The Miami Harbor Safety Committee (MHSC or "the Committee") is a voluntary, non-governmental stakeholder forum established to promote the safe, efficient, and environmentally sound use of the navigable waterways of Greater Miami, including the Port of Miami, the Miami River, and Biscayne Bay. These waterways serve as a vital economic and recreational resource for the region, yet they also represent one of the most complex and heavily trafficked marine environments in the southeastern United States.

The Committee recognizes the convergence of large foreign-flagged commercial vessels, small domestic passenger vessels regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard, recreational boaters of all types, human-powered craft, commercial fishing operations, tug and tow operators, and terminal operators within a geographically finite waterway system — all of which demands deliberate coordination, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to safety.

The Committee further recognizes the urgent need to address the proliferation of bareboat charter operations — sometimes referred to as "the Bareboat Charter Plague" —  some that operate without proper licensing, insurance, or safety compliance, placing operators, passengers, and the broader waterway community at risk while burdening surrounding communities and infrastructure. Education, outreach, and stakeholder-driven solutions are essential tools to combat this problem.

The MHSC is established in alignment with USCG Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 01-25 and COMDTINST 16010.9A, and operates in the spirit of the National Marine Transportation System Coordinating Structure.