TOWN OF DEEP RIVER HARBORMASTER
MOORING PERMIT APPLICATION, REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
Nicholas Kornacki
Deputy Harbormaster
Application Procedures for Individual Non-Commercial Mooring Permits
• Permit applications must be submitted online through the Online Mooring link on the Harbormaster page no later than April 15. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.
• A current Certificate of Insurance (COI) is required with your application and must be uploaded through the Online Mooring portal.
• Mooring permits do not guarantee or imply permanence from year to year. The Harbormaster or Deputy Harbormaster may relocate any mooring at their discretion to improve harbor layout or safety.
• Only the Harbormaster or Deputy Harbormaster may issue mooring permits and assign mooring spaces.
• Mooring permits shall be issued only to applicants who own a vessel properly registered in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut.
• Mooring permits are valid for one season, from May 1st through December 1st.
• Mooring permits are not transferable to another party.
• All fees associated with the mooring application must be paid in full through the Online Mooring portal at the time of submission. Other forms of payment will not be accepted.
• Mooring fees are subject to change.
• Unpaid applications will be rejected.
Mooring Requirements
• All moorings must meet or exceed the Minimum Standards for Single Point Mooring.
• All moorings must be rigged with two 16-foot lengths of chain (32 feet total), separated by a properly sized swivel. The total scope may not exceed 40 feet in length.
• All mooring buoys must be properly sized for the ground tackle, remain 50% above the waterline, and be clearly marked with:
o Mooring Holder’s Name
o Mooring anchor weight
o Blue reflective tape at the 50% waterline mark
• Failure to properly mark a mooring buoy may result in removal of mooring tackle by the Harbormaster or Deputy Harbormaster.
• Unmarked moorings may be removed at the owner’s expense. If ownership cannot be determined, the mooring may be removed and salvaged.
Placement, Inspection, and Removal
• Moorings will be placed by the Harbormaster before, on, or around May 25th, weather permitting.
• Mooring tackle will be inspected annually. The Harbormaster and their delegates reserve the right to reject any tackle that does not meet minimum requirements. Wear may not exceed 30% of original diameter.
• All shackles must be properly wired.
• Moorings will be removed no later than December 15th.
• Mooring owners must retrieve their mooring and tackle as directed by the Harbormaster or Deputy Harbormaster.
• Moorings may be withheld if fees are not paid in full.
• No inspection or standard guarantees vessel safety under all conditions. The Town of Deep River, Harbormaster, and Deputy Harbormaster assume no responsibility for injury or property damage.
• Moorings shall not be placed by residents.
Docking and Dinghy Use
• For loading and unloading only:
o 2-hour limit on main fixed dock
o 15-minute limit on floating docks
o No overnight or extended docking without written permission from the Harbormaster or Deputy Harbormaster.
• Dinghy dock use is restricted to mooring permit holders only.
• Canoes and kayaks are not permitted at the dinghy dock.
• Dinghy’s may not exceed 13 feet in length.
• All dinghy's must display a Harbormaster sticker on the inside of the starboard stern.
• Noncompliant vessels will be removed from the dinghy dock at the owner’s expense at the discretion of the Harbormaster or Deputy Harbormaster.
Use of Assigned Moorings
• If a permitted mooring is not used by the assigned vessel/resident, the mooring may be reassigned or removed at the owner’s expense.
• Temporary use by another vessel (up to 30 days) requires prior written approval and must include:
o Vessel name
o Length
o Draft
o Registration information
o Owner contact information
• All requests are subject to approval.
• If a permit holder cannot use their assigned mooring, they must notify the Harbormaster as soon as possible due to limited availability.
Floating Docks
• Floating docks may not exceed 100 square feet.
• All floating docks require written approval from the Harbormaster.
• Dock space is limited.
• Dock owners are responsible for seasonal removal and storage.
• Annual inspection is required, and non-compliant docks may be rejected.
Transient Moorings
•Transient moorings are available at no charge for short-term use.
• Use is limited to:
o 3 consecutive days maximum
o 5 total days per season maximum
• Written notification is required prior to use, including vessel and owner information.
• Overstays will result in removal at the owner’s expense.
• Transient vessels may use the dinghy dock for shore access.
Parking
• Residents with a valid Town sticker may park at the Town Landing at no charge.
• Non-residents must purchase a Seasonal Parking Pass to obtain a mooring permit available at the Town Clerks Office.
• Valid March 15 through December 1.
• Cost: $300.00
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When is the deadline to apply for a mooring permit?
All applications must be submitted online no later than April 15. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
2. What documents do I need to include with my application?
You must upload a current Certificate of Insurance (COI) and complete payment through the Online Mooring portal at the time of submission. Applicants must also provide full ground tackle specifications, including mushroom anchor weight, chain length, and chain diameter, as part of their application. All are required for your application to be considered.
3. Will I keep the same mooring location every year?
No. Mooring locations are not guaranteed year to year. The Harbormaster may reassign or relocate moorings as needed.
4. What happens if my mooring or buoy does not meet requirements?
Moorings that are unmarked, improperly rigged, or not meeting minimum standards may be rejected or removed. Any removal costs are the responsibility of the owner.
5. Can someone else use my mooring if I am not using it?
Only with prior written approval from the Harbormaster or Deputy Harbormaster. Requests must include full vessel and owner information and are subject to approval. Unauthorized use may result in reassignment or removal of the mooring.
6. Can non-residents apply for a mooring permit?
Yes. Non-residents may apply for a mooring permit; however, approval is subject to the same requirements and availability as residents. Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria, including vessel ownership and registration in the State of Connecticut, and must submit a complete application by the April 15 deadline. Non-resident applicants are also required to purchase a Seasonal Parking Pass as part of the permitting process. Availability of mooring spaces is limited and not guaranteed.
Happy and Safe boating!
-NK