Harbormaster
Welcome to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor - Your Gateway to the Chesapeake!
The Baltimore City Harbormaster Office manages over 5,000 linear feet of docking space in the world-famous Inner Harbor and Fells Point Historic District. While we do not offer all the amenities of private marinas, we do have low, low rates and location, location, location! Dock at the Inner Harbor and be in the middle of Charm City, within easy walking distance of the City Center, Harbor East, Fells Point, Federal Hill, South Baltimore and the Camden Yards sports complex
Contact Information
- Michael McGeady, Harbormaster
- 400 A Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230
- 410-396-3174 (office)
- 443-842-2126 (cell)
- VHF Channel 72
Hours of Operation
- In season (April 1 thru October 31): 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, (additional weekend hours pending as we staff up)
- Off season (November 1 thru March 31): 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
Advance Reservation System
Docking Locations
Fells Point Docking Locations
Click the images for a larger size version. Click here for the docking locations key.
If you have not made a reservation in advance, Hail the Harbormaster Office on VHF 72, or call 410-396-3174. In the near future we plan to install three payment kiosks located at the Finger Piers, Pier 3 and Pier 5.
Please have the following information ready:
- Vessel length and beam
- State registration number
- Captain's phone number and email
- Vessel Insurance
Rates
Payment Method
Payment by credit card, check payable to the Director of Finance, or cash is due at the time a reservation is confirmed by the Harbormaster, or upon arrival at the dock.
Rules and Regulations
- Baltimore Harbor is a No Discharge Zone (No waste discharge of any kind).
- Maximum speed from Fort McHenry to the Inner Harbor is 6 knots with No Wake Permitted.
- All boats requesting municipal docking privileges must register with the Harbormaster upon arrival.
- No more than one boat may be rafted outboard a docked vessel. Rafting is permitted only with consent of the Harbormaster and the master of inboard boat. Full docking fees apply to rafted vessels.
- No swimming or diving at any time (but we're working on it via the Healthy Harbor Initiative!)
- All boats must stay clear of the Water Taxi stops.
- No signs or advertising of any kind.
- No open fires or topside cooking.
- No painting or repairs except in emergencies with Harbormaster permission.
- The City reserves the right from the Inner Harbor and impound, at the owner's risk and expense, any boat for which docking fees have not been paid in advance.
- The Master of the vessel is responsible for the conduct of his/her passengers and guests.
Helpful Links
- Boating in Maryland Home
- National Weather Service Marine Forecast
- Tide Predictions - NOAA Tides & Currents
- New U.S. Coast Guard Life Jacket Rules for 2025: What Boaters Need to Know
- List of DNR Pumpout Locations: Baltimore Area
- Link to NOAA chart 12281OG
Baltimore City Harbormaster In the News
- BMore In the Know: Baltimore’s New Harbor Master Michael McGeady (BMore In the Know | WBAL Baltimore News, July 13, 2025)
- Baltimore City to Launch Slip Reservation System, Introduce New Harbormaster (Chesapeake Bay Magazine | Bay Bulletin, July 8, 2025)
Baltimore City Habormaster Press Releases
- The Baltimore City Harbormaster Office will significantly enhance safe access to Baltimore’s iconic waterfront (June 24, 2025)
- Department of Transportation's Harbormaster Office Announces Live Launch of Municipal Piers Reservation System (July 24, 2025)
Baltimore Harbormaster Services Guide
About the Harbormaster Office
The Baltimore City Harbormaster office operates under the Department of Transportation (BCDOT) to serve recreational boaters and waterfront visitors. We coordinate docking at municipal piers, collect boater fees, advocate for maritime infrastructure maintenance, and monitor waterfront access agreements. Our team provides customer service, assists with port briefings for visiting ships, coordinates maritime festivals, and attends community meetings.
Location and Office Access
Address: 400A Key Highway (first floor of the Rusty Scupper Restaurant building)
The Harbormaster office shares space with the Inner Harbor Marina and Baltimore City Police Inner Harbor Unit.
Parking: The Marina Garage at 402 Key Highway offers 199 spaces (including 7 ADA spaces) with 7-foot clearance. This automated facility operates 24/7/365. Contact the Parking Authority of Baltimore City at 443-573-2800 for details.
Docking and Reservations
Reservations strongly recommended - Starting July 2025, the office uses the DOCKWA reservation system for advance booking and fee collection.
Contact for reservations or arrival:
- Phone: 410-396-3174
- VHF Radio: Channel 72
Without reservations: Available municipal berths are assigned first-come, first-served upon arrival.
Amenities for Boaters
Free amenities at 400A Key Highway:
- Secure restrooms and showers (male/female facilities)
- Boaters' lounge with free Wi-Fi
Paid services:
- Laundry center
- Shore power and freshwater at Inner Harbor Finger Pier ($10/day for 30amp and 50amp service)
Note: Finger Piers are currently the only municipal piers with shore power and freshwater connections.
Getting Around Baltimore
Free transportation options:
- Charm City Circulator buses (multiple routes within walking distance)
- Harbor Connector ferry (landing adjacent to Harbormaster Office)
Rental options:
- E-scooters and e-bikes through Lime or Spin apps
Both free services are provided by Baltimore City DOT and connect to attractions, shopping, dining, and services throughout the city.