Phuket. Navigation. Its a Reef - Not a rock.

[Jaden44]

Phuket, Thailand – Navigation warning
Hin Klang – It’s a reef – Not a rock

Location East coast of Phuket Island, Thailand.
Approximate Lat/Long 08_04.54N / 098_27.09E
Approximately 0.5 nm North/East of AoPo Grand Marina.

Surface markers.
In the absence of any official danger buoy being placed on the reef by Thai authorities, an un-official and un-lit danger buoy (carrying black circle markers) has been placed on the reef by others in an effort to alert yachtsmen of the danger lurking just below the surface. Buoy is visible at 1nm in daylight (only) and clear weather.

Relevance: Skippers sailing to/from AoPo Marina and to/from Yacht Haven Marina are encouraged to check their closest point of approach to the single rock marked on the charts, and to steer to pass well clear and to the East of the rock when sailing North.

Reason for this post.
Another two yachts ran aground on Hin Klang in the last two weeks. It’s a sowhen rry story but an all too regular occurrence that generally results in significant and expensive keel damage on yachts and propeller replacement on motor yachts. The reason appears to be that Hin Klang is actually a very significant “reef/obstruction” but unfortunately only marked as single “rock” on the official charts that were prepared by the Hydrographic Department - Royal Thai Navy many years ago. I respectfully suggest that given the number of groundings, an official re-survey, chart update, and installation of an official danger buoy, is long over due.

Local fishermen and Thai skippers are very aware of the obstruction and report that the danger zone of non-navigable waters for yachts may extend +250 meters in any direction. The reef rises sharply from 8-10 meters and covers and uncovers at low tide. It is definitely not advisable to attempt to navigate close to the rock as your depth sounder will most probably not register the presence of shallow waters prior to impact!!. Skippers should leave the “rock” shown on the chart, well clear and to Port when sailing North.

Disclaimer: While the information herein is believed to be factual and given in good faith, no responsibility can be accepted by the author for errors or omissions. Skippers are obviously required to make their own independent assessment as to the accuracy of the data on the official charts and the existence or otherwise of all hazards and potential risks to their vessel.
Safe Sailing in Thailand

[atoll]

another mark in those waters is the reef mark just out side royal langkawi yacht club,that does not sit on the end of the reef! the reef extends a further 50 meters past the mark!
provides the local boat yards with plenty of work!

[atoll]

further

rlyc is a great club,and is reasonably priced with great facilities,draught is not a pproblem,as there is 5-6 meters throughout,just give the reef mark a wide berth at night and during the day as the waters are generally discoloured which make the end hard to see.
otherwise well worth a visit,and great duty free shopping,good chandelers etc.

a reasonable anchorage can be had also in the bay off the main town of kuah adjacent to the club.