33 CFR § 149.535 - What are the requirements for rotating beacons on platforms?

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t33/s149.535"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "33 CFR § 149.535 - What are the requirements for rotating beacons on platforms?"
title_number: 33
title_name: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
section_number: "149.535"
section_name: "What are the requirements for rotating beacons on platforms?"
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "NN"
subchapter_name: "DEEPWATER PORTS"
part_number: "149"
part_name: "DEEPWATER PORTS: DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND EQUIPMENT"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "33 U.S.C. 1504, 1509; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4."
regulatory_source: "USCG-1998-3884, 71 FR 57651, Sept. 29, 2006, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "149"
---


# 149.535 What are the requirements for rotating beacons on platforms?

In addition to obstruction lights, the tallest platform of a deepwater port must have a lit rotating beacon that distinguishes the deepwater port from other surrounding offshore structures. The beacon must:

(a) Have an effective intensity of at least 15,000 candela;

(b) Flash at least once every 20 seconds;

(c) Provide a white light signal;

(d) Operate in wind speeds of up to 100 knots at a rotation rate that is within 6 percent of the operating speed displayed on the beacon;

(e) Have one or more leveling indicators permanently attached to the light, each with an accuracy of ±0.25 ° or better; and

(f) Be located:

(1) At least 60 feet (about 18.3 meters) above mean high water;

(2) Where the structure of the platform, or equipment mounted on the platform, does not obstruct the light in any direction; and

(3) So that it is visible all around the horizon.