What is the purpose of a Primary Major Light?

The purpose of a Primary Major Light is to assist in making landfall from sea. These lights serve as significant visual aids in navigation, marking important coastal points that help mariners identify their position relative to the coastline. When approaching land from open water, these lights are crucial because they provide a specific reference point for navigators to determine safe navigational courses, distances, and to avoid hazards near the shore.

A Primary Major Light is typically installed at strategic locations, such as prominent headlands or harbor entrances, to ensure they are visible from a great distance, especially during the night or in poor visibility conditions. This facilitates safe passage for vessels transitioning from sea to shore, ultimately helping to prevent accidents such as grounding or collisions in coastal areas.

The other options relate to navigational aids but are specific to different contexts. While safe docking procedures and mooring area guidelines are essential for vessel operations, they are not the primary focus of a Major Light. Similarly, establishing safe entry points in small lakes does not pertain to the broader function of Major Lights, which are primarily designed for coastal navigation rather than inland waterway management.