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Old Plantation Flats Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇺🇸Cape Charles, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Old Plantation Flats Lighthouse

This lighthouse flashes a white light once every 4 seconds to guide mariners. It is situated on the Old Plantation Flats, a navigational hazard in Virginia waters. The light assists vessels in safely traversing this area, preventing potential groundings. Its operational status highlights its ongoing role in maritime safety.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is essential for mariners to safely navigate the Old Plantation Flats, a shallow area that could pose a significant risk to vessels.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s

Location

City
Cape Charles
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Virginia
Sea Region
Old Plantation Flats, United States
Latitude
37.2447°
Longitude
-76.0183°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Structure: Old Plantation Flats Lighthouse guides mariners navigating the waters where the Old Plantation Flats present a hazard. This active light provides a crucial aid to navigation, helping vessels safely traverse the area. While specific historical details about its construction or early years are not widely known, its continued operation underscores its importance for local shipping and recreational boaters. The lighthouse ensures safe passage through these particular waters, a vital role it has maintained since its establishment. Its presence helps prevent groundings and facilitates smooth maritime traffic in its vicinity, contributing to the overall safety of maritime activities in this part of the United States.

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Cape Charles(1.3 km)
Admiralty No.
J1552
USCG No.
2-21435
ARLHS No.
USA-566
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Old Plantation Flats Lighthouse at night?+
Old Plantation Flats displays the characteristic Fl 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 Old Plantation Flats Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Old Plantation Flats Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Cape Charles at 1.2 NM to the N. Other ports served include KINGS CREEK (2.1 NM N), New Point (14.1 NM WNW), WHITEHOUSE COVE (18.3 NM WSW), LANGLEY (18.4 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Old Plantation Flats Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Old Plantation Flats 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 Old Plantation Flats Lighthouse?+
Old Plantation Flats 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 Old Plantation Flats Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Old Plantation Flats 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.