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Southwest Pass Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse

F White🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Southwest Pass Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse

Also known as: Southwest Pass Entrance Range Rear (three towers)

This skeletal steel tower stands 20 meters tall, painted in a red and white checkerboard pattern with a diamond-shaped daymark. It is positioned on a square platform supported by piles, just inside the west jetty on the west side of the Mississippi River entrance. The structure carries a white light with a simple flashing characteristic. It is located 18.5 kilometers from Pilottown and serves as the rear marker for the outermost range guiding vessels into the river.

Why it matters: This range light is the outermost navigational aid for ships entering the Mississippi River, establishing the initial alignment for passage through Southwest Pass.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F White
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
White
Raw Code
F W
Focal Height
20m
Geographic Range
13.2NM

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Louisiana
Sea Region
Mississippi River entrance, marking the outermost range for ships entering the river, located just inside the west jetty on the west side of the entrance.
Latitude
28.9134°
Longitude
-89.4317°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
20m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Tower Color
red and white checkerboard pattern (daymark)
Material
steel

Structure: A 20m square skeletal tower, mounted on a square platform supported by piles, carrying a red and white checkerboard diamond-shaped daymark.

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Pilottown(18.5 km)
Admiralty No.
J3722.1
USCG No.
4-12690
ARLHS No.
USA-779
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Southwest Pass Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse at night?+
Southwest Pass Entrance Range Rear displays the characteristic F White. 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Southwest Pass Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Southwest Pass Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is SOUTHWEST PASS at 8.6 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Port Eads (14.9 NM ENE), Pilottown (18.5 NM NNE), Venice (21.1 NM N), Ostrica (28.1 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Southwest Pass Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Southwest Pass Entrance Range Rear 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 Southwest Pass Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Southwest Pass Entrance Range Rear 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.