The Ipswich Harbormaster mission is to provide marine law enforcement, rescue and education services to boaters within the waters of Ipswich Bay. We are dedicated to delivering these services to the boating community with courtesy and professionalism. Our goal is to foster a safe boating environment by maintaining a high state of readiness and cultivating partnerships with fisherman, clammers, recreational boat owners, and other marine law enforcement agencies within Ipswich Bay.
The emphasis of the Harbormaster Department is to educate recreational boaters about the rules and regulations governing the use of our Town waters in order to promote public safety and enjoyment. In addition to educating the public on boating safety, the Harbormaster also provides training to enforcement personnel.
Police Executive Officer, Assistant Harbormaster
Lt. Jon Hubbard
jhubbard@ipswichpolice.org
Assistant Harbormaster, Patrol Supervisor & Primary Operator
Ptl. Matt Bodwell
mbodwell@ipswichpolice.org
The Harbor Department primarily patrols the Ipswich River, Ipswich Bay, Rowley River, Essex River, Back Beach and Plum Island Sound from May through October, with emergency response capabilities beginning in March and until December. Our area of patrol encompasses 43 miles of shoreline, with a jurisdiction out to 3 miles off shore. The primary missions are for search & rescue (SAR) incidents and law enforcement operations. When called upon by the US Coast Guard, we will, and have, responded to emergencies as far out as 5 miles.
We set, maintain and replace all local navigational buoys within our waterways. We assist the Coast Guard in placement of federal navigational bell buoys located off the southern tip of Crane Beach and the buoys continuing into Plum Island Sound.
But, as our local boaters are too aware, the Ipswich Bay sandbar(s) and the Ipswich River and Plum Island estuaries are constantly changing their channels. Please notify the Ipswich Police Department or the Assistant Harbormaster, as soon as possible when you believe a navigational buoy is off station.
Our “pump-out” boat is operationally funded through a matching federal grant (25% town share/75% federal grant money). Please be sure to utilize this pump-out boat service. This is a FREE service and is for the benefit of all who enjoy the pristine waterways of Ipswich, including boaters, clammers, fisherman and waterway enthusiasts.
Staff & Fleet
The Ipswich Police Harbor Division consists of police officers and 2 civilian employees. The Harbor Division fleet consists of:
- 25’ Foot SafeBoat-Primary Response Boat
- 21’ Boston Whaler Guardian-Secondary Response Boat
- 15’ Ribcraft
- 16′ Aluminum-Shellfish Constable
- 23’ Pump Kleen © Pump Out Boat
The patrol boat, along with the Boston Whaler, patrol 43 miles of the Ipswich coastline and the Ipswich river. Additionally the Police Harbor Division manages over 1,000 moorings located in Ipswich waters.
Resources
Safe Boating Education
The Ipswich Harbormasters Office encourages all who use or own a recreational water vessel to take a safe boaters course. These courses are offered in many locations and provide excellent information on safe boating to make sure your experience on the water is safe and fun. Please visit the helpful sites for more information.