The WS type searchlight is a manually controlled searchlight, operated below deck from within the wheelhouse. The WS searchlight is installed through the wheelhouse ceiling watertightly.

The WS type is a relatively cost efficient searchlight version, which is also chosen because it allows for an accurate and quick operation by hand directly from within the wheelhouse. A WH type of searchlight is similar to the WS type, apart from a taller column on top of the wheelhouse