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Southwest Pass Head Range Rear Lighthouse

F White🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Southwest Pass Head Range Rear Lighthouse

A 15-meter square skeletal tower guides vessels on the east side of the channel, approximately 3.2 kilometers from Pilottown. This structure stands on a platform supported by piles and features a red rectangular daymark with a white vertical stripe. The light emits a single white flash and has a geographic range of 11.9 nautical miles. It is situated about 3.2 kilometers south of the Head of Passes, marking the point where the Mississippi River divides into multiple outlets. The tower's focal height is also 15 meters, assisting outbound ships entering the northern section of the Southwest Pass.

Why it matters: This range light is essential for the safe transit of outbound vessels navigating the complex channels of the Mississippi River Delta, specifically guiding them into the north end of the Southwest Pass.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F White
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
White
Raw Code
F W
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Louisiana
Sea Region
Located on the east side of the channel, approximately 2 miles south of the Head of Passes, where the Mississippi River's outlets diverge. It guides outbound vessels into the north end of the Southwest Pass.
Latitude
29.1295°
Longitude
-89.2570°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
skeletal

Structure: A 15m square skeletal tower mounted on a square platform supported by piles, carrying a rectangular daymark colored red with a white vertical stripe.

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Pilottown(3.2 km)
Admiralty No.
J3784.1
USCG No.
4-12920
ARLHS No.
USA-367
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Southwest Pass Head Range Rear Lighthouse at night?+
Southwest Pass Head 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 Head Range Rear Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Southwest Pass Head Range Rear Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Pilottown at 3.1 NM to the N. Other ports served include SOUTHWEST PASS (7.3 NM SW), Port Eads (9.1 NM SSE), Venice (9.5 NM NW), Ostrica (20.9 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Southwest Pass Head Range Rear Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Southwest Pass Head 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 Head Range Rear Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Southwest Pass Head 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.