THE STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR   SECTOR 1

Plan. – This sector first describes the N side of the Strait of Gibraltar from Cabo Trafalgar (36°11'N, 6°02'W) to Great Europa Point (36°06'N, 5°21'W). It then describes the S side of the strait from Cap Spartel (35°37'N, 5°56'W) to Punta Almina (35°54'N, 5°17'W).

General Remarks

1.1 The Strait of Gibraltar is bounded on the N side by the coast of Spain and Gibraltar, a dependent territory of the United Kingdom; it is bounded on the S side by the coast of Morocco and the Spanish towns of Cueta and Melilla.

Tides – Currents. – In the middle of the strait, the E current commences at about the time of HW at Gibraltar and the W current about 6 hours later. As the shores are approached on either side, the times at which these currents commence becomes progressively earlier as indicated by the series of dashed lines on the chart. In the central area of the W part of the strait, the current attains a rate of 1 knot S of Cabo Trafalgar and 1.7 knots S of Punta Camarinal (36°05'N, 5°48'W). In the central and narrower area of the E part of the strait between Isla de Tarifa (36°00'N, 5°37'W) and Europa Point (36°06'N, 5°21'W), the currents attain rates up to 2 knots in each direction. Rates increase from the central areas towards the shores on both sides of the strait and currents attain rates up to 3 knots in each direction inshore. In the central area, the currents set in the direction of the axis of the strait, but near the land they generally follow the direction of the coast.

Tidal races or overfalls may occur in the deep water within the strait. Tidal races also occur off most of the salient points and eddies form in the bays between them. On the N side of the strait, a tidal race, known as Riza del Cabo, extends SW from Cabo Trafalgar to Bajo Aceitera, 1.8 miles SW. This race is always present, whatever the state of tide, and its strength depends on whether it is springs or neaps. It is reported to be the most violent race within the strait. During heavy weather and when the tidal current is running strongly, this race may extend as far SW as Banco del Hoyo.

During the strongest period of the tidal current, a race of considerable violence forms over and in the vicinity of Bajo de Los Cabezos (36°01'N, 5°42'W). In heavy weather, it may extend entirely across the strait.

Comparatively smaller races also occur off Isla de Tarifa, Punta de Cala Arenas (36°03'N, 5°27'W), close E of La Perla, and Europa Point.

On the S side of the strait, strong tidal races occur off Cap Spartel and 4 miles E of Pointe Judios. Overfalls, resembling breakers, occur N of Tanger (35°47'N, 5°48'W). Small races occur off Pointe Ciris (35°55'N, 5°29'W) and all the other salient points located E of Punta Almina (35°54'N, 5°17'W).

During the strongest period of the tidal current in each direction, the most violent races occur off the coast and over the banks between Pointe Malabata (35°49'N, 5°45'W) and Hejar Lesfar (3.2 miles ENE).

Traffic Control. – An IMO-adopted Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), which may best be seen on the chart, is situated within the narrows of the strait and in the W approaches.

A mandatory Vessel Traffic Service is in operation in the Strait of Gibraltar, including the TSS and Inshore Traffic Zones. The following categories of vessels are required to participate in the reporting system:

1. All vessels 50m long and over.
2. All vessels, regardless of length, carrying hazardous and/or potentially polluting cargo.
3. Vessels engaged in towing or pushing another vessel when the combined length of the vessel and tow or pushed vessel is over 50m.
4. Any category of vessel less than 50m long and engaged in fishing in the Traffic Lane or the Separation Zone.
5. Any category of vessel less than 50m long which is using the appropriate Traffic Lane or Separation Zone in order to avoid immediate danger or engage in fishing.

The reporting system covers the area between longitudes 5°58'W and 5°15'W

This area includes the Traffic Separation Scheme in the Strait of Gibraltar, the Precautionary Areas, and the designated Inshore Traffic Zones.

The report, called a GIBREP, sent from the vessel to the Tarifa VTS Center, should contain only information which is essential to achieve the objectives of the system.

Tarifa VTS broadcasts regular warnings to mariners and traffic, navigational, and weather conditions, in Spanish and English .

Tarifa Traffic can also provide a particular vessel with information regarding the vessel’s position, course and speed, or the identification of traffic in the vicinity. The vessel should request this information.

Caution. – Local magnetic anomalies have been reported in the approaches to the strait.

Several submarine cables lie within the Strait of Gibraltar and may best be seen on the chart.

Tunny nets may be found at certain seasons of the year extending up to 7 miles seaward from the shores bounding the Strait of Gibraltar.

Submerged tunny nets lying off the coasts of Spain and Africa, under Spanish jurisdiction, are indicated by the following:

1. By day – A white flag, with a black letter A at the center, displayed from a boat or buoy moored at the center and outer end of the net.
2. By night – A red light above a white light shown from a boat or buoy moored at the outer end of the net, and two vertical white lights shown from a boat or buoy moored at the center of the net. These lights are visible from about 2 miles.

The Strait of Gibraltar – North Side

1.2 Banco del Hoyo (36°05'N, 6°15'W), a sandy bank, has depths of 16 to 22m and lies 14 miles WSW of Cabo Trafalgar. This bank extends for about 5 miles in an E-W direction and the least depths lie near its W end. It should be avoided in heavy weather as the sea is apt to break over it.

Banco de Trafalgar (36°08'N, 6°07'W), a shoal composed of stones, has a least depth of 6.6m and lies 5 miles SW of Cabo Trafalgar. There are overfalls on this shoal and it is inadvisable to pass over it in heavy weather. At such times, the water in the vicinity is of a yellowish color.

Placer de Meca (36°11'N, 6°06'W), a rocky shoal, lies 3.2 miles W of Cabo Trafalgar and has a least depth of 5m near its SE end. This shoal is covered with a thin layer of sand and the sea breaks over it in heavy weather.

Bajo Aceitera (36°10'N, 6°04'W) has a depth of 1.2m and lies at the outer end of a dangerous rocky ridge which extends up to 1.7 miles SW of Cabo Trafalgar. A passage leads between the shoal and the cape, but it should not be attempted. Broken water extends across this shoal and a tidal race in its vicinity is caused by the unevenness of the bottom.

Bajeta de Fuera and Los Cabezos (36°01'N, 5°43'W) lie close together, 3.5 miles SSE of Punta Paloma. Several wrecks, some dangerous, lie in this vicinity and the sea breaks heavily on these shoals during SW gales. A wide berth should be given to this area.

La Perla (36°04'N, 5°25'W), a dangerous group of pinnacle rocks, lies 1.2 miles S of Punta Carnero and has a least depth of 4.7m. Las Bajas, a rocky shoal with a minimum depth of 11.6m, lies close E.

1.3 Cabo Trafalgar (36°11'N, 6°02'W), 20m high, is formed by a small, sandy, and uneven peninsula which is connected to the mainland by a low and sandy isthmus. When seen from the NW or SE, it appears like an island.

Cabo Trafalgar

A light is shown from a prominent tower, 51m high, standing on the cape. A radiobeacon is situated at the light. Torre de Meca, a conspicuous round tower, stands 1.3 miles NE of the cape.

Arrecife del Canaveral, a drying reef, extends up to 0.3 mile offshore, 1.3 miles E of Cabo Trafalgar. Anchorage, with shelter from N winds, can be obtained by small vessels, in depths of 14 to 16m, between Arrecife de Canaveral and the cape. There is good holding ground, but the nature of the bottom should first be ascertained as it is rocky in places.

Picacho de Barbate (36°12'N, 5°58'W), a sharp peak, is very conspicuous and has a high white spot which is visible from seaward.

Ensenada de Barbate, a bay, is entered between Punta del Tajo (36°10'N, 5°59'W) and Punta de Zahara, 6.5 miles SE. The Rio Barbate enters this bay 3.2 miles E of Punta del Tajo and is fronted by a shallow bar. The town of Barbate stands on the W bank of this river. Bajo de Zahara, a shoal, has a least depth of 8.5m and lies 1 mile S of the mouth of the river.

A small harbor, protected by breakwaters, is situated 1 mile W of the river mouth . It has shallow depths and is mostly used by fishing vessels and recreational craft with local knowledge. During offshore winds, vessels may obtain anchorage within the bay in any convenient location; however, anchorage is unsafe with winds from seaward. A light is shown from a tower, 22m high, standing close NE of the harbor.

Between April and August, tunny nets are laid 1 mile S of the harbor entrance.

1.4 Ensenada de Zahara (36°07'N, 5°51'W), a bight, lies 6 miles SE of Barbate. Anchorage may be obtained in this bight, sheltered from Levanters (E winds), but heavy squalls come off the land. The bottom of the bight is generally sandy, but with some rocks. Several rocky patches lie close inshore and front the sandy beach in the N part of the bight.

Punta de Gracia is located 2 miles SE of Ensenada de Zahara and is formed by the extremity of a high spur. A light is shown from a conspicuous tower, 75m high, standing on this point.

Punta Camarinal (36°05'N, 5°48'W), located 1 mile SE of Punta de Gracia, is low, rounded, and prominent. It rises to Sierra de la Plata, a steep and prominent ridge.

Ensenada de Bolonia, a small bay, is entered 1 mile E of Punta Camarinal and affords good shelter from winds from the NW through N to E. Depths of 9 to 11m lie up to 0.4 mile offshore in the bay, but the nature of the bottom should be ascertained before anchoring, as it is rocky in some places.

1.5 Punta Paloma (36°04'N, 5°43'W) is located 4.5 miles ESE of Punta Camarinal. A light is shown from a building, 45m high, standing on this point, but the light structure is reported to be difficult to identify as it is similar to other buildings in the vicinity.

Sierra de San Bartolome (36°05'N, 5°43'W), 450m high, stands 2 miles N of Punta Paloma and is conspicuous because of the numerous peaks at its summit. A long, bare patch of yellow sand, which commences at the NW side of Punta Paloma, rises to a position about halfway up this mountain and then descends to terminate near the head of Ensenada de Valdevaqueros, 1.5 miles E.

Ensenada de Valdevaqueros (36°04'N, 5°41'W), a small bay, affords good anchorage with shelter from NE winds. A good berth lies, in depths of 8 to 10m, near the beach at the head of the bay.

Isla de Tarifa (36°00'N, 5°37'W) is flat, of moderate elevation, and is joined to the mainland by a causeway. A light is shown from a conspicuous tower, 33m high, standing on the S part of the island. A racon and a radiobeacon are situated at the light.

A conspicuous water tower stands on the mainland, 1.4 miles NNE of the light. A prominent signal station stands on Castillo de Santa Catalina, at the head of the causeway.

1.6 Tarifa (36°01'N, 5°36'W) (World Port Index No. 38300 ), a small port, is situated on the mainland, close NNE of Isla de Tarifa. The harbor, protected by two breakwaters, fronts an old walled city. It is used by small naval vessels, fishing vessels, and ferries. A hydrofoil craft service is reported to operate from here to Tangier. In addition, the roadstead anchorage can accommodate large vessels.

Tides – Currents. – Tides rise 1.4m at springs and 1m at neaps.

The tidal currents set W on the flood and E on the ebb.

Depths – Limitations. – The entrance to the harbor is 100m wide. The inner side of the E breakwater provides 460m of total berthing space with depths of 4 to 8m alongside. A ro-ro berth is situated at the elbow. Muelle No. 1, at the inner side of the W breakwater, has 217m of space with depths of 3 to 4m alongside. It is mostly used by ferry vessels. Muelle No. 2, 135m long, has depths of 3 to 4m alongside and is used by fishing vessels. The small basins at the N side of the harbor are used by naval craft.

Anchorage. – Large vessels can obtain temporary anchorage, over a bottom of sand and gravel, E of the head of the E breakwater. Local knowledge is advised.

1.7 Punta Camorro (36°01'N, 5°35'W), located 1 mile ENE of Tarifa, is high, steep, and of a whitish color. It is readily distinguished from the W.

Tarifa

Punta Guadalmesi, located 3.2 miles ENE of Punta Camorro, is formed by a bold, grayish cliff. A prominent tower stands on its summit.

Ensenada del Tolmo is entered between Punta Guadalmesi and Punta del Acebuche, 3 miles E. It is bordered by a white sandy beach on which lie numerous rocks. A castle, in ruins, stands on a hillock, 1 mile W of Punta del Acebuche. Prominent Guardia Civil stations stand on the W side of the mouth of a stream, which lies 0.7 mile W of the castle, and 0.3 mile W of Punta del Acebuche. During offshore winds, this bay affords good anchorage, in depths of 10 to 13m, to small vessels. Punta del Acebuche is low, but is easily identified from the E or W. Dos Hermanas, two black above-water rocks, lie about 0.3 mile E of this point.

Punta de Cala Arenas is located 1 mile ENE of Punta del Acebuche and surmounted by the ruins of a castle. Canillas, 307m high, stands 1 mile WNW of the point and a radio mast is reported to stand on its summit. Torre de Fraile, a prominent tower, stands on the hillside, 0.2 mile W of the point.

Cala Arenas, a cove, lies close E of Punta de Cala Arenas and has a sandy beach at its head. It affords anchorage, in depths of 3 to 5m, sand, to small vessels with local knowledge.

The coast between Cala Arenas and Punta Carnero, 1.5 miles NE, is fronted by rocks and is generally foul. Isla de las Palo-mas, a low and barren islet, lies 0.3 mile offshore, 0.7 mile NE of Punta de Cala Arenas. Numerous rocks lie between the islet and the shore.

The Bay of Gibraltar

1.8 The Bay of Gibraltar (36°08'N, 5°24'W) is entered between Punta Carnero and Europa Point, 4.5 miles ENE. It extends N for 5.5 miles and is bordered on the E side by the Rock of Gibraltar. This bay is entirely open to the S; depths of over 200m extend up to 4 miles into it.

The Bay of Gibraltar – Entrance

Europa Point, the E entrance point, presents a cliffy face, 0.3 mile wide.

Great Europa Point (36°07'N, 5°21'W) is the SE termination of this cliffy face. A light is shown from a prominent tower, 19m high, standing on this point. A conspicuous radar dome is situated 0.5 mile N of the light.

Punta Carnero (36°04'N, 5°26'W), the W entrance point, is formed by the E termination of a range of hills and has a steep SE slope. It is fronted by dangers which extend up to 0.2 mile offshore. A light is shown from a tower, 19m high, standing on the point. A prominent tower stands 0.2 mile W of the light.

A dangerous wreck lies about 0.2 mile offshore, 0.3 mile NNE of this point.

Caution. – Because of a strong NW to NE set caused by tidal currents along the coastline of Punta Carnero, sailing close to shore is not recommended. Numerous accidents have occurred here due to the strong currents.

Ensenada de Getares is entered between Punta Carnero and Punta de San Garcia, 1.8 miles N. Anchoring is prohibited in the bay as best seen on the chart.

A conspicuous coast guard station stands on Punta de San Garcia.

Punta del Rodeo is located 0.5 mile N of Punta de San Garcia and is fronted by dangers which extend up to 0.2 mile offshore.

Mar de Isidro, with a least depth of 15.8m, lies about 1 mile ESE of Punta del Rodeo and is marked by a lighted buoy.

Numerous submarine cables, which may best be seen on the chart, lie in the entrance to the Bay of Gibraltar and in the vicinity of Ensenada de Getares.

Algeciras (36°08'N, 5°27'W)

World Port Index No. 38310

1.9 Algeciras lies on the W side of the Bay of Gibraltar, 3 miles N of Punta Carnero. The port is situated SW and NW of Isla Verde, a former island, which has been connected to the mainland by extensive reclamation. The port authority also administers marine installations at the head of the Bay of Gibraltar.

Port of Algeciras Home Page

http://www.apba.es

Tides – Currents. – Tides rise 1.1m at springs and 0.9m at neaps.

Depths – Limitations. – Dique Norte, the main outer breakwater, extends about 1 mile N from the reclaimed land adjoining Isla Verde. Its inner side has 1,500m of total berthing space, with depths of 12 to 16m alongside, which is mainly used for bunkering.

Other main facilities include the following:

1. Muelle de la Isla Verde, in the S part of the harbor, is used by general cargo, container, and ro-ro vessels. It has 980m of total berthing space with depths of 9 to 12m alongside.
2. Muelle de la Galera South, in the SW part of the harbor, is used by ro-ro, ferry, and passenger vessels. It has 640m of total berthing space, with depths of 6 to 10m alongside.
3. Muelle de la Galera North is mainly used by general cargo and reefer vessels. It has 280m of total berthing space, with a depth of 10.5m alongside.
4. Muelle del Navio (Muelle Juan Carlos I), in the central part of the harbor, is used by container, bulk, and general cargo vessels. It has1,900m of total berthing space, with depths of 10.5 to 14m alongside. Terminal 2000, located on the N part of Muelle del Navio, is 644m long, with a depth alongside of 16m.

A buoyed channel, dredged to a depth of 7m has been established N of Muelle del Navio. It leads from the causeway connecting Muelle deL Navio with the mainland into the bay W of Anchorage Area B.

An lighted offshore SBM tanker berth lies in a depth of 60m, 1 mile SSW of Punta del Gallo. Several hoses, 290m long and marked by orange lights, are attached to the buoy. Three submarine pipelines extend NNE from the berth to the shore. Anchorage is prohibited within 550m of the SBM and within 150m of the pipelines as shown on the chart. Tanker vessels up to 500,000 dwt and 30m draft can be accommodated at this offshore terminal The buoy is equipped with a radar reflector and a racon.

There is also an extensive basin in the W part of the harbor for the use of fishing vessels.

Generally, vessels up to 14m draft can be accommodated and there are no restrictions for length or beam.

Aspect. – A fort and a tank farm are situated on Isla Verde. In addition, several slipways and workshops stand on the S side of this former island.

Numerous conspicuous white houses stand along the waterfront of the town. A church, with a prominent tall steeple, stands in the town.

Pilotage. – Pilotage is compulsory for merchant vessels of over 50 grt entering the Bay of Gibraltar and proceeding to Algeciras. Pilots can be contacted on VHF channel 13 and board about 2.2 miles SE of the head of Dique Norte. During E storms, pilots generally wait inside the head of the breakwater.

Vessels proceeding to the refinery or CEPSA monobuoy at the head of the bay should send an ETA and request for pilot 72 hours, 48 hours, and 24 hours in advance. If required, pilots may be conveyed by helicopter and vessels should contact the Helicsa helicopter service.

Caution. – A prohibited anchorage area, the limits of which may be seen on the chart, E and S of the former Isla Verde.

A submarine pipeline extends 0.4 mile E of former Isla Verde.

A shoal area lies close NNW of the harbor entrance and is marked by a lighted buoy.

The Bay of Gibralter – Head

1.10 Punta del Rinconcillo (36°09'N, 5°27'W), surmounted by a prominent coast guard station, is located 1.6 miles N of Isla Verde. Torre del Almirante stands on a cliff, 0.3 mile S of the point. This conspicuous reddish tower is partially in ruins. Ermita del Baleares, a conspicuous building, is situated 0.3 mile W of Punta del Rinconcilla and is visible from all parts of the bay.

Depths of less than 5m lie up to 0.5 mile SE of Punta del Rinconcillo.

Torre de Entre Rios, a square and dark tower, stands on a hill, 1.5 miles NNE of Punta del Rinconcillo. The Rio Palamones flows into the bay close S of this prominent tower and a conspicuous hotel stands near its mouth .

Puerto Acerinox (36°10'N, 5°25'W) is situated 0.5 mile E of Torre de Entre Rios. It consists of a small harbor basin which is protected by a large L-shaped breakwater. The Muelle de Levante, used for handling scrap metals, is situated at the E side of the basin. It is 250m long and has a depth of 9.5m alongside.

A bulk and coal berth, 360m long, extends along the outer side of the breakwater. It has depths of 23 to 30m alongside and can accommodate vessels up to 270,000 dwt.

Punta del Gallo (36°11'N, 5°24'W), fronted by rocks, is located 1 mile E of Puerto Acerinox. A round fort stands on this point.

San Roque is situated 2 miles NNE of the point. This city is very prominent as it stands on high ground.

A conspicuous oil refinery, with its associated tanks and prominent chimneys, stands close N of Punta del Gallo. A power station, with several conspicuous chimneys, is situated 0.7 mile E of the refinery.

1.11 CEPSA Oil Terminals (36°11'N, 5°24'W) are situated at the head of the bay.

A T-head pier, which extends 400m from the shore, is situated 0.3 mile E of Punta del Gallo. Its head is 700m long and has five berths. Tanker vessels up to 315m in length and 20m draft can be accommodated alongside.

Pilotage for the above terminals is compulsory and is provided at the port of Algeciras. A mooring master and crew will board vessels in the vicinity of the SBM.

CEPSA Oil Terminals

Puente Mayorga (36°11'N, 5°23'W), a town, is situated 1 mile E of Punta del Gallo. Its conspicuous white houses form a good landmark when approaching the terminals at the head of the bay. A prominent shipyard is situated on reclaimed land, 0.5 mile SSE of the town.

Puente Mayorga Water Terminal (36°11'N, 5°23'W), consisting of six dolphins, lies 0.2 mile S of the town. A submarine pipeline, with a floating connection, extends NNE from the offshore berth to the shore. Vessels up to 115,000 dwt and 18m draft can be handled.

1.12 La Linea de la Conception (36°10'N, 5°21'W), situated 2 miles SE of Puente Mayorga, is served by Muelle de San Felipe, a jetty, which extends 650m WSW from the shore. This jetty has depths of 3 to 5m alongside and is used by passenger and fishing vessels. It is protected on the S side by a breakwater which extends 1,150m W, 310m NW, and then 170m N. A circular prohibited area of radius 450m is centered at the N extremity of Dique de Abrigo, as seen on the chart.

Anchorage. – Vessels wishing to anchor within the bay without the assistance of a pilot must first contact the pilot station by VHF. The station will indicate the most suitable anchorage berth, taking into consideration such factors as the weather, size of vessel, draft, length of stay, class, etc.

Three anchorage areas, designated A, B, and C and best seen on the chart, have been established in the Bay of Gibraltar.

Gibraltar (36°08'N, 5°21'W)

World Port Index No. 38330

1.13 Gibraltar, a remarkable mountainous promontory, known generally as the Rock of Gibraltar, rises abruptly on the N side of the E end of the Strait of Gibraltar. The N and E sides of this promontory are precipitous and the S side is formed by several successive short terraces which terminate in a cliff at Europa Point. The W side, on which stands the town, falls in rugged slopes.

The steep, inaccessible E, or Mediterranean, side of the Rock of Gibraltar is marked by a conspicuous rainwater catchment device situated 1.5 miles N of Great Europa Point. A low sandy isthmus connects the N side of the Rock to the mainland. The airport, with its runway extending into the bay, occupies the S side of this isthmus, close S of the boundary with Spain.

The port is situated on the W side of the Rock of Gibraltar and fronts the town. It is composed of a commercial harbor, a navy base, and a ship repair complex.

Winds – Weather

With W winds, cold front squalls may be severe. Heavy thundershowers often develop after the passage of a cold front. Intense down currents occur E of the Rock during a strong W flow. During W gales, gusts of over 70 knots have been experienced on Windmill Hill. During E gales, gusts of 60 knots have been reported.

Tides – Currents

Tides rise 1m at springs and 0.7m at neaps.

The N current sets into the principal harbor area by way of South Entrance. It sets out by way of North Entrance and the viaduct at North Mole. The S current sets into the harbor by way of North Entrance and the viaduct. It sets out through South Entrance.

In the vicinity of South Entrance, the flow is more or less in the direction of a line which joins the mole heads. As there is generally little or no flow inside the entrance, the sterns of vessels entering, or the bows of vessels leaving, should be swung towards Detached Mole with a N current and towards South Mole with a S current.

In North Entrance, the direction of flow is m