Let it Snow by Walter Struck, US Coast Guard Photo

In 1851 the Lighthouse Board lamented the existing buoyage system's ineffectiveness. The board felt that the approaches to major harbors and trade centers were not marked and lit efficiently enough to ensure the safe passage of the faster steam vessels. Larger and faster vessels demanded larger and more visible buoys. The Lighthouse Board also recognized that larger buoys required larger, more maneuverable tenders. Tenders currently used by the Coast Guard are divided into distinct classes based upon the size and tending capacity. Seagoing tenders, such as this one, are 180 feet long and are capable of lifting up to 20 tons. They are equipped for long voyages, and have ice-breaking bows for winter tending. The 180 ft buoy tender has since been replaced by a new 225 ft buoy tender.