Harbor

Spring Update

Harbor Docks and Reservations

  • April 1, 2026 - A valid boater safety certificate is required for all individuals born after January 1, 1989 .
  • April 1, 2026 - Overnight reservations in Reed Park open for the season on Dockwa. 
  • April 18, 2026 - Town docks open for the season at Town Hall, Tucks, and Reed Park. 

Harbor Regulations Update

The Harbor Advisory Committee is making updates, revision and clarifications to the Waterway Regulations. A draft is available for public review. Please submit comment to Harbormaster Bion Pike at harbormaster@manchester.ma.us by January 15. 
Draft Regulations December 2025

Safe Boating License

Starting April 1, 2026, a valid boater safety certificate will be required for all individuals born after January 1, 1989 operating motorboats and PWCs in Massachusetts due to the new Hanson Milone Act. 

Boaters born before 1989 will have until April 1, 2028 to complete their certificate. Learn more about this new law here. 

2026 Manchester Safe Boating Classes

Mission

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Harbormaster’s mission is to provide marine enforcement, rescue, and education services to boaters within the tidal waters of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts. The Harbormaster is dedicated to delivering these and other services to the boating community with courtesy and professionalism.

Every effort will be made to foster a safe boating environment by maintaining a high state of readiness and cultivating partnerships with fisherman, recreational boat owners, marine business owners, and marine law enforcement agencies on the North Shore in order to make Manchester-by-the-Sea the safest boating waters in all of Massachusetts.

Manchester Harbor Rules & Regulations

Life Jacket Loaner/Float Plan Kiosk

Life Jacket Loaner and Float Plan Kiosks
Loaner life jackets and float plans are available at all town docking facilities thanks to the Scouts. Life jackets may be borrowed to ensure that everyone is safe while on the water, just take what you need and return them when you are done.

Likewise you should fill out a float plan before heading out on the water. Take a moment to fill out the form and leave it in the box. First responders will be better able to assist you in the event you get in trouble.

Manchester Harbor Safety Videos

The Manchester Harbor Department would like to share these new boating safety videos with boaters before they hit the water. A special thank you to Alexander Everitt for producing and creating these informative videos and to the Manchester Scouts Troop 3 for helping!