Northwest Seaport is requesting proposals for rehabilitation of the Lightship No. 83, an exciting effort to re-open the vessel to the public for events and programs. Built in 1904, the Lightship No. 83 was one of hundreds of floating lighthouses that guided ships and boats safely along American Coasts. During World War II, the vessel was painted grey, deck guns were added, as well as fold-out bunks for up to 50 crewmen, and was used to patrol the San Francisco Bay on the lookout for enemy submarines.
After the war, the Lightship No. 83 was transferred to the Coast Guard District 13 in the Pacific Northwest as a “relief” vessel. Servicing the Columbia River, Umatilla Reef, and Swiftwure Banks stations, No. 83 relieved the regular vessels at these posts for their yearly maintenance and resupply. The vessel was decommissioned from the Coast Guard in 1961 and purchased by Northwest Seaport seven years later. Northwest Seaport is in the beginning phases of a two-year restoration project designed to open the vessel to visitors for tours, programs, and more.
The first phase of the rehabilitation will stabilize and service the Lightship, removing asbestos-bearing material, stabilize the overhead rigging, and service the ship’s electrical and plumbing systems. This will prepare the vessel for the complete deck replacement planned for the second phase. All work will take place at the selected shipyard. Those interested should contact Northwest Seaport at (206) 898-7012 for more information. The full bid is also available at www.nwseaport.org. Proposals are due August 12, 2010.
Image: © 2010, 4Culture Staff
