The Chief of the City Fire Department, as the Harbor Master and duly authorized deputies and assistants acting on his behalf, shall have full power and authority to enforce the provisions of this title. The granting of authority to the Chief of the City Fire Department under this title shall not diminish any authority granted to the Chief of Police and City police officers by State statute or City ordinance.
(Ord. 22868 § 1, 1983-06-07)
The Harbor Master is authorized:
A. 
To inspect Tacoma Harbor and the shoreline and shoreline installations and to report any violations of this title or any other law to the proper authorities. The Harbor Master shall maintain a working relationship with the various agencies having jurisdiction or expertise in matters pertaining to or relating to the areas addressed in this title, including but not limited to: navigation; transport, transfer, and storage of hazardous materials; regulation and eradication of pollution and pollution sources; removal or prohibition of obstructions to navigation; and the elimination or prevention of conditions which would have a detrimental impact on the proper uses of Puget Sound or on the health, safety, or welfare of the citizens of Tacoma. The Harbor Master shall endeavor to maintain a working familiarity with the various laws, regulations, and rules of such other agencies, and upon observing violations thereof, shall notify the agency having enforcement jurisdiction, and shall cooperate with and encourage such agency to enforce applicable laws and regulations and to institute such legal proceedings as may be within such agency’s authority, to the end that the policies as set forth in this title will be accomplished and the safety and welfare of the City and its citizens will be best served.
B. 
To enforce the ordinances and regulations of the City upon the waters of Tacoma Harbor and all other areas within the City to which the provisions of this title pertain.
C. 
To patrol Tacoma Harbor for the protection of life, property, and the marine environment, and to notify the United States Coast Guard, the Corps of Engineers, or such other agency having jurisdiction for the removal and disposition of oil pollution, drifting debris, and nuisances from the waters of Tacoma Harbor.
D. 
To make rules and regulations governing the use by persons and vessels of all piers within Tacoma Harbor, including all piers owned or controlled by the City; to make rules and regulations governing the use of submerged street areas; to make rules and regulations regarding the use of Tacoma Harbor for aquatic events; to establish restricted areas such as traffic lanes and traffic separation systems for the control of water traffic, and rules and regulations governing use thereof; to make rules and regulations, when necessary, in conjunction with the Fire Department or the United States Coast Guard or other agency having jurisdiction, setting forth standards to be followed by all persons within the scope of this title, including but not limited to regulations for: the safety of persons and property; burning, welding, or hot work; the handling of explosives, firearms, dangerous cargo, or other hazardous materials; the transfer of flammable liquids; the control of motor vehicles engaged in loading or unloading cargo; pier automotive equipment; fire extinguishing equipment; the arrangement and maintenance of stores, supplies, and cargo; lighting and wiring; to promulgate rules and regulations governing the use of the navigable portions of Tacoma Harbor. Any such rules and regulations or changes thereto, if not otherwise set forth in the adopted codes or ordinances of the City, shall be subject to approval of the City Council by resolution, and thereafter, if adopted, a copy shall be filed with the City Clerk.
E. 
To periodically review all laws, codes, regulations, and rules which have been adopted by reference and made a part of this title, and advise the City Council of all changes or amendments thereto, and, on or before January 30th of each year, recommend whether the City Council should adopt and incorporate by reference into this title such amendments.
F. 
To perform necessary functions in connection with search and rescue in Tacoma Harbor.
G. 
To make routine inspections of vessels, piers, and waterfront structures and to report unsafe conditions to the responsible owners.
H. 
To actively cooperate with the authorities of the United States, the State of Washington, and its political subdivisions, in the enforcement of the laws and regulations of the United States, the State of Washington, and its political subdivisions.
I. 
To designate, indicate the location of, and patrol anchorage locations for watercraft or vessels within Tacoma Harbor, and to designate, indicate the location of, and patrol take-off and landing areas for aircraft on the water within areas permitted by the ordinances of the City.
J. 
To designate restricted areas and courses.
K. 
To remove, impound, or sell, in the manner as may be provided by law, any vessel, watercraft, or obstruction anchored or moored in violation of this title or deemed a public nuisance or hazard to navigation or operated or afloat under conditions deemed unsafe.
L. 
To issue permits for movement of unseaworthy craft and anchoring or moorage of vessels or watercraft in approved anchorage areas; to issue permits for skin diving or scuba diving in otherwise restricted areas; to issue permits for temporary uses or obstructions; and to charge for all such permits the fee, if any, established by ordinance.
M. 
To investigate and report upon accidents or collisions within Tacoma Harbor.
N. 
To establish, maintain, and regulate the use of moorage, buoys, and traffic control signs in the Tacoma Harbor for the convenience of watercraft and vessels.
(Ord. 22868 § 1, 1983-06-07)