
Vessel Insurance Program
Effective January 1, 2026, all vessels berthed, moored, or anchored in the Harbor District will be required to provide proof of general liability coverage with a minimum policy limit of $300,000. This applies to all vessels in the harbor as well as all vessels anchored or moored in City waters. This requirement will not apply to launched vessels, human-powered craft such as kayaks and SUPs, or skiffs less than 15 feet in length. Failure to provide proof of insurance will result in slip termination, vessel impound, and/or denial of permission to moor in the Harbor District. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact the Harbormaster’s office.
Vessel Insurance Requirements:
Minimum liability coverage of $300,000
City of Santa Barbara to be listed as an Additional Insured
Action Required:
1. Setup City of Santa Barbara as an Additional Insured:
City of Santa Barbara
132-A Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Email: vesselinsurance@santabarbaraca.gov
2. By no later than January 1, 2026, submit your current Certificate of Insurance to vesselinsurance@santabarbaraca.gov showing the required coverage and listing City of Santa Barbara as an Additional Insured.
Upcoming Workshop - July 17th:
The Santa Barbara Waterfront will be holding an informational workshop to assist boaters without insurance coverage. The workshop will be held on Thursday, July 17th from 12-5pm in the Waterfront Office conference room located at 132-A Harbor Way. Representatives from the maritime insurance industry will be in attendance to assist the public with questions regarding vessel insurance on a one-on-one basis. Interested boaters should bring their vessel registration if attending.