Beacon

A fixed or floating signal, often a light or radio transmitter, used to guide mariners or mark hazards in navigable waters.

A beacon is an essential navigational aid in maritime contexts, serving as a visual or electronic signal to assist vessels in determining their position, avoiding dangers, or steering towards safe passages. Beacons can take various forms, including lighthouses, buoys, or electronic transmitters, and are strategically placed in areas where navigation may be challenging, such as near reefs, shoals, or harbour entrances. Traditional beacons, such as lighthouses, emit a steady or flashing light visible from a distance, often with a unique pattern or colour to distinguish them from others. Floating beacons, like buoys, may incorporate lights, bells, or radar reflectors and are anchored to a specific location in the water. Modern electronic beacons, such as radio or GPS-based systems, transmit signals that can be detected by onboard equipment, providing precise positional data to mariners. Beacons are often listed in nautical charts and publications, such as the Admiralty List of Lights and Fog Signals, which detail their characteristics, locations, and operational ranges. Their role is crucial in ensuring maritime safety, particularly in poor visibility conditions, such as fog or storms, where natural landmarks may be obscured. By providing reliable reference points, beacons help prevent groundings, collisions, and other navigational mishaps.