2006-08-14 02:17:26 · 8 answers · asked by imahlah 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
Because they show were solid ground begins, dangerous coastlines, and safe entries into harbors. ....ships then stay away or use caution.
Because of modern navigational aids, the number of operational lighthouses has declined to less than 1,500 worldwide.
2006-08-14 02:22:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Lighthouses are identified by shape, color and pattern of markings by day and light flashing sequence by night. Once you know which light you are near, you can check the charts find the bearing off the light and get a general idea of were you are.
Some lights have red sectors as in earlier answer. One can travel along a known channel while watching the light, as the light turns white the pilot can turn toward the light and follow the white beam until the next course change. (BTW: Don't follow it all the way to the source or you will hit the lighthouse.)
Range lights operate in a similar manner. Two lights are set in line with the channel, when the lights show up one over the other turn and follow the range in/out.
2006-08-14 14:17:06 · answer #2 · answered by Buck B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lighthouses serve as a point of reference on a chart and as a visible navigation aid at night. Different lighthouses shine their light in certain directions, at certain speeds, or in certain time sequences. These characteristics are outlined on charts or Coast Pilots. During the day, the paint pattern on light structure also identifies the light.
2006-08-14 14:08:28 · answer #3 · answered by Richard B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
in general. it tells you roughly where you are.........on a chart, or in the Sailing Directions or Coast Pilot, it will say that a lighthouse can be seen a certain number of miles.......so you can look at the light, look at a chart and say, well. I'm roughly there.........some lighthouses will also show a "red light sector" which means if you can see the red light ( as opposed to the white) that the light is shinning, you re headed into trouble
2006-08-14 10:57:30 · answer #4 · answered by yankee_sailor 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The timed flashes tells the mariner what light house it is, and his charts tell him where he is relative to it. A light house marks a known hazard.
2006-08-22 10:08:10 · answer #5 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can see the light, and are pretty close to its source, you're about to hit land. That's how it helps.
2006-08-14 09:36:44 · answer #6 · answered by illustrat_ed_designs 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they aim their ships away from the light so they don't hit the land and kill their ship
2006-08-14 09:22:44 · answer #7 · answered by Katie 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yankees right
2006-08-17 20:43:52 · answer #8 · answered by jyd9999 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋