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This detailed sheet, titled Harbors of Jamaica, was originally published by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey in 1882, with corrections extending to 1897. It compiles a series of nine harbor plans onto a single plate, offering a valuable and systematic hydrographic survey of key coastal points around Jamaica during the late 19th century. The chart  notes that its information is derived chiefly from surveys conducted by officers of the Royal Navy, specifically Commander Parsons, R.N., and others.  

The harbors represented include: Dry Harbor, Port Maria, Manchoneal Harbor, Carlisle Bay, Rio Bueno Harbor, Montego Bay, Mosquito Cove, Green Island Harbor, St. Lucia Harbor, and Bluefields Anchorage. Each inset plan is carefully drafted with bathymetric soundings (in fathoms), compass roses for orientation, detailed coastal outlines, and indications of settlements, wharves, and fortifications where present. The inclusion of coastal profiles along the top edges of some insets, such as Rio Bueno and Montego Bay, enhances the navigational utility of the chart by aiding visual identification from sea.

The plans demonstrate a range of harbor types, from the larger, commercially significant ports like Montego Bay—shown with detailed urban structures—to smaller, less developed anchorages like Mosquito Cove and Bluefields.   In total, they include:

Dry Harbor
Located on Jamaica’s north coast, Dry Harbor (modern Discovery Bay) is depicted as a small, relatively shallow bay, with depth soundings suggesting limited anchorage suitable for smaller vessels. The surrounding coast is low and sandy, with few inland features marked.

Port Maria
This harbor on the north shore shows a moderately protected bay with deeper anchorages closer to the mouth. The town of Port Maria is sketched along the shore. Coastal features include prominent headlands and offshore soundings, indicating safe approaches for medium-sized vessels.

Manchoneal Harbor: A smaller, narrow harbor on the northeast coast, Manchoneal is represented with detailed depth readings and a well-sheltered anchorage. Its protective surrounding hills are indicated, offering good refuge from the prevailing winds.

Carlisle Bay: Situated on the southern coast, Carlisle Bay is broad but shallow, with a gradual slope in the seabed indicated by dense depth soundings. This harbor would have been suitable for smaller coasting vessels rather than larger transatlantic ships.

Rio Bueno Harbor: This is a small and deeply indented harbor on the north coast, providing excellent natural shelter. The plan shows narrow entrance points and deeper waters inside, with a coastal profile to assist in visual approach.

Montego Bay: One of the most important commercial ports on Jamaica’s north coast, Montego Bay is shown in significant detail, including urban structures, piers, and dockside facilities. The soundings indicate deeper water close to shore, ideal for shipping. A coastal profile drawing enhances the navigational information.

Mosquito Cove: A small anchorage west of Montego Bay, Mosquito Cove features prominently for its utility as a secondary harbor. It is sheltered and has adequate depth for smaller craft, making it an important local refuge.

Green Island Harbor: This western harbor shows a well-protected bay with careful mapping of surrounding reefs and shoals. The entrance is narrow but sufficiently deep, suggesting usefulness for medium-sized vessels avoiding rougher seas elsewhere.

St. Lucia Harbor: Situated close to Green Island on the northwestern coast, St. Lucia Harbor (sometimes confused with nearby Lucea) offers a good, protected anchorage, with extensive soundings and safe depths for a variety of vessels.

Bluefields Anchorage: Located on the south coast near the parish of Westmoreland, Bluefields Anchorage is relatively open but offers moderate shelter. The detailed soundings depict areas of safe holding ground, though exposure to prevailing winds would limit its use to fair-weather operations.