What is a buoy tender?

A buoy tender is a specialized vessel designed primarily for servicing and maintaining Aids to Navigation (ATON). This includes buoys, lighthouses, and other navigational aids that help guide mariners safely in waterways. The operations conducted by buoy tenders can involve placing new buoys in position, retrieving or replacing damaged navigation aids, and performing routine inspections and maintenance to ensure these devices are functioning correctly.

The purpose of these vessels is crucial for maritime safety as they help make sure that the Aids to Navigation are operational and accurately indicate safe passages, hazards, and other important information for navigation. Their design typically includes equipment and features that facilitate these specific tasks, such as cranes, work decks, and dynamic positioning systems, making them essential components of the US Coast Guard's mission to promote safe navigation.