Coasting and Overseas Routes and Traditional Charts

Indian sea voyages can be broadly classified into two categories: coasting and overseas voyages. Coasting voyages are along the coast, keeping very short distance from the coast, so that one does not lose sight of land. These can be hopping between ports. On the Gujarat and Konkan coasts, they are known as pheris. They can also be longer and may last over a month as several ports enroute are touched. Since coasting voyages are of shorter duration, they are not dependent on the season, but by and large avoid foul weather season especially the monsoons. These voyages are undertaken in times of fine weather. If foul weather is encountered on voyage, the vessel quickly returns or seeks shelter in closest port, till the weather clears.