The responsibility for the harbors and public waterfront areas rests with two agencies, the Harbormaster and the Harbors & Waters Board, to which the Harbormaster reports. All positions are appointed by the Select Board.
The Harbors & Waters Board recommends and implements programs for the efficient and equitable utilization of Marblehead waters, one of the busiest harbor complexes in New England.
There are four Town-owned boats. The Harbors & Waters Board and the Harbormaster staff operate and maintain the following:
- 31-foot Stacey H. Clark, a patrol boat that is equipped for fire-fighting;
- 25-foot public safety vessel maintained by both the Harbormaster and Fire Department;
- 27-foot Metal Shark equipped for speed and rescue;
- 21-foot environmental pump-out vessel, for pumping out holding tanks.
Harbormaster boats are operational from May through October. Call 911 for emergency assistance on the water or use marine frequency VHF Channel 16.
Email the Harbormaster for harbor maintenance and mooring assistance. Waste tank pump outs are available by hailing the pump out crew on Channel 9 Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 3pm. You must be present on the vessel during the process.
The Harbormaster also assists in rescue operations with other agencies, including the Coast Guard and other area Harbormasters.
About Harbor Mooring Space
We now have an “assignable” list for those who own a vessel and an “unassignable” list for those who do not own a vessel. Your number will always stay the same and will be shuffled from the “assignable” to “unassignable” list depending on boat ownership. There is no detriment to being on the unassignable list but you will not be offered a mooring position unless you own a boat.
Temporary Moorings must be requested each year before February 1st. Assignment is determined by availability and waiting list number. To access the current 2024 Main Harbor Temporary Mooring Waiting List, please click here.
Before completing a mooring permit application, please refer to the Mooring Permit Instructions & Waiting List Policy.
Mooring Permit Application & Waiting List Policy
Use of harbor mooring space is regulated by the Town, and a permit must be obtained from the Harbormaster before installing mooring equipment or anchoring any boat in the area.
Mooring permits are limited in number and are only transferable between spouses and children. One can expect to be placed on a long waiting list. Mooring permit holders are required to inform the Harbormaster when their mooring is available for temporary use.
Transient moorings and docks are available at Dockwa.com. with a 10 night maximum. The Eastern, Corinthian and Boston Yacht Clubs jointly maintain guest moorings at the harbor entrance as well. Persons in need of a transient mooring should contact these sources if Dockwa.com is booked.
Public Landings & Floats
The Harbors & Waters Board and the Harbormaster are responsible for the powered fishermen’s conveyor belt at State Street Landing and the commercial and recreational floats at the following areas:
- Cliff Street Boatyard (Public Landing)
- Commercial Street
- Crocker Park (Swim Float)
- Gerry Playground (Public Sailing Program Floats)
- Parker’s Boatyard (Public Landing)
- State Street (Public Landing)
- Village Street (Public Landing)
Tucker’s Wharf is a Town-owned landing with laundry, showers, and restrooms for visiting boaters. For further information about public landings, contact the Harbormaster’s Office.
Private Floating Docks
Private floats (floating docks) moored in the harbor must also have a permit issued by the Harbormaster. Floats may be stored at Riverhead Beach during the winter under the auspices of the Recreation & Parks Department.
Tucker’s Wharf Dockage
Vessels requesting transient dockage at Tucker’s Wharf may do so beginning March 1st. Reservation requests may be made via e-mail, fax, telephone or by written request as well as channel 16 VHF radio and will be assigned in the order in which they are received. Rates and requirements can be found in the Tucker’s Wharf Dockage Policy.
Pier Construction
Pier construction into the waters off Marblehead must be approved by the Army Corps of Engineers. Contact the Harbormaster for the details of the procedures involved.
The Marblehead Harbormaster’s Office, Board of Health and the Recycling Committee have teamed up to offer residents a recycling option for white marine shrink wrap. A shrink wrap recycling dumpster is available at the Transfer Station on Woodfin Terrace starting March 28, 2017. A facilities sticker is NOT required to use this service, however, residents must check in with the scale house when driving through.