Harbor Master Division
Ensuring safe and efficient harbor operations in Bar Harbor
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About Our Division
The Harbor Master Division is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of Bar Harbor. We oversee mooring assignments, enforce harbor regulations, and provide assistance to boaters. Our goal is to maintain a welcoming and enjoyable environment for all who use the harbor.
Key Responsibilities
Contact Information
Address
3 Town Pier, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone
207-288-5571
Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Maine Shellfish Information
Stay informed about current shellfish growing areas, closures, and water quality classifications through Maine's Department of Marine Resources.
Visit the Maine DMR Interactive MapThe map shows:
- Current shellfish growing areas
- Active closure areas
- Water quality classifications
- Aquaculture lease information
Interested in commercial shellfishing?
Current Harbor Conditions
Real-time conditions at Bar Harbor
Wind
Light
5-10 mph SWWater Level
Normal
2.1 ft MLLWNext Tide
High Tide
2:30 PMTide Range
Moderate
10.8 ft rangeCurrent Phase
Rising
2 hrs to highToday's Tides
2 High / 2 Low
Next: High 2:30 PMReal-time conditions from NOAA Station 8413320. Data updates every 10 minutes. Always check current marine forecasts before departing.
7-Day Tide Forecast
High and low tide predictions for the next week
Tide Schedule
| Date | High Tide | Low Tide | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM | ft | PM | ft | AM | ft | PM | ft | |
All times are in local time (EST/EDT). Heights are in feet above Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW).
Mooring & Docking Services
The Harbor Master Division provides comprehensive mooring and docking services for vessels visiting Bar Harbor. Our modern facilities and professional staff ensure a safe and convenient experience for all boaters.
Book slips, docks, and moorings at the Bar Harbor Municipal Pier through our online reservation system.
Booking Information
2025 Rates
Current Rates:
A convenience fee is automatically added to these rates and will be reflected during booking.
Services & Amenities
Available Services
Slip Reservations
Easy online booking through Dockwa for slips and moorings
Harbor Regulations
Enforcement of harbor rules and regulations for orderly operations
Harbor Regulations & Guidelines
Access the complete harbor regulations and guidelines for safe harbor operations. All boaters and vessel operators must comply with these regulations while using Bar Harbor facilities.
Key Regulations
Annual Registration
All permanent moorings must be registered annually with the Harbor Master by May 1st, including vessel information, charted position, and mooring type/condition. An annual fee is required.
Placement Permission
Placing any mooring in the harbor requires prior application and permission from the Harbor Master, who designates the location and ensures safety and best use of space.
Equipment Standards
Moorings must meet specific stone weight, chain size, and scope requirements, and be visibly numbered. Unregistered or unsafe moorings are subject to removal.
Prohibited Mooring
Mooring watercraft to buoys, beacons, or any Town channel markers is prohibited.
Safe Operation
Watercraft must be operated at a rate of speed and in a manner that does not endanger other craft or persons.
Headway Speed
Speed must be reduced to "headway speed" (the slowest speed that maintains steerage way) in special anchorage areas, narrow channels, and congested mooring areas.
Municipal Pier
Maximum 1 hour without Harbor Master permission.
Fisherman's Float
Maximum 15 minutes at the northern end; maximum 1 hour at other parts without Harbor Master permission.
Public Floats
Maximum 15 minutes at the eastern end; longer periods generally require Harbor Master permission.
Finger Floats (Western Side)
Maximum 1 hour without Harbor Master permission.
Launching Ramp
Maximum 30 minutes without Harbor Master permission.
Residential Use
Watercraft used primarily as residences require specific permission from the Harbor Master and the owner of the shore rights.
Marine Life Cleaning Prohibited
Cleaning or disposal of any marine life (fish, lobsters, scallops, shrimp, clams, bait, or parts thereof) is prohibited at any float, pier, mooring, or anchorage within the inner harbor.
Trawling Restrictions
Operating watercraft when towing a drag or trawl is prohibited within 300 feet of any dock, pier, or wharf, or within 100 feet of any mooring, or within the defined harbor boundaries.
Channel Interference
Interfering with vessel passage in channels, including excessive prop wash alongside floats, is prohibited.
Sailing Restrictions
Operating watercraft under sail with an operable auxiliary engine is prohibited within the inner harbor.
Questions about Regulations?
Contact the Harbor Master office for clarification on any regulations or to report violations.
Commercial Shellfish Licensing
To harvest any of five species of shellfish commercially in Bar Harbor, individuals are required to have a Bar Harbor commercial shellfish license. The licensing process involves meeting conservation work requirements, residency considerations, and obtaining both town and state licenses.
License Year Requirements
2025-2026 License Year
July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Seven hours of conservation work were required by June 30, 2025 for individuals over 16.
If you did not complete those hours, you can work on hours this year and be eligible starting July 1, 2026, but you cannot be eligible for a commercial license this year.
Resident Licenses
Unlimited number available for residents who meet conservation requirements.
Non-Resident Licenses
3 licenses available for 2025-26. Lottery held if more than 3 eligible applicants.
2026-2027 License Year
July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
12 hours required for individuals over 16 as of June 30, 2026.
Conservation work must be completed between July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 and approved by the Marine Resources Committee.
Resident Licenses
Unlimited number available for residents who meet conservation requirements.
Non-Resident Licenses
Similar number expected for 2026-27 (committee decides in early 2026). Lottery if over limit.
Licensed Species
Soft-shell Clams
Mya arenaria
Quahogs
Mercenaria mercenaria
Razor Clams
Ensis directus
American Oysters
Crassostrea virginica
Hen Clams
Spisula solidissima
Important Requirements
State License Required
Any individual that commercially clams in Bar Harbor must have BOTH a town commercial shellfish license AND a state commercial shellfish license.
Residency Definition
Residency status is defined by town ordinance. Contact the Harbor Master office for specific residency requirements.
Forwarding Hours
Any individuals that do not receive licenses through lottery can forward their conservation hours to the next year.
Costs & Contact Information
Costs of Bar Harbor licenses can be found on the official town website.
Feel free to contact the harbormaster at 207-288-5571 with any questions about commercial shellfish licensing.