Marine Search Light: The Ultimate FAQs Guide

1.      What is Marine Search Light?

It is a type of marine light engineered to provide a bright, focused light specifically to illuminate a precise target. Marine search light is mostly mounted high up on water vessels such that it can easily swivel in different directions. To produce the focused light reaching far, it relies on a very bright lighting source in conjunction with parabolic reflectors. Xenon, halogen and LED bulbs are the lighting source used to produce the bright lights.

The bright light produced is reflected in parallel rays at 10^o beam angle, up to a distance of 9km. They have a unique role of illuminating, signals, life-saving, and search and rescue operations at night or foggy conditions.

2.      Which are the Common Types of Bulbs used in Marine Search Light?

Light output source is essential in the manufacture, cost, and performance of search lights. The common types of bulbs used in marine search lights are:

• Halogen bulbs – while being the cheapest, halogen bulbs are ideal for making medium range search lights. However, they often overheat, resulting in failures.
• Xenon bulbs – Search lights made of xenon bulbs are very bright and powerful, reaching very far. Like the halogens, xenons are also affected by heat.
• LED bulbs – The LEDs have a powerful and wide beam making it suitable for close-range use. While the halogens and xenons have about 10^o beam angle, the LEDs can project up to 150^o beam wide and a range of 1700 meters.

A lot of research and development has focussed on the LEDs. However, they cannot compete with the long-range achieved by the halogen and xenon searchlights. On the other hand, the traditional bulbs have a limitation also. They project narrower beams not suitable for close-range searches that require more full beams.

• Hybrid search lights – to eliminate the limitations of the traditional bulbs in close range applications, supplementary LEDs are incorporated into the search lights. This technology blends the advantages of different lights to produce a hybrid search light.

3.      What are the Benefits of Marine Search Lights?

Marine search lights are beneficial in icy places with icebergs or tugs that boats can easily bump into. They are also essential in improving security as it helps to illuminate dark spots.  Besides, it is crucial for safer navigation and spotting and protection against pirates and terrorist invasions, especially in commercial vessels. Other benefits include lights for offshore supply boats and signals for help.

Search lights are beneficial at night, in case you run into trouble. You can use the powerful beams to signal others of your distress.  Some models have an automatic SOS signal easily activated during emergencies.

4.      Why should you choose Marine LED Search Lights?

The latest lighting technology trend is shifting away from traditional lighting output, such as Xenon, halogen, and metal halide. Light-emitting diodes lighting technology has taken over the market and is widely used in search lights because:

• Power Saving – LEDs are highly efficient in converting energy into light than the traditional types of bulbs. Therefore with LED, the battery or cells would last for long.
• Light spread – the LED lights have a more extensive range of light than the other types making it suitable for close-range lighting sweeps.
• Longer lifespan – LEDs do not have filaments that easily break or burn within a short period. They last up to 55,000 hours of usage; therefore, it will save you the hustle of replacing bulbs regularly.
• Compact and stylish – LED lighting technology has enabled the design and manufacture of small, compact, and elegant search lights that are more powerful.
• Cost-Effective – the initial cost of purchasing marine LED search lights are high, but in the long run, you will benefit from low maintenance costs and zero bulb replacements.
• Cool temperatures– LEDs operate at cool temperatures, and they also have excellent heat sink mechanisms hence do not heat up, unlike the other types. Search lights need high lumens for optimal performance. Getting high lumens with the traditional lights requires high voltage resulting in a lot of heat generated, which could be risky. However, the LEDs do not produce heat as they need a lower voltage than the other types. Hence they are safe to handle.
• Brightness and color – while operating at lower voltage LEDs are brighter and have a diverse and clear color range.
• Thermal shock – Thermal shock arises due to temperature differences. The traditional lights generate a lot of heat, which leads to lens breakage due to water sprays, rain, and high humidity in the water. On the right side, LEDs have low temperatures, thus not susceptible to thermal shock.
• Waterproof – using marine LED search light is advantageous as it easy to make waterproof lighting fixtures with it. Furthermore, because LED lights are long-lasting, manufacturers are producing permanently sealed waterproof LED search lights.

5.      What are the Main Applications of Marine Search Lights?

The primary application of marine search lights are:

Search operations

Marine search lights are compelling and reach far up to 9km, making it suitable for contacting searches in darkness. The powerful and bright beam effectively illuminates objects at night for better visibility identification while contacting search operations. Besides, search lights are handy when looking for items accidentally dropped in the water.

Signaling

Signaling is another important application of the marine search lights. During a time of distress, simply switch on the SOS button and flashing signals visible from far will be activated. This would attract coast guards and other ships to your call. Furthermore, it can be used to warn others of hazards and dangers in the water.

Security

Security is paramount out there in the deep sea. And having search light boosts your safety as you can easily illuminate any potential threat at night approaching your vessel.  In the sea and ocean, there are always threats of pirates and terrorists.

Navigation

Search lights with sweep mode are essential for navigation at night as it helps to detect moorings, buoys, docks and channel markers. It also helps to pinpoint landmarks for easy navigation and docking at night.

6.      Should Marine Search Lights be IP Rated?

Yes, the marine search lights should be IP Rated. Ingress rating (IP) is essential as it indicates the protection of the fixture under harsh conditions. The maritime search lights have an IP rating of 67 and 68, which guarantees full protection against water and dust ingress.

While in use, search lights are regularly exposed to wet conditions, thus needing to be airtight for optimal operation and longevity. The IP ratings inscribed on the lighting fixtures shows that it is fully waterproof and dustproof.

7.      Are there Remote-controlled Marine Search Lights?

Yes, remote-controlled searchlights exist to enable you to scan the sea without leaving your vessel. Some advanced search lights have automatic sweep mode and camera for easy detection of objects in the sea. There are two types of remote controls for marine search lights, namely, wireless and wired remotes.

The wireless handheld remote can be operated up to a distance of 100m while wired remotes are fixed. Remote-controlled search lights can rotate 360^o or more and a vertical tilt up to 135^o. However, the remote control’s goodness comes with some additional costs, but it’s worth the price.

8.      What are the Advantages of Remote Controlled Marine Search Lights?

Remote-controlled marine search lights could be expensive to buy, but highly advantageous.

You can easily control the lights without getting out of the boat. This beauty is more apparent during wet, windy, and cold seasons where you don’t need to get out to the harsh weather.

They have good tilt range up to 135^o and over 360^o rotating angle to provide excellent sweeping lights for quick scanning around your boat.  In addition, it reduces physical movements to the search lights as the remote control is possible up to 100 meters away.

9.      What is the Beam Reach and Light Output of Marine Search Lights?

Beam reach of marine search light refers to the distance the lights would cover. The beam range of the search lights varies greatly affected by light output type, power, and searchlight design. The marine search lights beam reach falls under three categories: Short range, Medium range, and Long-range. The LEDs have a short-range up to 1700meters, while the traditional lights have medium to long-range beam reach up to 9kms.

Light output refers to the intensity of light, measured in lumens, produced by the lighting fixture. It depends on the light output source and wattage. A quality search light produces superior light output up to 35,000 lumens to effectively illuminate objects at night or in fog. Therefore to select the suitable light output, you need to consider the lumens of the search lights. In comparison, to produce equivalent lumens, the traditional lights need more power and overheat, whereas LEDs use less energy and are cool.

10.  Why are Rotation and Tilt Degree Important Considerations when Choosing Marine Search Light?

Rotation and tilt degrees are vital as they indicate the range of sweep light, vertical, and horizontal the search light can provide.  Search lights are mounted high and to swivel for optimal performance. Proper rotation should reach 360^o to provide focussed lights in any direction without turning the vessel. Also, the tilt angle should be up to 135^o to easily focus the lights up and down.

Proper rotation and tilt degrees remove strains and limitations of fixed mounts or smaller angles.

11.  Are Marine Search Lights Weatherproof?

Yes, the marine search lights are weatherproof. An IP rating of 67 and 68 on searchlights is a clear indication that the fixture is fully protected against water and penetration. Water seepage causes corrosion, rust, shorter lifespan, burnt bulbs, and malfunction of the lighting equipment.

The importance of weatherproof search lights can not be ignored, especially in the marine environment with water sprays, high humidity, and rains.

12.  Which are the Factors to Consider when Choosing Marine Search Lights?

Installation

The mode of installation has significant influence when selecting marine search lights. For example, the permanent installation of lights on hardtops allows manual and remote control of the lights. Plugin installation is also another mode of installation that entails a quick connection to a power socket. A rechargeable battery-powered marine search lights are also available, requiring no installation at all.

Power

How to power the search lights is another factor to consider. Handheld battery-operated is convenient to carry around unlike the mounted ones. However, it would be best if you were vigilant in charging the battery. On the other hand, the electricity-powered search lights would function as long as the engine is running.

The available power to run the search light is vital. Smaller lights run on 12 or 24 VDC, while bigger lights need ac voltage power. If you have dc power in your vessel, it would be stressing to buy ac power operated lights.

lighting type

Different types for lighting marine search lights exist, each differing in terms of prices and performances. The halogens are cheaper but have overheating issues; Xenon is long-range but inadequate for close-range searches. The initial cost for LED is high, but it has better light intensity but cannot beam beyond 1.7 km.

Rotation and tilt

When choosing marine search lights, always consider those with a good tilt angle up to 135^o. To achieve all-round light sweeps, think marine lights with over 360^o rotation.

Certifications

Certification is a mark of quality and safety to use the search lights. You will not want to have a product that will disappoint you while boating. As you do, your shopping considers products with internationally accepted certifications such as the UL and CEE, among others.

IP Rating

The IP rating is crucial as it indicates how well the lighting fixture is protected against harmful ingresses. The 67 & 68 IP rating on the lighting fixture suggests that the product is well protected against dust and water penetration. Buying such products is an assurance of waterproof lights that would not be affected by the marine environment.

Beam range

Depending on the bulb type, there are three categories of beam ranges for marine searchlight: short-range, medium-range, and long-range. Long-range up to 9km is achieved by the xenon lights, while halogens are medium-range, reaching 3.2 km. At the bottom of the beam range race are the LEDs achieving 1.7km.

Beam intensity

Beam intensity indicated in lumens is also significant. A lighting fixture with higher lumens is brighter for enhanced visibility. The LEDs have better beam intensity providing daylight light.

Cost

Depending on quality and manufacturer, search lights are available at different prices. Some are very expensive, but the cheaper ones have questionable quality.  Always go for a product within your budget but do not compromise on quality.

Power saving

This factor is significant, especially for rechargeable handheld marine search lights.  It is recommended that you select power savers such as LEDs that would shine for a long time before going off.

13.  Which are the Important Quality Standards for Marine Search Lights?

• Underwriters Laboratories (UL) quality standards check for safety and performance of marine lights.
• CSA
• CEE
• EC
• BSH
• IEC 60092-306 standards
• International Maritime Organization (IMO)
• RINA
• United States Coast Guard (USCG) quality standard compliance requirements,
• A-16 for compliance with American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC)
• Marine Equipment Directive (MED)

14.  How do you Mount Marine Search Light?

Mounting marine search light is done on the highest point of the vessel such that it can easily be pointed in the intended direction. It should be mounted on a swivel to allow rotation in any direction, both vertical and horizontal.

To allow vertical and horizontal movements of the light, it should be firmly secured. There are two options for mounting marine search lights: permanent and flexible mount.

The permanent mount is very secure and long-lasting but labor-intensive. You will need tools and supplies such as quality search light, drilling machine, screwdrivers, cables, connectors, and pliers. First, mark mounting holes locations and drill. Next, attach the mounting plate and fasten with screws. Then place the searchlights on the mounting plate and tighten the screws. Connect the cables to the search lights and the power source. For the detailed mounting procedure, always read the manufacturer manual and always conduct a qualified electrician if you cannot do it yourself. The light can then be operated manually or remote control. In the remote control case, you need to program the remote switch in a few simple steps. Long-press the power button and switch on the main supplies before releasing the power button. If successfully programmed, it should operate the search lights.

We also have handheld marine search lights that are wired with a plug at the end for a quick connection to a nearby power socket. If you prefer such lights, then you will have to install additional sockets outlets in strategic locations that you might use the lights. This could be at the engine compartment, flying bridge, and at the bow.

15.  Where can Mount Marine Search Light?

The appropriate position for mounting search lights should be on the highest point on the vessel to avoid obstruction and glaring. They are best mounted on a hardtop, pulpit end, or on top of the bow. Installing on the hardtop allows a span of 360^o light sweep.  Other locations such as bow mounts may not enable the 360^o rotation, and rail mount will be subjected to vibrations. Ideally, the lights should be mounted facing forward. Installing search light on a hardtop like a deck is perfect as it comfortably allows manual and remote control.

16.  How does Marine Search Lights compare to Marine Navigation Lights?

The marine search lights and marine navigation lights are essential at sea, but each has specific functions. Navigation lights provide general lights in a boat. They are crucial for steering and safety. Marine search lights are white, while navigation lights are available in three colors: white, red, and green. The search light is a single focussed light, while navigation lights consist of many and different types of lights.

The navigation lights play a significant role in safety and improve visibility at night or when foggy. On the other hand, marine search lights primarily provide focussed lights for finding and security concerns.

Having marine navigation is a mandatory legal requirement, whereas installing search light is optional but must also be within the law.

17.  What is the cost of marine search light?

Marine search lights are available at different prices depending on lighting type, size, manufacturer, and quality. You can be sure to get good light in line with your needs and budgetary allocation. With a budget of $300 – 400, you will get a good one, but the high end goes up to $600 per unit.  The smaller ones are even available at a lower cost below $100.