Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Western Bay Head Lighthouse

Fl white 5s🇨🇦CAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Western Bay Head Lighthouse

Western Bay Head is marked by a 6.5-meter skeletal tower built in 1968. The tower displays red with a white horizontal band and carries a daymark of the same coloring. Its light, situated 29 meters above sea level, flashes white with a characteristic of Fl.W. This navigation mark has a visible distance of 15.1 nautical miles. The location near Carbonear, 10.9 kilometers distant, is accessible, though the tower structure is closed to visitors.

Why it matters: This navigation aid marks Western Bay Head, assisting vessels entering the approaches to Carbonear.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl white 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
white
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl.W
Focal Height
29m
Geographic Range
15.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1968

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6.5m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Tower Color
red with a white horizontal band

Structure: skeletal tower carrying a daymark colored red with a white horizontal band

Location

Country
🇨🇦Canada
Region
Newfoundland and Labrador
Sea Region
Western Bay Head, Canada
Latitude
47.8841°
Longitude
-53.0676°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Carbonear(10.9 km)
Admiralty No.
H0494
NGA No.
1744
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Western Bay Head Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Canada, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Western Bay Head Lighthouse at night?+
Western Bay Head displays the characteristic Fl white 5s. 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 Western Bay Head Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Western Bay Head Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Hants Harbour at 11.3 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Carbonear (11.7 NM SW), Harbour Grace (14.1 NM SSW), Portugal Cove (17.4 NM SSE), Spaniards Bay (18.6 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Western Bay Head Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Western Bay Head 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 Western Bay Head Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Western Bay Head 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.