Mole

A substantial structure extending from the shore to shelter a harbour or provide a berthing face.

A mole is normally built from rock, masonry, concrete or a combination of materials. It can reduce wave action within a harbour and may carry a roadway, railway, walkway, services or cargo-handling equipment. Its sheltered side may be designed for vessels to berth alongside.

The word overlaps with breakwater, but a mole is characteristically connected to land and often has an operational use as well as a protective one. Mariners should use the charted entrance and observe any lights, marks, exclusion areas and reflected or disturbed water near the structure.