State of Connecticut Harbor Masters Association

The Connecticut Harbor Masters Association is a member-driven organization comprising 40 harbor masters and 16 deputy harbor masters representing coastal towns from the New York border to Rhode Island. Our members are the municipal guardians of Connecticut’s harbors and waterfronts, dedicated to maintaining safe and unobstructed navigation across one of the state’s most valuable natural resources—the Long Island Sound coastline.

Connecticut’s nearly 600 miles of coastline support a diverse range of activities including recreational boating, commercial fishing, transportation, and wildlife habitat. This complexity requires organized management, regulation, and collaboration to balance use and conservation.

Harbor Masters in Connecticut perform a wide array of essential duties such as harbor management and planning, mooring and dockage oversight, public education, and emergency response including search and rescue. Working closely with local, state, and federal agencies—such as the U.S. Coast Guard, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and local marine patrols—the Association fosters cooperation to ensure the safe, responsible use and stewardship of the state’s coastal waters.

The Association also provides continuing education and training opportunities for harbor masters through partnerships with law enforcement, maritime agencies, and environmental organizations. We serve as a vital forum for harbor masters to share knowledge, address waterfront challenges, and promote best practices throughout Connecticut’s coastal communities.