Coast Guard Buoy Tenders

Many people are uneducated about the Coast Guard’s missions. Did you know that one of their 11 missions includes aids to navigation?

“Juniper Stern” chalk pastel drawing by author

Boaters must follow the Rules of the Road. Yes, that is an actual thing, and the pdf is over 200 pages long. Some basic rules include what type of vessel can overtake another one, and how they are supposed to do it. Boaters need to use specific light and sound signals as well.

The Coast Guard helps maintain safety by not only doing boardings, but by maintaining the signage that allows boaters to know where to sail. This involves repairing day boards, nun buoys (which look like red nun hats) and can buoys (which look like green 7Up cans) and lighted buoys.

At the time that this article was written, I have only drawn the Juniper Buoy Tender. The Juniper is 225' and operated with advanced navigation systems. In February 2007, the Juniper used 160,000 pounds of concrete salvaged from old buoy markers, to help rebuild a reef off New Jersey.

“Juniper Crane” chalk pastel drawing by author

Thanks for reading! The Juniper original drawings have been donated to the female veterans who served onboard.

I do not publish my posts behind a “paywall,” so read as much as you like.

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