🧭 Navigation Information
Anchorages
The anchorage in the roadstead off Cherchell is very bad, it is entirely exposed and even moderate breezes raise a heavy sea. Anchorage can be obtained in good weather approx 0.5nm WNW of Cap Tizrine, in a depth of 14.6m, sand, great care should be taken as the bottom is rocky in many places. In winter vessels should anchor farther offshore and be ready to leave at the first sign of bad weather. Vessels should not anchor N off Ilot Joinville as the bottom is rocky and the holding ground is bad.
Approaches
The directions are as follows: By day, a vessel entering should steer for a ruined fort, standing in the middle of the N side of the town, bearing approx 185°, to pass between Ecueil du Grand Hamman and the mole extending from Ilot Joinville. The former should be given a berth of not less than 50m and the head of the latter should be passed at a distance of approx 60m. By night, the light at the head of the mole in line with the light of the head of Quai Nord, bearing approx 202° leads towards the harbour clear of all dangers.
Charts
BA 1710. Admiralty Pilot NP45.
Principal navigation aids
Fort Joinville Light is exhibited from an orange tower, 26m in height, with a black lantern, standing on the summit of Ilot Joinville. A light is exhibited from a black and yellow tower, 7m in height, surmounted by 2 cones, points up, standing on Ecueil du Grand Hammam. A light is exhibited from a white column 5m in height, with a black lantern, standing at the head of the mole. Lights are exhibited from white columns standing at the jetty heads on either side of the entrance.