Leading lights

Leading lights are a pair of navigational aids used to guide vessels along a safe course. They are usually placed on shore or on fixed structures near the entrance to a channel, river, or harbour.

Structure and Arrangement

• Leading lights consist of two fixed lights: the front light and the rear light.
• The rear light is exhibited at a higher elevation and placed further inland.
• The front light is exhibited at a lower elevation and located closer to the shoreline.

Principle of Use

• When the two lights are aligned, the vessel is on the correct leading line.
• If the lights are not in line, the vessel is off course and must adjust its heading.
• This method provides a clear and reliable visual reference, especially in restricted visibility or at night.

Application in Navigation

• Used to mark safe approach channels and fairways.
• Commonly established near harbour entrances, river mouths, and shallow waters where precise navigation is required.
• Leading lights supplement buoys and beacons, giving mariners an additional visual aid to maintain safe passage.

VOCABULARY

• leading lights – створные огни
• navigational aids —  средства навигации
• guide vessels along a safe course – направлять суда по безопасному курсу
• front light – передний створный огонь
• rear light – задний створный огонь
• exhibited at higher/lower elevation – выставлен на большей/меньшей высоте
• placed further inland / closer to the shoreline – установлен дальше вглубь суши / ближе к береговой линии
• align the two lights – привести огни в створ
• leading line – створная линия
• be off course – отклониться от курса
• adjust the heading – скорректировать курс
• clear and reliable visual reference – чёткий и надёжный визуальный ориентир
• restricted visibility – ограниченная видимость
• mark safe approach channels and fairways – обозначать безопасные подходные каналы и фарватеры
• require precise navigation – требовать высокой точности навигации
• supplement buoys and beacons – дополнять буи и маяки
• maintain safe passage – обеспечивать безопасный проход

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