Mooring Regulation Highlights

Mooring Regulations

All moorings must be registered. Permits are issued on an annual basis. Permits will be renewed annually provided the permit holder adheres to all of the town's mooring regulations. Your mooring permit is being issued for the boat specified on your application. No other boat may occupy your mooring without approval of our office. Mooring locations may be changed by the Harbor Master at any time.

Mooring Specifications

Mooring tackle must adhere to the minimum standards set forth in the town regulations (see full regulations of inspection forms). Some areas in town require short shank anchors only. If winter sticks are used, we highly recommend you do, they must not be placed prior to October 1st, and they must be removed no later than June 15th annually. Mooring tackle must have the town assigned mooring number clearly visible on the tackle at all times. Annual mooring tags must be affixed no later than June 15th. Any tackle found in the water which is unidentified by our department will be removed as illegal hazards to navigation.

Forfeiture of Mooring Space & Permit

Your mooring permit will be canceled or not renewed for any of the following: Request in writing by owner to cancel the permit. The owner is responsible to remove the tackle from the water

1. Failure to replace any piece of mooring tackle, within 14 days, which is not in compliance with the tackle specification as set forth below.
2. Failure to pay the annual mooring renewal fee and demand charge if applicable by the due date listed on the bill.
3. Failure to pay the assessed boat excise tax, if applicable.
4. Unauthorized moving of mooring tackle. Tackle locations may not be changed without prior approval of the office.
5. Rental of a private mooring to any person. Your permit is for your boat only.
6. Mooring tackle, summer or winter, must be maintained in the assigned locations at all times. Removing the tackle voids your permit.
7. Your mooring permit shall be revocable for noncompliance with any of the town's mooring regulations.

Mooring Transfer

1. Moorings may be transferred to direct family members only. For purposes of this section, transfers will be considered for any of the following: Spouse, mother, father, son, daughter and legal partner.
2. Transfers will not be allowed for in-laws, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, uncles, ETC.
3. Moorings may be transferred one time only within a twelve-month period. 
4. A surviving family member of the decedent may request transfer of a town permit. Any such application for transfer must be filed within the same calendar year of the permit holder’s death (copy of the death certificate may be required).
5. Mooring transfers will only be considered when the permit is in good standing at the time of the application.
6. All applicable boat excise tax payments must be current.
7. Mooring tackle inspection must be current.
8. New assignments may not be transferred within the first year of the permit receipt.

Mooring Name Change

1. Person added must be a direct family member (i.e.: Spouse, mother, father, son, daughter and legal partner.
2. Person added must also be listed as a co-owner of the vessel assigned to the mooring account.  The first person listed on the mooring account shall match the name listed on the state boat registration (See FTC Chapter 261-1 Private Mooring).
3. Permit must be active and all applicable excise taxes must be paid in full.
4. Only one name may be added to any account within a twelve-month period.
5. Mooring tackle inspection must be current.

All mooring tackle is subject to inspection at any time. Routine inspections are required every 3 years and must be performed by a town approved inspector. All new permits are subject to an out of water inspection prior to issuance of the mooring tackle.

Approved Anchor Types

Mushroom, Dor-Mor, Seaboard Short Shank, Helix. All other types require a special waiver by the Harbor Master in advance of them being set in the water.

Anchor Chain 

Galvanized grade 30 proof coil chain or equivalent. Maximum length = 2.5 times the water depth at Mean High Water (MHW). Minimum length = 2 times MHW.

Swivels

If used, they must be one size larger than the chain size. Eye to eye recommended.

Shackles

Shall be the same size as the chain.

Mooring Buoy/Balls

Molded, formed, or fabricated from rubber, plastic, or fiberglass only (steel balls are not allowed). Balls shall be round in shape. Must be capable of sufficient buoyancy to float at least 50% of the ball's mass at MHW. Minimum diameter is 12 inches wide. It shall be white in color with a (1-inch) horizontal blue stripe. All mooring balls must display the town assigned mooring number in (3-inch) black letters/numbers, along with owners’ name. Mooring balls not conforming to the town regulations will be removed as hazards to navigation.

Winter Sticks/Spars

Must be in a vertical position above the water line at least (12 inches) at MHW. Winter stick markings and color are the same as the mooring balls. Allowed October 1st to June 15th only. Any other time they are considered hazards to navigation and will be removed by our department.

Special Tackle Areas

Short shank, Dor-Mor, and seaboard anchors are required in the following areas: (1) Green Pond North of the Menauhant Bridge, (2) Green Pond South, certain southwesterly moorings, (3) Great Pond Maravista in the Coonamessett/ Dexters River (North of 259 Shorewood Drive, north end of the Great Harbors Association). Eel River West-ALL.