The symbol for a lighthouse or other fixed light is which of the following?

The symbol for a lighthouse or other fixed light is which of the following?

• A. A black dot
• B. A red cross
• C. A blue circle
• D. A black dot with a magenta flare

Answer: (D)

When reading nautical charts, lights are shown with specific symbols that convey both the presence of a light and its characteristic. A lighthouse or fixed light is represented by a black dot paired with a magenta flare. The black dot identifies a light’s location, while the magenta flare indicates the light is fixed (steady) rather than flashing or occulting. This combination helps mariners distinguish stationary lights from other types of lights or marks. The other options don’t convey that steady, fixed-light characteristic, so they don’t accurately represent a lighthouse or fixed light on a chart.

When reading nautical charts, lights are shown with specific symbols that convey both the presence of a light and its characteristic. A lighthouse or fixed light is represented by a black dot paired with a magenta flare. The black dot identifies a light’s location, while the magenta flare indicates the light is fixed (steady) rather than flashing or occulting. This combination helps mariners distinguish stationary lights from other types of lights or marks. The other options don’t convey that steady, fixed-light characteristic, so they don’t accurately represent a lighthouse or fixed light on a chart.