Use of names was probably adequate at the outset. However, when it was later found necessary to transfer a vessel to a different station, or to replace a vessel with a new ship, the names became a highly confusing means of identification which went from bad to worse upon transfer and exchange of vessels on a regional basis. Such movement required either renaming the vessel by the gaining District, or maintaining the original name. As an example of the latter, one vessel served as Relief in the Second District for a year, then was stationed on Succonnessett Shoal in the Second District for seven years, and next transferred to Relief duty in the Third District for five years. These are reasons why it is difficult to trace the early vessels chronologically, and why so little is known of their use and distinguishing characteristics.
Information exists, but there is no means for associating it with the proper vessel.
Recognizing the problem, albeit belatedly, the Lighthouse Board in 1867 adopted a standard and permanent numbering system which was applied to all existing lightships, and subsequently applied to all lightships built thereafter. This action benefited the existing and future situation, but did nothing to assist in accounting for the earlier ships. Over the years, records are replete with correspondence from the Lighthouse Board requesting historical data from District Inspectors. The replies in most cases are sketchy, giving the date the vessel was acquired from another District, supposition as to where it was used earlier, but failing to provide factual information on its origin. This was based on an earlier list published in 1927.