Xenon searchlights are part of our everyday operation.  Understanding how they work and undertaking some basic maintenance, can help keep your searchlight operating properly.

 
Xenon Bulbs

The bulbs in these lights contain Xenon, a naturally occurring noble gas.  A short arc is created across a fused quartz arc tube with tungsten metal electrodes. 

 

The arc produces a very high heat, high intensity light.  The light put out from a xenon short arc tube is close to that of natural daylight.  A small amount of radiation is put off by these lights.  The front glass cover will block this mild radiation, so the light should never be run without the front glass cover
 
Carlisle & Finch

The Xenon Searchlight, by Carlisle & Finch, operates on a 220 or 440 volt system.  The lamp consumes approximately 1000 watts at 21 volts DC.  The starter produces around 50,000 volts across the spark gap oscillator and the power supply should always be in the off position before opening any part of the light.  Time should also be allotted to allow the bulb to cool down.  The bulb is under pressure, especially when hot, and may explode.  Whenever the cover is open you should have on eye protection and gloves.
 
Bulb Replacement

The bulbs should be replaced every 1400 hours, per Higman Marine's On Board Maintenance Program, 1.5.11. 

The bulb should never be touched with bare hands.  Grease on your fingers can cause deterioration of the quartz arc tube inside the bulb.
 
Start-Up

When operating your search light do not hold the control in the START position any longer than necessary to start the lamp.  This can shorten the life of the bulb. 

 

The beam diameter can be changed to pushing up on the focusing knob and twisting (the knob may be hot, use gloves).  This can also be done with the remote focus control in the wheelhouse.
 
Each night the Over-Temp light should be tested by pressing the TEST switch on the control station.  Should this light come on during normal operation the Searchlight should be turned off and the cooling fan should be checked.  Periodically the reflector cone should be cleaned with a soft cloth and a good silver polish if needed.  The front cover glass can be cleaned using Windex.
 
The base of the searchlight operates on ball bearings to allow 360º of rotation.  These bearing should be greased every six months.  The center bearings and bearings on the top arms should also be lightly greased every six months.  This will ensure that the searchlight can rotate left to right, up and down.

 

A good organization of supplies has many benefits to crew members including:

The supply department would like to commend the M/V Chesapeake on their onboard vessel supply organization system.   The Chesapeake crew has placed a label under each product reflecting product name and required on-board stock quantity.  When it is time to place a supply order any crew member can do a quick inventory of supplies in the forward hold, and easily reorder as needed. 

 

A good organization system is key to keep help keep you within budget.  Please keep in mind when ordering that budget for Quarters supplies is $120 per month, and Galley Supplies is $130 per month.

 

Account Codes and budget information can be found on the boat supply order form.  Your help with ordering within budget helps eliminate the adjustment of quantities ordered by the purchasing department.  Also, suggested minimum and maximum on-board quantities can be found in your Vessel Purchasing Manual.  Please keep in mind that all supply orders must be submitted no less that 10 days before crew change date. 

  

Test your knowledge.... email correct answer to Gordie 

  

Rule 14 defines a head-on situation as two power-driven vessels meeting on a reciprocal or nearly reciprocal course to involve risk of collision.  A head-on situation exists when:

• A vessel sees the other vessel ahead or nearly ahead
• At night the vessel could see the masthead lights of the other vessel in a line or nearly in a line or both sidelights
• If you are in doubt that a head-on situation exists then you shall assume it is a head-on situation. 

When two power-driven vessels are meeting in a head each shall alter her course to starboard to pass port to port.  
 
On Western Rivers the following stands in head-on situations:

• The downbound vessel with following current shall have the right of way.
• The downbound vessel shall propose the manner of passage.
• The downbound vessel shall initiate the maneuvering signals.

 

  

The questions below are related Head on situations, but are mainly related to navigation lights.  

INLAND ONLY....A towing vessel pushing ahead on the Western Rivers above the Huey P. Long bridge must show __________.

a. sidelights only
b. sidelights and towing lights
c. sidelights, towing lights, and two masthead lights
d. sidelights, towing lights, and three masthead lights
 

INLAND ONLY.... You are meeting "head on" a tug towing a barge alongside about a mile away. In addition to the white masthead lights which other lights do you see on the tug and tow combined?

a. One green and one red sidelight on the outside of the unit
b. One green and one red sidelight and a special flashing light
c. Only the green and red sidelights marking each vessel
d. The green and red sidelights marking each vessel and a special flashing light 

 

INLAND ONLY....You are meeting "head on" a tug towing a barge alongside about a mile away. In addition to the white masthead lights which other lights do you see on the tug and tow combined?

a. One green and one red sidelight on the outside of the unit
b. One green and one red sidelight and a special flashing light
c. Only the green and red sidelights marking each vessel
d. The green and red sidelights marking each vessel and a special flashing light

 

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....A "head on" situation shall be deemed to exist at night when a power-driven vessel sees another power-driven vessel ahead and __________.

a. one sidelight and the masthead light are visible
b. the vessels will pass closer than half a mile
c. both vessels sound one prolonged blast
d. both sidelights and masthead light(s) are visible

 

BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND....Two vessels are approaching each other near head on. What action should be taken to avoid collision?

a. The first vessel to sight the other should give way.
b. The vessel making the slower speed should give way.
c. Both vessels should alter course to starboard.
d. Both vessels should alter course to port.