Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Penfield Reef Lighthouse

Fl R 6s🇺🇸Connecticut, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Penfield Reef Lighthouse

Also known as: Penfield Reef Lighthouse

The Penfield Reef Lighthouse, built in 1874, stands 35 meters tall with an octagonal wooden tower painted red. Its focal height is 15.5 meters, and it emits a single red flash on a 6-second cycle. The structure is mounted on a granite caisson and includes a 2-story keeper's house. The original lens was a VRB-25. A foghorn was also part of the station, emitting a 2-second blast every 15 seconds. This lighthouse has a geographic range of 15 nautical miles.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl R 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
15.5m
Geographic Range
15NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1874
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
J0840
USCG No.
1-21290
ARLHS No.
USA-590
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7162651 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
35m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
red
Material
wood

Location

City
Connecticut
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
41.1167°
Longitude
-73.2167°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Penfield Reef Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near US, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Penfield Reef Lighthouse at night?+
Penfield Reef displays the characteristic Fl R 6s — 1 red flash every 6 seconds. 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 Penfield Reef Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Penfield Reef Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Fairfield at 1.9 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Bridgeport (3.4 NM NNE), Bridgeport (3.9 NM NNE), POOTATUCK (6.2 NM NE), NORWALK COVE (8.3 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Penfield Reef Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Penfield Reef 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 Penfield Reef Lighthouse?+
Penfield Reef 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 Penfield Reef Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Penfield Reef 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.