The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

144) SINGAPORE STRAIT.—EASTERN PART. [chap. ii.
towards this danger, if these objects cannot be seen, on no account come
under 12 or 11 fathoms, for the shoal is steep-to.
Between Johore shoal, and the west extreme of Eamunia point, the
shore may be approached to a depth of 12 or 11 fathoms ; from thence,
Tanjong Stapah must not be shut in behind South point when standing to
the northward, until South island bears to the westward of North ; and
when standing towards Stork reef and Congalton Skar, South point should
not be brought to the southward of W. | S. A vessel may stand towards
Ramunia shoals, until South island is seen opening of South point.
There are no dangers on the south side of the strait, excepting those
fronting the Bentan coast and the Crocodile and Pan shoals, &e. But a
vessel should not stand so far over as to get near these dangers, for no
advantage will be gained by doing so, and the depths there are incon-
veniently great for anchoring. Pulo Nongsa, a )-emarkable little island,
with a high tree upon it, lying just to the westward of the entrance to
Rhio strait, is very convenient for taking bearings of when getting over
to the southward near Ehio strait, and if kept to the southward of West,
will lead clear of all danger at the entrance of that strait.
Prom the northward and eastward.—Middle channel
between Horsburgh lighthouse and Ramunia shoals, is the main
entrance to Singapore strait from the eastward. (Although South channel
is roeonimended by Horsburgh as being preferable for sailing through in
the night, yet as no good marks can be given to clear its dangers, it is
seldom used by those accustomed to the navigation of the strait, more
especially since the discovery, in 1861, of Brakit rock oif Tanjong
Brakit. See page 147.)
Coming then from the northward or eastward in the daytime, the entrance
of Singapore strait may be easily recognized if the weather be fine and
clear, by Bentan Great hill, a remarkable Saddle hill (1,250 feet high) on
Bentan island, and the sharp-peaked hill of Barbukit (643 feet high), on
the opposite side of the s,trait. Bearings of these objects will serve to
determine the vessel's position and guide her in shaping a course to sight
the lighthouse. In making the entrance at night, if the vessel's position
be known, it will be merelj' necessary to stand on boldly for the light,
being careful to make a proper allowance for the set of the stream, and
when the light is seen, steer so as to pass about a mile to the northward
of it. Vessels should not get within about 2 miles of the light until it
bears to the southward of W.S.W., on account of the dangers lying off its
east side. {See also foot note, p. 146.)
It is from the northward, however, that the strait is mostly made (viz.,
by vessels coming from China), it being now the general custom for
vessels from the southward to enter from Rhio strait.