PHOTO COURTESY US HARBORS
This year will be the fifth annual National Harbormaster Appreciation Day, when US Harbors works with coastal communities to help celebrate their local harbormasters. Held on October 8 this year, the event recognizes the vital public servants in coastal communities who often are underappreciated for their important service.
“There is no one profile for a harbormaster other than they need to know boats and the water, be able to respond to situations quickly, be skilled at working with the public and local government, and know how to manage budgets and waterfront projects,” says Anastasia Fischer, president of US Harbors. “Their area of responsibility can range from a huge commercial port to a small coastal village. People don’t realize how complicated their jobs are, and the variety of issues they deal with. Planning for dredging, addressing marine debris, responding to events… These are just a few of the non-obvious tasks that they deal with in addition to their day-to-day activity on the waterfront. As a group they tend to be pretty humble, so we’re glad to be able to help educate the public about the important work they do for all of our coastal communities.” Anastasia Fischer, President, US Harbors.
Communities can add their local harbormaster to the public database at: harbormasterday.com. For more information on US Harbors, visit usharbors.com.
