A Lighthouse is a major structure equipped with a light on top, with particular characteristics of the light that vary from lighthouse to lighthouse. The structure has distinctive color, shape and specified height . Many lighthouses are equipped...
READ MORETo become acquainted with the latest significant changes to lights and fog signals, e.g. light vessels, light structures, light buoys, etc., you have to consult the List of Lights and Fog Signals or the Yachtsman’s Almanac. These...
READ MOREThere are two major types of buoyage systems: the lateral system and the cardinal. In the Lateral system the buoys indicate the port and starboard boundaries of a route to be followed e.g. a channel. The Lateral system differs between buoyage...
READ MOREOther Buoys that are used to indicate isolated dangers, having navigable water around them, are known as Isolated Danger Buoys. Buoys used to indicate the location of navigable water surrounding their position, e.g. middle channel, are known as...
READ MOREThe nominal range of a light is the maximum distance at which a light can be seen when the visibility is 10 nautical miles. The light’s nominal range can be found in the Yachtsmans Almanac The luminous range of a light is the maximum range...
READ MORECalculating the Luminous range of a light. Let’s say the nominal range of light “X”, extracted from the Yachtsmans Almanac is 20 nautical miles, and the existing visibility is 11 nautical miles. What we want to find out here is...
READ MOREThe Geographic range of a light is the maximum distance at which a light can be seen when the observer’s eye is at sea level. The Computed range of a light is the maximum distance at which a light can be seen, taking into consideration the...
READ MORECalculating the Computed range of the light “X”. Let’s say that light “X” has an elevation of 170 feet above the water and the observer’s elevation is 8 feet. Using the light’s elevation, we calculate the...
READ MORETo use a light as an aid to navigation, you first have to see it and secondly you have to identify it. In the nautical chart it is symbolized by a purple exclamation point and/or by a purple circle. The basic identification characteristics are...
READ MOREThe period of a light is given in seconds and is timed from the first flash of a cycle until the first flash of the next cycle. For example, on the chart we see a lighted navigation aid, and written near the purple exclamation point is Gr. Fl.(4)...
READ MOREThe Light phase is the sequence or pattern of the light shown, within one complete cycle. We have the following common patterns: Fixed (F.): this light shines with a steady and unblinking intensity Flashing (Fl.): the duration of darkness is...
READ MOREIsophase (Iso.): the duration of darkness is equal to the duration of the light at any length of cycle. Group flashing (Gp.Fl.): in this cycle there is a combination of two or more groups of flashes in one cycle at regular intervals. For example...
READ MOREThe lights used as aids to navigation are divided into two main categories: the major lights and the minor lights. The major lights are subdivided into two groups: the primary major lights and the secondary major lights. The primary major lights...
READ MOREMake sure that you carry at least two anchors, one as an everyday anchor that is stowed at the bow in the anchor locker, and one as a storm anchor. The characteristics of the boat and the type of sea bed – sand, shale, mud, gravel –...
READ MOREWhen you are selecting an anchoring position, make sure that it is sheltered from the wind and waves, and away from ship or boat traffic. Check the chart to determine the depth where you wish to anchor, and calculate the amount of cable you...
READ MOREBefore anchoring among other vessels, consider your boat’s swinging circle. When the wind shifts or the current changes, your boat will swing bow to the wind or current, whichever is stronger. Try to anchor your boat near boats of similar...
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