Abstract: The handling pond of a pressurized water nuclear reactor is equipped with orientable lighting apparatuses. Each apparatus comprises a floating lighting means mounted at the end of an also floating articulated arm. The opposite end of the arm is supported by a vertical guide mounted on one edge or side of the pond. The lighting means comprises a floodlight emitting a parallel beam of light through the transparent bottom of a tight box, which also contains means for orienting the floodlight about two orthogonal axes. A cover, positioned out of the water, gives access to the interior of the box.