The Port of Fremantle seems to have become the 1st Australian Port to adopt the new IALA standard for emergency marking of new wrecks.

Sealite SLC500-WRK Emergency Wreck Marking lights have been shipped to the Western Australian port for rapid deployment in the event of dangerous uncharted new wreck situations, in the unlikely event that new wrecks should occur.   

In accordance with IALA Recommendation O-133, Sealite’s state-of-the-art SLC500-WRK incorporates the latest in circuitry and LED technology enabling the lantern to flash alternatively (and in synchronisation when more than one lantern is deployed) blue and yellow, to the IALA flash setting B1.0s + 0.5s + Y1.0s + 0.5s = 3.0s.

In the past, new dangers have been marked with cardinal or lateral marks, and isolated danger marks, but IALA have since recognised the need to clearly define ‘new dangers’ to mariners with rapidly deployed navigation aids. Unchartered wrecks pose a great risk to vessels at sea, and so the importance of clear marking in the initial stages of recognition is essential.

Being Western Australia’s major general-cargo hub, mariners in and around the port will have the reassurance of improved safety of life at sea with the inclusion of these lanterns in The Port of Fremantle’s emergency response system.

The SLC500-WRK incorporates all the advanced features of Sealite’s 5nm SLC500 compact solar marine model, and comes ready for immediate installation with 4pc 12watt solar modules and 50Ah SLA battery housed in a rotationally-moulded heavy-duty, impact and weather resistance polyethylene lantern body.

The specialised light-head incorporates advanced circuitry, enabling the lantern to flash alternatively blue and yellow in accordance with the IALA standard. Automatic night activation ensures quick and reliable identification of new wrecks.

In addition, multiple independent SLC500-WRK lanterns when set to the same flash pattern will flash in synchronisation - meeting IALA guidelines for multiple installations.

IALA Recommendation O-133 states, “The emergency wreck-marking buoy is designed to provide high visual and radio aid to navigation recognition. It should be placed as close to the wreck as possible, or in a pattern around the wreck, and within any other marks that may be subsequently deployed.”

These emergency markers should remain in position until the wreck has been fully surveyed and a permanent form of marking of the wreck has been carried out, as per the IALA standard.

For further information or a copy of the IALA Recommendation, please contact Sealite today.