Pembroke Harbor Handbook

of Best Practices
This Handbook is prepared by the Pembroke Harbor
Committee for approval by vote of the Selectmen.

It as a complimentary document to the Harbor

Management Ordinance (adopted August 10, 2015). It is
intended to provide guidance on best practices for the use
of Harbor facilities in Pembroke.

The Handbook does NOT include all regulations that

govern the use of Harbor facilities and the conduct of
vessels in Pembroke waters. Readers are directed to the
Harbor Management Ordinance for all applicable
regulations. It can be downloaded in PDF format at
http://www.wccog.net/pembroke-harbor-management-
ordinance.htm

Table of contents
1. Contact Information
2. Moorings
3. Anchoring areas
4. Pembroke Town Landing
5. Navigation Channel
6. Beaches and Water Access
7. Fees
8. Harbormaster Job Description
9. Application forms
10. Maps
11. Pending – to be added at a later date as revised and
adopted
Section 1 - Contact Information

Harbormaster Tim Sheehan 726-4620

tim@gulfofme.com
VHF – channel 6

Town Office Janice 726-2036 (phone)

Scanlon jscanlon3@roadrunner.com
(Clerk) PO Box 247 Pembroke, ME
04666

Fire Chief James 726-5886

Ramsdell
Emergency 911

County Barry Curtis Non-emergency

Sheriff 255-4422 or 255-3128
Coast Guard Channel 16
Cell phone: 207-853-0684

To download a copy of the Pembroke Harbor Ordinance

go to: http://www.wccog.net/harbor-planning.htm
 Section 2 - Moorings
There are regulatory requirements for moorings that come
from state law. These requirements specify the procedures
for mooring registration, mooring assignment, inspections,
abandonment, and termination and are found in the Harbor
Management Ordinance. The Ordinance also provides
regulations for a waiting list, if and when it becomes
necessary, additional moorings, change of location,
transfer of permit, proximity to channels and liability
limitations due to unauthorized use.

PROPOSED MOORING AREA

A new mooring area configuration is proposed with the
adoption of the updated Harbor Ordinance (August 10,
2015); this new mooring configuration is shown on the
Pembroke Town Landing Mooring Field map located in the
back of this handbook.

All existing moorings will be moved to the locations

proposed on the Pembroke Town Landing Mooring Field
map within one year of the date of adoption of the updated
Harbor Management Ordinance (August, 2015).

The following provides additional specifics on how

moorings will be managed in Pembroke waters.
Questions should be directed to the Harbormaster.

NUMBERS AND MARKINGS

The Harbormaster assigns all mooring numbers. This
number shall be prominently displayed on the mooring in
contrasting shades, at 2” minimum height and it is the
owner’s responsibility to apply and maintain the number.

All mooring bridles must have a marker to identify the bitter

end of the bridle. This will ensure other vessels do not drive
over the mooring line. If the bitter end of the mooring bridle
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is not marked the mooring owner shall be responsible for
damage caused to other vessels if they become entangled
in their unmarked mooring line.

LOBSTER CARS AND FLOATS

There are no designated areas for lobster cars and floats in
Pembroke at this time. This space is reserved for future
use in the event lobster cars and floats are
requested/needed.

MOORING DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS

Best practices for mooring standards in the sheltered
waters of the town of Pembroke are provided below. Areas
outside of protected harbors may require heavier gear for
safety purposes.

All moorings shall be of appropriate size and design for the

largest size vessel or watercraft to be placed on them
according to the mooring permit.

Mooring owners are liable for any damage caused by

faulty, inadequate, or improperly placed moorings, mooring
gear, and tackle, or by inadequate maintenance. This
liability arises only from use of the mooring for mooring
owner’s permitted vessel and not from unauthorized use of
the mooring. Refer to the Harbor Management Ordinance
(Article 6, Section 16) regarding limitations on liability for
unauthorized use or a mooring.

The Town of Pembroke assumes no liability resulting from

damage caused by a vessel or watercraft that breaks free
of any mooring.

The following are recommended standards for new

moorings and replacement mooring parts in all tidal waters
in the town of Pembroke:

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1. All moorings consist of a granite block, mushroom
anchor, or other anchor of sufficient weight to hold the
vessel or watercraft for which they are to be used.
Recommended standards are provided below for
single point and two point float moorings. NOTE:
Hand-mixed concrete blocks, old engine blocks and
other miscellaneous weighted objects are not allowed.
2. All granite blocks be constructed of solid granite with
at least 1” diameter steel staples extending completely
through the block and the under side such that it is
impossible for it to work itself free.
3. All mushroom anchors or other types have their eye
diameter no less than the size of the diameter of the
bottom chain.
4. Moorings shall be equipped with steel bottom chain
with recommended minimum standards defined
below.
5. The minimum mooring scope shall be approximately
two and a half times the water depth at maximum high
water. Total scope to include bottom chain and lighter
gauge top chain. The bottom chain will be one-half of
the total length.
6. The maximum scope shall be no greater than 10% of
the minimum scope.
7. All swivels and shackles shall be larger than the chain
diameter. All shackles and swivel pins be properly
seized.
8. Pennants connecting the mooring buoy to the moored
watercraft shall be fastened to the top chain or top
swivel and consist of nylon line not to exceed the
length of the vessel.
9. Any part of a mooring showing excessive or obvious
wear should be replaced.
10. Old discarded moorings, mooring chain and related
items must be removed by their owners.
11. Recommended standards for Single Point and Two
Point Float moorings follow:
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 SINGLE POINT MOORINGS
(1) The following weights and lengths of tackle apply to
watercraft greater than 20 feet:

Registered Boat Granite Mushroom Bottom Top Pendant

length Block or Chain Chain Nylon or
(LOA in feet) (lb) equivalent Equivalent
20-30 1500 300 5/8” 3/8” ¾”
31-35 2000 350 5/8” 3/8” 1”
36-40 2500 450 ¾” ¾” 1”
1/4
41-50 3000 500 7/8” ¾” 1 ”
51 and larger as approved by the Harbormaster

TWO POINT FLOAT MOORINGS

(1) All two point float moorings be moored at two points
such that the mooring scope equals the depth of the
water at maximum high tide multiplied by two.
(2) The following are recommended minimum
specifications for all two point mooring floats in the
tidal waters of Pembroke:

Series Size Rock Size Bottom Top

(lbs.) Chain Chain
100 Less than 20’ 2000 ½” ½”
200 20’ but less than 30’ 2500 5/8” ½”
300 30’ but less than 40’ 4000 ¾” ½”
400 40 but less than 50’ 6000 1.00” 5/8”
500 50’ but less than 60’ N/A N/A N/A
600 60’ and over (as approved N/A N/A N/A
by Harbormaster)

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 Section 3 – Anchoring Areas
Rules for those at anchor are included in the Pembroke
Harbor Management Ordinance.

In summary, visiting vessels can anchor wherever:

• there is sufficient depth
• they do not interfere with moorings and boats,
• they do not interfere with fishing gear and
equipment, and
• they do not impede traffic or block channels.

Skiffs from boats at anchor can be secured at several

locations.

The town landing area provides an area to secure skiffs

and dinghies at the owners own risk; it is located along the
floats at the town landing.

Additional information on regulations at the town landing is

provided in Section 4 of this Handbook below.

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 Section 4 – Pembroke Town Landing
The Pembroke Town Landing is available to improve and
facilitate access between land and water for both
recreational boaters and commercial fishermen (to include
other ocean harvesters such as scallop or urchin divers or
draggers, mussel draggers, clam diggers, worm diggers,
seaweed harvesters).

Harvesters are welcome to unload their day’s catch at the

town landing and to use the parking lot for their own
vehicles for transport to wholesalers, dealers, or their
representatives; the wholesalers, dealers, and their
representatives may use the landing and parking lot for
their business but for no more than two hour increments.

The basic rules for use of the town landing are as follows:

A. All boats are allowed to use the landing for a maximum

of two hours for loading, unloading, repair,
maintenance, or other work.
B. No activity in the land area or parking lot shall block or
inhibit ingress and egress from the parking lot, the Town
Landing, or Town Landing Road.
C. No boat may be left unattended at the town landing.
D. If a boat has used the landing for two hours and another
boat arrives for which there isn’t room, the first boat
must leave.
E. If a boat-owner has a project that is very likely to use
more than two hours, and/or requires special equipment
(like a boom truck, for instance) he/she should inform
the Harbormaster for permission, and make
arrangements.
F. A boat in an emergency needing to land has
precedence getting it even if other boats must be
moved to provide room.

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G. No vehicles, boats, or gear may be stored on the landing or
parking lot. (The Harbormaster must be consulted for any
special permission for temporary storage.)
H. Park as far away from the water access as possible if
leaving a vehicle for an extended period.

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 Section 5 – Navigation Channel

The Pennamaquan River contains a navigation channel

that is depicted in the Pembroke Town Landing Mooring
Field map at the back of this Handbook.

The mooring plan depicted on the attached map will be

implemented by the end of one year after the revised
Harbor Management Ordinance is adopted (August 10,
2016).

No moorings all allowed within the navigation channel.

No vessels may use the navigation buoys for the purpose

of mooring their vessel under any circumstances.

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 Section 6 – Beaches and Water Access
Practical guidance for behavior on beaches, landing and
parking lots is provided below.

Users are encouraged to enjoy Pembroke harbors while

being courteous to other users.

The rules ask users to:

• Park so that others can also reach the water

• Load, unload and launch vessels efficiently so that
others may also do so
• Park so that trailers can reach the water and turnaround
in the access area
• Dispose of litter in appropriate containers
• Repair your vessels elsewhere if you can
• Allow fishermen to work
• Camp overnight in designated areas
• Picnic at facilities for picnics
• Remove petroleum products and dispose of them
properly
• Park to allow emergency vehicles access to reach a
distressed vessel

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Section 7 - Fees
The Harbor Management Ordinance requires that the
Harbor Committee promulgate rules and regulations in
consultation with the Harbormaster and obtain the approval
of the Board of Selectmen.

These rules include the ability to require permits and

establish fees for the use of vessels or watercraft, docks,
piers, slips, (public) beaches, associated (public) parking
facilities, (public) right of ways, floats, moorings, and
marine activity within the tidal waters of Pembroke.

As noted in the following chart the Harbor Committee is not

currently proposing implementation of any fees.

Mooring Permits are good for 2 years with a renewal

payment due each year.

Activity Permit Fee

Required
Mooring - resident Yes $25/year
Mooring – non-residents Yes $50/year
Use of docks or piers for fueling No No charge
Use of beaches and public No No charge
associated parking facilities
Use of right of ways No No charge

Any change to this fee structure will be well publicized and

debated at public meetings.

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 Section 8 – Harbormaster Job
Description
Title: Harbormaster. The Board of Selectmen shall annually appoint a
Harbormaster upon the advice of the Pembroke Harbor Committee
Reports to: Pembroke Board of Selectmen
Hours: To be determined by the Board of Selectmen.
Salary: To be determined at an Annual Town Meeting through
Selectmen and Budgeting process
Benefits: To be determined by the Board of Selectmen
Travel: Reimbursed according to state rate.
Other: Laptop computer, cell phone, and GPS capability

Job summary:
The Harbormaster, acting under the direction of the Pembroke Board of
Selectmen shall have full authority to enforce all regulations affecting
the Harbor and Coastal Waters of Pembroke to the fullest extent
permitted by law and promote safety throughout the maritime
environment. The geographical area of responsibility includes: Tidal M
H W. mark seaward to town line, beaches, piers, launching areas,
associated parking areas and waterfront rights of way within the Town
of Pembroke.
Work is performed under the supervision of the Pembroke Board of
Selectmen. The Harbormaster works independently and serves as a
first responder for Local, State, and Federal Agencies. Where
applicable, works with others including but not limited to, Pembroke
Harbor Committee, agencies, and committees.

Summary of essential job functions:

• Investigates and enforces all applicable Federal, State and local
laws, regulations and ordinances pertaining to the operation and
use of watercraft. Takes appropriate legal action as needed.
• Collaborates and coordinates with various local, state and federal
authorities in marine law enforcement and environmental issues.
• Assigns moorings, maintains records of all mooring applications
and documents. Supervises, as needed, the placement of
moorings.
• Assists mooring applicants in defining ground tackle requirements
to ensure specifications are maintained depending on location,
boat size and configuration in accordance with a mooring plan.
• Maintains obstruction free navigation channels in harbors, coves,
and mooring areas.

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• Maintains a log of activities and duties performed relating to the
tidal waters, public beaches, public piers, and associated parking
lots. Prepares an annual report of activities, and presents the report
st
to the Town Clerk on June 1 of each year.
• Meets with the Pembroke Harbor Committee to establish and
review policies and procedures of the tidal waters of Pembroke and
serves as a resource and advisor to the committee.
• Prepares and submits a budget for maritime operations to the
th
Selectmen on April 15 of each year. Administers the budget
throughout the year.
• Responds to requests from citizens and vessels for information or
assistance.
• Investigates and reports any pollution to the Maine Environmental
Protection Agency and the United States Coast Guard, as required
by law.
• Files a time card with the Town Clerk as required by the Board of
Selectmen. Maintains copies of all reports and files at the Town
Office.
• Seeks funding opportunities and resources to support maritime
activities, where possible, and investigates and follows through with
grants that will benefit the town.
• Collaborates with officials including but not limited to the United
States Army Corps of Engineers, and other State, and Federal
officials to obtain funding and permits for dredging.
• Takes required training.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum requirements:
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of state, local and
maritime management laws, rules and regulations and various
types of watercraft including but not limited to boats, commercial
and pleasure boats, houseboats, docks, floats and aquaculture.
• General knowledge of the Pembroke tidal areas, harbors, cove
areas within Pembroke. Becomes a member of the Maine
Harbormaster’s Association.
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Experience in operation and proper maintenance of various types
of boats, moorings, piers, floats, GPS system and other maritime
related items.
• Computer literate in appropriate software
• Possesses a valid Maine drivers license

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Abilities required:
• Enforce laws, rules and regulations in Pembroke coastal waters
coves and Harbors.
• Knowledge of seamanship and navigation.
• Handle a boat for maritime needs of Pembroke tidal waters and
enforcement purposes.
• Deal courteously with boat owners and citizens in a variety of
situations.
• Operate a GPS system and equipment.
• Prepare and follow a budget.
• Work extended hours during the peak season including weekends.
• Act independently with good interpersonal and public relations
skills.

If the Harbormaster is unable to perform his/her duties for

whatever reason then the Board of Selectmen shall appoint
a temporary Harbormaster in lieu of the Harbormaster.

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Section 9 - Application Forms
Town of Pembroke Mooring Permit Application (provided in
the jacket pocket).

Section 10 - Maps
Pembroke Boat Landing Mooring Field – regional view
Pembroke Boat Landing Mooring Field – detailed view

Contact Harbormaster to obtain additional copies of the

map.

Section 11 – Pending
The Handbook was adopted by vote of the Pembroke
Selectmen in August of 2015.

As the Handbook is updated new materials will be provided

to mooring holders with issuance of annual mooring
permits. The Handbook binder is designed to allow this
material to be added as changes are adopted.

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