The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

146 SINGAPORE STRAIT.—EASTERN PART. [chap. ii.
Although Pedi-a Branca rock is steep-to On the north side, it should
not be approached very closely, for vessels are liable to estimate their
distance from it sometimes greater than the truth ; and as the tide runs
strong, they are in danger of being drifted quickly towards the rock
without warning, if they borrow near it in light winds.*
Having passed between Earaunia shoals and the lighthouse^ and bound
to Singapore road, the course is about W. by S., taking care if on the north
side of the channel to have Tanjong Stapah open of South point, before
South island, of the Rkmunia group, is brought to the eastward of N. byB.
When near Johore shoal, Ramunia South island kept open of South point
will lead south of it ; thence to the road the course is about W. ^ S. The
vessels in the road will be a guide in approaching the anchorage, and as
Tanjong Katong is neared, the flagstaff on Port Canning hill overlooking
the town should not be brought to the westward of W. by N. | N.
If the tide be running to the westward it is the usual practice for vessels
to keep well over on the north side of the channel, especially in light
winds, for, neglecting this precaution they have often been swept by the
rapid current past Singapore road and the St. John islands (the deep water,
45 or 50 fathoms, rendering it difficult or impossible for thfem to anchor)
into the western part of the strait.
At Nigllt keep a good look-out for Horshurgh light, which, being
visible in clear weather at 15 miles, will be in sight before the vessel can
get too near the dangers at the entrance of the strait.
If when entering the strait from the southward or south-eastward, the
light is seen bearing to the southward of West, a course may be shaped to
pass about 2 miles to the northward of the light, proper care being ob-
served to allow for the set of the tide, so that the light is not neared under
2 miles, on a West or N.W. bearing, to avoid the dangers extending to the
east and south-east from it. Should the light when first seen bear about
W. by N. or W.N.W., a vessel will be within 2 or 3 miles of Brakit rock,
and from which the light bears W. by N. ^ N. llf miles.
If when entering from the northward the light is made bearing any-
thing to the southward of S.S.W., haul to the eastward until it bears
S.S.W. which will lead outside North patch ;
approach the light upon this
bearing until about 2 miles from it, when a W.S.W. course may be shaped
until the light is brought E. by N., when keep it on that bearing, steering
"W. by S. until the fixed light on fort Canning at Singapore, which is
visible southward of a W. | S. bearing, comes in sight, but in case it
should not be distinctly made out by the time Johore hill bears N. by E.,
do not come under 16 or 17 fathoms towards Johore shoal, and if a cast of
* This remark of Horsburgh's should be carefully attended to ; for several sailing
vessels have been very nearly set on this rock in light winds, and one totally lost.