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CHAP. II.] DEPTHS.—TIDES.—DIRECTIONS. 143
the flood in the opposite direction; but the tide has been sometimes
observed to set all round the compass during the night, and once N.N.W.
2 miles an hour directly over the reef. About the northern patches of the
reef the tides have also been found at times very irregular, setting East
and West, and all round the compass ; but their general direction in tliat
part is nearly North and South, or within two points of the meridian. In
the South channel, between Pedra Branca and Bentau, the flood sets about
W.S.W., and W. by S., and the ebb in the opposite direction along the
Bentan shore, but subject to irregularities.
It is high water, full and change, at Pedra Branca about llh., when
any irregularity is preserved by the tides. The velocity of the ebb, when
strongest, is from 4 to 4^ miles an hour in the entrance of the strait and
between Ramunia point and Pedro Branca ; but the flood is not so strong,
The strength of the tides during the neaps is from 2 to 3 miles an hour,
frequently very irregular.
In making Singapore strait, vessels should always be prepared to meet
with a current running to the southward in the north-east monsoon, and to
the northward in the opposite season, the strength of which is governed
by the strength of the monsoon. In fine weather its rate is usually from
1^ to 2 knots an hour, but the rapidity of the current is also accelerated or
retarded by the local tides near the coast. Between Pedra Branca and a
position 40 miles to the eastward, it has been known to set at the rate of
from 3 to 4 knots an hour.
The flood sets in on the southern side of the strait, While in the northern
part the ebb is running out strong.
DIRECTIONS.—Singapore Road to the Eastward.—
Having cleared the road, course may be shaped about E. | N., and by
not bringing the flag-staff on fort Canning to the southward of W. ^ S. as
long as it remains in sight, will lead clear of Johore shoal. When Johore
hill bears North, the vessel will be eastward of Johore shoal, and may steer
for Horsburgh lighthouse, and passing about one mile to the northward of
it, proceed to sea as convenient.
To work through the Eastern Part of the Strait.—
No difficulty will be experienced by strangers in working in either direc-
tion through the eastern part of the strait. The most prudent plan is to
keep towards the north shore, in case of having to anchor, as the depths
are more convenient on that side of the strait. From Singapore road
to Johore shoal the shore may be approached to 12 or H fathoms; but
it is not prudent to go into a less depth. Kamunia South island kept open
of South point leads to the southward of Johore shoal, and when standing