David Bohn is the new Seaman/Fisherman aboard the M/V Spencer F. Baird. - FWS photo

Dave Bohn is the new seaman-fisherman aboard the M/V Spencer F. Baird. Cheboygan is the home port for the Baird and has been Bohn’s home most of his life.

After graduating from high school, Bohn attended Southwestern Michigan College and started working on the passenger boats to Mackinac Island. Three years later he had risen to the rank of Captain and spent the next fourteen years running and maintaining boats for three different companies and about fifteen different boats.

In 1988, Bohn began operating tugboats in the off season and quickly decided that the change of pace and new challenges were to his liking. Two companies and about 10 tugboats later, Bohn is ready for new challenges aboard the Baird.

The wide assortment of vessels Bohn has operated and maintained, along with marine construction experience with winches, cranes and other equipment, has prepared for his new job. While working in the marine construction trade, Bohn had the opportunity to sail on all five Great Lakes as well as the New York State Barge Canal and the Hudson River.

He is looking forward to many years of working with the seasoned crew of the Baird and being able to step into their positions if an emergency arises. Bohn currently holds a 200 gross ton masters license with towing and sail endorsements for Great Lakes and Inland waters including Western Rivers.

He is in the process of upgrading to 1,600 gross tons to give him the necessary credentials to operate the Baird.

Bohn has attended many varied training courses throughout his career that have increased his safety awareness. He plans to make safety his foremost concern during his training period aboard the Baird and throughout the rest of his career.