Where are Secondary Major Lights typically established?

Secondary Major Lights are typically established at harbor entrances to assist mariners in navigation and safely guiding vessels into ports. These lights play a crucial role in enhancing visibility and providing critical reference points that help in identifying the location of the harbor entrance, especially during low visibility conditions or at night.

Harbor entrances are often busy navigation areas with potential hazards such as shallow waters, rocks, and other traffic, making it essential for vessels to have adequate guidance. The placement of Secondary Major Lights at these locations helps to mark safe approaches, thereby reducing the risk of grounding or collisions.

In contrast, locations like vast ocean waters, floating platforms, or secluded fishing areas do not serve the same navigational purpose, as they lack the concentrated traffic and the need for defined approaches that are characteristic of harbor entrances. As such, the significance and utility of Secondary Major Lights are most prominently realized in these transition points between open water and safe harbor.