The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

4 MAI/ACCA STRAIT. [chap. I.
the wind. This, however, is not always the case, for at times the current
is found to run obliquely and even contrary to the wind.*
Between the western entrance of Malacca strait and Aroa islands the
general set of the current is to the north-west all the year round, but
near the Malay coast regular tides mostly prevail, except occasionally
during the north-east monsoon, when the current sets to the south-east
along the Malay coast. During the south-west monsoon the current runs
to the westward along the coast of Pedir, whilst it is setting to the
north-eastward between Fulo Rondo and Salang (Junkseylon) island ; at
limes, when the monsoon is light, and veers to the westward, the current
between Pulo Rondo and Junkseylon sets to the southward. Between
Diamond point and the eastern entrance of the strait a tidal influence
prevails close inshore.
From Aroa islands to Carimon islands regular tides prevail throughout
the strait ; the flood sets to the south-east, and the ebb to the north-west,
from 2 to 3^ miles an hour ; the ebb running longer and stronger than
the flood. Near Aroa islands the flood is often weak, and during neaps
there is a constant current setting north-westward.
Near cape Rachada, where the strait suddenly becomes narrowed to 20
miles, the tides run strong, and with eddies during springs. In the ofl[ing
between Water islands and Carimon islands the tides set fair through the
strait, except near Pulo Pisang, when the flood sometimes sets a vessel
towards Carimon islands.
The flood setting south-eastward past Carimon islands, meets the flood
setting from the China sea through Singapore strait, between the north
end of Little Carimon and Tree island ; after this junction the flood
^usually sets to the southward through Durian strait, but sometimes to the
Jiorthward towards Old Strait. See page 107.
In most parts of Malacca strait the streams run from 2 to 3 hours after
high and low water by the shore. The greatest rise and fall is 15 feet.
GENERAL DIRECTIONS.—The navigation of Malacca strait
is, with ordinary caution, not dangerous, the channels are mostly spacious
and have good anchorage, but due attention to the set of the currents and
tides is requisite. The sailing passage is much facilitated by keeping under
-way at night, for steady breezes then often prevail, calms and faint airs
being experienced during the day ; passages are thus made without
anchoring more than once or twice. The passage to the north-west is
generally made in less time than the one to the south-east. Vessels which
* In July and August, a south-westerly current rnnniog in the teeth of the monsoon
at the rate of one to two knots per hour, between Aehi head and Great Nicobar, has
.been reported by several vessels. H.M.S. Rifleman in August 1878, experienced a set
of 2 knots an hour, the wind being S.E., and with a force of 2 to 3.