Overview:
The Harbormaster is a division of the Hingham Police Department. We oversee all vessels and vessel traffic in Hingham Harbor, manage the harbor and its five islands, and apply for and administer grants for the department. Our Emergency Services Unit provides law enforcement, maritime firefighting, and water rescue services.
Our public safety service is for both hometown and homeland security. Our hometown service includes vessel stationing, harbor management, general policing, and water rescues. Homeland security refers to our larger port security mission. We have the largest ferry commuter terminal feeding Boston’s inner harbor, an active public boat ramp, and many transient boaters.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I get my boat/dock permitted so that I don’t get a ticket?
The first step to applying for permits with the Harbormaster Office is creating an account at onlinemooring.com. To create an account, go to Hingham's Onlinemooring.com home page and select the green "Apply" button next to the Profile field in the “Submit an Application” section. Once approved you will receive a notice with your access code, allowing you to log into your account to submit further applications.
Why do I need to pay another fee after already paying for a mooring or slip fees?
Mooring and docking are separate and distinct. Both are defined in the Hingham Harbor By-laws, which can be accessed on the Harbormaster webpage. All fees are reviewed and set by the Town’s Select Board.
Why do I have to pay before March 1st when my boat doesn’t go in the water until Memorial Day?
If you have a mooring/docking permit for the previous year, you must submit your renewal before March 1 to maintain your permit for the current boating season.
If a mooring permit is not renewed prior to the deadline, that mooring location is subject to reassignment to the next person on the assignment list. A mooring permit can only be renewed past the deadline if the mooring location has not been reassigned.
Permit renewal notifications are sent out in early November via e-mail. Be sure your email address in your onlinemooring.com account is up to date so you do not miss any notifications.
What should residents know about the Harbormaster?
The Harbormaster’s Office is open to the public. Email is the easiest and most efficient means of communication; email us at harbormaster@hpd.org. Payments can be made online or postmarked to Hingham Harbormaster, 28 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA 02043. Our office hours are Monday - Thursday, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM.
Employee Spotlight
Meet Ken Corson!
Ken is Harbormaster, Shellfish Constable, and Custodian of the Islands. Ken is a law enforcement professional skilled in government, including municipal budgeting, emergency management and services, and law enforcement.
What are your major projects or goals in 2024?
Projects:
A major project for the Harbormaster this year is working with the Commonwealth’s Department of Marine and Fisheries to grow our shellfish areas to improve their productivity either as conditionally restricted or conditionally approved. This has the benefits of increased revenue for the Town and reviving a once busy and lucrative industry including the possibility of public and/or private aquaculture for soft shell clams and/or oysters.
Goals:
Foremost, our professional goal is to continue a presence on the waterways to keep accidents, incidents, injuries and/or property damage caused by boating activities to a minimum.
As part of our efforts to make Town Government more accessible to residents, Hingham will spotlight each Town department throughout the year. Our goal is to educate citizens about the inner workings of their local administration and the many responsibilities it holds.