Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L01334:reg:2012
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L01334
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2012
Character Range: 37794–40621

2012         Lighthouse struck by lightning – lantern rotation failure.

  3.8  Changes and conservation over time
Smoky Cape Lighthouse has encountered a number of technological adaptations and conservation works to improve the station as a working AtoN. In this section, the Brewis report, alterations to the light, and conservation works carried out over time have been detailed.
The Brewis Report (1912)
Commander CRW Brewis, retired naval surveyor, was commissioned in 1911 by the Commonwealth Government to report on the condition of existing lights and to recommend any additional ones.
Brewis visited every lighthouse in Australia between June and December 1912 and produced a series of reports published in their final form in March 1913. These reports were the basis for future decisions. Brewis' visit to the Smoky Cape Lighthouse yielded no recommendations, but captured the light's character as it was in 1912.
 Smoky Cape Light

  45 miles from South Solitary Island.

  Lat. 30º 56' S., Long. 153º 05' E., Chart No. 1025.- Established 1891. Last altered 1912.

  Character: One white, dioptric, 100,000 c.p. Group flashing, showing three flashes every thirty seconds, thus:- Flash, two seconds; eclipse, two seconds; flash, two seconds; eclipse, two seconds; flash, two seconds; eclipse, twenty seconds. Illuminant. vaporized kerosene; 55 mm. incandescent mantle.
  Octagonal stone tower, 32 feet, painted white. Height of focal plane, 420 feet

  Visibility: From seaward, in clear weather, for a distance of about 28 nautical miles.

  Optical Apparatus: Chance Bros., 189-. Three groups of triple-flashing panels. Focal radius, 36 inches. One revolution every ninety seconds.
Condition and State of Efficacy: The tower, apparatus, and quarters are in good state of repair, and are serviceable.
  Three light-keepers are stationed here.
Communication: By road with Jerseyville (6 miles) and South West Rocks (6 miles), Gladstone (15 miles), Kempsey (20 miles). Connected by telephone with South West Rocks Pilot Station and Kempsey, and thence to main telegraph system. Mails twice weekly. Government stores once yearly by coastal steamer. Illuminating oil as required. Provisions, &c, by coastal steamer weekly.
  Fogs: Few fogs occur in this locality. They are experienced chiefly in the early morning.
Soundings: The soundings on the Admiralty Chart are of a complete and suitable nature, the 20 fathom contour line being ¾ mile seaward, and the 30-fathom contour 1 ½ miles. A vessel can assure her safety by maintaining a depth of at least 30 fathoms.
RECOMMENDATION: Nil

Alterations to the Light
Over the centuries, optic technology used in lighthouses has evolved to improve marine safety for coastal shipping. The alterations made unto the Smoky Cape light are listed below:
Date          Alteration