bottom is found, and care should then be taken not to get into less than 20 fathoms (36 m), or preferably 30 fathoms (55 m). Sailing vessels are cautioned against rounding Hatteras Shoals inside of the lightship, as in case the wind should fail the strong currents are liable to set them on the shoals.

Diamond Shoal Lightship, lat. 35°05' N., long. 75°20′ W. is moored in a depth of 29 fathoms (53 m) 14 miles 137° true (SE. 34 S. mag.) of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The vessel has a red hull, with "Diamond" on each side, two masts, and a circular gallery under the lens lantern at each masthead. The lighting characteristic is an occulting white light every 20 seconds (light 12 seconds, eclipse 8 seconds), 65 feet (19.8 m) above the water, visible 14 miles; if light on foremast cannot be shown, a similar light will be shown from the mainmast. A fixed white riding light on the forestay indicates the heading of the vessel.

The fog signal is a steam tyfon, blasts 5 seconds, silent interval 55 seconds. If the diaphone is disabled, the ship's bell will be struck by hand rapidly 5 seconds, silent interval 55 seconds. The submarine bell strikes "5", thus: 5 strokes in 9 seconds, silent interval 3 seconds. A station whistle buoy is located 0.5 mile north of the lightship.

A radiobeacon is operated from the lightship. (For description see Light List, Atlantic Coast or H. O. Pub. No. 205.) Wireless messages regarding information of importance in the maintenance of aids to navigation or other urgent matters will be received and transmitted. Call letters WRV.

From Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout the coast trends generally southwestward for 62 miles and is broken by two inlets. From Cape Hatteras southwestward for 6 miles it is thickly wooded near the beach; between the woods and the beach is a range of sand hills from 10 to 40 feet (3.0 to 12.2 m) high, and for the remainder of the distance the coast is a narrow sand beach, with numerous sand hills, separating the ocean from the extensive interior waters of North Carolina. Cape Hatteras, Ocracoke, and Cape Lookout Lighthouses, Diamond Shoal and Cape Lookout Shoals Lightships, and the Coast Guard stations are the principal aids.

The coast between Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout is fairly bold and 4 to 7 fathoms (7.3 to 12.8 m) will be found as close as 2 mile from the shore, except off Hatteras Inlet, where shoals extend out 1/4 miles, and off Ocracoke Inlet, where they make out nearly 134 miles.

Hatteras Inlet, 11 miles westward of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, is entered over a shifting bar, the depth over which varies from about 5 to 12 feet (1.5 to 3.7 m). It is used as a harbor of refuge by small local coasting vessels and fishermen, there being fair anchorage inside the bar in depths of 2 to 3 fathoms (3.7 to 5.5 m). Strangers should not enter without a pilot, as the buoys and lights may not always mark the best water. On account of the shifting nature of the channel, the buoys have been omitted from the chart.

Pilots are on the lookout for vessels and will cross the bar when the sea permits.

The channel over the bulkhead from the inlet to Pamlico Sound is subject to change both in position and depth. It is said to have a

least depth of 4 feet (1.2 m) at high water. The channel is used chiefly by local fishermen. Barney Slue Light is the most important aid.

On the west side of the inlet the shore is a bare sand beach; Hatteras Inlet Coast Guard Station is 1 mile westward of the inlet and the most prominent object in that direction. About 24 miles eastward of the entrance is a clump of woods. A white church spire in the village of Hatteras is prominent.

Tides. The range of the tide is about 2 feet (0.6 m) on the bar. In the channels over the bulkhead the height of the water depends upon the direction and force of the wind.

Currents.-The tidal currents in the inlet and the channel through The Swash are much influenced by the winds and attain a velocity at times of 2 to 3 knots. The flood current commences nearly 312 hours after low water and the ebb current about 3 hours after high water.

Ocracoke Inlet, about 26 miles west-southwestward of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and 15 miles from Hatteras Inlet, is entered over a shifting bar, the depth over which varies, according to the records of the surveys for many years back, from 10 to 12 feet (3.0 to 3.7 m). It is reported that the channel across the bar is moving northward. Strangers should not enter without a pilot, as the buoys may not always mark the best water. Pilots are on the lookout and will board vessels if the sea will permit them to cross the bar.

Inside the entrance there are several channels or sloughs which lead into the shoals lying northward of the inlet. Teaches Hole Channel, the main channel into Pamlico Sound, has a controlling depth of 6 feet (1.8 m). This channel is well marked by buoys and lights and leads northeastward along the western side of Ocracoke Island, westward across the bulkhead, and then northwestward into the sound. Strong currents are experienced, and the buoys marking the channel across the bulkhead must be followed closely. Wallace Channel leads northwestward from the inlet and through a formed dredged channel over the bulkhead into Pamlico Sound; a least depth of 311⁄2 feet (1.1 m) is in this channel. Sheep Island Slue, leading to the westward, is well marked by lights.

Pilotage. The following are extracts from chapter 104, Revised Laws of North Carolina, 1905, governing Pilotage and Harbor Regulations in the State of North Carolina.

4962. Rates of pilotage for Hatteras and Ocracoke.-Branch pilots of Ocracoke or Hatteras shall be entitled to receive of the commander of such vessel as they may have in charge the following pilotage, namely: For every vessel of sixty and not over one hundred and forty tons burden, from the other side of the bar, at any place within the limits of the pilot ground, to Beacon Island Road, or Wallace's Channel, ten cents for each ton, and the further sum of two and a half cents for each ton over one hundred and forty, and two dollars for each vessel over either of the swashes (that is, over said swashes either to or from Beacon Island Road, or Wallace's Channel, or over any shoal lying intermediate between either of said swashes and Beacon Island Road or Wallace's Channel); for every ship from the mouth of the swash to either of the ports of New Bern or Washington, one dollar per foot, and for every ship or vessel from the same place to the port of Edenton, twelve dollars; and to the port of Elizabeth City, ten dollars; and the same allowance down as up, and outward as inward.

4978. Pilots refused, entitled to pay.-If a branch pilot shall go off to any vessel bound in, and offer to pilot her over the bar, the master or commander of

such vessel if he refuses to take such pilot, shall pay to such pilot, if not previously furnished with one, the same sum as is allowed by law for conducting such vessel in, to be recovered before a justice of the peace, if the sum be within his jurisdiction: Provided, That the first pilot, and no other, who shall speak such vessel so bound in shall be entitled to the pay provided for in this section.

4980. Rates of pilotage annexed to commission.-The commissioners of navigation for the several ports of this State shall annex to the branch or commission, by them given to each pilot, a copy of the fees to which such pilot is entitled.

Ocracoke Lighthouse, lat. 35°06′32′′ N., long. 75°59'11" W., is a white tower, near a clump of woods on the western part of Ocracoke Island, 2.2 miles north of Ocracoke Inlet. The light is flashing white every 30 seconds (flash 5 seconds, eclipse 25 seconds), 75 feet (22.9 m) above the water, and visible 14 miles.

Ocracoke village and Ocracoke Inlet are frequented by numerous fishing vessels. Supplies in limited quantities are obtainable. Gasoline in considerable quantities may be obtained at any time. There is a hotel open all the year. Mail and passengers are transported daily by boat to Portsmouth and Atlantic. There is motor bus connection between Atlantic and the railhead at Beaufort. Boats also run at intervals to Washington, N. C. Telegrams to the mainland are forwarded over Government telephone via Hatteras Weather Bureau. Repairs to boats are limited.

The best anchorage is in the channel off the village of Ocracoke, from just below the lower wharf to within 200 yards of the Coast Guard station; the depths range from 8 to 18 feet (2.4 to 5.5 m). This anchorage is unsafe in winds from north-northeast around to northwest. The holding ground is poor.

Silver Lake, a circular basin in which there is a depth of 31⁄2 feet (1.1 m) (mean low water), affords anchorage for small boats. The entrance channel has a depth of 5 feet (1.5 m) and leads in between a stone breakwater and a fish house which lies to the southward. The outer end of the breakwater is marked by a light. The docks in the basin have depths of 32 feet (1.1 m) at their faces.

Portsmouth is a post village on the west side of Ocracoke Inlet. The Coast Guard station is the largest building and is nearest the inlet. A spire in the village is a prominent landmark.

Tides. The range of tide is about 2 feet (0.6 m) over the bar and about 1 foot (0.3 m) at Ocracoke. In the channels over the bulkhead the height of the water depends upon the direction and force of the wind.

Currents. The currents in the inlet and the channels over the bulkhead are much influenced by the winds. The ebb current usually has a greater velocity than the flood, sometimes attaining a velocity of 2 to 22 knots. The flood current commences nearly 311⁄2 hours after low water and the ebb current about 3 hours after high water. Cape Lookout is the extremity of a long and very narrow strip of sand beach projecting into the sea from the sharp angle of the coast which forms the point of division between Raleigh and Onslow Bays. The land near the cape is low, with sand hills from 10 to 40 feet (3.0 to 12.2 m) high; the cape is, however, readily identified by Cape Lookout Lighthouse, which can be seen at a distance of about 13 miles on a clear day.

Cape Lookout Lighthouse, lat. 34°37′21′′ N., long. 76°31'30'' W., is a black and white, diagonally checkered tower. The light is group flashing white every 15 seconds (flash 2 seconds, eclipse 2 seconds, flash 2 seconds eclipse 9 seconds), 156 feet (47.5 m) above the water

and visible 19 miles.

There is a radiobeacon at the lighthouse. (For description see Light List, Atlantic Coast.)

There is a naval radio dírection-finder station, lat. 34°36′11′′ N., long. 76°32′18′′ W., 1.3 miles south-southwest from Cape Lookout Lighthouse. (For description see H. O. Pub. No. 205.) The two radio towers are prominent landmarks.

Cape Lookout Shoals extend 81/4 miles south-southeastward from the cape, their outer end, with a depth of less than 18 feet (5.5 m), lying 10 miles 165° true (S. by E. mag.) of Cape Lookout Lighthouse. The greatest width of the shoals is about 134 miles, and the depth over them ranges from 2 to 18 feet (0.6 to 5.5 m). Breakers and depths less than 3 feet (0.9 m) extend northward to latitude 34°32′ N. Lookout Breakers is the name give nto the ridge o nthe shoals and lies about 8 miles from the lighthouse and 3 miles from the lighted bell buoy (flashing red) which marks the southern end of the shoals. Outside of Lookout Shoals proper and the buoy are two irregular shoals with 434 fathoms (8.6 m) over them, which will be avoided by passing near the lightship. In thick weather always use the lead, and if uncertain of the position, do not go into a less depth than 14 fathoms (25.6 m). Cape Lookout Slough is a channel across Cape Lookout Shoals. It extends about north and south and has a depth of 10 feet (3.0 m). Its northern and southern ends are marked by buoys. During the fishing season, from September 20 to December 20, these buoys are replaced by lighted buoys.

Cape Lookout Shoals lighted whistle buoy, lat. 34°18′ N., long. 76°24′ W. is moored in 90 feet (27.4 m), 9.5 miles south-southeast from the outer end of the shoals, 20 miles, 163° true (S. by E. 7 E. mag.) from Cape Lookout Lighthouse. The light is group flashing white every 12 seconds (3 flashes 1 second each, 2 eclipses 1 second each, 1 eclipse 7 seconds).

Lookout Bight is on the west side of Cape Lookout and affords good anchorage for large vessels, except with winds from south through west to northwest.

A breakwater has been constructed at Cape Lookout, 306° true (NW. 11⁄2 W. mag.) from Cape Lookout Coast Guard Station. In 1935 it was visible above low water for a distance of 4,800 feet. Vessels are advised to use care in the vicinity. Cape Lookout Breakwater lighted bell buoy no. 2 marks the outer end of the breakwater about 17% miles 262° true (W. 3 S. mag.) from Cape Lookout Lighthouse. When finally extended to its project length the breakwater will form a harbor of refuge with protection from all winds.

The controlling depth of Harbor of Refuge entrance was 42 feet (12.8 m), June 1934.

The anchorage is northward or northeastward of Wreck Point with Cape Lookout Lighthouse bearing between 86° true (E. mag.) and 109 true (ESE. mag.), in 5 to 6 fathoms (9.1 to 11.0 m). A limited number of small vessels of about 9 feet (2.7 m) or less draft can anchor, with shelter from all winds, inside the hook, on which

there are a number of huts; but the width of the anchorage, with depths of 10 to 18 feet (3.0 to 5.5 m), is only about 200 yards. To anchor inside the hook, pass 75 yards eastward and southward of the east end of the spit, 100 yards eastward of the huts, and anchor in the cove 200 yards southeastward of the huts.

When eastward of Cape Lookout Shoals, the greatest difficulty in making the anchorage in Lookout Bight is in the distance which must be run southward of the cape to clear the shoals. In easterly gales the shoals are marked by breakers, and when westward of them the sea will be somewhat broken. When westward of Cape Lookout Shoals, do not shoal the water to less than 8 fathoms (14.6 m) until Cape Lookout Lighthouse bears eastward of 41° true (NE. mag.). Then give the western side of the cape a berth of over 1 mile, passing well westward of the lighted bell buoy marking the end of the unfinished breakwater. When northward of the lighted bell buoy and Cape Lookout Lighthouse bears 105° true (ESE. 14 E. mag.), steer for it and anchor as recommended above.1

4. WATERWAYS FROM NORFOLK TO ALBEMARLE SOUND

(Charts 406, 452, 1222, 1227, 1228, 3252)

Inside the remarkable line of long, low, and narrow islands forming the seacoast of Virginia and North Carolina from Cape Henry to Cape Lookout, the North Carolina Sounds, a series of connected navigable bodies of water, lie between the islands and the mainland.

The North Carolina Sounds are connected with Norfolk by two waterways, each extending from the Elizabeth River to Albemarle Sound. Both waterways are sections of the Intracoastal Waterway and, being Government owned, are free of tolls. There are no fixed bridges; there is a vertical clearance of 145 feet (44.2 m) under an aerial transmission line crossing the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River.

Norfolk to Albemarle Sound.-The main and better route, although somewhat exposed for small boats encountering rough water in North Landing River, is through the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, North Landing River, Coinjock Canal, and North River. This is a sea-level waterway, with a tidal guard lock at Great Bridge, Virginia. The distance from the entrance to the South Branch of the Elizabeth River at Norfolk to the lighted bell buoy at the entrance to Alligator River on the south side of Albemarle Sound is about 70 miles. The controlling depth was 11 feet (3.4 m), January 1936. The project depth is 12 feet (3.7 m). The minimum horizontal clearance is 45.9 feet (14.0 m) through the Norfolk and Southern Railroad bridge at Great Bridge, Va., on the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal.

The second route, through Deep Creek, Dismal Swamp Canal, and Pasquotank River, offers a shorter passage to the cities at the western end of Albemarle Sound and is recommended as a more protected waterway for small craft passing to Albemarle Sound. The Dismal

4 The course of 105° true given above will clear the outer end of the breakwater when completed to its full length. In 1935 there as no obstruction reported north or west of the breakwater buoy, and the anchorage could be entered by giving the buoy a berth of 150 yards and then approaching the light on any bearing between 86° and 109° true, as noted above.