BEACON LIGHT

• Latitude: 39.3226
• Longitude: -76.3876
• US East Coast
• Marina in US

Location: US

A beacon light in a marine port is an essential navigational aid that guides vessels safely towards and away from the harbor, especially during nighttime or low visibility conditions. Here’s a detailed description and specification of a typical beacon light in a U.S. marine port:

Description:

1. Purpose:

• Navigational Aid: The primary purpose is to assist mariners in locating the entrance to the port, guiding them through designated channels, and marking specific navigation hazards or points of interest within the port area.
• Safety: Enhances safety by preventing collisions and groundings in and around the port.

2. Structure:

• Support Structure: Typically mounted on a tall tower, pier, or buoy. The structure is often robust, capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions and marine environments.
• Height: Can range from a few meters to several dozen meters high, depending on the geographic features and requirements of the port.

3. Light Characteristics:

• Typical Light Source: Modern beacon lights generally use LED systems for their durability, lower power consumption, and bright illumination. Some older installations may still use halogen or metal-halide lamps.
• Color: Commonly emit a white light, but green or red lights are also used for lateral markers (green indicating the port side and red the starboard side when entering).
• Visibility Range: Usually designed to be visible for several nautical miles, with typical ranges between 5 to 20 nautical miles depending on the light's intensity and the port's navigational requirements.

4. Flashing Pattern:

• Characteristics: The light can be fixed (continuous) or flashing, with specific patterns (e.g., a short flash every few seconds) to provide distinct identification for the beacon.
• Flash Duration: Defined by international and local maritime regulations to avoid confusion between different beacon lights.

Specifications:

1. Electrical Specifications:

• Power Source: Typically connected to the port’s electrical grid, but solar-powered options are also available for remote locations.
• Voltage: Operates on various voltages depending on the specific light fixture, commonly ranging from 12V (solar) to 120/240V (AC).

2. Environmental Specifications:

• Weather Resistance: Designed to operate in extreme weather, including high winds, heavy rain, and saltwater corrosion, often constructed from corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, marine-grade aluminum, or fiberglass-reinforced plastics.
• Temperature Range: Operates efficiently in temperatures typically ranging from -40°C to +50°C (-40°F to +122°F).

3. Maintenance & Durability:

• Lifespan: LED systems can last up to 50,000 hours or more, requiring minimal maintenance.
• Maintenance Frequency: Usually inspected and serviced annually or biannually, depending on local regulations and environmental conditions.

4. Compliance:

• Regulations: Must adhere to the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) standards and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations.
• Markings: Properly marked with reflective paint or other high-visibility materials for daytime recognition.

Installation Considerations:

• Location: Positioned strategically to be clearly visible from a distance and to indicate safe passage routes effectively.
• Elevation: Considered for maximum visibility, taking into account the local landscape and potential obstructions.
• Synchronization: If part of a system of lights, they are usually synchronized to avoid misinterpretation by mariners.

Example Application:

Port of Los Angeles (POLA):

• Beacon Light Characteristics: Bright white LED light with a visibility range of approximately 20 nautical miles.
• Flashing Pattern: Quick flash every 4 seconds.
• Mounting: Installed on a reinforced concrete tower at the harbor entrance.
• Maintenance: Inspected biannually, with a comprehensive overhaul every five years.

Beacon lights play a vital role in maritime navigation, ensuring safe and efficient operations in marine ports across the United States. Their specifications and performance are tailored to meet the unique demands of each port, providing reliable service under a wide range of environmental conditions.