The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

121 SINGAPORE STRAIT. [chap. ii.
Fishing Stakes.—Lines of fishing stakes extend from the coabt
about Tanjong Katong, over the shallow bank fronting the coast, and
close to the ends of the stakes are from 2 to 5 fathoms water, but these
soundings are in a narrow run of deep water, behind the harbour bank,
the 5-fathoms line at the edge of which is about three-quarters of a mile
distant from the point.
Between the deep water close to the point, and the 5-fathoms line out-
side of it, are several patches with but 15 and 16 feet water over them,
and two patches with as little as 12 feet. The eastern of these lies S.E. by
E. ^ E. from the obelisk, distant half a mile from the nearest shore, and the
western lies S. by W. ^ W. nearly three-quarters of a mile from the obelisk.
These shoals will be avoided by keeping mount Serapong westward of
S.W. by W. ^ W. until the flagstaff on fort Canning bears W. by N. ^ N. ;
or by not shoaling under a depth of 6 fathoms.
ANCHORAGE.—The trade of Singapore is now so considerable
that a large number of vessels can always be found anchored in the road
within the harbour limits, and small vessels may run in, guided by their
soundings, and anchor where they can find a convenient berth.
Vessels of large draft must be more cautious, on account of the
soundings decreasing suddenly from 5 to 4 and 3 fathoms. Good, safe
anchorage, in from 7 to 10 fathoms water, will be found with the flagstaff
on fort Canning between the bearings of W. by N. ^ N. and N.W. ^ N.,
and with mount Serapong bearing S.W. by W. ^ W., or the left extreme
of Blakan Mati S.W. i W.
Vessels of War.—The most convenient anchorage for vessels of
war, and the nearest to the shore, is with the flagstaff on fort Canning in
line with the obelisk on the pier, and the left extreme of Blakan Mati island
bearing from S.W. ^ W. to S.W. i W. ; or the obelisk on Tanjong Katong
fromN.E.byN. toN.E. | N. She will then be in 9 fathoms at a little
more than 2 cables from the 3-fathom edge of the bank, and 1 ^ miles from
the landing place.
To indicate this anchorage, a conical, red buoy, with a staff and
plate, marked man-of-war anchorage, is moored in 10 fathoms, with fort
Canning flagstaff in Une with the obelisk on the pier, and the obelisk
distant l^mUes. A space one cable in width, marked by the flagstaff
and obelisk in line, and extending from the shore to the buoy, is
reserved for vessels of war of all nations, exclusively. This buoy
is occasionally dragged from its proper position, but is replaced by
the harbour authorities with as little delay as possible. During the sea
breeze, a choppy sea gets up, especially on the ebb, rendering it dangerous
for boats alongside.