A long-time professional mariner who lives with his wife aboard a boat at Tripp's has been named a new part time assistant harbormaster and deputy shellfish warden.

Douglas Murphy was unanimously appointed by the select board at a recent meeting. Chris Leonard, the town's director of marine services, said he brings a wealth of experience and just as importantly, is local and should be available at a moment's notice when needed.

"In our line of work, minutes and seconds make a big difference," Leonard said.

Murphy, who holds a 100-ton inshore captain's license, was a flotilla commander for the United States Coast Guard for 30 years. He was a deputy sheriff for Bristol County's marine unit, and served in the United States Air Force. And for 16 years, he taught a boating safety program for environmental police.

Said select board member Brian Valcourt prior to the vote to hire Murphy: "It's really nice to know that we can have someone like that in reserve."

Murphy joins six other part-time seasonal, as needed employees, Leonard said.