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Ocracoke Lighthouse

F W🇺🇸North Carolina, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ocracoke Lighthouse

Ocracoke Lighthouse is a maritime navigation aid located in North Carolina, US. It is currently operational and active, providing guidance to vessels navigating the surrounding waters. The light sits at a focal height of 23 meters above mean sea level.

Light characteristic: The identifying signal of this lighthouse is F W. The light emits 1 flash per cycle. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern listed in nautical publications, allowing mariners to confirm their position. The light displays a white signal, the most common color for major coastal lights.

Position: Ocracoke Lighthouse is positioned at 35.1083°N, 75.9833°W, near North Carolina in US.

Geographic context: Ocracoke Lighthouse is situated on the North Atlantic Ocean, within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. The location falls within the temperate maritime climate zone.

Nearby lighthouses in US: Other lighthouses in the region include Abagadasset Point Range, Absecon, Admiralty Head Light, Ahukini Breakwater, Alameda County (Oakland Area) Lighthouses. View all on the Lighthouses Directory.

Nearby Ports

HATTERAS

USHNC

15 NMENE

MORRIS

USMOX

21 NMSW

SWAN QUARTER

USSQ2

23.9 NMNW

GERMANTOWN

USGMN

30.1 NMNW

Smyrna

USS7Y

33.9 NMSW

Flash Characteristics

Characteristic Signature
F W
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash

Physical Specifications

Focal Height
23m
Light Range
Not available
Status
ACTIVE
City
North Carolina
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
35.1083°
Longitude
-75.9833°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ocracoke Lighthouse at night?+
Ocracoke displays the characteristic F W. 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.
Which ports and harbors does Ocracoke Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ocracoke Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is HATTERAS at 15 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include MORRIS (21 NM SW), SWAN QUARTER (23.9 NM NW), GERMANTOWN (30.1 NM NW), Smyrna (33.9 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ocracoke Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ocracoke 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 Ocracoke Lighthouse?+
Ocracoke Lighthouse is located within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Ocracoke Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ocracoke 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.