- Primary purpose: Guide mariners safely to harbors and away from dangerous shoals, reefs, and coastlines during both day and night.
- Provide visual references for ships, allowing captains to determine their locations and navigate safely in low visibility conditions, at night, and during storms.
- With their elevated positions and powerful lights, lighthouses can be seen from far distances, enabling mariners to correct their course and avoid potential hazards.
Warning System:
- Lighthouses serve as warning systems, alerting ships to the presence of dangerous areas, such as rocky coastlines, shallow waters, or underwater obstructions.
- Their distinctive light patterns and characteristics (e.g., flashing, color) help mariners identify specific lighthouses and the associated risks.
Landmark for Navigation:
- Many lighthouses become recognizable landmarks, providing mariners with a sense of familiarity and orientation along the coastline.
- They act as fixed points of reference, allowing navigators to triangulate their position and track their progress during voyages.
Historical and Cultural Significance:
- Lighthouses often have rich historical and cultural significance.
- They can be centuries-old structures, embodying the ingenuity and craftsmanship of past generations.
- Many lighthouses are iconic symbols of coastal communities, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts. Some are even designated as heritage sites.
Emergency Shelters and Communication:
- Some lighthouses are equipped to serve as emergency shelters for mariners in distress.
- They may also have communication facilities to assist in search and rescue operations.
Scientific Research:
- Certain lighthouses are used as platforms for scientific research, including meteorological observations, climate monitoring, and seabird studies.
