15+ NM LED Marine Lantern Application
As with all modes of transport, the lighting systems used by the night are imperative to the vehicle’s safety. Ships, being enormous constructs, needs lighting systems too! In fact, the lighting system in place for a vessel is integral to the safe navigation of the vessel; in fact, it is one of THE MOST important aspects of nautical studies emphasised on in college as well as for competency exams.
The primary function of marine navigation lights is to aid prevention of any major accident from happening. All boats – whether big or small are required to have night lights as a part of the navigation systems. This system was introduced in the year 1838 by the United States and then was followed by the United Kingdom in 1849.
In the year 1889, the International Maritime Conference was established by the United States to establish proper guidelines to prevent marine accidents. In the year 1897, these rules were officially adopted internationally. The colour of the lights that were required to be used as specified by a set of rules passed in the UK. On the basis of this rule, three colours were chosen: red, green and white. Even today, the marine navigation lighting consists of these three colours.
There is a pattern in which these lights are set up on the ships and boats in conjunction with the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Buoyage Systems. The pattern can be explained below :
- There is a light at the right-hand side of the boat (right side when facing the bow of the vessel known as the starboard side) which is green in colour.
- There is a light at the left-hand side of the boat (left side when facing the bow of the vessel is known as the port side) which is red in colour.
Both the sidelights show an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees such that from right ahead it can be viewed to 22.5 degrees shaft on either side.
- A white light is also placed at the back of the boat (known as the stern side). This shows an unbroken light over an arc of horizon of 135 degrees and fixed to show the light 67.5 degrees from right aft on each side.
- The mast of the boat also has to have night lights. The colour of this light is white. Two mastheads lights are in place, with the second one shaft of and higher than the first, when the length of the vessel is greater than 50 metres. Shows an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft on either side
15+ NM LED Marine Lantern, this LED beacon capable of ranges up to 18 NM (Tc = 0,74) and is designed to substitute rotating beacons with a considerably smaller power consumption. Integrated flasher with day light switch and a 16 ampere solar panel charger included. Low power consumption, suitable for solar and battery operation. Field adjustable intensity and range with wireless Sabik Easy Programmer, Sabik PDA Programmer or USB/IR interface.
Features & Benefits
- Up to 12.000 cd luminous intensity per tier at only 90 watts
- Can be supplied with up to 5 tiers. Max luminous intensity an impressive 60.000 cd
- Integrated 365 day event log
- Optionally integrated GPS synchronization, GSM and Light Guard Monitoring
- Equipped with Bluetooth programming
Specifications
Range
Up to 18 Nautical Miles
Dimensions
430mm (h) 366mm (Ø base)
Weight
12kg for single tier unit (Add 4kg for each tier)
Lights aren’t just to indicate one’s own status as a vessel for identification by other vessels in the vicinity but also vice versa. It is probably the most important aspect when complying with COLREGS in order to ascertain the status of any vessel in order to take the appropriate action as per COLREGS. PART C of the COLREGS published by the IMO is titled as LIGHTS AND SHAPES and lays out all necessary information with regard to lights and the specificity of their usage for different types of vessels.
For example, a fishing vessel is mandated to display a RED light over a GREEN light and the opposite is applicable for a pilot vessel. ANNEX 1 of the COLREGS deals with the positioning and technical details of lights and shapes and has precise data with regard to many aspects of marine navigation lights whereas ANNEX 2 deals with the additional signals for fishing vessel fishing in close proximity. The parts mentioned till now are actually extremely important for any navigating officer to be thorough with, not only for proving their competency in the exams but also for practical application onboard.
