The harbormaster search committee began the vetting process on Tuesday night, when, for the first time since the group was assembled, they reviewed the list of 18 candidates who expressed interest in becoming Bristol’s next harbormaster.

In about an hour, the list of 18 potential candidates dwindled to seven. And within the next 24 hours, that number may be reduced by two or three more.

Five candidates were eliminated simply based on their town of residence.

“The ruling from the council is that they were to be a Bristol resident,” said committee chairman, David Barboza.

That, he said, was a matter of policy. The applicants from Warren, Tiverton, Middletown and Marion, Mass. were marked ineligible.

The lack of information provided by some candidates on their applications made it difficult for the committee to evaluate other criteria. One candidate included a PowerPoint vision of how he would contribute to the economic development of the waterfront district, while another submitted a one paragraph note expressing his desire for the job.

“We need to ask for resumes,” said committee vice chairman, Alayne White, frustrated that some candidates didn’t provide a comprehensive summary of their qualifications, experiences and credentials with their application.

Still, using the information they did have, the committee was able to cull the list some more.

Seven candidates who don’t currently possess a US Coast Guard Captain license with 25 ton or greater endorsement were removed from the field. Three others, who did not specify on their application or letter of intent whether he held a current, valid license, will be contacted for clarification. All remaining candidates will be asked to furnish a copy of their valid, current US Coast Guard Captain’s license before any are selected for an interview.

On Wednesday evening, Feb. 13, the committee will update the town council on its progress as the search narrows to find the top three harbormaster candidates.