Lighthouse height: 19.5 m
Beacon height: 22.2 m above sea level
Range: 18 nautical miles
Beacon characteristic: 4+2=6 s
Geographical location: 54o 35' 20'' N, 16o 51' 20'' E
Ustka Lighthouse is situated at the end of the eastern breakwater protecting the entrance into the port of Ustka, at the point where the River Słupia flows into the Baltic. For centuries Ustka, which is only 18 km away from the city of Słupsk and therefore within its territorial catchment, was that city’s window on the world. Historians agree that there was a Slav fishing settlement here long before the first written record of the existence of Ustka, which dates back to 1310, when Słupsk was granted a municipal charter. Previously it had been a keep governed by a castellan. In the 14th century Słupsk joined the Hanseatic League and played a major role in Pomerania. In the 19th century, however, Słupsk could no longer keep up with its stronger competitors; the municipal authorities abandoned its maritime ambitions, and in 1831 sold the port of Ustka to Prussia. This moment in history marks the beginning of independent development for Ustka, and especially for its port facilities.
Owing to the strong coastal currents and winds in the locality, entry into Ustka port has always been problematic from the navigational aspect. Here is the description of the entry into Ustka from the official navigation map currently in force, „entry into the port is especially difficult if the wind is strong, as it blows in a direction at right angles to the axis of approach, and is attended by a strong coastal undercurrent which drives vessels onto the breakwater. There are high waves and surf in the approach area. For reasons of safety, if the weather conditions are bad, it is advisable to remain out on the roadstead and wait for them to improve.“ Storms occur practically the whole year round in this area.
One of the most important tasks in connection with the growth of the port was the installation of marks and signalling along the approach route, and hence also the construction of a lighthouse to guide shipping safely into harbour. In 1871 a mast was set up next to the pilot’s station, and an oil lamp with a Fresnel apparatus was put on it. This lighthouse gave a red beam visible up to 6 nautical miles away, at a height of 11.6 metres above sea level.
In 1892 a new pilot’s station was built in red brick with a facing, with an octagonal tower adjoining the building on the west side. A Class IV lens, technologically state-of-the-art for those times but with the same measurements as the old one, was set up at the top. In 1899 this lens was replaced by a Class VI lens, and in 1904 the beacon characteristic was changed from continuous red to flashing white.
The pre-war period was a good time for the port at Ustka. In 1903 its breakwaters were constructed, and in 1914-1926 the coastal facilities along the winter dock were modernised. Further developments were cut short by the outbreak of the Second World War, but fortunately both the pilot’s station and the lighthouse came out of the War unscathed.
Ustka Lighthouse has come down to the present day in its original form. Since 15th November 1945, after the end of the War, it has continuously been showing the way to all navigating on this stretch of the Baltic. Its optical device comprises a cylindrical lens with a diameter of 100 cm and two 1 kW light-bulbs mounted in a changer. One of the bulbs is on while the other is a reserve which switches on automatically if the first bulb goes out. Only the name of the lighthouse has changed. When the War finished it was called Postomino Lighthouse, but on 1st January 1947 the lighthouse name reverted to Ustka. It is a familiar landmark to all sailing into the harbour, a characteristic elevation on the Ustka skyline and visible out at sea.
Since 30th August 1993 the lighthouse building has been on the official register of historic monuments, entered for the voivodeship register through a decision of the national authority for the protection of monuments. In 2000 the Słupsk division of the Maritime Authority, which is responsible for Ustka Lighthouse, conducted an overhaul of the lighthouse building. New heating and electricity lines, doors and windows were installed, and the roof was repaired. Some landscaping was also carried out in the grounds and the premises were given exterior illumination, which has enhanced the appearance of the lighthouse, making it especially attractive in the evening. The overhaul was supervised by the national authority for the protection of monuments (Państwowa Służba Ochrony Zabytków), and the lighthouse enthusiasts’ association (Stowarzyszenuie Miło¶ników Latarń Morskich) contributed to the costs, which amounted to 119,796 PLN. The improvements were carried out with not only the tourists in mind but also the keepers who work at the lighthouse. Their working conditions were substantially enhanced.
Incidentally, Ustka Lighthouse sends
out a radio signal too, so it is also a radio beacon. It also has foghorn
equipment, which some of the decision-makers would like to have withdrawn
in this age of satellite signalling. However, a foghorn warning is indispensable
for small vessels which can’t afford to install state-of the art DGPS
technology on board.