SS BADGER

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Historic steam ship seeks captain

The S.S. 'Badger' needs a captain for the 2022 season across Lake Michigan between Ludington and Manitowac, Wis., from May to October. The job was posted five days ago. The person hired to the position will alternate schedules with a second captain and share authority over all aspects of the vessel at all times. The captain will earn a year-round salary. Compensation includes medical, dental and vision insurance, and a 401(k). Qualifications include a master’s license of unlimited tonnage upon the Great Lakes and inland waters. Applicants must also pass a Coast Guard physical, drug screening and background check. To apply go to the S.S. Badger website, click on Join the Crew, then Apply Now and then select “Captain.” The last coal-fired steamship operating on the Great Lakes became a National Historic Landmark in 2016.

S.S. Badger must end ash discharge in two years

In its 60th anniversary year, the S.S. Badger car ferry will set sail again, according to a news release from Lake Michigan Carferry. The owner of the Badger has signed a consent decree agreement with the Department of Justice and EPA that will require the SS Badger to end the ash discharge within two years. http://www.htrnews.com/article/20130322/MAN0101/130322047/Update-1-20-p-m-S-S-Badger-must-end-ash-discharge-two-years-video-photos-?nclick_check=1

Future of Badger still uncertain

The future is still in doubt for the "Badger". The Coast Guard reauthorization bill has been sent to US President Obama for his signature without a provision that would have allowed the "Badger" to operate under its current permit without regard to any expiration date. The original House version of the reauthorization bill was stripped out by House and Senate conferrers negotiating a final product and had run into opposition from U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Chicago so that the "Badger", whose season has ended until May, faces an uncertain future with a permit allowing the historic ship to dump some 500 tons of coal ash into Lake Michigan each year set to expire on Dec 26. The company that runs the vessel has asked the Environmental Protection Agency for a new permit while it continues to look for alternatives for dumping coal ash in the lake. As a practical matter, its permit could expire and not affect the company if it can secure a new one by the time its next season begins. But if it cannot get one or find an alternative, it could mean the end for the 60-year-old ferry.The Coast Guard reauthorization bill includes a provision that will keep the National Park Service’s M.V. (for Motor Vessel) Ranger III supplying diesel fuel and other supplies to Isle Royale on Lake Superior.