ALGERIA – OUED KISS TO CAP MATIFOU SECTOR 6
Plan. – This sector describes the coast of Algeria, between the outlet of the river Oued Kiss (35°05'N, 2°12'W), which is the seaward end of the boundary between Morocco and Algeria, and Cap Matifou (Bourdj el Bairi) (36°49'N, 3°14'E), which is the E entrance point of Baie d’Alger. The descriptive sequence is from W to E.
General Remarks
6.1 Tides – Currents. – A current usually sets along the stretch of coast between Ghazaouet and Beni Saf according to the direction of the wind.
A current usually sets in a NE direction along the coast between Cap Figalo and Cap Falcon.
A general current, which rarely attains a rate of more than 1 knot, sets NE and E along the coast between Cap Ivi (Ras Ouillis) and Cap Tenes.
Winds from the NW sometimes give rise to strong currents along the coast between the outlet of the Oued Mazafran and Cap Sidi Ferruch.
Caution. – Tunny nets may be found extending up to 7 miles offshore along this coast.
It is reported (1999) that commercial shipping within Algerian waters should exercise extreme caution and maintain adequate security measures.
Off-lying Islands and Islets
6.2 Ile Leila (Ile Rachgoun) (35°20'N, 1°29'W), 70m high, lies 1.2 miles NNW of Cap d’Acra. The island is barren, flat-topped, and fringed by rocks. A customhouse stands on its S end. A light is shown from a tower, 15m high, standing near the N end of the island.
The navigable channel, lying between the island and the mainland, is over 0.5 mile wide and vessels using it should favor the island side. A current usually sets through this channel in an E direction.
Anchorage, protected against N and NW winds, can be obtained in the channel S of the island. Small vessels anchor as close under the lee of the island as possible. The bottom is formed of mud and sand, but there are numerous rocky patches that must be avoided.
Iles Habibas (35°43'N, 1°08'W), consisting of two islands and numerous islets and rocks, lies 9.2 miles NNE of Cap Figalo. The NE and smallest island is 55m high, rounded, and flat-topped. The passage between the two islands is foul.
The larger and SW island is 105m high near its S extremity. A light is shown from a structure, 12m high, standing on the summit of this island.
Vessels proceeding through the channel between this group and the mainland should not approach within 1 mile of the islands. The currents in the vicinity of the group are strong and irregular.
Les Moules (35°42'N, 1°01'W), two rocks, lie 2.5 miles N of Cap Sigale. They are 6m and 7m high and are steep-to except on their N sides. Shoals lies up to 0.2 mile NE and up to 0.5 mile E of these rocks. A stranded wreck lies 0.5 mile SSW of the rocks.
Ile Plane (35°46'N, 0 °54'W), a large rock, lies 3 miles NE of Cap Lindles. It has an irregular summit that appears level from a distance. This rock is 18m high and steep-to, except off its W side, which is fronted by several small rocks. A light is shown from a structure, 6m high, standing on this rock.
Vesta Rock lies about 0.6 mile NNW of Ile Plane. It has a depth of 3.7m and does not break with a moderate sea. The channel lying between Ile Plane and Cap Lindles is clear of dangers.
Ilot Tokikt Indich (36°36'N, 1°51'E), 3m high, lies 3 miles NE of the village of Villebourg. This islet is flat-topped, rocky, and steep-to. It is marked by a light and should be given a wide berth in bad weather.
6.3 Le Kiss (35°05'N, 2°11'W), a village, is situated 0.5 mile E of Oued Kiss (Oued Skiss). The mouth of this river forms an opening which is clearly visible when approaching from the W. A bluff promontory, surmounted by a conspicuous white minaret, stands near the village and is prominent.
Open anchorage can be obtained, in a depth of 12m, mud and sand, NNW of the village.
Cap Milonia (35°06'N, 2°09'W), located 3 miles ENE of Oued Kiss, appears from the N as a rocky mass standing between two extensive beaches. It is fronted by foul ground and should not be closely approached.
Daklah, a hill, stands 0.7 mile S of the cape and is 212m high. It is surmounted by a signal station which operates only by day.
Cap El Kel’a (Pointe Bou Madane) is located 2 miles ESE of Cap Milonia. The E side of this point affords the only suitable anchorage during W winds on this coast. Kelah, a small loading port, lies at the E side of the point and has a transporter for loading ore. There is a quay, 111m long, with a depth of 7m alongside and several mooring buoys. Vessels up to 100m in length and 6.5m draft have been accommodated.
World Port Index No. 45670
6.4 The port of Ghazaouet (Nemours) lies 17 miles E of the mouth of Oued Kiss close to the border with Morocco and is protected by a breakwater.
Port of Ghazaouet Home Page http://www.portdeghazaouet.com
Tides – Currents. – There is no tidal rise. The water level increases with W winds and decreases with E winds. Usually, variations in the level are less than 0.3m.
Depths – Limitations. – The harbor is approached through an outer channel, 225m wide, with depths of 12 to 20m, and through an inner channel, 166m wide, with a depth of 10m.
The main facilities are situated within three basins. Bassin de Skikda (N part of East Basin) lies in the NE part of the harbor and contains seven berths. It has 677m of total berthing space, with depths of 6.8 to 7.2m alongside.
Bassin d’Oran lies in the SE part of the harbor (S part of East Basin) and contains six berths. It has 631m of total berthing space with depths of 7.0 to 7.3m alongside.
Bassin de Macherek (West Basin) lies in the S part of the harbor and contains four berths. It has 409m of total berthing space, with a depth of 8.5m alongside.
There are facilities for tanker, bulk, and ro-ro vessels. Vessels up to 180m in length and 8.5m draft can be accommodated.
Aspect. – Djebel Fillaoussene, 1,136m high, and Tadjera, 861m high, stand 10 miles SE and 9.5 miles ENE, respectively, of the harbor and are the most prominent distant landmarks.
Plateau de Touent, a tableland, stands at the E end of the port and dominates the town. It is surmounted by a watch tower which is a radar station.
The harbor is protected on the N side by a breakwater which extends 0.6 mile W from the W side of Plateau de Touent.
A light is shown from a structure, 12m high, standing 0.5 mile SSW of the breakwater head. When approaching from the E, this light is obscured by Plateau de Touent. A conspicuous chimney is reported to stand 0.5 mile SSE of the breakwater head.
Les Deux Freres, two columnar rocks, lie on the S side of the harbor entrance. The W and taller of these rocks is 24m high and is marked by a light. Two above-water rocks lie between these rocks and the coast.
Pilotage. – Pilotage is compulsory. Pilots may be contacted on VHF channel 12 or 16 and generally board about 0.3 mile NW of the entrance.
Regulations. – Vessels should provide an ETA 24 hours in advance and must receive permission by VHF from the port control office before entering the harbor. Vessels must remain W of the entrance while awaiting the pilot and maintain a listening watch on VHF channel 14 or 16 during the wait.
Anchorage. – Open anchorage can be obtained, in depths of 18 to 22m, N of the breakwater. The roadstead has a fairly good holding ground of fine sand, but it is not recommended in bad weather.
Caution. – During W winds, entry requires care because of the swell in the entrance and in the W part of the harbor.
The N breakwater should not be approached closer than 20m, because of its underwater slope.
A wreck, with a depth of 33m, lies about 1.2 miles NE of the harbor entrance.
6.5 Cap Tarsa (Tarca) (35°08'N, 1°48'W), located 3.5 miles NE of Ghazaouet, is formed by a whitish, rocky, double headland. Baie Erkene, entered close E of the cape, affords temporary shelter from W winds.
Mers Arobat and Oued Kiouma are two conspicuous breaks in the line of rocky cliffs, 90m high, which extend from near Cap Tarsa to Cap Noe, 6.5 miles NE.
Mersa Honaine (Baie de Honain) is entered on the E side of Cap Noe and affords shelter. Small vessels, with local knowledge, can anchor, in a depth of 6m, muddy sand, good holding ground, close offshore; however, it is exposed to NW winds.
The ruins of a town, with a conspicuous tower standing close NE, are situated behind the beach at the head of the bay.
Ile de Mokrane (35°13'N, 1°38'W), lying 3.5 miles NE of Cap Noe, is a conspicuous islet. Two pointed rocks, 40m high, stand at its W end. The passage inshore of the islet is obstructed by rocks.
Loubar Damah (Khizrane), located 2.5 miles NE of Ile de Mokrane, is a small peninsula which can be identified by three rocks lying close off it. Coves, used by small craft, lie on each side of this peninsula.
Ile Nigria (Ile Ronde) lies about 0.3 mile off the coast, 8.5 miles NE of Cap Noe. This islet is 28m high and has vertical sides.
Djebel Bou Keltoum, 364m high, stands 1.5 miles ESE of Ile Nigria and its summit is surmounted by a prominent watch tower.
Anse Sidi Medani, located 2.3 miles E of Ile Nigria, is bordered by conspicuous red and yellow cliffs. A white shrine stands on the summit of a hill, close S of this small bay.
Ile Leila (Ile Rachgoun) (35°19'N, 1°29'W), lying 4.7 miles NE of Ile Nigria, is described in paragraph 6.2.
Dzira es Srhira (Ilot Siga) lies 0.2 mile N of the coast, 1.8 miles NE of Anse Sidi Medani. This islet is 18m high and several rocks lie between it and the mainland.
Cap d’Acra (35°19'N, 1°28'W) is located 1 mile ENE of Dzira es Srhira. Le Pain de Sucre, a small islet, lies close offshore, 1 mile E of the cape.
6.6 Beni Saf (35°18'N, 1°23'W) (World Port Index No. 45660), a small port, lies 3.5 miles E of Cap d’Acra and is mostly used for the export of iron mining products.
Tides – Current. – There is no apparent tidal rise. An E current is reported to exist off the harbor entrance.
Depths – Limitations. – An outer breakwater extends about 200m NNW and then 500m NE. The harbor entrance is 160m wide. The main facilities include West Quay, 200m long, with depths of 8.5 to 9m alongside, and East Quay, 70m long, with depths of 6 to 8m alongside. Vessels up to 170m in length and 8.5m draft can be accommodated.
Pilotage. – Pilotage is not compulsory, but is recommended. Pilots are available from Ghazaouet with advance notice. The port can be contacted on VHF channel 16.
Anchorage. – Vessels may anchor in the harbor and secure their sterns to one of the jetties. The holding ground is good, being of fine sand. Anchorage can also be taken, in depths of 20 to 28m, about 0.5 mile N of the harbor.
Caution. – A sand bank extends about 320m NE from the head of the breakwater. The harbor is subject to silting.
In heavy weather, seas may break up to 1 mile offshore and entry is dangerous. During fresh N or NW winds, local knowledge is required as entry is somewhat difficult.
6.7 Hafa Ta’chlouh, located 4 miles NE of Beni Saf, rises to Aouaria, a rounded and conical summit, 273m high.
Djebel Sidi Kassem, 353m high, and Dar Touila, 307m high, stand 7 miles and 11 miles, respectively, NE of Cap Oulassa. Both of these peaks are conspicuous from seaward.
6.8 Cap Figalo (Cap Fegalo) (35°34'N, 1°12'W), located 15 miles NNE of Cap Oulassa, is easily recognized from all directions. It rises steeply to a rounded hill, 182m high, which is surmounted by a prominent signal station. Several conical rocks lie close off this cape and a small islet, with a pointed summit, lies 0.3 mile W of it.
Cap Sigale (Cap Blanc) is located 11 miles NE of Cap Figalo. The coast between is backed by hills up to 400m high. The cape is formed by a long, rounded projection, 305m high, and is faced with a conspicuous white cliff.
Les Moules (35°42'N, 1°01'W) lie off Cap Sigale and are described in paragraph 6.2. Cap Lindles, located 5 miles NE of Cap Signale, is faced with steep cliffs.
Baie des Andalouses is entered between Cap Lindles and Pointe Corales, 6 miles NE. This bay affords shelter from winds from the ENE through S to WSW. Vessels may anchor in its W part over a bottom of sand.
Pointe Corales is formed by the NW extremity of a promontory, 67m high, and is fronted by several above-water rocks. An airport is situated 2 miles SSE of the point.
Cap Falcon (35°46'N, 0 °48'W) is the rocky NE extremity of the promontory of which Pointe Corales is the NW extremity. From a distance, this cape appears as an island. Two large above-water rocks lie close NE of the cape and an islet, fringed with rocks, lies 0.2 mile N of the N side of the cape. A light is shown from a tower, 27m high, standing on the cape.
6.9 Golfe d’Oran (35°46'N, 0 °43'W) lies between Cap Falcon and Cap de l’Aiguille, 17 miles ENE. The ports of Mers el Kebir and Oran are situated at the head of this bight.
Cap Gros, located 4.7 miles ESE of Cap Falcon, is 70m high. Ain-el-Turk, a village, is situated 3.5 miles W of this cape. A prominent belfry stands in the village, and a conspicuous group of radio masts is situated 0.8 mile NW of it.
Caution. – A submarine cable area, the limits of which are indicated on the chart, extends seaward between Cap Falcon and Cap Gros.
A bank, with a least depth of 15m, lies about 2.7 miles NW of Cap Gros.
A submerged target lies 2.7 miles NNE of Cap Gros. An anchoring and trawling prohibited area, the limits of which are shown on the chart, is situated in the vicinity of this target.
6.10 Mers el Kebir (35°44'N, 0 °42'W) (World Port Index No. 45650) lies on the SW side of Golfe d’Oran, close S of Cap Gros. It mostly consists of naval installations and a military harbor.
Tides – Currents. – Due to W winds, the general current in Golfe d’Oran sets to the E and rebounds off Cap de l’Aiguille, creating a countercurrent. The latter passes along the coast and the jetties of the port. With E winds, the general current sets W without a countercurrent.
Depths – Limitations. – The harbor can accommodate vessels of moderate size. The commercial facilities include three moles, with depths of 8.5 to 9m alongside, and a quay, situated in the S part of the harbor, with a depth of 12m alongside.
Aspect. – A small peninsula projects 0.5 mile E from close S of Cap Gros and is surmounted by a fort. The N breakwater extends 0.5 mile SE and then 0.6 mile ESE from the extremity of this peninsula.
Djebel Santon, 306m high, stands 0.7 mile WSW of the peninsula and a prominent fort is situated on its summit.
Djebel Murdjadjo, 509m high, stands between Mers el Kabir and Oran. From the NW to NE, this hill appears flat-topped with a vertical fall at the E end which joins an elevated but lower plain. The conspicuous fort of Santa Cruz stands at a height of 352m at its E end. A prominent chapel is situated close below and to the E of the fort.
The S breakwater extends 300m N and then 0.8 mile NW from a point on the shore, 0.2 mile N of the chapel.
A lighted range indicates the fairway between the two breakwater heads and may best be seen on the chart.
Pilotage. – Pilotage is compulsory. Pilots can be contacted by VHF and board close outside of the entrance.
Regulations. – Mers el Kebir is a military port. All merchant, fishing, and pleasure vessels are prohibited from navigating in the entrance and approaches. Entry is only possible with authorization secured from the naval authorities at Oran.
Caution. – Winds from the N may render several alongside berths untenable. Winds from the WSW sometimes produce heavy swells within the harbor. Winds from the SW and NW, which are more frequent, may cause waves to slam against some of the quays. Winds from the NE and ENE are rare but troublesome, and produce swells from 3 to 4m high in the harbor entrance. With W winds, violent squalls sometimes blow through a ravine in the high land and force vessels to leave the harbor.
World Port Index No. 45640
6.11 The port of Oran lies at the head of Golfe d’Oran, close E of Mers el Kebir, and is protected by breakwaters.
Port of Oran Home Page http://www.oran-port.com
Tides – Currents. – The tidal rise varies little throughout the year. Winds from the W raise the water level in the harbor and winds from the E lower it. The level may vary by up to 0.7m.
During W gales, a current sets S across the harbor entrance.
Depths – Limitations. – The harbor is divided into seven basins.
Bassin Ghazaovet, situated at the inner end of the harbor, is mostly used by small naval vessels. Vieux Port Basin, situated S of Bassin Ghazaovet, is mostly used by harbor service craft and pleasure craft.
The main facilities within the other five basins include about 4,000m of total berthing space, with depths of 6.1 to 12m alongside. In addition, there is 448m of total berthing space for tankers with depths of 9.8 to 11.6m alongside.
There are facilities for general cargo, tankers, ro-ro, container, and bulk vessels. Vessels up to 244m in length and 11.6m draft can be accommodated.
Aspect. – Pointe Mona is located 0.3 mile E of the root of the S breakwater at Mers el Kebir. This point is surmounted by Fort Lamoune and has a conspicuous cave at its W side.
Jetee Filaoussene, the N breakwater, extends 1.5 miles in an E direction from Pointe Mona.
A prominent cathedral stands in the city, which has a tier-like appearance from seaward, 0.9 mile SE of the root of the N breakwater. A very conspicuous high -rise apartment building stands 0.7 mile SE of the head of the N breakwater. The Aloudja Farm, situated 0.5 mile E of the apartment building, is surrounded by trees and stands isolated at the top of a cliff.
The harbor entrance lies between the extremity of a spur, which projects SSE from close inside the N breakwater, and Traverse du Large, a breakwater, which extends NNW from the coast. A light is shown from a prominent structure, 15m high, standing on the head of the N breakwater.
Pilotage. – Pilotage is compulsory. Pilots may be contacted on VHF channel 12, 14, or 16. Vessels should contact the pilot station 3 hours prior to arrival. Pilots board 0.5 mile N of the breakwater entrance.
Anchorage. – Anchorage is available in the roadstead and within the harbor. The best anchorage, in depths of 26 to 40m, is off the entrance, but clear of the prohibited area.
Caution. – An anchoring prohibited area lies adjacent to the harbor entrance and in the outer port and may best be seen on the chart.
Several wrecks lie in the vicinity of the harbor entrance and may best be seen on the chart. A submarine cable lies within the harbor and may best be seen on the chart.
6.12 Pointe Canastel (Kef el Menzah) (35°47'N, 0 °33'W), located 5 miles NE of the entrance to Oran, is fringed with rocks and rises to a steep-sided hill, 123m high. A conspicuous stranded wreck lies close to the shore, 0.5 mile SW of the point.
Djebel Khar, 620m high, stands 2.7 miles E of the point. It is isolated and is visible up to 50 miles seaward in clear weather.
Cap de l’Aiguille (35°53'N, 0 °29'W), located 5.7 miles NNE of Pointe Canastel, is formed by a rocky projection which is dominated by a hill, 225m high. A light is shown from a structure, 11m high, standing on the cape.
Djebel Kristel, 510m high, stands 2 miles SE of the cape. A disused signal station tower stands on the summit. Djebel Orousse, 631m high, stands 1.5 miles ENE of Djebel Kristel.
Rocher de l’Aiguille, 48m high, lies 1 mile NE of Cap de l’Aiguille. This conical rock is joined to the coast by a reef.
Cap Ferrat (35°55'N, 0 °23'W), located 5.2 miles ENE of Cap de l’Aiguille, is rocky and 215m high. A prominent hill, 398m high, stands 1.3 miles S of the cape.
Cape Carbon (35°55'N, 0 °20'W), 141m high, rises to a rocky rounded hill, which from a distance NW, appears detached. This cape is the NW extremity of the promontory of which Cap Ferrat is the W extremity. It is fronted by rocks and shoals which extend up to 0.6 mile seaward.
Golfe d’Arzew
6.13 Golfe d’Arzew (35°52'N, 0 °08'W) is entered between Cap Carbon and Cap Ivi (Ras Ouilles) (36°07'N, 0 °13'E), 30 miles ENE. The port of Arzew is situated at the W side of the gulf. Port de Bethioua (Arzew El-Djedid), a natural gas terminal, is situated at the head. Mostaganem is situated at the E side of the gulf.
Ile d’Arzew is the SE of a group of islets which lie about 0.2 mile off the coast, 3 miles SE of Cap Carbon. A light is shown from a structure, 19m high, standing on this islet. The whole group is fringed with rocks and shoals.
Banc de Madrague, with a least depth of 9.3m, lies about 1 mile SSE of Ile d’Arzew and is marked by a lighted buoy.
Banc des Trois Doigts, with a least depth of 4.3m, extends up to about 0.2 mile offshore, 0.6 mile S of Ile d’Arzew.
The town of Arzew is not visible from seaward until close off it, but Arzew Hill, 216m high, stands 2.7 miles S of Cap Carbon and is prominent.
Numerous prominent structures, associated with the oil and gas industry, stand along the coast of the gulf which extends S and SE from the town of Arzew.
A prominent power station stands 2.5 miles E of Port de Bettioua (Arzew el Djedid) and a conspicuous white house is situated close E of it.
The town of Mostaganem is conspicuous from seaward because its white buildings show up well against the grey hills of the background.
Oued Cheliff flows into the sea through a conspicuous ravine, 6.5 miles SW of Cap Ivi. From the W, a prominent detached conical hill appears in the ravine about 1 mile inland. The river is spanned by an iron bridge, 0.5 mile from its mouth, and a conspicuous building stands on its N bank. A low point, formed by the alluvium of the river, extends seaward from the high land on either side of the ravine; this point is extending seaward and should be given a wide berth.
The red, muddy waters discharged by this river can generally be observed as far as 2 miles from the mouth. These waters have been carried as far as 15 miles to the N by strong W winds.
Winds – Weather. – It should be noted that at times the seas are high in the gulf. With strong NW or N winds, such seas are deflected SW by the E shore of the gulf between Mostaganem and Cap Ivi and reach the roadstead off Arzew.
Tides – Currents. – A W current, which is strong at times, usually sets along the shore of the gulf and flows E out of the gulf at Arzew.
Caution. – The shores of the gulf are, in most places, low and the background hills stand at some distance inland. Caution is necessary at night or in bad weather, because the land appears to be much farther off than it is in reality.
Several wrecks and obstructions lie within the gulf and may best be seen on the chart.
A submarine pipeline extends 2.5 miles SW from a point on the E shore of the gulf, 4.5 miles NNE of Mostaganem. Its seaward end is marked by a buoy.
World Port Index No. 45630
6.14 The port of Arzew lies on the W side of Golfe d’Arzew, 1.3 mile SSW of Ile d’Arzew. It consists of a harbor, protected by a breakwater and a jetty, and an offshore sea terminal.
Depths – Limitations. – The harbor is protected on its E side by Jetee du Large, a breakwater, which extends 0.3 mile SSE and then 0.4 mile SE from the shore close S of Fort de la Pointe. It is also protected on the S side by Jetee Secondaire, which extends 0.3 mile NE from the shore of the bay.
General cargo and bulk quays, which are situated in the N part of the harbor, have 900m of total berthing space with depths of 5 of 8m alongside. They can accommodate vessels with drafts up to 7.2m.
Jetee Methanier, which extends from the W side of the harbor, has two methane berths, each 400m long with a depth of 9.8m alongside. Vessels up to 40,000 cubic meters capacity and 9.4m draft can be accommodated.
Jetee Secondaire has two LPG and Ammonia berths with depths of 10 to 11m alongside. Vessels up to 25,000 cubic meters capacity and 9.8m draft can be accommodated.
Three tanker berths are situated at the inner side of Jetee du Large and have depths of 10 to 15.5m alongside. Vessels up to 120,000 dwt and 14.9m draft can be accommodated.
An offshore sea terminal lies 1.4 miles SE of the head of Jetee du Large, in a depth of 26m. A submarine pipeline extends SW from the terminal berth to the shore of the bay. This terminal can accommodate vessels up to 250,000 dwt.
A fishing jetty is situated in the NW section of the harbor.
Aspect. – Fort de la Pointe stands 0.9 mile SSW of Ile d’Arzew and Jetee Abri, a breakwater, extends 250m ESE from the shore adjacent to it.
The town of Arzew is not visible from the offing, but a number of prominent structures, associated with the oil and gas industry, extend along the coast for 2.5 miles S and SE of the town. One of these, a conspicuous flare, is situated at a natural gas plant, 1 mile WSW of the head of Jetee du Large. In addition, four other prominent flares are situated in the vicinity of Arzew El-Djedid.
Lighted buoys are moored 1.5 miles E and 0.9 mile SE of the harbor entrance and indicate the approach. Another lighted buoy is moored close ESE of the head of Jetee du Large.
For additional information, see Golfe d’Arzew in paragraph 6.13.
Pilotage. – Pilotage is compulsory for vessels intending to enter the harbor or anchor. Pilots can be contacted on VHF channel 13, 14, or 16 and generally board about 2.5 miles ESE of the entrance or at the anchorage. Vessels should send an ETA message 72 hours and 48 hours in advance, with a confirmation 12 hours before arrival, through Saint Lys (FFL).
Anchorage. – The roadstead is sheltered from winds from