Frequently asked Questions on Lighthouses

• Q.Why are lighthouses painted differently? Do these designs represent something?
• A. Lighthouses are painted different colors and designs to serves as day mark to mariners. Mariner at sea during the day will identify the area /location they are passing through by looking at the day mark of the lighthouse which is painted differently and notified. 
• Q.If lighthouses are painted different to distinguish them during the day, how can you tell them apart in the dark?
• A. . Each lighthouse flashes a different sequence of light and notified. The mariners will be able to see the flashing light in the light and with the help of notified chart will able to identify the area / location where the light is located. 
• Q.What is manned, unmanned lighthouses?
• Officials are posted at the lighthouses to operate and maintain the lighthouses and are termed as "manned" lighthouses. With advancement of technology, the light and its associated equipments are sophisticated and with solar power arrangement, the lighthouses are made to work automatically. The unmanning also necessiated on account of in-accessible locations of lighthouses. 
• Q.How is the power of a lighthouse rated?
• A.The power of a lighthouse's light is usually rated in nautical miles. In other words, how far the light is seen from sea. 
• Q. Which lighthouse is the tallest in the India?
• A. The Jakhau Lighthouse in Gujarat is tallest and is 45 mtr. Height. In the recent time we have established VTS in Gulf of Kutchh where 60mtr towers are erracted for installing RADARs. A light is being planned to install light at these tower for the benefits of mariners. The 60 mtr towers erracted for VTS- GOK, where light is being planned is indicated below :
  • 1. Jakhou (Gujarat, India)
  • 2. Chhachhi (Gujarat, India)
  • 3.Mandvi(Gujarat, India)
  • 4. Navinal(Gujarat, India)
  • 5. Bhadreshwer(Gujarat, India) 
• Q.Why why the height of the lighthouses are different in different areas?
• A. The height of a lighthouse is designed depending upon the requirement of visibility of light in that particular area. 
• Q. What are lighthouses made out of?
• A. Lighthouses are generally made out of brick / concrete / iron. One of the oldest lighthouse (Ruvapari Lighthouse) is at Bhavnagar Gujarat, India and is made of wood. There is cast iron lighthouse at - Indira point (Southern most tip of India, situated in Andman Nikobar Islands), - Suhelipar Lighthouse (in Lakshadweep island, India) - Luharapoint Lighthouse (Western coast of India) The more popular building materials, the ones that have withstood the test of time are brick, iron, and even reinforced concrete. 
• Q. How many lighthouses are there in the India?
• A. 185 lighthouses. 
• Q. Which is the oldest lighthouse in the India?
• A. False Point Lighthouse. Established during 1838. It is in Island named “False Point” along the eastern coast of India, near Paradeep, Orissa 
• Q.What was used to illuminate the "light" in the lighthouses before electricity?
• A.Earlier to electricity, fuels used for burner (serves as illuminant) are kerosene and gas.
• Q.What is the shortest Lighthouse?
• A.Rutland LightHouse