New Shoreham moves to require insurance for vessels anchored long-term in town waters

The New Shoreham Town Council on July 7 held a public hearing and voted to amend Vernon's chapter 9 to require that vessels moored in the town's waters for more than two weeks provide proof of insurance to the harbor master. The proposal also clarifies insurance requirements for boats present in the harbor between Nov. 1 and April 30.

Why it matters: Town officials and the harbor master said the rule codifies a long-standing administrative practice and gives town harbor staff the authority to require documentation that protects the town and other boaters if a vessel breaks free or becomes disabled. Councilors discussed whether to require insurance at time of arrival for all vessels, but most favored keeping the two-week threshold to avoid creating unenforceable paperwork burdens for brief visitors.

What council heard and decided - Kate (harbormaster) told the council the rule had been recommended by the harbor committee years earlier and that the requirement had effectively been policy; the ordinance codifies it and aligns harbor rules and procedures. - Council discussion centered on whether insurance should be required on arrival versus only for longer-term stays. Officials worried about laws on the books that the town does not intend to administer; several councilors said the two-week threshold gives needed administrative latitude. - Councilors emphasized the November–April period for named-insured boats as the season when uninsured or derelict vessels most often create problems; one councilor called the winter insurance requirement "actually more important." - The council voted in favor of the proposed amendment to Vernon's chapter 9 by voice vote; minutes record "the ayes have it."

Implementation notes - Harbormaster staff said many boaters already submit registration and insurance documentation; the ordinance primarily formalizes record-keeping. - Councilors discussed longer-term goals, such as advocating for state-level boat-insurance requirements at registration; they said that would require coordination beyond the town.

Ending The council adopted the insurance requirement for vessels anchored more than two weeks and signaled willingness to revisit timing and enforcement if problems arise; the change becomes part of Vernon's chapter 9 enforcement practice.