CLASSIFICATION OF HARBOURS

(I)CLASSIFICATION OF HABOUR DEPENDING UPON THE PROTECTION NEEDED;

1.Natural Harbours or Natural Roadsteads :

Inlet protected from storms and waves by natural configuration of the land

A deep navigable channel with a protective natural bank or shoal to seaward is a good example of a natural roadstead.

2.Semi-natural Harbour : 

Protected on sides by headlands and requires man-made protection only at the entrance 

Eg: Vishakapatanam

3.Artificial Harbours Or Artificial Roadsteads : 

No natural facilities are available for the harbour.

Also known as man-made harbours.

(II) CLASSIFICATION OF HARBOUR DEPENDING UPON THE UTILITY : 

(1) Harbours of Refuge; 

All naval crafts small or big require refuge in an emergency

Modern big ships will require a lot of elbow room for turning and manoeuvring

Should provide commodious accommodation

Requirements

Ready accessibility from the high seas

Safe and convenient anchorage against the sea.

Facilities for obtaining supplies and  

(2) Commercial harbours : 

Not situated on coasts of big rivers or even on island river coast

Do not have any emergency demand

Requirements

Spacious accommodation of mercantile marine

Ample quays space and facilities for transporting, loading and unloading cargo

Storage sheds for cargo

Good and quick repair facilities to avoid delay 

More sheltered conditions as loading and unloading could be done with advantage in calmer waters

(3) Fishery Harbours :

Constantly open for departure and arrival of fishing ships.

Loading and unloading facilities & quick despatch facilities for the perishable fish catch.

Refrigerated stores with ample storing space for preserving the catch.

(4) Military Harbour : 

Should accommodate the naval vessels.

 They serve as supply depots also.

Bombay and Cochin harbours have naval bases.

(5) Marina Harbours : 

Marina is a harbour providing facilities for fuel, food, showers, telephones etc. for small boat owners having temporary or permanent berths

(III) CLASSIFICATION OF HARBOUR DEPENDING UPON THE LOCATION;

(1) Canal Harbour : 

Harbour located along canals for sea navigations.

Dredging is negligible

(2) Lake Harbour :

Harbour constructed along the shore of the lake.

No tidal action

(3) River Harbour : 

Also known as Estuary harbour

Harbour constructed along the banks of the river.

(4) Sea Or Ocean Harbour : 

Harbour located on the coast of the sea or ocean. 

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