Light Vessel 16 served as a navigational aid off the British coast until 1945, when she was sold to Benfleet Yacht Club.
Light Vessel 16 was built by the firm of William Pitcher in Northfleet, Kent, in 1840 for Trinity House who are responsible for the provision of maritime navigation aids in England and Wales.
Light Vessel 16 was converted into a clubhouse by yacht club members, with a saloon bar fitted below deck in the stern and a meeting room at the front.
By the early 1980s Light Vessel 16 had started to leak so the club decided to move to a structure on dry land.
[3] Light Vessel 16 is the oldest surviving wooden lightship and is listed as part of the National Historic Fleet.