Harbor Safety, Navigation and Operations
The Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey serves as the Administrative Director of the nationally acclaimed Harbor Safety, Navigation, and Operations Committee (Harbor Ops or HOPs)​​​​. On a monthly basis operational waterway stakeholders assemble together with Regulatory organizations, government agencies, harbor pilots, ship operators, tug/barge operators, small passenger vessel operators, first responders, and others to ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of the New York and New Jersey waterways.
​​Harbor Ops strives to develop non-regulatory solutions to operational challenges in our geographically constrained, mixed-use harbor, and provide a forum to improve and promote safety, operational efficiency, and address environmental concerns​​. The committee is an inclusive, cooperative, and open forum for coordination, collaboration and non-regulatory decision-making among relevant private and public stakeholders to promote collective waterways management ​.
A Steering Committee meets each month to consider matters to be brought to the Full Harbor Ops Committee​​.
The Full Harbor Ops Committee meets on the third Wednesday of alternating months, with agendas and meeting locations advised in advance by e-mail notification​​.
The Harbor Safety, Navigation, and Operations Committee (Harbor Ops) serves as a unified voice for the Port of New York and New Jersey, promoting safe and efficient waterway use, addressing environmental issues, and fostering interagency cooperation. It achieves this by:
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a) Reviewing navigational safety and marine transportation system issues
b) Advocating for positive change and solutions
c) Using expertise to address maritime issues and conduct studies
d) Representing the best interests of the port region
e) Collaborating with other organizations on mutual concerns
f) Planning for leadership succession to maintain continuity and expertise.
Tow Boat & Harbor Carriers of the Port of NY/NJ
The Tow Boat & Harbor Carriers of the Port of NY/NJ (previously known as Tug & Barge Committee) is comprised of Tug and/or Barge owners and operators.
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“It is the mission of the Tow Boat & Harbor Carriers of the Port of NY/NJ to promote and represent the interests of tug boat operators and harbor carriers in local issues relevant to the tug and barge industry in the New York/New Jersey Port area and approaches”
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The current Executive Director is CAPT Eric Johansson.
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Find out more here: The Tow Boat & Harbor Carriers
Passenger Vessel
The Passenger Vessel Committee is comprised of owners and operators of commercial passenger vessels which operate in the Port of NY/NJ. Members meet periodically to discuss issues of concern to their segment of the Port Industry, and meet with invited guests to ensure safe, secure and environmentally friendly passenger vessel operations in the Port.
Education
NY-NJ Harbor Safety, Navigation & Operations Committee
Education Subcommittee
The Education Subcommittee welcomes all boaters and marine operators to come together to make our shared waters and waterfront safer and better used. Including human powered boaters, sailors, recreational boaters, and nonprofit and educational vessels in the diversity of marine activity upon our busy harbor, the Education Subcommittee works with the Harbor Ops community to develop solutions that decrease concerns about safety and navigation.
The Education Subcommittee receives insight and information from Harbor Ops that can be shared back with constituents, extends outreach to and opportunities for recreational and educational harbor users, and gives feedback to Harbor Ops from this constituency, working together towards the common goal of safe, shared waters.
Energy
The Energy Sub-Committee monitors energy projects that may interface with maritime properties, or marine navigation in the Port area. Such potential projects include, pipelines, cables, off shore wind, tidal, or any other related energy concern. Meetings are held on an ad-hoc, as necessary schedule.​
Resources
The Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey provides resources to the commercial Maritime Industry.
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Hackensack River Bridge Operators
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The Safe Harbor
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