DANGEROUS GULF OF 5IARTABAN, SETS OF CURRENT, A!f» DESCRIPTION OF THE LAND. Scconb iStjition, Jtmprobcti. TO WHICH 18 ADDED, DIRECTIONS FOR THE ENTIRE BAY OF 13EXUAL. §-c. &-c. $-c. "The lunguaze of Truth is simple." 13v NATHANIEL HECKFORD. Calcutta: PRINTED AT THE BENGAL CENTRAL PRESS. la, Hare Street. 1862. Entered "' Stationer? Hall. TO Iflftnwttofc OWNERS and COMMANDERS of VESSELS, AND OTHEBS INTEBESTED UT THE NAVIGATION OF THE BAY OF BENGAL, .THESE SAILING DIRECTIONS AND <Mtto(j mut, ABE BESPECIEVLLI INBCBIBED, BX IHEIB OBEDIENT SEBYANT, N. HECKFORD. NAUTICAL MAGAZINE, MAY 1860. NEW BOOKS. Practical Sailing Directions and Coasting Guide from the Satid Heads to Rangoon, Maulmain, and Akyab, $$c. By N. Heckford.

Coard. Holborn. There are not many more dangerous pieces of navigation for ships that have not yet fallen under the investigation of the maritime surveyor than the gulf of Martaban, where a tide of 5 and 6 knots is occasionally to be found setting among sands and channels of which our charts give us nothing. And yet this is within a very few days' sail of the great capital of our East India possessions. Captain Heckford, with a large stock of experience in those unknown waters off the mouth of the Irawaddy, and a plausible and commensurate amount of zeal in favour of his brother seamen, has with great credit to himself published it in the above convenient form. Such as the chart is he has added to it soundings and observations taken by himself, and compiled a valuable set of directions which embody that experience.

In fact, the seaman in command of a ship bound to Rangoon, Akyab, or thereabouts, will be grateful to Captain Heckford for this valuable compilation, to which we perceive he has added directions for the entire Bay of Bengal. We shall be glad to find this dangerous navigation taken up by our East India maritime surveyors : but, however they may lay down the coasts and define the limits and depths of the channels of the Irawaddy, they will profit by the directions of Captain Heckford, and cannot but preserve them for the navigator. PEEFACE. In publishing a second edition of my Sailing Directions and Coasting Guide for the north-east angle of the Bay of Bengal, I have been induced to extend them to the whole of this bay, with a hope that there usefulness will be general, although the consciousness of the first edition having met with so generous a demand, leaves me but little to surmise on that account.

Preface

. the greatest stranger, by strictly following these directions, cannot err. In offering the work to the public, it is with the firm conviction of its truthfulness as well as utdity, and I am prompted to hope that the universal adoption of the directions contained in it will prove a guiding-star to the mariner, to lead him on his patldess track. In conclusion, I would merely remark that the sailing directions contained in this work are the result of my own experience and knowledge acquired through the long course of twenty-two year's sailing out of the Port of Calcutta. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. The prevailing winds given in the directions are taken from an average of ten years. The direct track must be understood as a straight course from the outer Floating-Light Vessel to the centre of the North Preparis Channel, thence to be southward of Bargu Sand in fourteen or fifteen fathoms, and to the north end of the Island of Calagouk.

The table for the Gulf of Martaban may be received as correct. But under the extraordinary circumstances in which commanders are sometimes placed, every expedient should lie used to act up to the tenor of what has been written for this dangerous locality. The nature and depth of soundings may be fully rebed on, I having devoted a great deal of time and care to this particular object. In ascertaining the latter (in the Gulf of Martaban), a small deep sea-lead should always be used, more especially between ten and 6 fathoms, as the tides run with great velocity, and you can seldom know when the hand-lead touches. The sets of current must be considered as a near approxima tion to accuracy in September, October, November ; also Febru ary, March, and April, although a prevalence of wind in the other months greatly influences it.

The remarks with reference to making the outer Floating- Light Vessel from the south-eastward may be depended on in INTRODUCTOEY REMARKS. IV the absence of observations. The land, however correctly de scribed, is not available as a leading mark during the months of January, February, and March, on account of the thick mist that prevails for the greater portion of the day, and the heavy rains in the S. "W. monsoon, and in the absence of lighthouses, Floating-light vessels and beacons, all the ports to which these directions refer, must be considered dangerous to approach, and a great deal of caution required, until they are placed in the following positions, viz : — 1. A floating-light vessel off the southern end of the Oyster Reef, as the light that is exhibited from the lighthouse on the table land of the Bolongo cannot be seen to the westward of that danger. 2.

A consjiicuous beacon on the south end of the "Western Bolongo. 3. A lighthouse on the Alguada Reef. 4. The floating-light vessel at the entrance to Rangoon River is placed in a very good position ; but another should be anchored four or five miles to the eastward of the S. E. verge of Bra"u Sand in ten fathoms, and a conspicuous beacon erected on the highest part of the S. W. end of China Buckeer, close to the sea, which should be discernible fifteen miles in clear weather and would readily point out a vessel's position. A li"hfhouse on Elephant Point would be as useless as the present beacon. 5th, and lastly, a lighthouse on Double Island, eleven miles to the southward of Amherst Point, or a floating-light vessel two miles W.S.W. of this island; for it is in the absence of a bstdit that vessels get up and are lost in the Sittang River.

A h^ht in either of the above positions could be made under almost any circumstances, for the same depth of water as that two miles W. by S. of Double Island extends across the gulf to Bragu Sand • and a vessel, by keeping in ten and a half to ten fathoms, and INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. V steering to the eastward, could not possibly get into danger, and vould make the light; in which case a good position might be kept throughout a dirty night, without the risk of anchoring ; and the fact of Double Island being four to five miles from tho main land, is less liable to be obscured with thick mists or heavy rains which prevail alternately on this coast To erect a lighthouse on Green Island or Amherst Point would be a decoy to lead vessels into danger, the bottom in the vicinity being all foul ground, and the tides run seven knots on the springs.

A stranger bound to Maulmain (with a light on either of the last-named places) is not aware of the strength of the tides, and would naturally get into that depth of soundings to the westward, in which, by steering to the eastward, he might see it. I will allow through some good fortune he does not get on the reef, or on the Goodwin Sands, and makes the light at the last of an ebb, or commencement of a spring flood tide, before it is half done he will be to the northward of Pelew Guen in an eight-knot tide, with every chance of losing his vessel. There is now (literally speaking) no danger in the river ; that is overcome by the presence of steam tugs. The danger is in getting into Amherst Roads from outside, and there pilots should board vessels, and that can only be done by having the station in either of the positions pointed out.

One or two could be kept at Amherst as a reserve in case of need, and to supply steamers. The latitude and longitude assigned to the places noted in this work are taken from the latest surveys, and may be presumed as correct. As sudden changes are liable in April and May, September, October, and in some years November, a careful observance of the weather is particularly necessary. A sure precursor of bad weather in any of the above-named months is a predominance of fight winds, with variable squalls, VI INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. a density of clouds making the sun or moon scarcely discernible, and sultry atmosphere, accompanied with a long swell from any particular quarter. Sudden north-west squalls are very prevalent in the head of the bay in the latter end of February, more especially in March and April.

Of these beware ; and if bound to the northward, make all snug in time, or the chances are you will lose both sails and spars. During the south-west monsoon, if lightning is seen from south to S. W. or west, it is a harbinger of worse weather. Squalls that arch, or that are preceded by rain, should not be trifled with, more especially during the strength of the south west monsoon. The abstract of passages from the Sand Heads to Akyab, Rangoon, and Maulmain, and vice versa, has been taken from an average of the last ten years, and compiled from data principally my own. The primary objects to be kept in view with reference to the following Coasting Guide may be summed up in the very signifi cant words — viz., Lead, and look out. AND lasting diuidc. From the SAND DEADS to RANGOON or MAULMAIN.

In the early part of January a moderate north-east monsoon ia experienced. Steer more easterly than a direct course, to check the south-west set and to make the land about Cape Negrais, in order to pass as close to the Alguada Reef as is requisite for your safety ; on rounding which (winds permitting) steer in east, as they will draw to the north-east. To tho eastward of Bragu Sand they are from N. N. E. to N. E., and often light and variable ; and, bound to either port, you must stand well over to the Tenasserim coast, and not attempt to beat to the eastward in shoal water. Towards the end of the month, if on leaving southerly winds are met with, proceed to the E. S. E., where the monsoon will be found prevailing, and less diiliculty experienced in getting eastward from tho Alguada Reef. Southerly and variable winds are prevalent in the head of the bay in February, with which pursue a track to the S. E. by E. or E. S. E., and you will find them draw to the S. W., west, N.W.,« and north.

Going further to the eastward than in the last month, to ensure better winds, and they will be ibund, after passing the reef, more suited to get to the eastward. This may be fairly considered the finest month in the year, with, generally speaking, a perfectly smooth sea and cloudless sky. Moderate and strong south to south-west winds have influence in March. On leaving and standing to the eastward they will veer to the west, north-west, and north-north-west, and are mostly fair for proceeding to }rour destination from the reef. B This is one of the most favourable months for making a quick passage by going as far as 90° 30' E., north of lat. 20° N., whence the N. N. W. winds blow steadier and the S. S. E. current runs stronger. Although the winds in April arc very variable in the direct track, well to the eastward of it they are adapted to the accom plishment of your object.

They prevail from south and S. W north of lat. 19°, and to the westward of 90° 30' E. north-west in the North Preparis Channel, and generally fair for completing your passage. May is a treacherous month, and no dependence can be placed in the winds, which shoidd be found at S. W. to west, liable to changes; a track must be taken to the eastward of a direct one. If a steady monsoon is blowing, the chances are you will have no bad weather ; but light variable winds, with lightning and a sultry atmosphere, may be considered the pre cursor of a breeze. One of the worst months is June, from the middle to the end, when the south-west monsoon blows hard, with heavy squalls. Steer down S. E. by S. the first day, to guard against it drawing to the south-ward, in the southern part of the track, for I have known commanders of vessels make the land about Cape Negrais on the fourth day aster leaving, obliged to tack, and did not get to the south-ward of the Alguada Reef for fourteen days aster standing off from the cape.

The winds are favourable for running through the gulf, with at times a great deal of thick rainy weather. July is, without exception, tho worst month of the year, the monsoon blowing hard, with frequent violent squalls (which should at all times be guarded against), and a heavy sea to the North Channel ; it prevails from S. S. W. to W. S. W., mostly S. "VV. ; the precaution as in June should be adhered to. The passage may be considered sure when you get the Alguada Reef to bear E. by S. ; and it must be observed from the latter part, a current sets to the northward, the weather is squally, rainy, unfavourable for observations, and it blows severely throughout, east of'the Preparis. From the 1st to the 15th of August a strong monsoon may be expected. 1 have ahvays found it not only more westerly, but less violent ; towards the end of it the passage is not so trying, lor il then may be considered broken, and a course steered to make the Preparis Island, from which place the winds are suited to get to the eastward.

Easterly winds about the Sand Heads sometimes prevail tor two or three days, and those lrom south-east are of short duration in the North Preparis Channel. With the carl}' part ol September the monsoon may be looked forward to, aud the remainder of it is very liable to changes. Should you be fortunate enough to leave with a S. W. wind, the probabilities are you will carry it to the North Channel, and very likely to your port. A course well to the westward ol the direct track must be taken, making your casting in the latitude south of Preparis, passing to the northward of the great Cocos or Andaman Island. I have lest the Sand Heads repeatedly during tho end of this month with the wind from S. W. to cast. hi the latitude of Landfall Island, got it irom the southward and S. E. ; stood to the eastward, north or south of the Cocos, and bound lo either port, have had a fair wind, where other vessels working in through the North Preparis Channel would have a foul one, aud a strong lee current.

In support of the above, I may here state that on the 26th September, 1846, 1 left the Sand Heads bound to Rangoon, wind on leaving S. W. The Joseph Manook was to have sailed with me, but unfortunately lost her bowsprit, which detained her tour days. I carried the S. W monsoon abreast of Bragu Sand ; it than drew to the S. S. E. and S. E., and arrived off Rangoon town on the 2nd of October, whereas my rival that lest on the 30th September did not reach hor destination until the 23rd of October, having met with strong S. E. winds and a lee current in the North Preparis Channel. October is a very unsettled month, and liable to great changi I have experienced a steady monsoon to the North Channel, which is of rare occurrence ; the prevailing winds in the track aie mostly south, S. E. and cast, making it tedious to effect a passage , seldom a year passes without bad weather.

In the North Channel, aster the middle of the month, they are for the st I -n i east to S. J3. Keep well to the westward of a direct track, making your easting south of lat,ll°N., until to the eastward of the islands ; then as requisite. And, however strange it may appear, I do not hesitate to say, should the winds remain from cast to S. E., stand to the southward, and do not attempt the North Channel, but proceed so far south that you can get through the South Channel, or even to the southward of the Cocos, in which latitudes the winds will be found more favourable. I could quote many instances where the best passages have been made through the channels to the southward. The north-east monsoon sets in with the commencement of November, although easterly winds prevail towards the end of October.

In the head of the bay they are from north, N. N. E., and N. E. in the beginning of the month, N. N. E. to N. N. AV. in the latter part, and in tho track north to N. E. during the early por tion of it. Take the South Channel for the best route (in the absence of the north-east monsoon), as the winds prevail from east to N. E. in the North Channel, with a strong current running to the west-north-west, and bound to either port you will find it tedious ; after the 10th use the north one, passing close to the Alguada Reef. The deeper the soundings the less current, and you must get to the eastward, to the southward of lat. 15° N., and do not attempt to beat north of that latitude until you are east of the meridian of Bragu Sand. Severe gales (though seldom) have been encountered in this month.

Throughout December the monsoon prevails without inter mission, and as it blows steady and fresh at N. N. E. to N. E., no difficulty is experienced in getting to tho North Channel, where they will be found more northerly inclined, especially in the end of the month, with less westerly current, and you will not find so much difficulty in getting to the eastward ; but do not attempt to beat in shoal water. NoTE.-L-Land and sea breezes are regular during the north-east monsoon, both at Rangoon and Maulmain ; but the latter does not extend beyond twenty-five miles, until the season is advanced, it then gains distance and force. For departures from, and approaches to, ports of Rangoon and Maulmain, &c, you arc referred to the directions under their respective heads. From RANGOON or MAULMAIN to the SAND HEADS.

Departing in January, you will find little or no difficulty in making a passage, as you may expect a fair wind and fine weather to the middle of the month, observing that a direct track should be pursued, tacking when necessary for that object. After the 15th, a route to the westward of a direct one should be followed. The passage in February to the North Channel is in some years easy of accomplishment ; and the prevailing winds in that locality are mostly N. N. W. in the early, and, N. W. in the latter, part of the month; in which case stand to the westward; do not tack to the N. E., and in long. 88° E. (or to the westward of this) they wdl be found more suited to get to the northward. These observations apply to the middle and latter part ; those for the end of January, for the beginning of the month.

The winds in March, east of Bragu Sand, are N. W., and variable, when out of the influence of the sea breeze, and it is requisite to anchor on the flood when they are fight or adverse ; and this remark is applicable to or from either port for every month in the year when under twelve fathoms in the Gulf of Martaban. In the track they have influence from N. N. W. to N. W. and W. N. W., with an occasional spurt from the southward. It is also necessary to get westward south of lat. 15° N, and when west of the Preparis, do not tack if you make (even )a W. S. W. course ; and with the first fight southerly breeze, which will be found in long. 89° E. or 90° E., you must not steer direct, but to the west or W. N. W, when you will find it strengthen. You may then gradually edge away to the north ward, keeping well to the westward of the meridian of the outer Floating-Light Vessel, and to check the strong easterly current that exists in the northern part of the track.

Shoidd they prevail from W. N. W. in that part of the route east of Preparis, go through the channel north of the Cocos, where they will be found more northerly (with less current), and stand to the westward as above directed. the gulf, April was always considered fine, with more difficulty to get to the North Channel from variable and adverse winds. Of late years, bad weather has been met with. After having passed the Preparis, endeavour to get into 90° or 91° E., making httle northing, and from which locality more favourable winds will be met with, observing what has been written lor March. Should they prevail at W. N. W. in the gulf, follow tho directions given. May, is a very unsettled and treacherous month. In proceeding to the westward you should be prepared for bad weather, as, between the North Channel and the Sand Heads, you cross nearly all known tracks of cyclones and severe gales.

The prevailing winds to the eastward of Preparis arc west to S. W., and variable ; and they may be compared with those in the bay, not the same in following years, making it tedious getting to the westward, where the south-west monsoon should be found in force. Leaving in June, a strong monsoon may be expected, rendering it (at times) very trying to get to the south and westward. You must be provided with good ground tackle, as it is absolutely necessary ibr your safety to anchor when the flood is in (as a heavy swell comes in with the first of it). Two or three flood tides at anchor will (generally speaking), being under-weigh on the ebb, take you out of its influence ; every means then should be used to get to the North Channel. Proceeding from which, a N. W. by W. course should be preserved for one or two days, to check the probability of westerly winds existing in the head of the bay.

As July is, without exception, the most severe month in the Gulf of Martaban, every expedient should be used to get clear of tideway. The winds are mostly strong at S. W. to S. S. W., with an occasional west-north-wester, of which beware — your topsails reefed and snug on the cap are rather too much for some of them In working to the westward, pass nearest to the Island of Pre paris, for the sea on the north side of the channel is very heavj ; aster getting clear of this locality, be guided as before observed Although the monsoon in August is not so severe in the head el the bay, in the gulf to the 15th it is nearly as bad as in July , and the remarks for the former mouths apply to this. A Maulmain, from which pert very little trouble is experienced to get an offing aster the 1 5th os the month ; and even leaving this place, you should anchor at least one flood tide, provided you do not get to the southward of eleven or twelve fathoms during the first ebb, or in the absence of a leading wind.

After the 15th, make the outer Floating-Light Vessel when bearing to the westward of north. With the early part of September the monsoon is at times moderate from west to S.W., but not to bo compared to June, July, or August ; towards the latter end, variable and from S. E., and, though they are not in all }'cars the same, it is con sidered a favourable month to make a quick passage, keeping to the eastward of the direct track, especially towards the end of it. Southerly and variable winds may be expected in the early part of October, after which S. E. to east. You must be prepared for bad weather, as you may look for it during the passage. The route shoidd be to pass the south verge of Bragu Sand in fourteen or fifteen fathoms, thence to the southward of the Alguada Reef, and keeping well to the eastward of the track from the North Channel, observing that a strong current is running to the W. S. W., north of lat. 19° N. (Vide "Currents.") Al though November is considered a fine month with winds suited to a direct passage to the North Channel, a very severe gale has been encountered in this part of the track.

On the 19th of November, 1850, the brig Erin, 45 miles north of the Preparis, was totally dismasted. The American brig Eagle foundered ; the Lord Elphinstone, John Adams, and several other vessels suffered severely. But gales of wind aster the end of October are of rare occurrence. Alguada Reef should be passed close, and if the winds will admit of a N. N. W. and N. W. by N. courses, they should be steered, and on no account when north of lat. 19° 50' N. get the outer Floating-Light Vessel to bear to the northward of W. N. W., especially during the first hah of the month, or your passage will be protracted. In December, the winds are suited to a quick passage, being more steady at N. N. E. and N. E., although I have known it pre vail at north for seven days. In the southern part of the track it is of rare occurencc ; not to be expected, and no difficulty met with in getting out of the gulf : a fair wind and fine weather frequently prevails throughout.

SAND HEADS to AKYAB. As the prevailing winds in January are fair for proceeding to the eastward, a direct track must be taken, observing that caution is required in approaching the Oyster Reef, passing to the south ward of it, and as advised in another part of these directions ; and these observations refer from February to July. With easterly winds in August, on soundings, stand to the southward, where they will be found suited to your object, making your passage south of 19° 40' N., until well to the eastward. In September, your track must be (even with S. W. winds) to the S. E. to 19° 20' N., and do not attempt to beat north of this latitude when they are adverse, especially in October, which is the worst month in the year to get to the eastward, and it is only by going well to the southward that you can readily expect to reach your destination.

During November pursue a track just clear of the sea reefs, to long. 89° 30' E., thence to the southward of the Oyster Reef. Throughout December a direct course may be steered, as a steady monsoon prevails throughout. Note. — The channels north of the Oyster Reef and Island, should not be used by a stranger, excepting under extraordinary circumstances, as no advantage is gained, and considerable risk attending it. AKYAB to the SAND HEADS. Leaving the port of Akyab, it should always be with the first dawn of day in January ; by so doing you will get well clear to the westward before the sea breeze sets in, and which is always more westerly inclined in shore than in the offing, where the winds will be found suited to your purpose, making the light ship when bearing to the westward in the early part, and to the N. W. in the latter end of the month.

In February the passage is not so easy of accomplishment, and it must be observed (with adverse winds) that you get to the westward, not to the northward, of lat. 19° 40' N. to long. 89° E., then as requisite. The months of March and April are tedious, and the passage must be affected south of lat. 19° N. to 90° E., or" in all probability it will be greatly prolonged. May, in some years, is very squally after the 15th ; in others, variable and moderate ; but do not attempt to beat above lat. 20° N., taking every advantage to get westing, following as directed. In June, July, and part of August, the heavy weather of the Bay of Bengal prevails. After getting clear of the bar, every expedient should be used to ensure rapid progress, working be tween 19° 30' lat. and 20° 30' N. to long. 89° 30' E., bearing in mind that good canvass should be bent prior to leaving, to attain this object.

From the 20th of August, and during September, the winds and weather are much more moderate and favourable, and Httle difficulty met with by keeping to the northward of lat. 20° N. During October they are mostly fair, with a strong current running to the westward east of 91° E., and to the west-south west and S. W. to the westward of this longitude. In November and December a fair wind may be expected. In the former, when well to the westward of the Oyster Reef, a course should be steered to check the strong S. W. current. In the latter a direct one. Note. — There is a very heavy sea on the bar at the entrance to Akyab during the months of June, July, and August, and small vessels (especially) should be protected against it by having their hatches, scuttles, and deadlights well secured. For detaded directions to approach and enter the port of Akyab, commanders are referred to the following part of this work.