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Harbormasters are the stewards of our harbors – the center of our coastal communities. They manage the overall ecosystem, including moorings and docks, harbor uses and harbor users, and interactions between local, state and federal government. Of all of our public stewards (police, EMT, fire etc.) these men and women receive the least recognition.
Harbormaster Appreciation Day* -- a day to honor our U.S. Harbormasters and the great work they do -- occurs annually on October 8th.
* National Harbormaster Appreciation Day is registered with the National Day Archive.
Tom Bell – Darien, CT
I am the volunteer Harbormaster for the 7 harbors in our town. I’ve been the Harbormaster for 9 years. One of the best parts of my job is helping people […]
Mark Souza – Marblehead, MA
I have been working for the town of Marblehead now since Feb. of 2017. I was the Deputy Harbor master for the Town of Beverly Ma. prior. I also worked […]
Jacob Aaro – Thorne Bay, AK
I just started as Harbormaster this year. I have 2 harbors to maintain with about 170 slips containing, commercial fish boats, pleasure boats, floatplanes and floathouses. Thorne Bay is extremely […]
Share a Story, Photo, or Video of Your Harbormaster!
We want to hear from you. Let us know about your harbormaster — they deserve the recognition!
Wayne Johnson – Milwaukee, WI
I’ve been the harbormaster since 2010. The Port of Milwaukee is a department of the city of Milwaukee municipality. Currently have 40 years in city employment. Port Milwaukee is a […]
Robert Ganem – Somerset, MA
Robert “Buster” Ganem has been working tirelessly for the boating community in Somerset, MA since 1991. Ensuring safety and fun on the local waters. He is also an Hero, in […]
Scott Bearhope – River Dunes, NC
“You can rest assured your boat is in good hands at River Dunes. Marina is clean and maintained in pristine condition. Harbormaster Bearhope is attentive to details and responsive to […]
Steve Adkins – Madison, CT
Over 60 years and counting on Madison Beach, gave me my love of the water and all things that float or swim in it. We don’t have much of a […]
Kenneth Walberg – Falmouth, ME
My husband, my harbormaster..Kenny has loved the sea since younger days. He joined and serviced in The USCG for 27 yrs, ending his career here in Maine. He had an […]
Paul Blank – Newport Harbor, CA
I have been part of the Newport Harbor community since I completed City of Newport Beach Recreation Department sailing lessons as a child. That early introduction to sailing has led […]
Beth Bellis – Annapolis, MD
I have been the Harbormaster in the City of Annapolis for three years. Prior to this, I spent 20 years working as a Natural Resources Police Officer for Maryland. I […]
Carl Orsi – Port of Edmunds, WA
Carl Orsi is our moorage coordinator at the Port of Edmonds. He handles all moorage and office reponsibilities. Submitted by Ian Todd
INTERVIEWS WITH HARBORMASTERS
National Harbormaster Appreciation Day is brought to you annually by US Harbors.
2024 HARBORMASTER DAY SPONSORS
US Harbors is grateful to our Partner Sponsors for supporting this year's Harbormaster Appreciation Day activities.
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