Torres Strait

From CruisersWiki

(Difference between revisions)
Jump to: navigation, search
m (bot: Personal Notes)
m (Text replace - "#References & Publications|" to "#References|")
 
(6 intermediate revisions not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{IsPartOf|Australia}}
{{IsPartOf|Australia}}
{{TOC block}}
{{TOC block}}
-
==Torres Strait==
 
-
[[Image:Torres_channels.png|400px|right|thumb|Map of of some of the southern channels of Torres Strait, in the vicinity of Thursday Island, Prince of Wales Channel and Endeavour Strait.]]
+
{{Infobox passage
 +
| name = Torres Strait
 +
| mapwidth = 455px
 +
| zoom=
 +
| map = Torres_channels.png
 +
| label = Map of of some of the southern channels of Torres Strait, in the vicinity of Thursday Island, Prince of Wales Channel and Endeavour Strait
 +
| notes =
 +
}}
 +
 
==Description==
==Description==
The '''Torres Strait''' is the body of water lying between the northern tip of [[Queensland]], [[Australia]] (known as the '''Cape York Peninsula''') and [[Papua New Guinea]].  It contains many islands known as the [[Torres Strait Islands]], most of which are Australian territory.
The '''Torres Strait''' is the body of water lying between the northern tip of [[Queensland]], [[Australia]] (known as the '''Cape York Peninsula''') and [[Papua New Guinea]].  It contains many islands known as the [[Torres Strait Islands]], most of which are Australian territory.
-
==Climate & Weather Information==
+
==Charts==
 +
; [http://www.hydro.gov.au/ Australian Hydrographic Office]
 +
: Aus292 -- Australia Torres Strait - Queensland - Adolphus Channel to Prince of Wales Channel (1:75000)
 +
: Aus293 -- Australia North Coast - Torres Strait - Prince of Wales Channel (1:37500)
 +
: Aus294 -- Australia - North Coast - Torres Strait - Endeavour Strait (1:75000)
 +
: Aus296 -- Australia North Coast - Torres Strait - Prince of Wales Channel to Varzvin Passage (1:37500)
 +
: Aus297 -- Great North East Channel - Basilisk Passage to Moon Passage (1:50000)
 +
: Aus299 -- Australia North Coast - Torres Strait - Approaches to Thursday Island (1:12500)
 +
 
 +
Note that all of the above paper charts are available in S63 electronic (vector) format: http://www.hydro.gov.au/prodserv/important-info/echarting-info.htm
 +
 
 +
There are many shallows, banks, and reefs within the Torres Strait.  Although the main shipping passages are well marked, anyone venturing into the region for the first time would be well advised to have reliable and accurate charts.
 +
 
 +
==Weather==
Expect hot and moist tropical weather for most of the year.  The cyclone season runs from November or December through to about April.  The SE trade winds run through the strait from about April to November, and can be quite strong.
Expect hot and moist tropical weather for most of the year.  The cyclone season runs from November or December through to about April.  The SE trade winds run through the strait from about April to November, and can be quite strong.
Line 14: Line 34:
* [http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/torres-strait.shtml Torres Strait Weather]
* [http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/torres-strait.shtml Torres Strait Weather]
-
===Weather Windows===
+
====Weather Windows====
The cyclone season runs from November to April, and without extensive local knowledge the area is best avoided at this time.
The cyclone season runs from November to April, and without extensive local knowledge the area is best avoided at this time.
The best time of year for an east to west passage is during the months of April through to September.  The prevailing winds are often reversed prior to (and during) the cyclone season, and so a west to east passage is often best attempted in October and November.  Be prepared to sit and wait for wind shifts if necessary.
The best time of year for an east to west passage is during the months of April through to September.  The prevailing winds are often reversed prior to (and during) the cyclone season, and so a west to east passage is often best attempted in October and November.  Be prepared to sit and wait for wind shifts if necessary.
-
==Radio Nets==
+
==Navigation==
 +
{{Green|Add any navigation notes such approaches, dangers etc here. If this section does not apply remove it.}}
 +
 
 +
==Communication==
'''Sheila Net''' on 8161kHz at 2200UTC (0800 Australian Eastern Standard Time) is the most active radio net covering this region.
'''Sheila Net''' on 8161kHz at 2200UTC (0800 Australian Eastern Standard Time) is the most active radio net covering this region.
''Also see [[World MM Nets|World Cruiser's Nets]]''.
''Also see [[World MM Nets|World Cruiser's Nets]]''.
-
 
-
==Navigation Charts Required==
 
-
; [http://www.hydro.gov.au/ Australian Hydrographic Office]
 
-
: Aus292 -- Australia Torres Strait - Queensland - Adolphus Channel to Prince of Wales Channel (1:75000)
 
-
: Aus293 -- Australia North Coast - Torres Strait - Prince of Wales Channel (1:37500)
 
-
: Aus294 -- Australia - North Coast - Torres Strait - Endeavour Strait (1:75000)
 
-
: Aus296 -- Australia North Coast - Torres Strait - Prince of Wales Channel to Varzvin Passage (1:37500)
 
-
: Aus297 -- Great North East Channel - Basilisk Passage to Moon Passage (1:50000)
 
-
: Aus299 -- Australia North Coast - Torres Strait - Approaches to Thursday Island (1:12500)
 
-
 
-
Note that all of the above paper charts are available in S63 electronic (vector) format: http://www.hydro.gov.au/prodserv/important-info/echarting-info.htm
 
-
 
-
There are many shallows, banks, and reefs within the Torres Strait.  Although the main shipping passages are well marked, anyone venturing into the region for the first time would be well advised to have reliable and accurate charts.
 
==Possible Departure Points==
==Possible Departure Points==
-
* [[Cairns]] {{Coord|16|55.5|S|145|46.5|E|}}
+
* {{mark | lat = -16.925 | lon= 145.775 | type= harbour |name= [[Cairns]] | zoom= 12}}
-
* [[Port Douglas]] {{Coord|16|29.25|S|145|27.5|E|}}
+
* {{mark | lat = -16.4875 | lon= 145.458333 | type= harbour |name= [[Port Douglas]] | zoom= 14}}
-
* [[Gove]] {{Coord|12|11.95|S|136|42.27|E|}}
+
* {{mark | lat = -12.19917 | lon= 136.7045 | type= harbour |name= [[Gove]] | zoom= 14}}
-
* [[Darwin]] {{Coord|12|27.8|S|130|50.5|E|}}
+
==Route/Suggested Stopovers==
==Route/Suggested Stopovers==
-
The Torres Strait is most frequently used as part of a passage between [[Darwin]] in the [[Northern Territory]] and ports in [[Queensland]] such as [[Cairns]], [[Port Douglas]] and places further south.  Depending on the time of year it can be used to pass either way -- see the weather notes above.
+
The Torres Strait is most frequently used as part of a passage between [[Darwin]] in the [[Northern Territory]] and ports in [[Queensland]] such as [[Cairns]], [[Port Douglas]] and places further south.  Depending on the time of year it can be used to pass either way -- ''see the [[#Weather|weather notes above]]''.
All of the way north inside the [[Great Barrier Reef]] in Queensland, past [[Port Douglas]], up the coast of the Cape York Peninsula and through the Torres Strait there is a two way channel (route) marked on the charts of the area.  Although sticking to the channel will very much ensure that you do not run aground on any of the shoals both in the Torres Strait and elsewhere inside the reef, be aware that this channel is used for shipping as well as yachts.
All of the way north inside the [[Great Barrier Reef]] in Queensland, past [[Port Douglas]], up the coast of the Cape York Peninsula and through the Torres Strait there is a two way channel (route) marked on the charts of the area.  Although sticking to the channel will very much ensure that you do not run aground on any of the shoals both in the Torres Strait and elsewhere inside the reef, be aware that this channel is used for shipping as well as yachts.
Line 56: Line 65:
A second, deep water route runs around the outside of the Great Barrier Reef.  Known as '''Pandora Passage''' it is more frequently used by large vessels travelling to and from points south of the reef such as [[Sydney]] or [[Auckland]].  The passage passes around East Cay at the north eastern end of the Torres Strait, then heads via the '''Great North East Channel''' in a south westerly direction meeting up with the main route through Prince of Wales Channel.  There are pilot vessel boarding points at each end of the route between East Cay and Prince of Wales.
A second, deep water route runs around the outside of the Great Barrier Reef.  Known as '''Pandora Passage''' it is more frequently used by large vessels travelling to and from points south of the reef such as [[Sydney]] or [[Auckland]].  The passage passes around East Cay at the north eastern end of the Torres Strait, then heads via the '''Great North East Channel''' in a south westerly direction meeting up with the main route through Prince of Wales Channel.  There are pilot vessel boarding points at each end of the route between East Cay and Prince of Wales.
-
{{GreenText|List the route and the suggested stopover points (in sequence), including their coordinates, and some description.}}
+
# Starting from:
-
# [[<span style="color:magenta">Departure Point1</span>]] {{Coord|DD|M.M|N/S|DD|M.M|E/W|}} - <span style="color:magenta">This is you departure point, etc.</span>
+
## {{mark | lat = -16.925 | lon= 145.775 | type= harbour |name= [[Cairns]] | zoom= 12}} or
-
# [[<span style="color:magenta">Stopover Point1</span>]] {{Coord|DD|M.M|N/S|DD|M.M|E/W|}} - <span style="color:magenta">This is a good stop, etc. From here you can possibly stop at:</span>
+
## {{mark | lat = -16.4875 | lon= 145.458333 | type= harbour |name= [[Port Douglas]] | zoom= 14}} or
-
## [[<span style="color:magenta">Stopover Point2</span>]] {{Coord|DD|M.M|N/S|DD|M.M|E/W|}} - <span style="color:magenta">A good place to visit... or,</span>
+
## {{mark | lat = -12.19917 | lon= 136.7045 | type= harbour |name= [[Gove]] | zoom= 14}}
-
## [[<span style="color:magenta">Stopover Point3</span>]] {{Coord|DD|M.M|N/S|DD|M.M|E/W|}} - <span style="color:magenta">A good place to visit... or,</span>
+
# Finally after xx nM you arrive at {{mark | lat = -12.462817 | lon= 130.841767 | type= harbour |name= [[Darwin]] | zoom= 12}}
-
# [[<span style="color:magenta">Arrival Point 1</span>]] {{Coord|DD|M.M|N/S|DD|M.M|E/W|}} - <span style="color:magenta">You can arrive here or, continue to:</span>
+
-
# [[<span style="color:magenta">Arrival Point 2</span>]] {{Coord|DD|M.M|N/S|DD|M.M|E/W|}} - <span style="color:magenta">You can arrive here or, continue to:</span>
+
==Possible Arrival Ports==
==Possible Arrival Ports==
-
* [[<span style="color:magenta">Arrival Point1</span>]] {{Coord|DD|M.M|N/S|DD|M.M|E/W|}}
+
* {{mark | lat = -12.462817 | lon= 130.841767 | type= harbour |name= [[Darwin]] | zoom= 12}}
-
* [[<span style="color:magenta">Arrival Point2</span>]] {{Coord|DD|M.M|N/S|DD|M.M|E/W|}}
+
-
* {{GreenText|etc.}}
+
==Distance & Duration==
==Distance & Duration==
-
<div align="center"><small>
+
{{Green|Give a distance table if possible.}}
-
{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto"" 
+
-
|+ '''Approximate Distances in nM (±5 )<br/>Approximate Duration days + hours (non-stop, assumes an average speed of 6 knots)'''
+
-
|- align=center
+
-
|bgcolor="#ABCDEF"| ||bgcolor="#ABCDEF"| '''[[<span style="color:magenta">Departure Point1</span>]]''' ||bgcolor="#ABCDEF"| '''[[<span style="color:magenta">Stopover Point1</span>]]''' ||bgcolor="#ABCDEF"|  '''[[<span style="color:magenta">Stopover Point2</span>]]''' ||bgcolor="#ABCDEF"| '''[[<span style="color:magenta">Stopover Point3</span>]]'''  ||bgcolor="#ABCDEF"| '''[[<span style="color:magenta">Arrival Point 1</span>]]''' ||bgcolor="#ABCDEF"|  '''[[<span style="color:magenta">Arrival Point2</span>]]'''
+
-
|- align=center
+
-
|align=left bgcolor="#ABCDEF"| '''[[<span style="color:magenta">Departure Point1</span>]]''' || || <span style="color:magenta">x1<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x2<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x3<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x4<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x5<br />d+h</span>
+
-
|- align=center
+
-
|align=left bgcolor="#ABCDEF"| '''[[<span style="color:magenta">Stopover Point1</span>]]''' || <span style="color:magenta">x1<br />d+h</span> || || <span style="color:magenta">x6<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x7<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x8<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x9<br />d+h</span>
+
-
|- align=center
+
-
|align=left bgcolor="#ABCDEF"| '''[[<span style="color:magenta">Stopover Point2</span>]]''' || <span style="color:magenta">x2<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x6<br />d+h</span> || || <span style="color:magenta">x10<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x11<br />d+h</span>|| <span style="color:magenta">x12<br />d+h</span>
+
-
|- align=center
+
-
|align=left bgcolor="#ABCDEF"| '''[[<span style="color:magenta">Stopover Point3</span>]]''' || <span style="color:magenta">x3<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x7<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x10<br />d+h</span> || || <span style="color:magenta">x13<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x14<br />d+h</span>
+
-
|- align=center
+
-
|align=left bgcolor="#ABCDEF"| '''[[<span style="color:magenta">Arrival Point 1</span>]]''' || <span style="color:magenta">x4<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x8<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x11<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x13<br />d+h</span> || || <span style="color:magenta">x15<br />d+h</span>
+
-
|- align=center
+
-
|align=left bgcolor="#ABCDEF"| '''[[<span style="color:magenta">Arrival Point2</span>]]''' || <span style="color:magenta">x5<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x9<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x12<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x14<br />d+h</span> || <span style="color:magenta">x15<br />d+h</span> ||
+
-
|}</small></div>
+
==Forums==
-
 
+
-
==Forum discussions==
+
List links to discussion threads on [[Cruising Forums|partnering forums]]. (''see link for requirements'')
List links to discussion threads on [[Cruising Forums|partnering forums]]. (''see link for requirements'')
*  
*  
*  
*  
-
==External Links==
+
==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torres_Strait Torres Strait] on wikipedia
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torres_Strait Torres Strait] on wikipedia
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torres_Strait_Islands Torres Strait Islands] on wikipedia
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torres_Strait_Islands Torres Strait Islands] on wikipedia
 +
*
==References==
==References==
-
{{GreenText|Books, Guides, etc. Use the Reference template or not at your discretion. For example:}}
+
''See [[Australia#References|Australia]]''.
-
: {{GreenText|<code><nowiki>{{Reference|Rod HeikelGreek Waters Pilot Imray|Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire (2010)|9780852889718}}</nowiki></code>, expands to}}
+
-
: {{GreenText|Rod Heikell, <cite>Greek Waters Pilot Imray</cite>, Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire (2010), ISBN 9780852889718}}
+
-
 
+
-
* {{Reference|Author|Title|Publisher|ISBN number}}
+
-
* {{Reference|Author|Title|Publisher|ISBN number}}
+
-
 
+
-
{{GreenText|You may want to remove the above entries and use instead a link to the Country or Region that lists the relevant references. If so enter, after removing <nowiki> {{MagentaText|xx}}</nowiki>,  the following: }}
+
-
 
+
-
''See [[<span style="color:Magenta">Country or Region</span>#References_&_Publications|<span style="color:Magenta">Coutry or Region</span>]]''.
+
-
 
+
-
{{GreenText|If you do not use the above link, please remove it.}}
+
{{Comments}}
{{Comments}}
-
Personal experience?
+
*  
-
*
+
-
 
+
 +
{{Verified by}}
 +
*
 +
*
{{Page outline}}
{{Page outline}}
 +
{{Contributors|[[User:Delatbabel|Delatbabel]]}}
{{Contributors|[[User:Delatbabel|Delatbabel]]}}
[[Category:Passages]]
[[Category:Passages]]

Latest revision as of 08:01, 21 August 2018

WorldAustraliaTorres Strait
Torres Strait
Torres channels.png
Magnify-clip.png
Map of of some of the southern channels of Torres Strait, in the vicinity of Thursday Island, Prince of Wales Channel and Endeavour Strait

Description

The Torres Strait is the body of water lying between the northern tip of Queensland, Australia (known as the Cape York Peninsula) and Papua New Guinea. It contains many islands known as the Torres Strait Islands, most of which are Australian territory.

Charts

Australian Hydrographic Office
Aus292 -- Australia Torres Strait - Queensland - Adolphus Channel to Prince of Wales Channel (1:75000)
Aus293 -- Australia North Coast - Torres Strait - Prince of Wales Channel (1:37500)
Aus294 -- Australia - North Coast - Torres Strait - Endeavour Strait (1:75000)
Aus296 -- Australia North Coast - Torres Strait - Prince of Wales Channel to Varzvin Passage (1:37500)
Aus297 -- Great North East Channel - Basilisk Passage to Moon Passage (1:50000)
Aus299 -- Australia North Coast - Torres Strait - Approaches to Thursday Island (1:12500)

Note that all of the above paper charts are available in S63 electronic (vector) format: http://www.hydro.gov.au/prodserv/important-info/echarting-info.htm

There are many shallows, banks, and reefs within the Torres Strait. Although the main shipping passages are well marked, anyone venturing into the region for the first time would be well advised to have reliable and accurate charts.

Weather

Expect hot and moist tropical weather for most of the year. The cyclone season runs from November or December through to about April. The SE trade winds run through the strait from about April to November, and can be quite strong.

Sources for Weather forecasts:

Weather Windows

The cyclone season runs from November to April, and without extensive local knowledge the area is best avoided at this time.

The best time of year for an east to west passage is during the months of April through to September. The prevailing winds are often reversed prior to (and during) the cyclone season, and so a west to east passage is often best attempted in October and November. Be prepared to sit and wait for wind shifts if necessary.

Navigation

Add any navigation notes such approaches, dangers etc here. If this section does not apply remove it.

Communication

Sheila Net on 8161kHz at 2200UTC (0800 Australian Eastern Standard Time) is the most active radio net covering this region.

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Possible Departure Points

Route/Suggested Stopovers

The Torres Strait is most frequently used as part of a passage between Darwin in the Northern Territory and ports in Queensland such as Cairns, Port Douglas and places further south. Depending on the time of year it can be used to pass either way -- see the weather notes above.

All of the way north inside the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, past Port Douglas, up the coast of the Cape York Peninsula and through the Torres Strait there is a two way channel (route) marked on the charts of the area. Although sticking to the channel will very much ensure that you do not run aground on any of the shoals both in the Torres Strait and elsewhere inside the reef, be aware that this channel is used for shipping as well as yachts.

The channel is two way, with no traffic separation scheme in place. Pilot boats operate in the channel and can be seen guiding some of the larger shipping through the channel.

A constant visual watch must be maintained while following this route, and a listening watch on VHF 16 is also mandatory.

Although the route itself runs through the Prince of Wales Channel inside the Torres Strait, it's also possible for a sailing vessel to pass through the shallower but wider waters of the Endeavour Strait to the south of the channel. Be aware of shoal patches on the western end of the Endeavour Strait and you should be OK.

A second, deep water route runs around the outside of the Great Barrier Reef. Known as Pandora Passage it is more frequently used by large vessels travelling to and from points south of the reef such as Sydney or Auckland. The passage passes around East Cay at the north eastern end of the Torres Strait, then heads via the Great North East Channel in a south westerly direction meeting up with the main route through Prince of Wales Channel. There are pilot vessel boarding points at each end of the route between East Cay and Prince of Wales.

  1. Starting from:
    1. Cairns/wiki/Torres_Strait#.5B.5BCairns.5D.5DHarbour icon Cairns [[Torres Strait#Cairns|Cairns]] 16°55.500'S, 145°46.500'E or
    2. Port Douglas/wiki/Torres_Strait#.5B.5BPort_Douglas.5D.5DHarbour icon Port Douglas [[Torres Strait#Port Douglas|Port Douglas]] 16°29.250'S, 145°27.500'E or
    3. Gove/wiki/Torres_Strait#.5B.5BGove.5D.5DHarbour icon Gove [[Torres Strait#Gove|Gove]] 12°11.950'S, 136°42.270'E
  2. Finally after xx nM you arrive at Darwin/wiki/Torres_Strait#.5B.5BDarwin.5D.5DHarbour icon Darwin [[Torres Strait#Darwin|Darwin]] 12°27.769'S, 130°50.506'E

Possible Arrival Ports

Distance & Duration

Give a distance table if possible.

Forums

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

Links

References

See Australia.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.

Verified by

Date of member's last visit to Torres Strait and this page's details validated:


This page has an outline in place but needs completing. Please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to suggest further content or alternatively, if you feel confident to edit this page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly.


SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Delatbabel


Personal tools
advertisement
Friends of Cruisers Wiki