Leading Lights (Ldg Lts)

A pair or series of separated lights that define a navigational leading line when seen in vertical alignment.

The rear light is normally higher than the front light so both remain visible in line. A vessel displaced to one side sees the lights separated horizontally, allowing the helm to regain the charted line; daymarks may provide the corresponding daytime transit. Leading lights can mark a harbour approach, channel, clearing line or other route, but alignment alone does not guarantee adequate depth or freedom from traffic. The current chart and publications provide the bearing, light characteristics, usable sector and any one-way or tidal limitations.