Recently named in the top ten nationally as one of the safest, culturally most fascinating US Cities and among the ten "perfect places to live in America," Portland is Maine’s business, financial and retail capital and the largest city in the state. Seascapes and cityscapes blend harmoniously in Portland. Historic buildings, an outstanding physical setting on the coast of Maine, a wealth of big-city amenities, a vibrant arts district, traditional working waterfront and diverse retail and dining opportunities are all balanced with the ease and friendliness of a small town.

In Portland’s Art District one can experience all the cultural opportunities of any major metropolitan city but on a much more livable scale - The Portland Museum of Art, housing a permanent collection of paintings by Winslow Homer, Renoir, Degas, Monet, Picasso and other Masters; Merrill Auditorium; the Portland Symphony Orchestra; the award winning Children’s Museum of Maine; and Portland Stage Company are all within a ten-minute walk.  The city supports a vibrant community of visual and performing artists plus a changing array of exhibits, festivals, concerts and has become well known as an antique shoppers dream.

Portland’s Old Port is one of the most successful revitalized warehouse districts in the country. Seamlessly connected to the waterfront, the Old Port is both working waterfront and a chic shopping, dining, and entertainment district. Just steps from the water, one can stroll the cobblestone streets and experience the quaint charm of this district. The boutique shopping, one-of-a-kind stores, restaurants serving Maine’s famous lobster dishes or the latest nouveau cuisine, and a vibrant nightlife are all unparallel to any other New England city.

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Ship Anchorage Specifications
Deep laden vessels (over 28’ draft) normally anchor in the “B” or Diamond Island Roads anchorage. Light vessels, barges, and recreational boats may anchor in the “A” anchorage off Fish Point. Both anchorages lie in the inner harbor and are well-protected.

Tender Landing
The tender landing for ships at anchorages A and B is located at the Maine State Pier, there is a wooden dock secured by wood pilings. The landing is ADA accessible. The same amenities listed for the Maine State Pier apply to the tender landing.

Pilotage
Pilots board 1.0 nautical mile north of the ELN Racon “PAPA” buoy at
position 43-31.6 North and 70-05.5 West.

Portland Pilots monitor VHF 16 and 11 and can be reached at Tel: (207) 774-5623, Fax: (207) 774-5683.

Pilotage is compulsory for all foreign vessels and US vessels under register in the foreign trade drawing over nine feet. Pilotage is optional for coastwise or fishing vessels under enrollment or license who have onboard a pilot licensed by the Federal Government. The Pilot boats are black-hulled with a white superstructure with the word PILOT on both sides. One is 48 feet LOA and the other is 65 feet LOA. Vessels are requested to provide 48 and 24 hours notice of ETA and to update any appreciable changes. The pilots do not maintain the boat on station. Distance from the pilot station to the inner harbor is approximately 10 miles.

Docking Information
All vessels operating in Portland Harbor must have a Pilot on board. Under recently instituted rules of the Portland Harbor Commissioners, Docking Master rates and procedures are regulated. All vessels requiring tug services in berthing are required to have a Docking Master onboard.