The Northern Lighthouse Board provides over 200 navigation lights, ranging from substantial Stevenson designed structures containing lights of over 20 miles nominal range, to lit beacons marking ferry routes. The lights are distinguished by their colour and character, which may be:- Fixed (continuous) e.g. F.G (fixed green) Flashing (on for less time than off) e.g. Fl 5s (flashing one (white) light every 5 seconds) Quick flashing (flashing at a rate of 50-60 times per minute) e.g. Q.R (quick red) Group flashing (more than one flash) e.g. Fl(3) R 10s (three red flashes every 10 seconds) Isophase (on and off for equal periods), e.g. Iso 8s (on for 4 seconds and off for 4 seconds) Occulting (on for more time than off) e.g. Oc 8s (on for 6 seconds, off for 2 seconds) All lighthouses in our estate were automated in the second half of the last century and are monitored on a 24 hour basis. The emphasis now is on modernising the lights themselves and, in particular, converting those without mains powers to solar energy. Click here to see a list of our lighthouses
The General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) Navigation Policy requires that the Aids to Navigation (AtoN) provided meet the requirements of the present and changing need of all mariners. User requirements change with time and changes in technology. It is necessary to review AtoN provision on a regular basis to assess current and future requirements in order to provide a basis for planning the provision of a cost effective AtoN system that will meet present and future requirements. The GLAs undertake an Operational Review of aids to navigation provision every 5 years. Each GLA reviews the AtoNs in its own area of responsibility and joint consultations is conducted over areas of common or overlapping interest. The latest Review was undertaken in 2010. Back to Physical Aids