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U.S. Coast Guard Station Charlevoix Station Charlevoix has served in the waters of Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan for nearly one hundred years. The station was originated in 1898 on the South breakwall of the Pine River Channel, leading into Lake Michigan. It was officially commissioned as a United States Lifesaving Service Station July 5th, 1900. During the early 1960's, the station was relocated to it's present day location along the Pine River Channel's Lake Charlevoix end. Station Charlevoix is a part of the 9th Coast Guard District, with it's group headquarters in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The area of response for Station Charlevoix runs from Cross Village, down to Leland. It extends out into Lake Michigan to Beaver Island and the North and South Fox Islands. Inland waterways and the many smaller local lakes add to the approximately 2,500 square mile AOR. Station Charlevoix maintains three boats, each with it's own specialty and mission. Spring through Fall the 41' UTB and the 21' RHIM are in operation and during the winter months, the 14' ice skiff is put into operation.
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41' UTB The 41' Utility Boat is the work horse of Station Charlevoix. With it's crew of three, the UTB is able to perform a wide array of missions. This fast, highly maneuverable, powerful boat is designed for moderate seas and weather conditions. It's limitations are 30 knot winds and 8 foot waves. The twin Cummins 903 VTM diesel engines give the boat it's ability to tow up to 100 gross tons as well as cruise at a top speeed of 26 knots. This multi-mission vessel is also used as a search and rescue resource and a platform for maritime law enforcement. With a fire pump installed on the starboard main engine, the UTB is able to deliver 250 gallons of water per minute for it's limited firefighting capability. |
21' Rigid Hull Inflatable, Medium The 21' RHIM is a small, high speed, highly maneuverable craft. With it's twin 75 horsepower Honda outboards it's able to reach speeds of 35 knots. The RHIM has a deep "V" style, fiberglass hull, with rubber sponsons. With it's crew of two, this boat performs maritime law enforcement patrols, quick response to search and rescue cases, and limited towing. |
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The Crew Every member of the Charlevoix crew is a qualified communications watchstander and a boat crew member on all the stations boats. There are 16 members of the Charlevoix Crew. The Officer in Charge is a Chief Petty Officer. Under his command there is an Executive Petty Officer which is a Boatswains Mate 1st Class and the Engineering Petty Officer which is a Machinery Technician 1st Class. There are two duty crews made up of a Boatswains Mates 2nd and 3rd Class, Machinery Technicians 2nd and 3rd Class, 6 seamen, and 2 fireman. In addition to the crew mentioned above, the station has a cook. |
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