Harbormaster

The Annapolis Harbormaster's office is responsible for ensuring the safe and enjoyable use of navigable city waters, including Weems Creek, Spa Creek, parts of the Severn River, Annapolis Harbor and Back Creek. The office manages public moorings for transient boaters, annual moorings for residents and non-residents, 1,500 feet of bulkhead, 17 slips at City Dock, 18 miles of shoreline and the use of various park docks and street endings by boaters.

Maintains the City’s waterfront assets
Watching over the maritime ecology of the City
Works with other agencies to insure homeland security from the water side
Contributes to special events planning and hosting
Reports to the Mayor on community maritime issues

The Harbormaster's office operates two hybrid diesel-electric-solar powerboats; a multi-functional welded aluminum patrol boat primarily used for safety, rescue, navigational, law enforcement, and security-related matters, and a welded aluminum pump-out boat which serves as a convenience to our boaters. The office also operates a 4-stroke gasoline powered Zodiac skiff donated to the City by Zodiac North America. During the boating season, generally two of our boats are on patrol in our City waters to perform duties related to administration and safety.

New Harbormaster Patrol Boat introduced October 13, 2011

On October 13, 2011, the Harbormaster announced that two new boats are part of the City's fleet. Learn more here! See pictures from the Press Conference.

The Harbormaster can be contacted on VHF channel 09 or 17.

Dock space and moorings are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. We do not reserve moorings or slips, except in the case of City-sponsored special events. Check-out time is noon at all of our facilities.

We have a management agreement with the owners of Chandler Dock (formerly Fawcett's) which permits taking reservations and holding reserved space on the Chandler Dock:

dock space may be rented in a slip or on the bulkhead at an hourly (maximum of 3 hours) or daily rate
hourly rate (electrical hookup included): $8/hour for boats up to 40' overall length, $10/hour for boats 41' to 60' feet overall length, $15/ hour boats over 61' in overall length
overnight rate for non-reserved space is $2.25 per foot (electrical hookup not included)
reserved space on the Chandler Dock is available at $3.25 per foot

Moorings:

*NEW* we have a few heavy duty moorings for boats up to 55' long available at $35/day or only part of a day
Use of a mooring for any period of time until noon of the following day is $30 -- there are not hourly rates at the moorings
Discounted rate of $25 for the moorings located in St. Mary’s Cove
Most moorings are restricted to boats no longer than 45', however the moorings in St. Mary’s Cove are restricted to a maximum of 35'

Attention Boaters – please observe the Restricted Anchorage and No Anchoring Zones in the Annapolis approach channel and in Spa Creek East of number three day marker: Annapolis Harbor Spa Creek Anchoring Restrictions.

The Harbormaster's office is open 24 hours a day from May 1st through October 15th, and from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. in the winter (October 16 through April 30). A Watch Commander is always on duty at 410.263.7973.

During the busy summer season, the office employs supplementary staff of Dock Assistants and Assistant Harbormasters who collect fees, operate boats, and otherwise assist in the office. They are empowered to enforce City regulations and policies on behalf of the Harbormaster in the latter’s absence, and can handle any problems, requests, or questions you may have in relation to your visit to our harbor.

Contact the Harbormaster:

J. P. "Flip" Walters, Harbormaster, harbormaster@annapolis.gov
1 Dock Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410.263.7973
FAX: 410.295.9018

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