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Gatún Approach Northbound Range Rear Lighthouse

Oc Green🇵🇦Cristóbal, PAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Gatún Approach Northbound Range Rear Lighthouse

Also known as: Gatún Approach Northbound Range Rear (2 lights)

This steel skeletal tower stands 23 meters tall and has a focal height of 48 meters. Its white exterior is marked with a black cross. The tower is located on the east side of the Gatún Approach, guiding ships departing the Panama Canal. It emits an occulting green light. The tower is one of a pair of skeletal towers that help orient vessels navigating the channel.

Why it matters: These range lights are indispensable for the safe departure of vessels from the original Panama Canal, specifically guiding northbound traffic.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc Green
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
Green
Raw Code
Oc G
Focal Height
48m
Geographic Range
18.4NM

Location

City
Cristóbal
Country
🇵🇦Panama
Region
Colón
Sea Region
East side of the Gatún Approach to the Panama Canal, guiding vessels departing the original Canal.
Latitude
9.3320°
Longitude
-79.9143°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
23m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with a black cross
Material
steel

Structure: square cylindrical skeletal towers; the west (centerline) tower carries a long rectangular daymark painted white with a black vertical stripe, and the east (east channel limit) tower carries a long rectangular daymark painted white with a black cross

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Cristobal(1.0 km)
Admiralty No.
J6094.11
NGA No.
16608.5
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Gatún Approach Northbound Range Rear Lighthouse at night?+
Gatún Approach Northbound Range Rear displays the characteristic Oc Green. 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 Gatún Approach Northbound Range Rear Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Gatún Approach Northbound Range Rear Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Cristóbal at 0.9 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Manzanillo (2.5 NM NE), Colón (3.1 NM NNE), Las Minas (6.1 NM ENE), Bahía Las Minas (6.9 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Gatún Approach Northbound Range Rear Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Gatún Approach Northbound 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.
What shipping routes pass near Gatún Approach Northbound Range Rear Lighthouse?+
Gatún Approach Northbound Range Rear Lighthouse is located within the Panama Canal approach — the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Central America. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Gatún Approach Northbound Range Rear Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Gatún Approach Northbound 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.