The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

108 SINGAPOEE SXEAIT.— ^WESTERN PART. [chap. ii.
preferred. Between Sultan shoal and Eaflfles lighthouse on that side, there
is convenient anchorage in 6 to 12 fathoms, while to the southward the
water is deep, and the bottom rocky ; the south side of this part of the
strait is, therefore, unsuitable for anchorage, especially as violent squalls
are of common occurrence. The most convenient anchorages between
Eafi9es lighthouse and St. John are the banks which fi-ont the Sisters and
Middle islands.
Abreast of the south end of St. John islands, vessels ought not to anchor
it it can be avoided, for the water is deep, and the tides run in eddies with
greater strength than in any other part of the strait.
There is fair anchorage between Buffalo rock and Helen Mar reef, as
well as about a mile or so to the northward and westward of the latter
danger ; also a mile or two eastward of Buffalo rock, in 12 to 19 fathoms,
or between it and Barren island. Vessels may stand closer inshore and
anchor in depths under 10 fathoms, inside of a line N.E. by E. ^ E. and
S.W. by W. ^ W. of Barren island ; it is, however, unadvisable to go too
close in, on account of the strong tides sometimes rendering it difficult to
get under way again, especially in the light winds which prevail here.
Caution.—Vessels at anchor, or coming to an anchor during
the night, sliould be careful to ascertain their exact position as nearly as
possible, and to have a good bearing off Raffles light ; they should also
keep a vigilant look-out that they do not drag their anchors and drift into
danger.
DIRECTIONS.—To proceed eastward through the
western part of Singapore Strait.—When in mid-channel
between Liltle Carimon and Tanjong Bulus, in depths of from 17 to 22
fgthoms, steer East or E.S.E. as the prevailing wind and tide require.
Raffles lighthouse bearing between E. by 8. and E.S.E. is the fair
channel course between Tree island and Sultan shoal, not bringing the
lighthouse to the northward of East to avoid Tree island, nor to the south-
ward of S.E. by E., or at night, not to lose sight of the bright light, to
clear Sultan shoal. Having passed Tree island steer to round the light-
house from a half to one mile distant ; or if the wind and tide be adverse,
or from other circumstances it be desirable to do so, anchor to thd westward
of Barn island, out of the strength of the tide. Having rounded the
lighthouse, steer to pass St. John islands about half a mile distant, not
bringing the lighthouse to the southward of S.W. by W. f.W., to avoid
the rock marked by a beacon south-eastward of Middle island, on the
north side of the channel. At night, keep Raffles light in sight W.S.W.
or more westerly. After rounding St. John, and bound to Singapore road,
proceed as directed at page 125 ; and if bound through the eastern part of