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Administrative History

The position of Harbor Master was created by an act of the Legislature on April 1, 1796 (Chapter 41). Originally one person but increased to eleven in 1850 (Chapter 72), the Harbor Masters of the Port of New York had the authority to regulate and station all ships and vessels in the stream of the East and North rivers within the limits of the city of New York. They could remove ships or vessels not employed in receiving or discharging their cargoes to make room for other vessels that required more immediate attention. If their instructions were not followed, they could subject the individuals in charge of the vessels to heavy fines. Harbor Masters were also required to enforce the execution of all laws of the state along with those of the city of New York. They were compensated by the fees collected from ships and vessels entering the Port of New York. They held their position for two years or until another individual was appointed to their position. The Harbor Master position was vacated following the passage of Chapter 357 of the Laws of 1883.