A light characteristic is the unique sequence of flashes, eclipses, and colors emitted by a lighthouse, buoy, or beacon. Navigators use this exact timing and visual pattern to positively identify the specific aid on a nautical chart at night. It prevents ships from confusing one light with another along a crowded coastline.
Heard on the job
That buoy is flashing three times every ten seconds, which matches the characteristic for the south cardinal mark.
Also heard as
- light characteristic