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Roman Rock Lighthouse

Q W 6s🇿🇦Western South Africa, ZAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Roman Rock Lighthouse

The Roman Rock Lighthouse stands on a solitary rock in False Bay, near Simon's Town, Western South Africa. This white, round tower, with a white lantern, reaches a height of 14 meters, with its focal plane at 17 meters. The lighthouse emits a white flash characteristic visible for 20 nautical miles. It also operates a RACON with the signal Q(– – • –) on a 48-second cycle. The structure itself is a unique build, being the only lighthouse in South Africa constructed upon a single rock.

Why it matters: First lit in 1861, its illumination was updated to electric power in 1992 following a request from the South African Navy.

Background
Roman Rock Lighthouse is a lighthouse in False Bay, near Simon's Town. It is the only lighthouse in South Africa built on a single rock. The light was first exhibited on 16 September 1861. The light was electrified in 1992 at the request of the South African Navy.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q W 6s
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
17m
Geographic Range
20NM

Location

City
Western South Africa
Country
🇿🇦ZA
Latitude
-34.1813°
Longitude
18.4600°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
round
Tower Color
white

Structure: White round tower, white lantern; 46. RACON Q(– – • –) period 48s

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
D6140
NGA No.
D 6140
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q3940524 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Roman Rock Lighthouse at night?+
Roman Rock displays the characteristic Q W 6s — 1 white 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.
Which ports and harbors does Roman Rock Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Roman Rock Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Simon's Town at 1.2 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Kommetjie (7.7 NM WNW), HOUT BAY (9.6 NM NW), Paardeneiland (15.9 NM N), Waterfront (16 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Roman Rock Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Roman Rock 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 Roman Rock Lighthouse?+
Roman Rock 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 Roman Rock Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Roman Rock 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.