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Cape Town Entrance (Duncan Dock) Range Front Lighthouse

Q Red🇿🇦Cape Town, ZAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cape Town Entrance (Duncan Dock) Range Front Lighthouse

A 55-meter tall, triangular skeletal tower displays red and white horizontal bands. The light source is positioned at a focal height of 60 meters. It emits a quick red flash (Q R). This structure indicates the approach to Duncan Dock, situated about 1 kilometer from Cape Town's primary port.

Why it matters: This range front light, paired with a rear marker, provides alignment for large commercial ships entering the Duncan Dock harbor channel.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q Red
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
Red
Raw Code
Q R
Focal Height
60m
Light Range
13NM (24.1 km)
Geographic Range
20.1NM

Location

City
Cape Town
Country
🇿🇦South Africa
Region
Western Cape
Sea Region
Entrance to Duncan Dock, Cape Town, South Africa
Latitude
-33.9160°
Longitude
18.4312°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
55m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Tower Color
with red and white horizontal bands

Structure: triangular skeletal tower painted with red and white horizontal bands

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Cape Town(1.0 km)
Admiralty No.
D5929
NGA No.
113-26049
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Cape Town Entrance (Duncan Dock) Range Front Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 60 meters and a nominal range of 13 nautical miles (approximately 24.1 km), Cape Town Entrance (Duncan Dock) Range Front is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Cape Town Entrance (Duncan Dock) Range Front Lighthouse at night?+
Cape Town Entrance (Duncan Dock) Range Front displays the characteristic Q Red. 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Cape Town Entrance (Duncan Dock) Range Front Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape Town Entrance (Duncan Dock) Range Front Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Cape Town at 0.4 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Waterfront (0.7 NM W), De Waterkant (1.2 NM NW), Paardeneiland (1.8 NM E), HOUT BAY (9.1 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape Town Entrance (Duncan Dock) Range Front Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cape Town Entrance (Duncan Dock) Range Front 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.
What shipping routes pass near Cape Town Entrance (Duncan Dock) Range Front Lighthouse?+
Cape Town Entrance (Duncan Dock) Range Front Lighthouse is located within the Cape of Good Hope route — the historic shipping route around the southern tip of Africa. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Cape Town Entrance (Duncan Dock) Range Front Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape Town Entrance (Duncan Dock) Range Front 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.