Inland Buoy Tenders

INLAND & river BUOY TENDERS

Inland Buoy Tenders are responsible for maintaining and replacing aids to navigation on inland waterways throughout the United States. Inland Construction Tenders (WLIC) are separated into three classes, all designed for the construction, repair, and maintenance of fixed aids to navigation (ATON) with all operating on inland waters. The 160’ WLICs are single units without barges. The 75’ WLICs push either a 68- or 84-foot construction barge. The one 100’ WLIC pushes a 70’ construction barge. The barges are equipped with cranes and other ATON equipment to drive piles and work smaller buoys.

River Buoy Tenders (WLR) are 75’ and 65’ in length and operate on rivers in the western United States, maintaining and repairing/replacing ATON and day boards to mark river channels. WLRs push barges equipped with cranes that work the ATON. Some WLRs are equipped with “jetting” devices that are used to set and anchor buoys in rivers with sandy or muddy bottoms. Barge lengths vary: 90’, 99’, and 130’.

The classes of Inland and River Buoy Tenders are:

65’ Inland Buoy Tender (WLI)

65’ River Buoy Tender (WLR)

75’ Inland Construction Tender (WLIC)

75’ Gasconade-class River Buoy Tender (WLR)

75’ Kankakee-class River Buoy Tender (WLR)

100’ Cosmos-class Inland Construction Tender (WLIC)

100’ Inland Buoy Tender (WLI)

160’ Inland Construction Tender (WLIC)

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USCGC SMILAX (WLIC-315)

100’ Cosmos-class Inland Construction Tender

“queen of the fleet”

Commissioned on 1 November 1944, SMILAX was designated ”Queen of the Fleet”
on 11 March 2011 as the oldest commissioned cutter in Coast Guard Cutter service.
This distinction is signified by GOLD hull numbers on the bow.

USCGC SMILAX (WLIC-315)
100’ Cosmos-class Inland Construction Tender
Atlantic Beach, NC
Commissioned: 1 November 1944
”Queen of the Fleet”
Honoring the United States Coast Guard ATON Mission

USCGC SMILAX (WLIC-315)
100’ Cosmos-class Inland Construction Tender
Atlantic Beach, NC
Commissioned: 1 November 1944
Presented by the Commanding Officer

USCGC SMILAX (WLIC-315)
100’ Cosmos-class Inland Construction Tender
Atlantic Beach, NC
Commissioned: 1 November 1944
EST. 1944