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Colombo Pilot Station Lighthouse

Fl Red 3s🇱🇰LKOperational

Location & Light Range

About Colombo Pilot Station Lighthouse

Built in 1885, the Colombo Pilot Station features a white, cylindrical tower 19 meters high, topped by a dome. This structure is centered on a two-story pilot station. Its focal plane is 13 meters above sea level, and it emits a red flash every 3 seconds. The station is situated 0.9 kilometers from the port of Colombo, at the end of the original southwest breakwater. It operated until 2016.

Why it matters: This station was essential for the safe passage of ships entering and departing the port of Colombo, a major shipping hub.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl R 3s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1885

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Colombo(0.9 km)
Admiralty No.
F0786
NGA No.
27312
ARLHS No.
SLI-007

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
19m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white

Structure: round cylindrical tower topped by a dome, centered on a circular 2-story pilot station

Location

Country
🇱🇰LK
Latitude
6.9533°
Longitude
79.8457°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Colombo Pilot Station Lighthouse at night?+
Colombo Pilot Station displays the characteristic Fl Red 3s. 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 Colombo Pilot Station Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Colombo Pilot Station Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is Colombo at 0.1 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Beruwala (30 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Colombo Pilot Station Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Colombo Pilot Station 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 Colombo Pilot Station Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Colombo Pilot Station 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.