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Charleston Lighthouse

Q (2) W 30s🇺🇸South Carolina, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Charleston Lighthouse

Charleston Lighthouse is a maritime navigation aid located in South Carolina, US. It is currently operational and active, providing guidance to vessels navigating the surrounding waters. The light sits at a focal height of 50 meters above mean sea level.

Light characteristic: The identifying signal of this lighthouse is Q (2) W 30s. This means the light produces 2 flashes every 30 seconds. Mariners use this distinctive pattern to positively identify the light and distinguish it from other aids to navigation in the area. The light displays a white signal, the most common color for major coastal lights.

Position: Charleston Lighthouse is positioned at 32.7579°N, 79.8432°W, near South Carolina in US.

Geographic context: Charleston Lighthouse is situated on the North Atlantic Ocean, within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. The location falls within the subtropical climate zone with mild winters and warm summers.

Nearby lighthouses in US: Other lighthouses in the region include Abagadasset Point Range, Absecon, Admiralty Head Light, Ahukini Breakwater, Alameda County (Oakland Area) Lighthouses. View all on the Lighthouses Directory.

Nearby Ports

Charleston

USCRW

4 NMWNW

North Charleston

USNTS

4 NMWNW

Charleston

USCHS

4.2 NMWNW

Charleston Heights

USZGT

8.3 NMNW

Wadmalaw Island

USWW9

17.2 NMWSW

Flash Characteristics

Characteristic Signature
Q (2) W 30s
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
30s

Physical Specifications

Focal Height
50m
Light Range
Not available
Status
ACTIVE
City
South Carolina
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
32.7579°
Longitude
-79.8432°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Charleston Lighthouse at night?+
Charleston displays the characteristic Q (2) W 30s — 2 white flashes every 30 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 Charleston Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Charleston Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Charleston at 4 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include North Charleston (4 NM WNW), Charleston (4.2 NM WNW), Charleston Heights (8.3 NM NW), Wadmalaw Island (17.2 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Charleston Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Charleston 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 Charleston Lighthouse?+
Charleston Lighthouse is located within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Charleston Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Charleston 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.