Website Updates

Severe NorEaster could impact local Dartmouth waterways

Meteorologists are actively monitoring a powerful coastal storm system that could develop
into a Nor’easter late this week.

As of Monday, September 21, 2026, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a
Small Craft Advisory for local Dartmouth waters (including Buzzards Bay) until 2:00 AM
Tuesday, alongside a Gale Watch starting Tuesday afternoon for adjacent marine zones.
A deepening low-pressure system is forecast to churn off the coast. Current models
project it will bring heavy rain and strong winds to southern New England peaking on
Friday, September 25, 2026.

Because the storm aligns with a full moon this Saturday, astronomical tides will already
be high. If the storm tracks close to the coastline, Dartmouth could experience:
● Strong damaging wind gusts capable of causing power outages and damaging or
swamping boats, especially along the western shore, Nonquitt and Salters Pt..
● Significant coastal flooding and heavy rainfall
● Rough surf and beach erosion along the coast
The National Weather Service has issued critical marine safety updates for the coastal
zones surrounding Dartmouth, including Buzzards Bay. If you have a vessel docked at
Padanaram Harbor or are planning maritime activities, conditions are deteriorating
rapidly.

Active Marine Warnings
● Small Craft Advisory: In effect for Buzzards Bay until Monday evening. Expect
northeast winds of 15 to 20 knots with gusts up to 30 knots and choppy seas
reaching 2 to 4 feet.
● Gale Conditions Developing: While a formal Gale Warning hasn’t issued yet, the
risk of dangerous marine conditions escalates daily as the coastal pressure
gradient tightens ahead of the potential Nor’easter.

Recommended Safety Actions

1. Secure Vessels Immediately: Double check mooring lines, fenders, and bilge
   pumps before wind gusts top 30 knots on Tuesday.
2. Avoid Open Waters: Small craft, including kayaks and small recreational fishing
   boats, should remain home or in protected harbors starting Tuesday afternoon.
3. Monitor Real-Time Swells: Keep a close eye on live radar and wind updates
   directly via the NOAA National Data Buoy Center to track shifting tracks of the
   low-pressure system.

PDF version with active links from above sections:

Marina FAQ PDF

The current mooring waiting list can be found using this link.

You can choose the harbor location desired to see each individual list.

Thank you

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts now REQUIRES that any person born on or after January 1, 1989 obtain a Massachusetts Boating Safety Certificate to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on all waterways.

Important Dates to Know

• Certification Deadline: April 1, 2026
• Grace Period Ends: September 1, 2026 (No penalties until this date)
• Who must comply: All boaters and potential boaters ages 12 and older born on or after January 1, 1989

How to Get Certified:

• Online through the Massachusetts Environmental Police https://www.boat-ed.com/massachusetts/
• Additional options can be found through the state website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/boating-safety-course-schedule

Attention Boaters: The 2026 Invoices will be viewable and active the first week of February 2026 at
https://dartmouth-ma.townmoorings.com . February 2026 invoices will be emailed only once in that
first week.
Prior to payment please review the following:
 Your Vessel Registration or Documentation – including Expiration Date
 Boating Safety Certificate completed – for all individuals operating motorboats born after
1/1/1989 effective 4/1/2026

Payment may be made in the following ways only:
 Payment online with Town Moorings
 Mailing payment to Dartmouth Waterways Department, P.O. Box 80218, Dartmouth, MA 02748
 Drop off a payment to the Silver Box outside of the Town Hall – labeled Dartmouth Waterways
Department
 In Person Payment at the Town Collectors Office – You must bring a print out of your Invoice –
they DO NOT have access to the Town Moorings System.

Payment due dates:
March 31, 2026 – Regular Registration – FY 2025 rates still apply
Mooring Late Fees
4/1/26 – 5/1/26 – $100.00 per mooring. Late registration fee is added to each mooring.

Questions pertaining to your invoice, please email harbormaster@dartmouthma.gov.

Stickers will be available for pick up only on Friday, Saturday & Sunday – May 22, 23 & 24 or June 6, 7, 8
from 8am – 4pm, at the Maritime Center. Please mark your calendars.
We will not be mailing out stickers this year.

With forecasted temperatures below freezing tonight, the pumpout boat and shoreside pumpout station have been winterized to prevent damage. Thank you for participating in keeping our harbor clean and we will see you in 2026!