Introduction
Coastal lights are a vital aspect of maritime navigation, providing guidance and safety to seafarers. The lights may be situated on onshore structures like lighthouses, beacons, light towers, and buoys, or on ships and other mobile vessels. Coastal lights have been in use for centuries and have undergone numerous technological advancements over time. Their evolution has had a significant impact on maritime navigation, trade, and tourism industries.
History of Coastal Lights
Coastal lights have a rich history, dating back to ancient times when open fires were used to guide fishermen and sailors to safe harbours. These fires evolved into beacons, lit up on hilltops to warn incoming vessels about dangerous coastal areas. The earliest recorded lighthouse was the Pharos of Alexandria in Egypt, which was built around 300 BC. The lighthouse measured over 100 meters in height and was visible from over 50 kilometres away.
In the 18th century, lanterns and mirrors were introduced to coastal lighting structures in Europe. The innovation allowed for the projection of a brighter and more focused light towards the sea, thus enhancing the effectiveness of the coastal lights. The introduction of electricity in the 19th century revolutionized coastal lights, and it became possible to emit brighter and more regular flashes of light, providing even greater navigational aids to sailors.
Types of Coastal Lights
Coastal lights can be broadly categorized into four types: fixed, flashing, occulting, and alternating. Fixed lights emit a continuous beam of light and are used to identify the location of harbours and other navigational structures. Flashing lights emit a regular and continuous beam of light, interrupted by intervals of darkness. These lights are used to identify the location of offshore structures like lighthouses, buoys, and light vessels. Occulting lights emit a regular beam of light, but are interrupted by brief intervals of darkness, and are used to indicate the presence of hazards. Alternating lights emit two or more beams of different colours and are used to designate multiple hazards or features.
Modern Coastal Lights Technology
The advancements in modern technology have allowed for the development of more efficient and effective coastal lights. The use of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) has become increasingly popular in the construction of coastal lights, owing to their brightness and low power consumption. The integration of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology in coastal lights has also been a significant breakthrough. This allows for more accurate positioning of vessels and enhances the safety of navigation.
