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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.

Thorne Bay Marina at Sunset. Submitted by J. Aaro

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 […]

Charlie Phippen - Harbormaster in Bar Harbor, ME

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 […]

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pleasure_Pier_in_Galveston,_Texas.jpg

Jacob O’Kelley – Galveston, TX

I am the Senior Harbormaster for the Galveston Wharves (Port of Galveston – Port Authority). I have been in the Operations Department/Harbormaster’s role since June of 2018. Prior to this […]

Harbormaster Robert Ganem - Somerset MA

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 […]

Harbormaster's Boat - Port Clyde, ME

Timothy Petrick – Crescent City, CA

I’ve been with Crescent City Harbor District for about 10 months now. I’ve been Harbormaster/CEO since February 2021. Before that I was Harbormaster of Richmond Yacht Club and at sea […]

Charlie Farlow – Cape Charles, VA

I retired from Virginia Beach Fire Dept. 4 years age and became Harbor Master of Cape Charles VA. I have been on or around the water all my life with […]

Scott Story and Rosemary Lesch - Harbormasters in Rockport, MA

Scott Story & Rosemary Lesch – Rockport, MA

Scott Story and Rosemary Lesch have been Co-Harbormasters for the town of Rockport for over 30 years. They each came to the job as EMT’s, Maritime Licensed Captains and with […]

Bion Pike - Harbormaster in Manchester by the Sea, MA

Bion Pike – Manchester by the Sea, MA

I am the harbormaster for the town of Manchester by the Sea, Massachusetts. My duties include, but are not limited to, managing the boater database for moorings, slips and waitlist totaling […]

Justine Seavey, Harbormaster Bass Harbor, ME

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 […]

Kate McConville – New Shoreham, RI

I was hired as Block Island’s first female Harbormaster in 2020. The Great Salt Pond is a super popular destination along the New England coast. We have 90 transient rental […]

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We want to know about you and your harbor! Let people know about what you do.

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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