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Richards Bay Lighthouse

Fl (3) W 15s🇿🇦Eastern South Africa, ZAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Richards Bay Lighthouse

This steel lighthouse, standing 36 meters tall, was built and first lit in 2018. Its round tower is painted white and reaches a focal height of 72 meters. The light emits three white flashes every 15 seconds, visible for 25 nautical miles. The structure is a white square concrete tower with a round top.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) W 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl.(3)W. period 15s
Focal Height
72m
Geographic Range
25NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2018

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
D6483
NGA No.
31944

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
36m
Tower Shape
round
Tower Color
white
Material
steel

Structure: White square concrete tower, round top; 36. Temporarily replaced by Fl(3)W 15s 12m 21M in

Location

City
Eastern South Africa
Country
🇿🇦ZA
Latitude
-28.7754°
Longitude
32.1279°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Richards Bay Lighthouse at night?+
Richards Bay displays the characteristic Fl (3) W 15s — 3 white flashes every 15 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.
Which ports and harbors does Richards Bay Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Richards Bay Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 1 nearby port. The closest is Richards Bay at 4 NM to the WSW. Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Richards Bay Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Richards Bay 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.
How can I track vessels near Richards Bay Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Richards Bay 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.