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What to consider when installing marine exterior lighting in vessels?

November 14, 2024

In the marine industry, proper navigation and monitoring systems play a major role. However, when it comes to installing LED navigation lights in Singapore, it involves various challenges. Depending on the types of vessels, such as pilot boats, charter boats, or tugs and barges, you may need tailored lighting solutions.

Transitioning from traditional lighting to LED in maritime settings presents both opportunities and challenges. Here, we are sharing insights to improve illumination, reduce glare, and avoid common mistakes in marine lighting applications.

1. Placement of the LED lights

Night at the ocean can be dangerous. Thus, mariners must prioritise effective lighting. With strategic placement, the lights will provide better visibility in the dark. There are various factors to consider, like wiring, mounts, and physical constraints, while choosing a self-contained LED lantern with adjustable beam patterns and colour options to mitigate these issues. For example, mounting an LED deck light 10-15 feet above the deck may provide strong illumination but also result in excessive glare.

2. Orientation of the lights

Orientation is closely tied to placement and determines how effectively the light meets the operator’s needs. In new vessel designs, proper orientation ensures that the beam pattern and colour temperature suit the work environment. For fishing vessels, for instance, carefully angled self-contained solar-powered LED lights can eliminate dark areas caused by equipment like cranes.

On the other hand, poor orientation with high colour temperatures can create glare or “flashback,” especially in foggy or snowy conditions. To avoid this, fixtures should align with the operator's line of sight or illuminate task-specific areas without interfering with visibility.

3. Colour Temperature

LED lights come in varying colour temperatures, measured in Kelvin (K) from “warm to cool”. Higher temperatures produce bluish-white light, while lower temperatures emit a warmer yellow glow. High Kelvin lights can intensify glare, particularly in adverse weather, and may strain operators over a longer period or during long shifts.

Choosing the right colour temperature for the environment is essential. Cooler temperatures can offer brightness but should be carefully positioned to avoid flashbacks. Warmer lights are often more suitable for prolonged exposure and improve visibility without causing eye fatigue.

Maritime environments demand more thoughtful lighting solutions than standard wattage equivalency replacements. Proper placement, orientation, colour selection, fixture type, and voltage considerations ensure effective, safe, and durable illumination. By addressing these factors, vessel operators can achieve better visibility, reduce maintenance, and enhance safety across their operations. At Wealth Marine Pte Ltd, we supply various LED navigation lights in Singapore. Contact us today for a competitive solution!

Note: This article is for reference only. Any copyright issues or intellectual property related matters (if any are involved and not made known to Wealth Marine), such accountability and responsibility shall be passed on to the writer of the articles.

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