Generally, docks are thought of as landing piers for receiving boat traffic. Marinas provide the same docking and often include the services of fuel, food and supplies.
By their very nature, these common structures demand prudent care in Safety. The biggest percentages of accidents that occur are tripping, slipping and accidental falls.
At night, it's imperative these spaces allow visitors to readily identify the posture of the space and to note their destinations.
Whether designing lighting for public or private use, docks and marinas both share Three Key Elements of Lighting Design:
#1 - Safety for Docks - the first and mandatory element in dock and marina lighting is Safety.
By their very nature, these sometimes complex marine structures require careful planning and execution of the lighting plan. While there are many different variables and ways by which docks can be constructed, there are two important constants they share; 1) Edges and 2) Slippery Surfaces.
From the beginning, it is imperative that proper lighting defines potential nighttime hazards such as steps, catwalks and changes in elevation. And, proper illumination must allow objects such as boat cleats, bait buckets and other small objects to be easily seen. It is important that lighting provides for comfortable visual and physical movement throughout a marine space. The 'glare' component must be kept in mind with regard to comfortable traverse requirements.
Safe, traverse light levels for dock and marina spaces should be a minimum of 3 foot candles.
#2 - Activities & Tasks - the second element of design is the need for proper lighting for Activities and Tasks.
Common activities performed on docks such as walking, conversation and site-seeing are generally considered to be performed with little difficulty.
Recommended light levels for these activities are a minimum of 3 foot candles.
Occasional visual tasks found in public marine spaces such as reading a restaurant menu require a.
Activities that may be considered more difficult to perform such as baiting a fish hook, tying lines, mooring of boats or operating boat lifts require higher light levels. Recommended light levels for these activities are a minimum 5-10 foot candles.
Fact of Light; "the more difficult the task, the higher the light level needed." Performing visual tasks with critical elements requires even higher illumination levels. Those tasks areas such as fish cleaning tables require a minimum of 30 foot candles.
#3 -Visual Comfort & Unobstructed Views - the third element of lighting design for dock spaces is the need to address visual comfort and unobstructed views.
There is nothing as enjoyable as spending a relaxing evening on the water-front. But, the appreciation of this setting can be quickly be destroyed by misdirected or unshielded light sources.
The problem that harsh, uncontrolled lighting presents can extend from the immediate dock surrounds. Light trespass can affect neighboring properties or even locations across the waterway.
The appreciation of the horizon beyond can quickly be lost at the flip of a light switch. Architectural or sign lighting around marinas should be glare-free. And, 'marker lights' when installed on docks and dock fascia must not be confused with marine navigational lights. Avoid the use of red and green color lights that can be confused or mistaken for navigational beacons.
Developing a Marine Lighting Design - Why Light?
In developing a marine lighting plan it is extremely important to understand the user's criteria and priorities:
- How will the dock space be used?
- What tasks or activities will take place?
- Might the sole activities be pedestrian traffic and watching a beautiful sunset?
- What's in the distant view? What will the hours of operation be?
- Are there concerns for security?
- Are there any local lighting ordinances in force, such as those for sea turtles?
Dock Lighting Techniques - How to Light
As noted earlier, dock construction can be very diverse and may represent opportunities for How to Light.
Hand-rail construction offers an excellent opportunity for addressing traverse requirements. Compact, low-profile fixtures such as the NightscapingŪ 'Railiter' (IDA Approved), 'Postliter' (IDA Approved) and 'Guardian' create useful pools of down light and are well-suited for locating underneath railings and on handrail posts.
The all purpose 'Dial-a-lite' is a smart choice for a clean custom install on dock pilings. It can be rotated to put the light ' right where you want it', such as on steps and edges.
Amenities such as benches provide means for creating comfortable converse lighting. Locating fixtures such as a 'Constitution', or the 'Railiter' (IDA Approved) under a bench makes glare a non-issue and creates useful reflected light on the dock's surface.
Specialty deck-mount fixtures suitable to withstand tidal conditions can provide an excellent dock lighting opportunity. Tucked along dock edges and on 7'-9' spacing the NightscapingŪ 'Integraliter' (IDA Approved) is a perfect choice. Its compact scale minimizes trip hazards while creating safe, traverse lighting. The sturdy, brass 'Vermeerliter' fixture offers another good option for a deck-mount application.
The most versatile of marine lighting tools from NightscapingŪ is the wet/dry 'Flipper' fixture. This water-proof fixture can be used extensively on docks. Use it to illuminate catwalks and stairs; install on the dock fascia and use it as a marker light for boaters; place it underneath a dock to reveal an indirect lighting effect; or install in covered boat slips and in boat houses or anywhere task ambient lighting is needed. Specify the 'Flipper' with a diffuse spread lens and welcome the night!
Installing fixtures on top of posts or pilings is a common lighting technique. The NightscapingŪ 'Sentryliter' (IDA Approved) with its lamp source neatly regressed up into the bell-shaped top creates large pools of down light to surfaces below and truly makes for "seeing the effect, not the source."
Commercial Waterfront Lighting
When challenged with lighting a commercial marine space, turn to the 'El Camino', a NightscapingŪ mainstay for nearly 40 years. The versatile bell shape adds the finishing touch to a large-scale maritime or harbor setting. Lighting a waterfront restaurant? Set just the right mood and comfortable atmosphere with some specifier favorites such as 'Tikiliters' , 'Postliters' , 'MiniBorderlites' and 'Starliters'.
Bottom-line! Assure your water-front design operates at safe, peak performance and power and it with the UL1838 compliant and approved NightscapingŪ PowerCenter(TM). It's the capstone of all of the advantages when you specify NightscapingŪ Marine Lighting!
Doug Alderman, LC
NightscapingŪ by Loran, Inc.
Clearwater, FL
dalderman@nightscaping.com
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