ROCKLAND – Representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard will meet with the Rockland Harbor Management Commission, at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 20, in City Hall chambers for a question and answer session regarding efforts to bring federal anchorage to the harbor.

On July 6, 2017, Captain Dave Gelinas, a member of the Penobscot Bay and River Pilots Association, submitted a proposal to the U.S. Coast Guard to improve deep draft vessel anchoring options in Rockland Harbor, at Broad Cove, according to minutes of the Maine Pilotage Commission. 

According to the June 29, 2017 minutes of the Maine Pilotage Commission, “In an effort provide more efficient and safer cruise ship access to Rockland, the Penobscot Bay and River Pilots Association have formally proposed to the Coast Guard a new federal anchorage east of Rockland Harbor off of Broad Cove.”

According to the same June 29, 2017 meeting minutes, “Rockland is a growing focus as a cruise ship destination to receive some of the pressure from Bar Harbor, which is now expecting as many as 163 cruise ships in 2017.”

According to the Nov.1 6, 2017 minutes of the Penobscot Bay and River Pilots Association meeting: “Captain Gelinas formally submitted a proposal to the U.S. Coast Guard on July 6, 2017 to improve deep draft vessel anchoring options in Rockland Harbor. Specifically, the proposal requests the creation of a formal federal anchorage near Owls Head. Having a larger, dedicated anchorage area will serve all mariners with a clear illustration of where vessels may safely anchor. The request follows the positive results of the 2016 NOAA survey and the elimination of a charted wreck off Owls Head. The Coast Guard is reviewing the proposal.”  

Final approval by the Coast Guard is also contingent upon the application being advertised in the federal registry, and there has to be a comment period.

The Feb. 20 Harbor Commission agenda follows:

Public Comment:

Approval of Minutes:

Fish Pier Report: New estimates for work at the fish pier, then apply for EDA grant. Talk about fish pier fees. Proposed donation to fish pier project from Lobster Festival.

Harbormaster's Report: Proposed Federal Anchorage. Proposal to expand Yachting Solutions docks update.

Old Business:

New Business:

Forum/Workshop on cruise industry Applications:

Adjourn: