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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.
Steve Melo – Padanaram, MA
I’ve served as the Padanaram / Dartmouth Harbormaster since 2004, and also as the Town’s Shellfish Officer since 2012. Prior to this calling, I was a seasonal Assistant Harbormaster for […]
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 […]
Justin Seavey – Bass Harbor, ME
I’ve been on the job here for over 4 years now. I enjoy working with all the fisherman, and meeting new people throughout the summer. I also enjoy helping out […]
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!
Katherine Pickering – Belfast, ME
I’ve always felt fortunate to work on Belfast Harbor. I started in 1989 at a local boatyard before being appointed as Harbor Master for the City of Belfast in 1993 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Charlie Phippen – Bar Harbor, ME
I’m a retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer and I have worked for the Town of Bar Harbor for twenty years as Harbormaster. I feel a Harbormaster is like a […]
Abby Leonard – Rockport, ME
Abbie has the world’s best attitude, works her stern off, has vision and makes what Charles Kurault once called “America’s most perfect small harbor” even more perfect. One example: she […]
Gregg Marsili – Bristol, RI
I have been the Harbormaster in Bristol since retiring from the United States Coast Guard after a 21 year career in 2013. Over the past several years we have made […]
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 […]
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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