Harbormaster

Mayor Dominick Pangallo welcomes you to Salem, a waterfront community on the rise.

Salem harbor is a mixture of commercial and recreational vessels. There are over 1600 permitted recreational boats in Salem waters. Between Salem and the adjacent waters of Beverly, Marblehead, Manchester and Danvers, there are an estimated 8000 moored or slipped recreational boats using the waters of Salem Sound.

Salem is the second deepest of the five ports in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Mariners should expect Deep Draft vessels as well as Tug and barge units transiting the Federal Channel for berthing and cargo transfer at the deep-water facility located adjacent to the power station. A vessel that can safely navigate only within the channel has the right of way over all other craft including vessels under sail.

 Scuba diving is permitted anywhere in Salem except the channels. A diver would not survive if a deep draft vessel transited in close proximity.  Each diver is required to have his own individual flag unless specific permission is obtained from the Harbormaster.

Transient vessels are welcome to drop anchor on the Marblehead side of the inner harbor just short of the mooring field in approx position 42.31.00N, 070.52.20W. Pickering Wharf Marina and Hawthorne Cove Marina both have transient dockage available. Hawthorne Cove also offers transient moorings.

There are no public fuel docks in Salem. Both Beverly and Marblehead  having fueling facilities for gas and diesel.  F.J. Dion's Yacht Yard, Brewer's Hawthorne Cove Marina and Winter Island Yacht Yard are all equipped with travel lifts and /or cranes and are available for repairs.

Public docks and boat ramps are located at Winter Island Recreational Park at the mouth of Salem Harbor and Kernwood Marina which is located on the Danvers just downriver from the Kernwood Bridge at 24 Kernwood Avenue, Salem. Also there is a public dock at the Congress Street bridge, located across the South River from Pickering Wharf Marina. All Public Floats have 20 minute docking duration, which are strictly enforced. For tenders of 12' and less, there is a public dock located at Central Wharf. Tenders are permitted to stay alongside with no time limitations. However, all tenders must be removed no later than 11:30 pm each day unless authorization for overnight tie has been granted from the Harbormaster.

The Harbormaster Dept is unique in that it is a separate City department under control of the Mayor of Salem but it is also a sub-division of the Police Dept. answerable to the Chief of Police. The Harbormaster is a full-time position held by a USCG licensed Professional Mariner with an extensive background in all aspects of the maritime industry. He is aided by a staff of Assistant Harbormasters who are trained in a combination of maritime and law enforcement skills.Our boats respond to any emergency and operate 24 hrs per day.

In the event of an emergency while in Salem waters hail Salem Harbormaster on CH 16. or call 978-741-0098. A mayday call in dire circumstances will bring response from all maritime first responders. In the event of failed radios call the Harbormaster Dept. at 978-741-0098, the Salem Police Dept at 978-744-1212 or dial 911.

Staff Contacts

Name Title Phone
Captain Bill McHugh Harbormaster 978-741-0098
Patrick Mulligan Deputy Harbormaster 978-741-0098
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