Washington State Ferries are an integral part of the transportation system for residents and tourists to cross Puget Sound. The last northbound run to Tahlequah on Vashon Island from Point Defiance in Tacoma was at 10:55 pm. My daughter and I went out to shoot and ended up at the ferry dock at Point Defiance about midnight. We saw a crewman climbing the mast where the radar is mounted. Then suddenly banks of red lights came on in the bridge. Then lights around the vessel began sequencing. It appeared to us that they were running some kind of safety check of the systems on board. Over the years I have rode many of our ferries at night, stood outside and looked up at the bridge and have never seen those bright red lights before. We surmised they might have something to do with night vision and navigation. Anybody have an idea what purpose they serve?
(Subscribe to posts via RSS, via eMail).
What a colourful picture!
I just love the shot. Lightening!
Have not been on one of those ferries in decades, but they are quite awesome and very necessary.
we took a ferry over to bc when i was a teen, it was fun!
Nothing says “Pacific Northwest” better than a ferry! Nice shot.
A lovely ferry!
no idea. the ferries sound romantic, but i bet they can be frustrating when you miss them! :)
Amazing night shot.
Love the starburst effects of the lights!
I love all the stars from the light! Fantastic shot..
There are actually two sets of interior lights in the wheelhouse. Your normal white lights and the red lights. These can be turned off or on at the same time or individually. The red lights are for night time use so you can see what you need to do but not ruin your night vision while operating the ferry. The preferred light mode for underway operation in the wheelhouse at night is no lights, but use the red if necessary.