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Safety & Security

The PORT OF NEW BEDFORD

Safety and Security at the Port of New Bedford

The Port of New Bedford is one of the most active and economically significant maritime hubs in the United States, serving as the nation’s leading commercial fishing port by value and an emerging center for offshore wind, cargo, ferry, and recreational maritime activity. Ensuring the safety and security of this complex working waterfront requires a coordinated, multi-agency approach led by the New Bedford Port Authority (NBPA), the New Bedford Police Department (NBPD), and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

The New Bedford Port Authority plays a frontline role in day-to-day port safety and security through the management of city-owned waterfront facilities, piers, wharves, and marina infrastructure. NBPA staff enforce harbor rules and regulations, monitor vessel activity, and conduct routine patrols of port properties by foot and vehicle. Oversight operations support safe vessel movements, orderly dock operations, and the protection of public and commercial assets throughout both daytime and overnight hours.

Complementing the Port Authority’s operational role, the New Bedford Police Department provides formal law enforcement and marine security services. The NBPD Marine Unit patrols the harbor and inner waters, enforcing maritime laws, conducting search and rescue operations, responding to emergencies, and addressing criminal or hazardous activity on the water. The Department’s Port Security and Marine functions work closely with state and federal partners to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure a rapid response to incidents that exceed routine port operations.

The United States Coast Guard serves as the lead federal agency for maritime safety, security, and environmental protection within New Bedford Harbor. USCG Sector Southeastern New England maintains an active presence in the port, conducting vessel inspections, port state control examinations, and compliance oversight under the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA). The Coast Guard works closely with terminal operators, vessel owners, the Port Authority, and local law enforcement to ensure that regulated facilities and vessels meet federal security requirements and maintain approved security plans.

In addition to regulatory oversight, the Coast Guard conducts routine and surge patrols, monitors vessel traffic, enforces navigational safety regulations, and responds to maritime emergencies, pollution incidents, and search and rescue cases. The USCG also plays a central role in interagency coordination, intelligence sharing, and security planning, particularly during high-traffic periods, special events, or heightened maritime security conditions.

Together, the New Bedford Port Authority, New Bedford Police Department, and U.S. Coast Guard form a layered and resilient security framework for the Port of New Bedford. Each agency brings distinct authorities and capabilities—property management and harbor oversight, local law enforcement and marine patrol, and federal maritime security and safety enforcement. This coordinated approach ensures that the port remains a safe, secure, and well-regulated working waterfront, capable of supporting critical maritime industries while protecting public safety, commerce, and the marine environment.

Emergency Contact and Incident Reporting

For all immediate emergencies within the Port of New Bedford—including threats to life, vessel accidents, security incidents, fires, or hazardous conditions—the primary point of contact is 911, which directly dispatches the New Bedford Police Department, Fire Department, and emergency medical services.

United States Coast Guard

Mariners experiencing emergencies on the water may also contact the United States Coast Guard via VHF Marine Radio Channel 16, the international distress and calling frequency, which is continuously monitored and provides the fastest maritime emergency response.

New Bedford Port Authority

The New Bedford Port Authority works in close coordination with the New Bedford Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure rapid communication, coordinated response, and effective incident management throughout the harbor and waterfront.