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Portland Breakwater C Head Lighthouse

Oc Green 10s🇬🇧GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About Portland Breakwater C Head Lighthouse

This grey, square concrete tower stands 8 meters high on the southeast end of Portland Harbour's northern breakwater arm. Topped by a short mast, its focal height is 11 meters. The structure frames the north entrance to Portland Harbour, with its light visible for 10.7 nautical miles. It emits an occulting green light, with a 10-second cycle, guiding vessels approaching from the sea. The site is accessible to the public, though the tower itself remains closed. It is located 0.9 kilometers from Weymouth.

Why it matters: This light is essential for marking the northern entrance to Portland Harbour, defining a safe passage through the breakwater structures. It facilitates maritime traffic into and out of this significant UK harbour.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc Green 10s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
Green
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Oc G 10s
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
10.7NM

Location

Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
England
Sea Region
Located at the southeast end of the northern arm of the Portland Harbour Breakwaters, framing the north entrance to Portland Harbour.
Latitude
50.5964°
Longitude
-2.4328°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Weymouth(0.9 km)
Admiralty No.
A0322
NGA No.
0472
ARLHS No.
ENG-109

Tower & Structure

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

Structure: square concrete tower topped by a short mast

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Portland Breakwater C Head Lighthouse at night?+
Portland Breakwater C Head displays the characteristic Oc Green 10s. 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 Portland Breakwater C Head Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Portland Breakwater C Head Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Portland at 0.8 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Weymouth (1.2 NM NW), Wyke Regis (2.1 NM WSW), Ferrybridge (2.2 NM SW), Chickerell (2.8 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Portland Breakwater C Head Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Portland Breakwater C 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 C Head Lighthouse?+
Portland Breakwater C 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 C Head Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Portland Breakwater C 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.