New England Maritime, Inc.

09/23/2026

Mariners should be aware of the effects of this weekend's approaching storm and be prepared to return to port. For those with vessels on slips or at moorings, preparations should be made to either move the vessel to a safer location or ensure it can be secured in place. From the National Weather Service:

Synopsis for Massachusetts and Rhode Island coastal waters... Large high pres will remain anchored in the vicinity of Quebec right into the weekend. At the same time...a slow moving and intensifying ocean storm will retrograde towards the coast this weekend. While its exact track and timing remains uncertain...dangerous conditions are expected for mariners later this week into the weekend. NE wind gusts of 35 to 55 knots with seas potentially building 15-20+ feet by the weekend. Mariners should keep up to date with the latest forecasts and be prepared to return to port.

Graphical Marine Forecasts are available here. Choose the map background and forecast element and zoom in to your area of interest.

09/16/2026

The Coast Guard has launched a new system for submitting applications, including originals, renewals, and medical certifications. To launch the new system and set up an account go to the National Maritime Center website and click on Launch NAVITA. To view an extensive slide deck outlining the process, click View Navita Guide (also at the website).

To issue credentials to fully qualified mariners in the most effective and efficient manner possible. The National Maritime Center NMC located in Martinsburg WV.

09/10/2026

There are several boating safety and launch tender classes coming up at New England Maritime, including both online and in-person options. Register on the website via the link. Class dates as follows:

October 17-18, 2026 (Zoom)
November 14-15, 2026 (South Dennis)
December 12-13, 2026. (Zoom)

Classes run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

Proctored exams are held either immediately following an in-person class or, in the case of a course via Zoom, scheduled by appointment at 900 Route 134 Unit 2-19 in South Dennis and completed within 45 days of the final class date. If you do not complete exams within the 45-day period, you must retake the class and pay the original cost again.

Location: Live Via Zoom or 900 Route 134, Unit 2-19, South Dennis

09/03/2026

With enforcement of the new law now underway, it's a good time to take a boating safety course with us. New course dates are up on our website here: https://www.nemaritime.com/

Boater reminder - Enforcement of the MA HANSON-MILONE Boater law will begin tomorrow for anyone born on/or after January 1st, 1989.

09/03/2026

We have new dates for boating safety and launch operator courses. The boating safety certification you'll receive after completing our course is now a requirement for anyone born after 1989 who wants to operate a motorboat in Massachusetts waters. By 2028, it will be a requirement for anyone over the age of 12. While you're at it, you can get ahead of next season by taking our launch operator course so you can have your Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential in hand and earn money while working on the water. Sign up via our website for one of the following 2-day courses:

Oct. 17-18 (via Zoom with in-person testing by appointment)
Nov. 14-15 (at our location in South Dennis)
Dec. 12-13 (via Zoom with in-person testing by appointment)

Register here: https://www.nemaritime.com/registration/

07/22/2026

We still have a few spaces in our boating safety and launch operator course this upcoming weekend (July 25-26). The course will be held at our classroom in South Dennis. A boating safety certification is currently required for anyone born after 1989 operating a motorboat in Massachusetts waters. As of 2028, it will be required for anyone, regardless of age. Given the time it is now taking for the Coast Guard to issue Merchant Mariners Credentials, this would also be an opportune time for anyone seeking their launch operator credential. With our course, you could get both. Sign up at https://www.nemaritime.com/registration/

07/02/2026

The isolated danger buoy that had marked the SS James Longstreet, aka the "target ship," in Cape Cod Bay has been way off station for months at this point. The ship, which was used as target practice by the Navy, can be a dangerous obstruction at low tides and caution should be used when navigating in the area. Unfortunately the U.S. Coast Guard local notice to mariners online application doesn't list a discrepancy, even though a buoy being off station clearly should be noted. Be careful out there. More info on why it has not been moved back in position in the Cape Cod Times: https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/news/local/2026/07/02/uscg-danger-buoy-freighter-cape-cod-bay-longstreet/90478199007/

05/11/2026

The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance is holding a “Fishing 101” Gear and Safety training at the organization's Chatham office May 18-20 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (See link to registration form below.) There are 12 spots in the course, lunch is provided, and there will be a gear credit to Cape Fishermen’s Supply for attendees.

The 3-day course is free and participants who can't make all 3 days may be accommodated if it doesn't fill up.

Registration form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8AciquGTmMe4bqaXIzvNcdV7hVsPg3wFFIE69Ii_0tPkCUA/viewform

05/11/2026

Check out the latest on channels and shoaling in the Chatham area from Outermost Harbor Marine

Here’s our updated 2026 track map for this season. As always, these routes may shift as the sandbars move—we’ll continue to adjust and keep things updated, especially once the channels are fully marked.

If you’d like us to add these tracks directly onto your boat’s GPS, just let us know—we’re happy to help.

Stay safe out there and see you on the water.

04/23/2026

We still have one spot in this weekend's Zoom-based boating safety and launch operator course. Call for more information or sign up via the website.

New England Maritime offers offers USCG approved Captain's OUPV (Six Pack) license instruction, Charterboat Captain launch tender courses, Boating Safety classes, and STCW courses including Firefighting, First aid, CPR, Personal Survival and Personal safety,STCW Refresher,Basic Training Refresher,BT...