The mission of the Department of Maritime Services is to maintain and manage all of the Town's waterfront facilities, such as the Town Beaches, Parks and Marinas; to manage and enforce all on-water activities in the Town, such as mooring, channel markers, and boating safety, and to oversee or manage all natural resource or environmental matters pertaining to the marine ecosystem, such as shellfish harvesting, wetland preservation, and water quality. The Department of Maritime Services also has the responsibility of protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Town's marine and coastal environment, inclusive of waterfront development, as well as creating, implementing and overseeing programs and legislation to meet those ends. The Department of Maritime Services was created in 1998 to consolidate all maritime related services and issues under one Department for efficiency of services and for the convenience of boating clubs, fishery organizations, businesses, and all Town residents with an interest in our waterways and waterfront.

The Department of Maritime Services is broken down into three Divisions:

1. Division of Marine Conservation – This Division, located in the main Department offices in Town Hall, provides the administration, supervision and compliance oversight of all environmental, marine conservation, fisheries management, wetlands preservation, water quality protection, and all other technical or professional Town responsibilities related to the marine and waterfront environment. This Division also creates, manages and oversees all Town programs and legislation pertaining to marine and waterfront related issues.
2. Division of Waterfront Management: - This Division, with offices located at Crab Meadow Beach, provides all of the supervision and labor for the maintenance of all Town waterfront facilities, such as Town waterfront parks, beaches, marinas, docks, pump-out facilities, and launching ramps, as well as administration and oversight of the Town mooring permit program.
3. Division of Marine Enforcement: - This Division, with offices in the Harbormaster Building located at the Town Halesite Marina, provides enforcement of the Town Code, as well as enforcement of State or local laws pertaining to on or near water activities within the bays, harbors, and waterfront areas in the Town's jurisdiction.

17. What are the primary chapters of the Town Code that the Department of Maritime Services is responsible for enforcing and managing?

A. Chapter 43, Department of Maritime Services

Chapter 120, Harbors and Waterways

Chapter 134, Local Waterfront Consistency Review Law

Chapter 137, Marine Conservation

Chapter 166, Shellfish Management

Chapter 170, Stormwater Manangement, Article I

Chapter 171, Streams, Watercourses, and Wetlands

Click here for access to town code.

The Department of Maritime Services also oversees and provides support to the following Town Advisory Councils:

• Commercial Fishing Advisory Council (per Chapter 15 of the Town Code).

• Harbors and Boating Advisory Council (per Chapter 35 of the Town Code)

Q. Are there public interest committees that interact with the Department of Maritime Services?

A.  Yes. The Department of Maritime Services serves as   liaison with the Town's Harbor and Boating Advisory Council, Commercial Fishing Advisory Council and Conservation Board, and works closely with the Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs, Inc. to enhance waterfront resources.

17. I'm new to the area and my real estate agent says "I have mooring rights." Is this true?

1. Everyone has mooring rights if they live in the Town of Huntington. Before you can place a boat and mooring in the water, you must first get a mooring permit from the Town or Village Harbormaster's Office.

17. How do I obtain a mooring permit?

1. To submit an application for a mooring permit:

• You  may come in person to the Harbormasters Office at 53 New York Avenue, Halesite, providing a valid drivers license, your current boat registration and additional proof of residency; or
• You may request an application by mail.  A completed application can then be returned either:
  • In person to the Harbormasters Office at 53 New York Avenue, Halesite providing a valid drivers license, your current boat registration and additional proof of residency; or  
  • By mail, addressed to the Harbormasters Office, including a photocopy of a valid drivers license, your current boat registration and additional proof of residency. 
• You may download a mooring permit application, or return to Main Menu Permits/Forms. 

Upon acceptance of your application you will be issued a numbered decal to be affixed to the transom of your boat. Your mooring number must be placed on your mooring ball.

17. What is the fee for a mooring permit?

1. If you are a resident of Huntington, there is no fee. For non-residents there is an annual fee of $200.00. Please note that your boat must be registered at your Huntington address to be exempt from the fee.

17. Where can I place my mooring?

1. The mooring can be placed anywhere in the town waters, but not within the lines of a channel or within 50' of channel marker, providing you do not interfere with any boat or mooring placed prior to yours. If you are unsure where to place the mooring, call the Harbormasters Office at (631) 351-3255.

LAUNCH SERVICE

Launch Service Application

Launch Service Hours and Fees

Mooring Application

Mooring Rental Services

Permission to rent moorings in the Puppy Cove area of Huntington Harbor has been awarded to Coney's Marine by the Incorporated Village of Lloyd Harbor.  For more information call Coney's Marine at 631-421-3366

GOLD STAR MOORING PROGRAM

The Town of Huntington offers a limited row-out, mooring program at Gold Star Battalion Beach for Town of Huntington residents only.  Town residents that wish to participate in this program may sign up at the Department of Maritime Services starting March 8, 2010, on a first come, first serve basis, you must bring with you your NYS drivers license, and your NYS boat registration.  Please note that space is limited.  If space is unavailable for the season, residents may place their name on a waiting list. *Note: The Gold Star Launch Service may not be used if you are in this program.

Season: April 1st to November 15th.

Fee: $145.00 per season, payable to Department of Maritime Services.

17. Does the Town of Huntington offer Boater Safety Courses?

1. Yes. For information call the Harbormasters Office at (631) 351-3255. For additional information regarding Boater Safety Courses contact the United States Power Squadron or the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. 

1. Three:

• Halesite Marina, Route 110, Halesite, New York
• Mill Dam Marina, Mill Dam Road, Huntington, New York
• Woodbine Marine, Woodbine Avenue, Northport, New York

Applications and information regarding a slip can be obtained at the Huntington Harbormasters Office, 53 New York Avenue, Halesite, New York, 11743.

17. How can I get a town slip?

1. You must appear in person at the Harbormasters Office at 53 New York Avenue, Halesite to complete an application form and provide two (2) proofs of residency: One must be a photo I.D. which is your drivers license, where additional proofs include car registration, boat registration or utility bill. When submitting an application, a  fee is required based on vessel size as follows:

• 20' & under - $ 50.00
• 20' - 27'      - $100.00
• 28' - 32'      - $150.00
• 33'- over     - $200.00

17. Can you mail me the application?

1. No. All applications must be filled out in person at the Harbormasters Office, 53 New York Avenue, Halesite to insure proper placement on the list.

17. What is the marina slip fee?

1. The fee is $75.00 per foot for boats 20 feet long and under; $80.00 per foot for boats 21 feet and over.

SMALL BOAT RACKS

Locations:

Asharoken Beach, Centerport Beach, Fleet's Cove Beach, Gold Star Battalion Beach, West Neck Beach.

Season: Memorial Day weekend to October 31st

Fee: $100.00 per season rental, payable to the Department of Maritime Services.

Registration: Sign up for waiting list at Town Hall, room 307, Monday thru Friday. You must have two proofs of residency, one being a NYS drivers license.

1. Personal shellfish permits are obtained through the Town Clerks Office, 100 Main Street-Room 102 (631 351-3206). Proof of residence: NYS Drivers License, non-driving ID, utility bill or voter registration is required. There is an annual fee of $5 where permits are valid for one year beginning on January 1st.

17. How do I obtain a Commercial Shellfish Permit?

1. A Commercial Shellfish Diggers Permit is obtained through the Town Clerks Office to Town of Huntington residents only. Two proofs of residency is required, in addition, you must possess a current New York State Diggers Permit. Please be advised that a verification of your residency will be conducted by the Harbormasters Office prior to your permit being issued. There is an annual fee of $250 where permits are valid for one year beginning March 31.

Q. Whom do I make a permit application to for proposed work along the marine shoreline?

A. If you are planning to do construction (i.e. build or replace or alter a jetty, pier, seawall etc.) or to excavate, dredge or fill in an area along the coastline, in addition to the Town of Huntington (631-351-3120), you will have to notify and/or apply to the following agencies:

• NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, Regulatory Affairs (631-444-0355);
• NY State Department of State, Coastal Resources (1-518-474-6000);
• US Army Corps of Engineers, Eastern Permit Section (1-212-264-6731).

If the proposal is located in or adjacent to a Village, the Village Clerk must also be notified.

A. Yes. According to the Town Code, all Marine Conservation Law applications require a Public Hearing at a Town Board meeting. Before the hearing, the applicant will obtain from the Town a list of addresses of all of the property owners within 500 feet of the property line of where the proposed work activity will take place. It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify and send documentation of the notification to the Town Clerk ten (10) days prior to the date of the Public Hearing.

A. All completed Marine Conservation Law applications are initially reviewed by the Department of Engineering Services for construction details, and the Department of Maritime Services and the Conservation Board for potential environmental impacts. Once the reviews are completed, all of the information is compiled and sent to the Town Board. Usually it takes three Town Boards to get a final determination. First meeting to schedule the public hearing, second meeting to have the public hearing and the third for the determination. Therefore, it usually takes between 3 and 6 months for a permit to be completed through the Town process.

A. The freshwater wetland maps indicate all of the freshwater wetlands that were known to exist in 1989. All of the sites were reviewed by the New York State Department of Conservation (NYS DEC) and mapped on four United States Geological Service (USGS) Quadrant Maps which encompass all of the Town of Huntington. The maps can be reviewed in either the Town Clerk's office, the Department of Planning and Environment and the Department of Maritime Services. Maritime Services has all the wetlands and adjacent properties within 100 feet of the wetlands property boundary listed by Suffolk County Tax map number.

A. No. Only the known properties have been mapped. The preliminary freshwater wetland map of 1989 was updated and finalized in 1993. There are other wetlands on undeveloped properties that have been discovered after the maps were completed. Those are noted as they are discovered and may be still being reviewed pursuant to the NYS DEC rules and regulations.

A. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation flagged freshwater wetlands and the adjacent properties within 100 feet the wetland property boundary on a preliminary map in 1989 and a final map in 1993. Any proposal on "flagged" property must be reviewed to ascertain if the proposal will cause an impact to the said wetlands or the adjacent property. Most homeowners were contacted when the freshwater wetland maps were initially sited in 1989 and 1993 upon completion of the final maps. Many homeowners become aware of this again when they submitted their applications to the Building and Housing in Town Hall for a proposed activity. All those flagged properties must be reviewed based on the State rules and regulations. If the proposal is minor in nature, sometimes the Department of Maritime Services can do the review. Otherwise, application for a freshwater wetland permit must be submitted to the NYS DEC prior to submission to the Town's Building and Housing Department.

A. The Department of Maritime Services (631) 351-3192 as well as the Department of Engineering Services (631) 351-3120.

Q. Are Town waters designated as a "Vessel Waste No-Discharge Zone"?

A. Yes. The greater Huntington – Northport Bay complex is designated as a "NY State Vessel Waste No-Discharge Zone" where the discharge of any sanitary waste product from a vessel is prohibited. The Town of Huntington was the first municipality in the NY State marine district to establish a "Vessel Waste No-Discharge Zone" to help protect bathing beaches and marine resources.

Q. Does the Town of Huntington maintain "Vessel Waste Pumpout Facilities"?

A. Yes. The Department of Maritime Services maintain 6 MSD vessel pumpout stations throughout the greater Huntington – Northport Bay complex and Cold Spring Harbor at no charge beginning in April through October. In addition, two mobile pumpout vessels are available to assist boaters during the summer months. During the boating season, you may contact pumpout vessels on VHF Channel 9 for assistance. Additional privately maintained pumpout stations are located in Huntington and Northport Harbors. A "Boating Informational Guide to Vessel Pumpout Facilities" is available from Maritime Services, 100 Main Street, Room 307 or at  (631) 351-3192.

Q. Does the Town operate Marinas for recreational boats?

A. Yes. The Department of Maritime Services operate and maintain three marinas at Halesite (Rt. 110 Halesite), Mill Dam (on Mill Dam Road, Huntington) and Woodbine (Woodbine Avenue) Northport. Applications and information regarding a slip can be obtained at the Huntington Harbormasters Office, 53 New York Avenue, Halesite (631-351-3255).

Q. Does the Town operate Marinas for commercial boats?

A. No. The Town does not provide marina accommodations for commercial vessels. Individuals operating commercial vessels should contact either a commercial or private marina or request a mooring permit application from the Harbormasters Office at 631-351-3255.

Q. Does the Town provide for public docking?

A. Yes. The Department of Maritime Services operate and maintain two (2) public docks located in southern Huntington Harbor adjacent to Rt. 110. Vessel tie-up is limited to one hour only on either dock.

Q. Does the Town provide access for commercial fishermen?

A. Yes. Commercial Fishermen can provision and offload on:

•  the westernmost float at the Mill Dam Boat Ramp, Huntington Harbor;
• Cold Spring Harbor Boat Ramp, Cold Spring Harbor;
• Soundview Boat Ramp, Northport;
• Hobart Boat Ramp, Price Bend, Northport.

Town "vehicle" and "boat ramp" permits are required to access a boat ramp  available through the Department of Parks and Recreation (631-351-3089).

Q. Is a permit required to board and discharge passengers from a Charter Boat?

A. Yes. The Department of Maritime Services has available Charter Boat Permit applications for operators of charter or commercial vessels who board or discharge passengers at town docks. Applications and information can be obtained from the Harbormaster's Office, 53 New York Avenue, Halesite, or at (631) 351-3255.

Q. Does the Town provide access for recreational fishermen?

A. Yes. Access for recreational fishermen is available at Halesite Marina Park, off Rt. 110, Halesite. During the summer, a beach permit is required (available through the Department of Parks and Recreation – 631-351-3089) where recreational fishermen can access:

•  Geisslers Beach, Fort Salonga, Northport;
•  Hobart Beach (Huntington Bay/LI Sound side), Eatons Neck, Northport.

A. Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan, usually referred to as an LWRP, is a local coastal zone planning document prepared under guidelines set down by the New York Department of State, and consistent with the State's Coastal Zone Management Plan. The purpose of an LWRP is to preserve, protect and enhance the environmental, social and economic resources and amenities of a specific coastal area (Local Waterfront Revitalization Area or LWRA). Currently, the Town has an approved LWRP for Huntington Harbor and the surrounding coastal area, exclusive of the Incorporated Villages of Huntington Bay and Lloyd Harbor. The Department is in the process of preparing an LWRP for the remainder of the waters and coastal areas in the Town exclusive of the four incorporated villages within the Town.

A. Currently, the Town has only adopted an LWRP for the coastal area around Huntington Harbor exclusive of the incorporated villages of Huntington Bay and Lloyd Harbor. If your home is within a few blocks of Huntington Harbor and you are not within the incorporated village of Huntington Bay or Lloyd Harbor, then you are probably within the LWRA for Huntington Harbor. To be certain, you may call the Department of Maritime Services office (631-351-3192) with your tax map number. Additionally, all town offices that issue permits should have a copy of a map that delineates the LWRA, as well as a list of tax map numbers for properties in the LWRA. (Note: Each of the four incorporated villages in the Town may have their own separate LWRP).

A. The LWRP contains thirteen planning policies required by the State, and a total of eighty sub-policies that were developed by the Town. Any proposed project or action taking place in the LWRA that is not specifically excluded, and for which a Town permit or approval is required, must be determined to be consistent with the policies and purposes of the LWRP before a permit or approval can be issued by the Town. The New York Department of State and the Federal Government require consistency with the thirteen State policies for the issuance of State or Federal permit.

A. When you apply for a Town permit or approval, the office processing your application will inform you if you are within a Local Waterfront Revitalization Area (LWRA). If so, you will be given a Consistency Determination Form (CAF) to fill out and return to either the Department of Maritime Services, or to the office that is processing your permit application. The Department of Maritime Services will review your completed CAF and any other requested information concerning your project and issue a determination of consistency. The original determination will be mailed to the applicant and a copy will go to the permit issuing department. If your project is determined to be consistent with the policies and purposes of the LWRP, your permit or approval may be issued pending any other requirements. If your project is determined not to be consistent, the reasons will be provided, and a permit cannot be issued until such time that the project is modified so that it will be consistent.

MISCELLANEOUS:

A. Most of the marina supply stores in the local area as well as some of the hardware stores surrounding the harbors carry tide charts which can be obtained free of charge. The Department of Maritime Services also has them available once the boating season opens. The weather section of Newsday carries a daily tide chart as well.

A. You can contact the following organizations if you see endangered or injured wildlife:

• For local animals and birds you can contact Volunteers for Wildlife - 423-0982. They have an answering machine that they check within the half-hour to hour and they will get back to you within a short period of time.

• For birds, you can contact Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary 516-922-3200.

• For endangered or stranded marine animals (i.e. seals, sea turtles etc.) contact the Riverhead Foundation at 631-369-9840 or the (24 Hour Hotline Number at 631-369-9829.