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Robben Island Lighthouse

Occ WR 7s🇿🇦Western South Africa, ZAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Robben Island Lighthouse

This red metal framework tower, topped with a square daymark, stands 18 meters high. Its focal plane reaches 47 meters above sea level. The lighthouse emits an occulting white and red light, with a cycle repeating every 7 seconds. The structure is built of metal and painted red.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Occ WR 7s
Flash Type
Occ
Light Color
WR
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
7s
Raw Code
Oc.W.R. period 7s
Focal Height
47m
Geographic Range
5NM

Location

City
Western South Africa
Country
🇿🇦ZA
Latitude
-33.8147°
Longitude
18.3738°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
red
Material
metal

Structure: PORT (IALA A) Red metal framework tower, red square daymark; 16

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
D5870
NGA No.
25968
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q3643705 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Robben Island Lighthouse at night?+
Robben Island displays the characteristic Occ WR 7s — 1 wr flash every 7 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 wr color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Robben Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Robben Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is De Waterkant at 5.5 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Cape Town (6.5 NM SSE), Waterfront (6.5 NM SSE), Paardeneiland (7.7 NM SE), HOUT BAY (14.2 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Robben Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Robben Island 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 Robben Island Lighthouse?+
Robben Island Lighthouse is located within the Cape of Good Hope route — the historic shipping route around the southern tip of Africa. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Robben Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Robben Island 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.