Harbor Master

Background

The Select Board are mandated by state law to appoint a Harbor Master (Title 38, MRSA §1)  who is responsible for the enforcement of Westport Island’s Waterways and Harbors Ordinance. 

The Waterways and Harbors Ordinance provides for:

.... the just and orderly operation of marine activities on Westport Island waterways. It is intended to promote public safety, enjoyment, convenience on the waterways, and to provide for effective use and control of mooring areas and public facilities appurtenant thereto.

What the Harbor Master Does

• Enforces the local harbor ordinance;
• Administers the Town’s mooring program;
• Administers, implements and enforces the provisions the Wright Landing Ordinance, which governs use of the Town’s public landing, aka the Ferry Landing;
• Approves the posting of advertisements or notices at the public landing;
• Approves extensions of the 20-minute time limitation to launch or retrieve boats at the public boat launch if required for reasons of safety or hardship; and
• Advises the Select Board on issues related to the Island’s waterways and mooring program and use of the Wright Landing as a boat launching facility.

Mooring Permits

All mooring permits expire yearly on May 1 and need to be renewed annually. There is a grace period allowing renewals to be issued without penalty up to August 1st. New mooring permits are $30, and renewal mooring permits are $10. Click here for the Mooring Permit Application.