Rates & Permits

Permits and Dockage Rates

Operational rules, including permit conditions and rates/fees are set by the HDC Commissioners. The HDC assesses user charges for private contractors and dockage as well as sets unloading fees for vessels that use its facilities or public infrastructure. The revenues are used to operate and maintain properties. Refer to HDC Rules and Regulations.

Docking Permits

No vessel is allowed to dock at a pier or wharf under HDC control without first obtaining a Docking Permit (a Docking Compliance Assurance form). Only active commercial fishing vessels that are seaworthy and possess adequate insurance are eligible to obtain docking permits. Docking permits only allow the permit holder to tie up at a pier under HDC administration. Tie up space is not necessarily alongside the cap log (for example, the vessel may be second or third boat abreast). The permit does not convey any rights to the vessel or permit holder to park vehicles or store other equipment inside the cap log area. The HDC and the Harbor Master officials reserve the right to designate particular docking locations for vessels. Application requirements and fees for Docking Permits are described below.

Dockage rates are established by the Commission. Effective December 10, 2007, the dockage rates are:

• $1,000/year for up to and including 50-foot long boats
• $1,500/year for boats longer than 50-feet.

Unloading Fees

Unloading fees apply to fishing vessels that do not have annual Docking Permits (but otherwise are eligible for Docking Permits) and that are unloading catch at fish houses whose piers and/or bulkheads are maintained by the HDC. For example, fishing vessels that unload catch at piers and/or bulkheads under HDC jurisdiction and then leave port or berth at private docks are subject to unloading fees. See below for fee rates. Docking Permits include unloading and berthing at piers, wharves, and bulkheads under HDC jurisdiction.

Off-loading rate for vessels that homeport, but just use HDC infrastructure to off-load product - $50.00/day or $500.00/year.

Transient rates for berthing and off-loading

• Dockage - up to & including boats 50 ft in length - $100.00/day
• Dockage - over 50 ft - $200.00/day with annual cap of $1,500.00

User Permits

Private contractors who conduct business on city piers under HDC administration must obtain a User Permit (a User Compliance Assurance Form) . Examples are contractors include welders, electricians, crane operators, and supply/delivery companies. Additional permits are required for any additional mobile units. Fees for User Permits are described below.

User (Daily) - $50.00
User (Annual) - $300.00
User (Additional Annual Mobile, Welding, Painting Rafts) - .$75.00

Other Harbor Users

Yachts, tugs, barges, or other vessels not classified as active commercial fishing vessels will not be issued docking permits and cannot dock at piers under HDC jurisdiction without the prior permission of the Harbor Master officials and the Executive Director. To support additional port services, the HDC licenses exclusive and non-exclusive use of several berths on the Central Waterfront. Licenses and fees for this very limited berth space are individually negotiated. Currently, these docking spaces are licensed to Cuttyhunk Water Taxi (a passenger/cargo ferry service) and Whaling City Launch Service.

Sponsors of regattas and races must obtain permission from the HDC to operate in city waters at least 30 days before the event. No fee is usually required. Organizations wishing to use city piers and other facilities for weekend or holiday activities, such as concerts and festivals, also must obtain the prior permission of the HDC. Although no fee is usually required for special events, organizers must provide the HDC with a valid certificate of insurance in an amount specified by the HDC. The City of New Bedford has permit requirements for special events.

Parking Program on HDC Piers and Wharves

The Parking Program on HDC Piers and Wharves is overseen by Marine Superintendents. The HDC has implemented a parking program for its facilities. Visitor parking is available for up to two hours in designated parking spaces. All other users are charged parking fees as voted by the Commission currently set at $1 dollar per space per day. Violators of HDC parking rules are fined $50 and can be towed.