Open coasts offer little shelter. A harbor is a sheltered body of water where ships can anchor or berth, protected from wind, waves, and current by natural features or breakwaters.

Natural harbors form in bays and estuaries; artificial harbors are created with breakwaters and dredged basins. Depth, swinging room, and protection determine how useful a harbor is for commercial or naval use. Many harbors contain multiple ports, terminals, and anchorages.

Harbor authorities manage traffic, maintain depths, and enforce local rules. Entering a harbor often requires a pilot and careful attention to local signals and speed limits. A good harbor turns an exposed coastline into a reliable node of maritime trade.

• Sheltered water for anchoring and berthing
• Natural or artificially protected
• Contains ports, terminals, and anchorages
• Managed for safety and traffic control