Anchoring

See where you are welcome to anchor in the Inner Harbor Map.

The Harbor Development Commission (HDC) has the following anchoring regulations to make this a safe place for all.

Vessels may anchor in New Bedford waters in federally designated anchorage areas on a temporary basis only (up to fourteen days). A  vessel’s request for a longer stay is subject to HDC approval.

• In no case shall a vessel anchor in the main channel, maneuvering areas, mooring fields or fairways.
• All vessels anchoring in the harbor must notify the HDC within one (1) business day providing a contact telephone number, name of vessel and owner.
• All vessels must monitor VHF Channel 9 while anchored.
• All vessels must have someone aboard while anchored or have a working anchor drag alarm that will notify them if their vessel is dragging anchor.

Any violation may result in the HDC ordering removal of the vessel with all of the associated costs transferred to the owner.

The HDC publishes all the rules and regulations in the Official Mooring and Anchoring Regulations (updated through July 2011) in both hard copy and on-line.