Paul Blank, Harbormaster

The Harbor Department continues to deliver on its mission to keep Newport Harbor clean, safe, and well-enjoyed. A key component of that mission is actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with partner agencies—local, state, and federal—to bring additional resources and capabilities to Newport Harbor. By leveraging tools and funding sources not typically focused on a local recreational harbor, we have strengthened operations, removed problematic vessels, enhanced mooring safety, and improved access to shoreside amenities.

Strengthening Harbor Operations

With the support of two grants from the Newport Harbor Foundation, the Harbor Department recently completed the refurbishment and upgrade of its oldest patrol vessel. This investment extends the vessel’s service life and ensures the patrol fleet remains fully capable of responding to increasing harbor activity.

Additional improvements include enhancements to several Private Aids to Navigation (PATONs), where lighting has been elevated and upgraded to improve nighttime visibility for all harbor users.

As activity on the harbor continues to grow, so too do the Department’s responsibilities. Harbor personnel now routinely support special events, establish and manage safety zones, assist with emergency response operations, and conduct after-hours patrols. In 2025, the Department also provided security support for the Newport Beach Film Festival Awards Brunch for the first time—an example of our expanding role in supporting community events both on and off the water.

After-hours patrols, in particular, have proven valuable, leading to the identification and correction of numerous berthing violations, as well as unpermitted live-aboard activity.

Addressing Abandoned and Derelict Vessels

The removal of abandoned and derelict vessels remains a critical priority. These vessels pose risks to navigation, the environment, and overall harbor aesthetics. The Harbor Department continues to pursue funding and partnerships to address these challenges efficiently.

Vessel Removal and Destruction Summary (2020–2026)

• Total vessels removed: 113 
• Total cost: $612,670 
• Average cost per vessel: $6,892 

While annual totals fluctuate, recent removals highlight the increasing complexity and cost associated with these efforts, reinforcing the importance of proactive identification and removal strategies.

Improvements to Mooring Fields

The Department recently converted two City moorings in the C Field to modern helical anchor systems with dynamic tackle, configured as sand line-style moorings. These improvements, implemented as part of the mooring license program, offer several benefits.

By requiring only a single float on the west end, sand line moorings reduce visual clutter and improve navigational clearance within fairways. Additionally, the new anchoring systems minimize seafloor disturbance by reducing “fill” requirements and limiting scarring.

Harbor Safety Officers have reported positive performance, including during recent periods of severe weather, indicating that these systems are both effective and resilient.

Tracking Utilization and Placement of Public Docks

Recent public discussions have included criticism of the Balboa Marina Public Dock. However, it is important to view this facility within the broader context of the Harbor Commission’s 2013 Public Dock Study.

That study evaluated system-wide utilization and identified key opportunities to improve both the maintenance and placement of public docks throughout Newport Harbor. It also recommended specific locations for new docks—prioritizing areas adjacent to amenities most desired by mariners. Both the Central Avenue and Balboa Marina public docks were identified through this data-driven process.

Today, enforcement of time limits and usage rules at public docks represents the single largest category of activity for Harbor Safety Officers, underscoring the continued demand for these facilities.

Harbor Activity Snapshot: First Quarter 2026

From January through March 2026, Harbor Department personnel remained highly active across all areas of service:

Service & Safety

• 5,985 service calls initiated; 5,574 completed 
• 68 vessels dewatered 
• 44 vessels assisted or towed to safety 
• 22 mooring assists 

Compliance & Enforcement

• 179 investigations resulting in Code Enforcement cases 
• 48 dye tab tests conducted on vessel sanitation systems 
• 17 vessels inspected prior to mooring assignment approval 

These numbers reflect a sustained commitment to proactive service, safety, and stewardship across Newport Harbor.