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Ballard Reef Lighthouse

Fl Green 5s🇨🇦Amherstburg, CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ballard Reef Lighthouse

Also known as: Ballard Reef (Livingstone Channel Light D77)

This cylindrical concrete tower stands 11 meters tall and displays white with green vertical stripes at its corners. Its focal height is also 11 meters, and it emits a single green flash every 5 seconds. The structure is centered on a square workroom, all mounted atop a round concrete pier. The light marks a downbound channel for southbound vessels, situated about 600 meters north northwest of the Livingstone Channel Upper Entrance Light. The Ballard Reef itself was previously marked by the U.S. Lightship LV-63 between 1893 and 1899.

Why it matters: The Ballard Reef light is essential for the safe passage of southbound vessels through the Livingstone Channel, directly warning mariners of the submerged Ballard Reef and preventing groundings.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Green 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Green
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl G 5s
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
10.7NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Reef marked by U.S. Lightship LV-63 (1893-1899)

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Amherstburg(2.8 km)
USCG No.
7-7200

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with green vertical stripes at the corners of the tower
Material
concrete

Structure: square cylindrical tower centered on a square 1-story workroom, mounted on a round concrete pier

Location

City
Amherstburg
Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Ontario
Sea Region
Located in a downbound channel for southbound vessels, approximately 600 m north northwest of the Livingstone Channel Upper Entrance Light.
Latitude
42.1412°
Longitude
-83.1247°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ballard Reef Lighthouse at night?+
Ballard Reef displays the characteristic Fl Green 5s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Ballard Reef Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ballard Reef Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Amherstburg at 2.6 NM to the S. Other ports served include Grosse Ile (3.3 NM SSW), GIBRALTAR (3.9 NM SW), PANTHER (4.2 NM NNW), ECORSE (5.6 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ballard Reef Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ballard Reef Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Ballard Reef Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ballard Reef Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.