IALA BOUYAGE SYSTEM

This will familiarize the students of the different light

characteristics and information about the bouyage
system.
HISTORY
• During early times,
rivers and estuaries are
marked by poles with
lights to indicate safe
water.
• There was no standard
shapes and colors of
this markings
HISTORY
• 1889 – a number of
countries agreed to mark
navigable channels with
distinctive and common
shape.

• Black can buoys on the

port side of a channel

• Red conical buoys on the

starboard side of a
channel.
HISTORY
The International Association of
Marine Aids to Navigation and
Lighthouse Authorities (IALA)
brings together representatives of
the aids to navigation services of
more than 80 member countries for
technical coordination, information
sharing, and coordination of
improvements to visual aids to
navigation  throughout the world.

It was established in 1957 to

provide a permanent organization
to support the goals of the 
Technical Lighthouse Conference,

which had been convening since

1929.

The General Assembly of IALA

meets about every 4 years. The
Council of 20 members meets twice • 1980 – 50 countries and 9 international
a year to oversee the ongoing organizations agreed to adapt the new
programs. system, The IALA Maritime Buoyage System
HISTORY
After second world war – 9 different buoyage system were brought
into use because of wide variation in the interpretation of system
based from the 1936 convention.

• League of Nations
(United Nations)
established the
cardinal and
lateral system of
buoyage.
• Cardinal system –
based on the four
main points of the
compass.
• Lateral system –
based on the sides
of the channel; left
side and right side
HISTORY
Six technical committees maintain the permanent
programs:
e-NAV – Electronic Navigation;
ANM – Aids to Navigation
Management – concentrating on
management issues experienced
by members;
EEP – Engineering, Environmental
and Preservation – concentrating
on the preservation of traditional
aids to navigation as well as the
engineering aspects of all aids to
1973 – Technical committee of the IALA navigation;
divided the waters of the world in to two VTS – Vessel Traffic Services –
regions, A and B. concentrating on all issues
surrounding VTS
Cardinal and Lateral systems for both
regions will still be use, but lateral marks will PAF – Pilotage Authority Forum
be different. LAP – Legal Advisory Panel

Region A comprises nations in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, parts of Africa and most

of Asia other than the Philippines, Japan and Korea.

Region B comprises nations in North America, Central America and South America,

the Philippines, Japan and Korea.
HISTORY
The IALA is primarily known for its buoyage
or Sea Mark systems that are used in
the Pilotage of vessels at sea:
Lateral marks indicate the edges of a
channel.
Cardinal marks indicate the direction of
safe water at a dangerous spot.
Safe water marks indicate the deep
water and open end of a channel.
Special marks indicate administrative
areas, such as speed restrictions or
water skiing areas.
Isolated danger marks indicate a hazard
to shipping.
A GLA should not be confused with the Coast
A General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) is a guard whom also are responsible and
dedicated Government Agency of a Country concerned with the safety of mariners / sailors
or Nation tasked with and responsible for the at sea but to which have a slightly different
provision and maintenance , navigational role.
aids and any other equipment or facilities
In many countries across the world therefore
which ensure the safety of mariners and
sailors navigating the country's territorial the General Lighthouse Authority is separate
waters, seas or oceans. to (but works closely with) the Coastguard.

Each type of mark has a distinctive colour, shape and possibly a characteristic light.
Navigational Aids
There are some special
colored ATONs. When
there are red and green
horizontal stripes, you are
at the junction of two
channels.
The ATONs indicate the
primary channel. If the
green is on the top, the
preferred channel is to
the right. If the red is on
• Preferred channel to stbd • Preferred channel to port
top, the preferred
channel is to the left. The
light matches the top
stripe color. These
ATONs are sometimes
called "junction buoys.”
Markers and Beacons
IALA Maritime Buoyage System
The IALA Maritime Bouyage System
leading applies to all fixed and floating
marks except lighthouse, sectors of
lights, leading lights and marks,
lanbys, certain light floats and light
vessels.
Its purpose is to indicate:
Sides and centerlines of navigable
channels
Navigable channels under a fixed
bridge
Natural dangers and other
obstructions such as wrecks
Areas in which navigation may
subject to regulations
Other features of importance to
the mariner
5 Categories in the IALA System
In terms of lateral, safe
water and special
marks, when going
with the direction of
buoyage.
Lateral
Cardinal
Isolated Danger
Safe water
Special Marks
Seamarks
Sea marks are used to indicate There are three types of sea mark:
channels, dangerous rocks beacons - fixed to the seabed
or shoals, mooring positions, buoys - consisting of a floating object that
areas of speed limits, traffic is usually anchored to a specific location
separation schemes, on the bottom of the sea or to a
submerged shipwrecks, and for a submerged object
variety of other navigational A type of cairn built on a submerged
purposes. Some are only rock/object, especially in calmer waters.
intended to be visible in daylight
(daymarks), others have some
combination of lights, reflectors,
bells, horns, whistles and radar
reflectors to make them usable at
night and in conditions of reduced
visibility.
Marks are shown on nautical
charts, using symbols that
indicate their colour, shape
and light characteristic, and are
usually identified by name or
number.
Bouys
A buoy is a floating device that
can have many different
purposes. It can
be anchored (stationary) or
allowed to drift. The word, of Old
French or Middle Dutch origin, is
now most
commonly /ˈbɔɪ/ (identical
with boy, also as in buoyancy)
in UK English, although
some orthoepists have
traditionally prescribed the
pronunciation /ˈbwɔɪ/. The
pronunciation /ˈbuːiː/, while chiefly
American, more closely
resembles the modern
French bouée [bwe].
Identification System by Numbers

In Lateral marks carrying numbers as identification,

irrespective of region
Green Buoys are marked with odd numbers.
Red buoys are marked with even numbers.
Lateral Marks
Defines the limits of safe
water within a channel.

Distinctive shape, color

and top mark indicates on
which side they should be
left as the vessel
proceeds.
5 Basic Shapes of Buoys
Can
Conical
Spherical
Pillar
Spar

Black and yellow bands

Black and red bands
Red and white stripes
Types of Top Marks
On non-lateral markers, there
are some shapes that show
certain things:
Squares - show information,
including places to find food,
supplies, and repairs. They
sometimes show directions.

Diamonds - warn about

dangers like rocks,
construction, dams, or stumps.

Circles - mark a controlled

area such as no wake, idles
speed, speed limit, or ski
zone.
Top marks are important on pillar and spar
Crossed diamonds - show buoys.
areas off limits to all boats, like
In general, lateral can and conical buoys,
swimming areas and dams. spherical safe water marks and can, conical and
spherical Special Marks do not carry top marks.
Non-Lateral Marks
There are also non-lateral markers that give information other than the edges of safe
waters. Most are white with orange markings and black lettering. They are used to give
direction and information, warn of hazards and destructions, mark controlled areas, and
mark off-limits areas. These ATONs do not mark traffic channels.

Can
Conical
Spherical
X-Shape
Bouy Marks
In terms of lateral, safe
water and special marks,
when going with the
direction of buoyage.
Can buoys are laid on the
port side of a channel.
Conical buoys are laid on
the starboard side of the
channel.
Spherical marks are laid
mid-channel
Lateral Markings
Region A
Red is used on the port
side of the channel and
green on the starboard
side.

Region B
Green is used on the port
side of the channel and
red on the starboard side.
Lateral Marks
Lateral Marks
Red (overall)
Green (overall)

Special Marks
Yellow (overall)

Other Marks
Safe Water Marks
• A Safe Water Mark, indicates the end of a
channel. It usually implies that open, deep and
safe water lies ahead, though it is sometimes
also used to indicate the start and end of a
buoyed section of a continuous narrow channel,
or a line of these marks can be used to mark a
safe route through shallow areas. It is therefore
important to consult an appropriate chart to
determine the exact meaning in each case. The
marker is also sometimes known as a Fairway
Buoy.

It is recognizable by its red and white vertical

stripes and commonly bears a top-sign in shape
of a red ball. Lighted buoys flash Morse code "A",
occulting (more light than dark), Isophase (equal
light and dark) or long flash every 10 seconds (L
Fl 10s).
In the United States, safe water marks have the
initials of their associated waterways or localities
printed on them.
Lighted buoy flashes Morse code "T" (one long
flash) with intervals of 6 seconds
Isolated Danger Marks
An Isolated Danger Mark,
it indicates a hazard to
shipping such as a partially
submerged rock.
Special Marks

A Special Mark, it indicates

the boundary of an
obstruction, administrative
area such as a speed limit,
water skiing or mooring
area, or to highlight other
features such as outfall
sewerage pipes.
It is recognizable by its
yellow color and X top-mark.
Bifurcation Buoys
When channel
divides, the preferred
channel is indicated
by a lateral mark with
modified colors to
indicate the preferred
channel.
Lateral Markings
Region A
Preferred channel to Stbd
Preferred channel to port

Region B
Preferred channel to Stbd
Preferred channel to port
Cardinal Marks
A cardinal mark is a sea
mark (a buoy or other floating
or fixed structure) used in
maritime pilotage to indicate
the position of a hazard and
the direction of safe water.
A cardinal mark may be used to
accomplish the following:
Indicate that the deepest water is an
area on the named side of the mark
Indicate the safe side on which to pass
a danger
Draw attention to a feature in a
channel, such as a bend, junction, Cardinal marks indicate the direction of safety
branch, or end of a shoal as a cardinal (compass) direction
Draw attention to a new danger such (north, east, south or west) relative to the mark.
as a grounded ship. In such cases two This makes them meaningful regardless of the
equal marks are often placed together direction or position of the approaching vessel,
to indicate that it's a newly marked in contrast to the (perhaps better-known) lateral
danger and is not yet printed in official mark system.
maps.
Lateral Marks
A lateral buoy, lateral post or lateral mark, as Region A
defined by the International Association of • port marks are red and may have a red flashing light of any rhythm.
Lighthouse Authorities, is a sea mark used in • starboard marks are green and may have a green flashing light of any
maritime pilotage to indicate the edge of rhythm.
a channel.

Each mark indicates the edge of the safe water

channel in terms of port (left-hand) or 
starboard (right-hand).
(Port) (Left) (Red) ______________________ (Starboard) (Right) (Green)
These directions are relative to the direction of
buoyage; this is usually a
nominally upstream direction. In a river, the Region B
direction of buoyage is towards the river's source; port marks are green and may have a green flashing light of any rhythm.
in a harbour, the direction of buoyage is into the starboard marks are red and may have a red flashing light of any rhythm.
harbor from the sea. Where there may be doubt,
it will be labeled on the appropriate chart. Often
the cardinal mark system is used instead, when
confusion about the direction would be common.

(Port) (Left) (Green) ____________________ (Starboard) (Right) (Red)

Both Regions
port marks are square or have a flat top
starboard marks are conical (or present a
triangular shape) or have a pointed top.
IALA Buoyage System A
IALA Buoyage System A
IALA Buoyage System B
IALA Buoyage System B
Landmarks
Originally, a landmark literally meant a geographic
feature used by explorers and others to find their way back
or through an area.
In modern usage, a landmark
includes anything that is easily
recognizable, such as
a monument, building, or
other structure.
Landmarks in the British
English sense are often used
for casual navigation, such as
giving directions.
Landmark is furthermore
defined as an external point of
reference that helps orienting in
a familiar or unfamiliar
environment. 
Types of Lighting Structures
Bridge lights
Lighthouse
Buoyant beacon
Range lights
Shore lights
Navigational Aids
A navigational aid (also
known as aid to
navigation, ATON, or NAVAI
D is any sort of marker which
aids the traveler in navigation;
the term is most commonly
used to refer to nautical or
aviation travel. Common types
of such aids
include lighthouses, 
buoys, fog signals, and day
beacons. specifically intended
to assist navigators in
determining their position or
Short Range Aids to Navigation
safe course, or to warn them of
dangers or obstructions to
Intended to be used visually or
navigation. by radar while in inland, harbor
and approach, and coastal
navigation.
Navigational Aids
Relationship between Local
and General Lighthouse
Authorities
Most ports and harbors
authorities around the world
operate their own local
navigational aids to help
mariners enter or exit the port
safely. As such ports and
harbors become Local
Lighthouse Authorities
(LLA).
Any navigational aids
supplied by a LLA are
normally inspected by the
GLA to ensure they meet
Internationally agreed
standards and codes.
Light Vessels
A lightvessel, or lightship, is a ship which acts as
a lighthouse. They are used in waters that are too
deep or otherwise unsuitable for lighthouse
construction. Although there is some record of fire
beacons placed on ships in Roman times, the first
modern lightvessel was off the Nore sandbank at
the mouth of the River Thames in England, placed
there by its inventor Robert Hamblin in 1732. The
type has become largely obsolete; some stations
were replaced by lighthouses as the construction
techniques for the latter advanced, while others
were replaced by large automated buoys.

A crucial element of lightvessel design is the

mounting of a light on a sufficiently tall mast.
Initially this consisted of oil lamps which could be
run up the mast and lowered for servicing. Later
vessels carried fixed lamps, which were serviced in
place
Fresnel lenses were used as they became The official use of lightships in
available, and many vessels housed these in small the United States ended
versions of the lanterns used on lighthouses. Some March 29, 1985
lightships had two masts, the second holding a
reserve beacon in case the main light failed.
British Light Vessels
In England and Wales, Trinity House is in charge
of all lightvessels. There are currently 8
unmanned lightvessels and 2 smaller light floats.

The British were the first to deploy unmanned

lightships, called crewless lightships in the
early 1930s, which could operate for six months
to one year.

The first lightvessel conversion to solar

power was made in 1995, and all vessels except
the '20 class' have now been converted. The '20
class' is a slightly larger type of vessel that
derives its power from diesel electric generators.
Where a main light with a visible range in excess
of 20 nautical miles (37 km) is required, a '20
class' vessel is used, as the main light from a
Trinity House solar lightvessel has a maximum
range of 19 nautical miles (35 km).
Hull numbers: 19, 22, 23 and 25 (the 20 class); 2,
5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 17 (solar lightvessels); and LF2
and LF3 (solar lightfloats).
American Light Vessels
The first United States lightship was established The first United States lightships
at Chesapeake Bay in 1820, and the total were small wooden vessels with
number around the coast peaked in 1909 with 56 no propelling power.
locations marked. The first United States iron-hulled
Of those ships, 168 were constructed by lightship was stationed at Merrill's
the United States Lighthouse Service and six by Shell Bank, Louisiana, in 1847.
the United States Coast Guard, which absorbed Wooden lightships often survived
it in 1939. From 1820 until 1983, there were 179 more than 50 years in northern
lightships built for the U.S. government, and they waters where the danger of rotting
were assigned to 116 separate light stations on was reduced.
four coasts (including the Great Lakes). The first modern steel lightship in
United States service was
lightvessel 44 built in 1882. One
of the last United States wooden
hulled lightships built, lightvessel
74, went into service at Portland,
Maine, in 1902.
The first United States lightships
with steam engine propulsion
were built in 1891 for service on
the Great Lakes where seasonal
ice required prompt evacuation of
light stations to avoid destruction
of the lightships
Lead Marks / Leading Lights
Lead marks (as in "leading a
ship into a safe place") and
lights are fixed markers that
are laterally displaced to allow
a mariner to navigate a fixed
channel along the preferred
route. They are also known as
"channel markers.“
They can normally be used
coming into and out of the
channel. When lit, they are
also usable at night.
Customarily, the upper mark is
up-hill from the lower (forward)
mark.

The mariner will know the geometry of the marks/lights from the navigational chart and
can understand that when "open" (not one above the other) the ship needs to be
navigated to "close" the marks (so one is above the other) and be in the preferred line of
the channel.
RACON
A racon is a radar transponder commonly used to mark maritime navigational
hazards. The word is a combination of of RAdar and beaCON.

When a racon receives a radar

pulse, it responds with a signal
on the same frequency which
puts an image on the radar
display. This takes the form of a
short line of dots and dashes
forming a Morse character
radiating away from the location
of the beacon on the normal plan
position indicator radar display.
The length of the line usually
corresponds to the equivalent of
a few nautical miles on the
display.
Their use for purposes other than
aids to navigation is prohibited,
and they are used to mark:
Light Characteristics
A light characteristic is a
graphic and text description
of a navigational light
sequence or colour
displayed on a nautical
chart or in a Light List with
the chart symbol for
a lighthouse, lightvessel, bu
oy or sea mark with
a light on it.
The graphic indicates how
the real light beacon may
be identified when looking
at its actual light output type
or sequence.
Different lights use different
colours, frequencies and
light patterns, so mariners
can find out which light they
are seeing.
Light Characteristics
While light characteristics can be
described in prose, e.g. "Flashing white
every three seconds", lists of lights use
abbreviations. The abbreviation notation
is slightly different from one light list to
another, with dots added or removed, but
it usually follow a pattern similar to the
following (see the chart to the right for
examples).
An abbreviation of the type of light,
e.g. "Fl." for flashing, "F." for fixed.
The color of the light, e.g. "W" for
white, "G" for green.
The cycle period, e.g. "10s" for ten
seconds.
Additional parameters are sometimes
added:
An example of a complete light characteristic
The height of the light above the is "Gp Oc(3) W 10s 15m 10M".
chart datum for height (usually This indicates that the light is a group
based on high water). e.g. 15m for occulting light in which a group of three
15 metres. eclipses repeat every 10 seconds; the
The range in which the light is light is white; the light is 15 metres above
visible, e.g. "10M" for 10 nautical the chart datum and is visible for 10
miles. nautical miles (19 km).
Light Characteristics Alternating Light
Chart Abbreviation
Alt. R.W.G.
An alternating light, abbreviate "Al", is a
light which shows alternating colors. For
example "Al RWG" show red, white and
green lights alternatively.
Light Characteristics Fixed Light
Chart Abbreviation
F.
A fixed light, abbreviated "F", is a
continuous and steady light

A fixed and flashing light, abbreviated "F.

Fl", is a light in which a fixed low intensity
light is combined with a flashing high
intensity light.
Light Characteristics Flashing Light
Chart Abbreviation
Fl.
A flashing light in which case it is
abbreviated simply as "Fl". is a rhythmic
light in which the total duration of the
light in each period is clearly shorter
than the total duration of the darkness
and in which the flashes of light are all
of equal duration. It can also be used
with a group of flashes which are
regularly repeated,
Light Characteristics Occulting
Chart Abbreviation
Occ.
An occulting light is a rhythmic light in
which the total duration of light in each
period is clearly longer than the total
duration of darkness and in which the
intervals of darkness (occultations) are all
of equal duration. Like a flashing light, it
can be used for a single occulting light
that exhibits only single occultations
which are repeated at regular intervals
(abbreviated "Oc"), a group (Oc (3)) or a
composite group (Oc (2+1)).
Light Characteristics Group Flashing
Chart Abbreviation
Gp. Fl. (2)
Gr Fl.(2), for a group of two flashes.
Another possibility is a composite group,
in which successive groups in the period
have different numbers of flashes, e.g. "Fl.
(2+1)" indicates a group of two flashes,
followed by one flash. A specific case
sometimes used is when the flashes are
longer than two seconds. Such a light is
sometimes denoted "long flashing" with
the abbreviation "L.Fl".
If the frequency of flashes is large (more
than 30 or 50 per minute) the light is
denoted as a "quick light
Light Characteristics Group Occulting
Chart Abbreviation
Gp.Occ.

An occulting light is a rhythmic light in

which the total duration of light in each
period is clearly longer than the total
duration of darkness and in which the
intervals of darkness (occultations) are all
of equal duration. Like a flashing light, it
can be used for a single occulting light
that exhibits only single occultations which
are repeated at regular intervals
(abbreviated "Oc"), a group (Oc (3)) or a
composite group (Oc (2+1)).
Light Characteristics Quick Flashing
Chart Abbreviation
Qk.Fl.
A quick light, abbreviated "Q", is a special
case of a flashing light with a large
frequency (more than 30 or 50 per
minute). If the sequence of flashes is
interrupted by regularly repeated eclipses
of constant and long duration, the light is
denoted "interrupted quick", abbreviated
"I.Q".
Group notation similar to flashing and
occulting lights is also sometimes used (e.g.
Q.(9)).
Light Characteristics Very Quick Flashing
Chart Abbreviation
V.Qk.Fl.
Very Quick (more than 80 and less than
160 flashes per minutes, abbreviated
"V.Q") and ultra quick (no less than 160
flashes per minute, abbreviate "U.Q").
This can be combined with notations for
interruptions, e.g. I.U.Q. for interrupted
ultra quick, or grouping, e.g. V.Q.(9) for a
very quick group of nine flashes. Quick
characteristics can also be followed by
other characteristics, e.g. V.Q.(6)+L.Fl. for
a very quick group of six flashes, followed
by a long flash.
Light Characteristics Isophase
Chart Abbreviation
Iso.
An isophase light, abbreviated "Iso", is a
light which has dark and light periods of
equal length. The prefix derives from the
Greek iso- meaning "same".
Light Characteristics Morse Light
Chart Abbreviation
Mo.(Letter A)
A Morse code light is light in which
appearances of light of two clearly
different durations (dots and dashes) are
grouped to represent a character or
characters in the Morse Code. For
example, "Mo. (A)" is a light in which in
each period light is shown for a short
period (dot) followed by a long period
(dash), the Morse Code for "A".
Glossary
Navigation aid: An onboard instrument, device, chart, method, etc., intended
to assist in the navigation.
Aid to navigation: A device or structure external to the ship, designed to assist
in determination of position, to define a safe course, or to warn of dangers or
obstructions.
Mark, seamark, navigation mark: An artificial or natural object of easily
recognizable shape or colour, or both, situated in such a position that it may be
identified on a chart. A fixed artificial navigation mark is often called a Beacon.
Light characteristics: The sequence and length of light and dark periods and
the colour or colours by which a navigational light is identified.
Topmark: One of more objects of characteristic shape placed on top of a buoy
or beacon to aid in its identification.
Lateral Mark: An aid to navigation intended to mark the sides of a channel or
waterway.
Cardinal Marks: An IALA aid to navigation intended to show the location of a
danger to navigation based on its position relative to the danger using the
“cardinal point”: north, east, south, west.
Isolated danger Marks: An IALA aid to navigation marking a danger with clear
water all around it; it has a double ball topmark and is black with at least one red
band. If lighted its characteristic is Fl(2).
Sector light: A light having sectors of different colours or the same colour in
specific sectors separated by dark sectors.
Glossary
Light sector: As defined by bearings from seaward, the sector in which a
navigational light is visible or in which it has a distinctive colour difference from
that of adjoining sectors, or in which it is obscured.
Lighthouse: A distinctive structure exhibiting a major navigation light.
Light List: A publication giving detailed information regarding lighted
navigational aids and fog signals.
Landfall: The first sighting (even by radar) of land when approached from
seaward.
Range: Two or more objects in line. Such objects are said to be in range. An
observer having them in range is said to be on the range. Two beacons are
frequently located for the specific purpose of forming a range to indicate a safe
route or the centerline of a channel.
Leading line: On a nautical chart, a straight line, drawn through leading marks.
A ship moving along such line will clear certain dangers or remain in the best
channel.
Range lights, leading lights: Two or more lights at different elevations so
situated to form a range (leading line) when brought into transit. The one
nearest to the observer is the from light and the one farthest from the observer
is the rear light. The front light is at a lower elevation than the rear light.
Lights in line: Two or more lights so situated that when observed in transit they
define a position: the limit of an area, an alignment used for anchoring, etc. Not
to be confused with range lights, which mark a direction to be followed.
Glossary
Light-float : A buoy having a boat-shaped body. Light-floats are nearly always
unmanned and are used instead of smaller lighted buoys in waters where strong
currents are experienced.
Primary (sea-coast) light: A light established for purpose of making landfall or
coastwise past from headland to headland.
Secondary light: A major light, other than a primary (sea-coast) light,
established at harbour entrances and other locations where high intensity and
reliability are required.
Major light: A light of high intensity and reliability exhibited from a fixed
structure (lighthouse) or on marine site (except range lights). Major lights include
primary sea-coast and secondary lights.
Minor light: An automatic unmanned light on a fixed structure usually showing
low to moderate intensity. Minor lights are established in harbours, along
channels, along rivers, and in isolated dangers.
Visual range: The extreme distance at which an object of light can be seen.
Geographic range: The extreme distance limited by the curvature of the earth
and both the heights of the object and the observer.
Bobbing a light: Quickly lowering the height of eye and raising it again when a
navigational light is first sighted to determine if the observer is at the geographic
range of the light.
Luminous range: The extreme distance limited only by the intensity of the
light, clearness of the atmosphere and the sensitiveness of the observer's eye.
Glossary
Luminous range diagram: A diagram used to convert the nominal range of a
light to its luminous range under existing conditions.
Charted or Nominal Range: The nominal range is indicated in the chart next
to the light or can be found in the Light List. This is the maximum distance at
which a light may be seen at night based upon intensity and 10 nautical miles of
visibility.
Meteorological Range: The nominal range is indicated in the chart next to the
light or can be found in the Light List. This is the maximum distance at which a
light may be seen at night based upon intensity and 10 nautical miles of visibility.