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Durban Channel Range Rear Lighthouse

Oc White 4s🇿🇦Durban, ZAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Durban Channel Range Rear Lighthouse

The Durban Channel Range Rear light is a 17-meter yellow square skeletal tower situated on a steep slope south of the Durban dockyard. It carries a large triangular slatted daymark pointing downward and displays an occulting white light every 4 seconds. This light, with a focal height of 43 meters, has a geographic range of 17.6 nautical miles. The tower is positioned approximately 2 kilometers from the port of Durban. Public access to the site and tower is not permitted.

Why it matters: This range light is indispensable for guiding large commercial vessels safely through the Durban Channel and into one of Africa's busiest ports, preventing groundings or collisions. Its alignment function is critical for maintaining the flow of trade and ensuring the safety of navigation.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White 4s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Oc W 4s
Focal Height
43m
Geographic Range
17.6NM

Location

City
Durban
Country
🇿🇦South Africa
Region
KwaZulu-Natal
Sea Region
Located on a steep slope on the south edge of the Durban dockyard.
Latitude
-29.8924°
Longitude
31.0394°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
17m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
yellow

Structure: square skeletal tower carrying a large triangular slatted daymark pointed down

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Durban(2.0 km)
Admiralty No.
D6472.1
NGA No.
31988
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Durban Channel Range Rear Lighthouse at night?+
Durban Channel Range Rear displays the characteristic Oc White 4s. 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Durban Channel Range Rear Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Durban Channel Range Rear Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Island View at 0.6 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Durban (1 NM NW), New Germany (9.8 NM NW), Pennington (34.3 NM SSW), Sezela (36.5 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Durban Channel Range Rear Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Durban Channel Range Rear 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 Durban Channel Range Rear Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Durban Channel Range Rear 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.