Week 7 Lighthouse.pdf (2).pdf

Capitol University Cagayan de Oro City COLLEGE OF MARITIME EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation NAV 003 (TERRESTRIAL AND COASTAL NAVIGATION 2)...

Capitol University Cagayan de Oro City COLLEGE OF MARITIME EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation NAV 003 (TERRESTRIAL AND COASTAL NAVIGATION 2) WEEK 7 TOPIC: Lighthouse STCW A-II/1 F1.C1. Plan and conduct a passage and determine position Competence A-II/1 F1.C1. KUP2. Ability to determine the ship‘s position by use of: KUP.3 dead reckonings, taking into account winds, tides, currents and estimated speed CO1: Use the most appropriate terrestrial method of fixing the ships Course Outcomes position under prevailing circumstances and conditions Learning LO 1.5: Explain the importance of Lighthouse in determining the ships Outcomes position. 1. The learner reads the materials and watches the supplementary videos on the provided link. Learning Activities 2. Actively participates in the discussion and demonstrates knowledge of the importance of Running fix 3. The learner answers and passes the assessments given by the instructor What are navigational lighthouses? Navigational lighthouses are structures built along coastlines, on islands, or in harbors to guide ships safely through hazardous waters. Their primary function is to warn vessels of dangerous areas such as rocky coastlines, reefs, and shallow waters, and to help ships navigate safely by indicating safe passage routes. History of Navigational Lighthouses The history of navigational lighthouses dates back thousands of years and reflects humanity's efforts to improve maritime safety and guide ships along hazardous coastlines. Here's an overview of their development through time: Ancient Beginnings (300 BCE – 1 CE)  The earliest forms of lighthouses were open fires or torches placed on high points along the coast, helping sailors navigate at night.  The most famous ancient lighthouse was the Pharos of Alexandria, built in 280 BCE in Egypt. Standing over 100 meters tall, it was one of 1  the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and used a fire atop a tower to project light over the sea.  Other early civilizations, such as the Greeks and Romans, also used lighthouse structures, often building towers with lights to guide ships into harbors. Middle Ages (5th – 15th Century)  After the fall of the Roman Empire, lighthouse construction slowed down in Europe. However, some lights were still maintained by local communities or religious orders to aid sailors.  In coastal cities, smaller lighthouses or watchtowers were erected to guide fishing vessels and trading ships, though there were fewer formalized lighthouse systems during this period. Renaissance and Enlightenment (16th – 18th Century)  The Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries renewed interest in building lighthouses to assist growing maritime trade.  Advances in architecture and lighting technology led to more durable and taller lighthouses. Eddystone Lighthouse in England, first built in 1698, was an early example of a lighthouse in a perilous offshore location.  The Fresnel lens was invented by French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel in 1822. This lens allowed lighthouses to project a much more powerful beam of light that could reach farther distances, revolutionizing lighthouse technology. Industrial Revolution and Modernization (19th Century)  With the growth of global trade during the Industrial Revolution, many lighthouses were built along major shipping routes worldwide. Countries like the UK, the USA, and France constructed networks of lighthouses to improve maritime safety.  Lighthouses became taller and were built from more durable materials like stone and metal. The introduction of rotating lenses and oil lamps allowed for greater visibility and distinction between different lighthouses.  By the late 19th century, lighthouses were equipped with sound signals (like foghorns) to help ships navigate in foggy or stormy weather when visibility was low. 2 20th Century to Present  The early 20th century saw the electrification of lighthouses, allowing for more powerful lights and automated systems, which reduced the need for full-time lighthouse keepers.  By the mid-20th century, most lighthouses had switched from manual operation to automation, thanks to advancements in technology such as solar power, electric lights, and remote monitoring.  The rise of GPS and other electronic navigational aids has reduced reliance on lighthouses, but they continue to serve as important backup systems for ships and remain iconic symbols of maritime safety. Today  Many historic lighthouses have become tourist attractions, and preservation efforts have been made to maintain them as cultural and historical landmarks.  Lighthouses still function as vital aids in some regions with dangerous coastlines or heavy maritime traffic, and their importance is recognized in coastal conservation and heritage. Throughout history, lighthouses have been beacons of safety, guiding mariners through treacherous waters and symbolizing hope and protection for those at sea. How Lighthouses Function in Navigation 1. Light Source: The Development and Importance of the Fresnel Lens  Lighthouses have evolved in how they project light to guide ships, with the Fresnel lens being a groundbreaking development.  Before the Fresnel lens (invented in 1822), lighthouses used simple open flames or rudimentary lenses, limiting the distance their light could reach.  The Fresnel lens, invented by Augustin-Jean Fresnel, revolutionized lighthouse optics. Its design uses a series of prisms that bend and concentrate light into a powerful beam that can be seen over much greater distances—up to 20 miles or more at sea.  This compact and efficient lens system allowed lighthouses to use less fuel and energy while providing a stronger, more reliable beacon, significantly improving maritime safety. 3 2. Daymarks and Nightmarks: How Lighthouse Colors and Designs Assist in Daylight Navigation  Lighthouses are not only useful at night but also during the day through daymarks—the unique colors and patterns painted on the tower to help sailors identify specific locations in daylight.  These daymarks can be distinctive stripes, shapes, or contrasting colors that make the lighthouse stand out from its surrounding environment.  Similarly, nightmarks refer to the light patterns visible after dark, helping ships recognize where they are and avoid hazards.  Each lighthouse is designed with its surrounding landscape in mind, ensuring it remains visible and distinguishable to sailors during the day. 3. Flash Patterns: How Unique Sequences of Light Flashes Help Ships Identify Specific Lighthouses  Lighthouses use distinct flash patterns (also called "light characteristics") to communicate their identity to sailors.  These patterns can include different intervals of light and darkness (e.g., flashing every 10 seconds, or alternating short and long flashes).  Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern, which helps mariners identify their location, especially when multiple lighthouses are visible in the distance.  Nautical charts provide details on these patterns so sailors can match the flash they see with the corresponding lighthouse, guiding them safely along the coast. 4. Sound Signals: The Role of Foghorns in Poor Visibility Conditions  In conditions where visibility is low, such as fog, rain, or heavy mist, visual cues from lighthouses may not be enough.  To address this, many lighthouses are equipped with foghorns or other sound signals, which emit loud, distinctive sounds to warn ships of nearby dangers.  These sound signals are carefully timed and often directional, allowing sailors to gauge their distance from the coast or a hazardous area based on the frequency and volume of the sound.  Though modern technology like radar has reduced the need for foghorns, they still serve as a vital backup system, particularly in areas prone to sudden fog or storms. 4 These elements—light sources, daymarks, flash patterns, and sound signals—together ensure that lighthouses function as crucial navigational aids, helping ships navigate safely through hazardous waters both day and night, even in challenging weather conditions. The Modern Relevance of Lighthouses While technology has evolved and modern navigation tools like GPS, radar, and electronic charts have become standard, lighthouses still hold significant relevance today in various ways: Backup for Modern Navigational Systems 1. Though GPS and electronic systems dominate maritime navigation, they are not infallible. GPS signals can be interrupted or jammed, and electronic devices can malfunction. 2. Lighthouses act as a physical, visual backup for sailors when electronic systems fail, ensuring that there’s still a reliable way to avoid hazards, navigate tricky coastlines, and find safe passage. Navigational Aid in Remote Areas 1. Many parts of the world, especially in remote or rugged coastal regions, still depend on lighthouses where technology infrastructure may not be as robust. 2. In these areas, automated lighthouses equipped with renewable energy (like solar power) continue to guide vessels safely through dangerous waters. Cultural and Historical Significance 1. Lighthouses have long been symbols of safety, hope, and protection. Many have become important historical landmarks and are preserved as part of cultural heritage. 2. They attract visitors, and lighthouse tourism plays a vital role in preserving these structures and educating the public about maritime history. Environmental Monitoring 1. Some modern lighthouses are equipped with sensors that can monitor weather conditions, sea levels, and other environmental factors. This data helps with oceanographic research and provides crucial information for forecasting and safety alerts. 5  2. These dual roles—navigational aid and environmental monitoring station—extend the relevance of lighthouses in the age of climate change. Emergency Navigation 1. Lighthouses provide crucial guidance during emergencies when satellite-based systems might be down due to solar flares, natural disasters, or power outages. In extreme situations, the presence of a lighthouse can mean the difference between safety and disaster for ships. Symbol of Maritime Tradition 1. Beyond their practical uses, lighthouses remain a powerful symbol of maritime tradition, evoking a sense of history and legacy for coastal communities. 2. Many are still used as training tools for sailors to practice traditional navigation techniques alongside modern technology. While the role of lighthouses has evolved, their enduring presence as a backup navigation tool, cultural icon, and environmental monitor ensures they remain relevant in the modern maritime world. Their combination of historical significance and practical utility keeps them integral to coastal safety. Supplementary Videos to Enhance Learning The Incredible History of The https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVn8Qb7k- Lighthouse MQ The Story of the Eddystone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZKowr6_F Lighthouse (BBC Coast) 3I&t=71s References https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/ https://www.nps.gov/articles/nighttime-navigation-light-station-cultural- landscapes https://media.defense.gov/2020/Feb/28/2002256603/-1/-1/0/USLHS_CHRON.PDF https://www.britannica.com/technology/lighthouse/National-lighthouse- systems 6 Formative Assessment 1.5: At the end of the learning activities, the student should be able to answer midterm assessment 1: Quiz no.1 Multiple Choice Questions about Lighthouse and Self assessment check test. Self assessment check test. 1. What is the primary purpose of a lighthouse? A. To provide a resting place for sailors B. To guide ships safely by emitting light signals C. To store fishing equipment D. To serve as a tourist attraction 2. Which part of the lighthouse emits the light to guide ships? A. Foundation B. Lantern room C. Keeper's house D. Basement 3. How does a lighthouse help in preventing shipwrecks? A. By providing a signal for incoming storms B.By allowing ships to navigate through rough waters safely C. By marking dangerous coastlines, reefs, and safe entries D.By providing food and shelter to sailors 4. Lighthouses are often built in remote locations. Why is this the case? A. Because it is cheaper to build in remote areas B. To allow more privacy for lighthouse keepers C. These are places where ships face the most danger D. For aesthetic appeal in coastal scenery 5. If a ship encounters dense fog, what additional lighthouse feature might assist navigation? A. Flashing lights B. Radio signals C. Foghorns D. Light-keepers signaling flags 7