EntranceChannel
FREMANTLE
ENTRANCE CHANNEL
Approach to the Port of Fremantle is north of Rottnest Island through Gage Roads. Fremantle Inner Harbor is entered from Gage Roads via a short dredged entrance channel that is protected by two breakwaters. Channel width is 505.3 ft (154 m) and the maximum draft for vessels using the channel is 41 ft (12.5 m). The channel can be difficult for vessels with a large wind profile and high ratio of freeboard/draft as it is exposed to winds and seas.
Cockburn Sound (includes HMAS Stirling) is entered from Gage Roads through Success Bank Channel (32°05'S 115°41'E) and Parmelia Bank Channel (32°07'S 115°42'E). Both channels are in-line with a width of 505.3 ft (154 m) and a maximum depth of 48.2 ft (14.7 m). The maximum draft for vessels using the channels is 42.7 ft (13 m). The total channel length is 3 ¾ nmi and can be difficult for vessels with a large wind profile and high ratio of freeboard/draft.
Owen Anchorage is located to the east of the line of channels between Success Bank and Parmelia Bank, but is not normally used by U. S. Naval vessels.
A plan for a second channel through Success Bank and Parmelia Bank is now being developed which should provide a wider channel by 2008.
Source: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/port_studies/thh-nc/australi/fremantl/text/sect3.htm
