Northern Lighthouse Board's NLV Pharos, one of two ships that service and maintain lighthouses and marine Aids to Navigation in Scotland and the Isle of Man, will be in Douglas Harbour to hold Open Days for the public this weekend (23-24 July).

NLV Pharos will be berthed in the Manx capital alongside the Victoria Pier with free ship tours from 2 pm to 4 pm. This will enable the public to get a chance to board the aids to navigation ship, meet the crew and find out about their work as part of the Northern Lighthouse Board.

Mike Bullock, NLB’s Chief Executive, said: “This is a rare opportunity for the public to come on board and to meet the crew. Visitors will get a real insight into our operations and vital safety service for mariners in Scottish and Isle of Man waters. We know Pharos is often seen in Manx waters, but this is a chance to get onboard our most modern vessel. The open days are a welcome opportunity for NLB to forge links with the local community and showcase what we do.”

The homeport of NLV Pharos is Oban, in west Scotland, and the vessel works mainly in Scottish and Isle of Man waters. In addition to the ship’s primary role in responding to wrecks and new navigational dangers, this highly sophisticated vessel supports maintaining and refurbishing NLB’s 200-plus lighthouses and conducting buoy operations.

NLV Pharos came into service in 2007 and is equipped with a helicopter pad, dynamic positioning, a 30 Tonne crane and a hydrographic survey suite.

In recent months, Afloat reported on the dry-docking 'Special Survey' of the NLV Pharos, which took place at Harland & Wolff's Belfast shipyard.