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Portland Breakwater B Head Lighthouse

Oc Red 15s🇬🇧GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About Portland Breakwater B Head Lighthouse

This grey, square concrete tower stands 8 meters tall and is topped by a short mast. Its focal plane is 11 meters above the water, and it emits an occulting red light every 15 seconds. Located at the northwest end of the detached northeast breakwater, it frames the north entrance to Portland Harbour. The tower's geographic range is 10.7 nautical miles. It is operated by the Portland Harbour Authority and is only accessible by boat.

Why it matters: This light, along with another, precisely defines the north entrance to Portland Harbour, guiding vessels and preventing them from encountering the breakwater.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc Red 15s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
Red
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Oc R 15s
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
10.7NM

Location

Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
England
Sea Region
Located at the northwest end of the detached northeast breakwater of Portland Harbour, framing the north entrance to Portland Harbour.
Latitude
50.5951°
Longitude
-2.4311°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
grey
Material
concrete

Structure: square concrete tower topped by a short mast

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Weymouth(1.0 km)
Admiralty No.
A0320
NGA No.
0468
ARLHS No.
ENG-344
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Portland Breakwater B Head Lighthouse at night?+
Portland Breakwater B Head displays the characteristic Oc Red 15s. 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 Portland Breakwater B Head Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Portland Breakwater B Head Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Portland at 0.8 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Weymouth (1.3 NM NW), Wyke Regis (2.1 NM WSW), Ferrybridge (2.2 NM SW), Chickerell (2.9 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Portland Breakwater B Head Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Portland Breakwater B Head 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 Portland Breakwater B Head Lighthouse?+
Portland Breakwater B Head Lighthouse is located within the English Channel / North Sea corridor — one of the world's busiest maritime corridors connecting the Atlantic to Northern European ports. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Portland Breakwater B Head Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Portland Breakwater B Head 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.