Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

The Connecticut Harbor Masters Program

The State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) serves as the administrator of The Connecticut Harbor Masters Program. A statutory change in the law transferred the responsibility from the Connecticut Department of Transportation to DEEP on July 1, 2016.

The State of Connecticut Harbor Masters and Deputy Harbor Masters are appointed by the governor in accordance with Section 15-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes (CGS). The appointments are for three years and may be extended, if necessary, until a successor is appointed. Harbor Masters are responsible for the general care and supervision of the harbors and navigable waterways over which they have jurisdiction, and they are subject to the direction and control of the Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

In municipalities with an approved Harbor Management Plan, the Harbor Master and Deputy Harbor Master are responsible for implementing the Plan in accordance with CGS Section 22a-113r. Harbor Masters work with Harbor Management Commissions to implement these plans. Refer to the list of Harbor Management Plans in Connecticut and the list of Harbor Management Commissions to see towns and the status of their plans.

There are 40 appointed Harbor Masters and 16 appointed Deputy Harbor Masters serving Connecticut's harbors and waterways along the shoreline on Long Island Sound and the major rivers that flow into the Sound.

The Powers and Duties of the Connecticut Harbor Master are provided in CGS 15-1 through 15-11a, and 15-140c and include:

  • Responsible for general care and supervision of harbors and navigable waterways
  • Exercise authority consistent with an approved Harbor Management Plan
  • Authorized to move anchored vessels or obstructions to protect navigation
  • Removal of abandoned and derelict vessels

Current list of appointed Harbor Masters and Deputy Harbor Masters as of May 31, 2024.

Resources

Sample of a Non-Commercial Harbor Master Mooring Permit Application

Non-commercial moorings are usually authorized under the Structures and Dredging Statutes through the Minor Coastal Structures General Permit (DEEP-OLISP-GP-2015-01).

Contact Us

For inquires regarding the Connecticut Harbor Master Program, email us at DEEP.HarborMasters@ct.gov or contact the designated person or unit below:

Harbor Master Program Administration:
Jason Hale, 860-424-3516, jason.hale@ct.gov 

Harbor Master Program Enforcement, including moorings and DEEP regulation of coastal structures and activities:
Kevin Zawoy, 860-424-3626, kevin.zawoy@ct.gov

Boating Division, including abandoned boats and boating law:
Timothy Delgado, 860-447-4354, timothy.delgado@ct.gov

Oil and Chemical Spills Unit: 860-424-3338 or 866-DEP-SPIL (866-377-7745)

Emergency Dispatch: 860-424-3338

For other coastal management inquires, call us at 860-424-3019.

Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse
Land and Water Resources Division
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106


Content last updated on May 31, 2024