Lightship RELIEF is a decommissioned U.S. Coast Guard lightship berthed at Jack London Square in Oakland, California. This waterfront landmark combines maritime history with a working marine trades education program, and visits are arranged by appointment.
- Location: Jack London Square, at the end of Clay Street.
- From the hotel: About 2.2 miles from Bay Bridge Inn Oakland.
- Visiting: Tours are by appointment; regular public hours and admission prices are not published.
- Scheduling: Contact The Anchor Program or the Jack London Square directory’s visitor contact.
What is Lightship Relief?
Lightship RELIEF is a historic vessel that once served as a floating lighthouse and later worked as a relief ship for West Coast lightship stations. Built by Rice Brothers Shipyard in Boothbay, Maine, it was commissioned in 1951.
RELIEF served at the Overfalls lightship station off Delaware, then at Blunts Reef off Cape Mendocino. From 1969, it served as a relief vessel for West Coast stations. It retired from duty in 1975 and was decommissioned the following year. The vessel became a National Historic Landmark in 1990.
The United States Lighthouse Society describes RELIEF as the last known RELIEF lightship remaining in the United States. After its working years, it made its way to Oakland: Alan Hosking sailed it from Olympia in 1980 and donated it to the Society in 1986.
Society volunteers brought it back from Half Moon Bay in 1987, docking it at the Ninth Avenue Terminal. RELIEF moved to Jack London Square in 2002.
Where can you find the vessel?
RELIEF is berthed at Jack London Square, at the end of Clay Street, beside the former presidential yacht Potomac. That places the ship on Oakland’s waterfront, where the setting is part of the visit as well as the vessel’s story.
Oakland’s transit and walking options are covered in this guide to getting around Oakland.
How can you arrange a visit?
Lightship RELIEF is open to visitors by appointment rather than on a published regular schedule. The United States Lighthouse Society says tours are arranged through The Anchor Program and gives (510) 685-2346 for scheduling. The Jack London Square directory gives the Lightship Relief Museum & Training Facility contact as lv605@uslhs.org or (510) 992-3545 for scheduling.
There are no published regular public opening hours or admission prices. Contact the listed operator before making the trip, and check the official site before you go.
The Anchor Program uses RELIEF as part of a marine trades education program. Its restoration projects provide job training for marginalized communities around the Bay Area.
What else can you pair with a waterfront visit?
RELIEF’s berth at Jack London Square makes the Oakland waterfront the natural setting for the outing. The vessel is adjacent to the former presidential yacht Potomac, a detail that helps orient you at the dock.
A 2004 account described a walk of about 100 yards from Oakland’s ferry dock, passing the Potomac, but treat that as historical guidance and confirm current access before relying on it.
A one-day Oakland itinerary places a waterfront stop within a broader city day.
FAQs
Is Lightship RELIEF a museum ship?
The Jack London Square directory calls it the Lightship Relief Museum & Training Facility. The vessel also serves The Anchor Program’s marine trades education work.
When was RELIEF decommissioned?
RELIEF retired from duty in 1975 and was decommissioned the following year.
Who owns Lightship RELIEF?
Ownership transferred to The Anchor Program in fall 2012, according to the United States Lighthouse Society.