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and class of vessel traffic was commensurate with servicing facilities. This characteristic was preferred for economical reasons and predominated in usage. Front range lights exhibited a flashing light o.4-0.6 and the rear lights were fixed in cases where commercial electricity was used for rear light and batteries for front. Acetylene or battery electric lights generally showed a front light flashing 0.4-0.6 seconds and 3.0 - 3.0 seconds in the rear to save on illuminant. The rear characteristic was changed to 5.0-5.0 seconds on long channels 250 or more in width.

These changes were accomplished by the installation of new cams in the flashers or minor lights over a period of approximately four months, at the end of the time, the District minor lights conformed with Headquarters' standardization program.

Because of the servicing problems and the inadequate range covered, the oil lantern was replaced whenever possible by the electric light. It was also the policy of the District Coast Guard Office to electrify acetylene lights when the equipment had deteriorated beyond use. Working toward this end, by 1945, there were only 63 oil lanterns and 111 acetylene lights remaining in the District. Electrified lights, either commercial or battery, required a comparatively small amount of servicing as the Willard cell batteries were relieved from every three months to a year and exchange of the batteries was relatively simple. A record of each battery cell was kept on file in the Aids to Navigation Section together with its serial number and station. Monthly notices were sent to responsible units, listing the batteries due for relief and, after each aid was relieved, the unit furnished the Aids to Navigation Section with a report of the batteries installed and those relieved.

In addition to the above program of lights and illuminants, the District completed a project which made the painted structures in the Columbia River uniform. This operation was undertaken in response to a request from the Columbia River Pilots and other interested operators to furnish daymarks which could readily be seen against a dark background. It was also an effort to initiate a standardization program for the painting of minor aids in the District.

The lantern and top 12th of each structure was painted red if on the starboard side of the channel and black if on the port side entering from sea for channel indication. The remainder of the house, railing, platform and platform bracing was painted white to provide maximum visibility of the daymark ( See following page). These changes were made at each aid at the time of its next regular painting so the project was not completed for approximately a year.

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