By Ventura Breeze Staff –
Pat Hummer was born and raised in Santa Monica, where his love for boating began in childhood. After dedicating 50 years to the Harbor Patrol, he retired in January 2025, a job he loved deeply and was genuinely passionate about. At nearly 66 years old, Pat still feels he has plenty of energy and enthusiasm, making retirement seem premature. His journey with the Harbor Patrol began in 1975 when he started in the maintenance department, tackling tasks like painting and scrubbing—what he refers to as the “dirty work.” It wasn’t long before Pat transitioned to a part-time role with the Harbor Patrol at just 18, paving the way for an extraordinary career shaped by hands-on experiences spanning f ive decades.
Pat’s early training was largely practical. He ferried people from the pier to their boats when the Santa Monica Harbor had only a handful of vessels. He learned about boating at 17 and became a full-time Harbor Patrol officer by 20. In 1983, a devastating storm destroyed the pier’s end and took with it 400 feet of structure, including the Harbor Patrol office and Pat’s diving equipment. Following this disaster, the role evolved into the “Pier Patrol,” which Pat continued for a few years before moving to Channel Islands Harbor, where he worked for about three years. In 1989, Pat transferred to Ventura Harbor, where he proudly served for 35 years as of August 2024.
Throughout his career, Pat obtained various certifications, including an EMT credential in the early 80s and a Coast Guard license while in Channel Islands Harbor. He also completed the PC832 class, covering probable cause, a requirement for his role. Equipped with these certifications, Pat became a senior officer in 2002, relishing every moment of his work.
He describes the challenges of harbor patrol as the “beauty of the job.” “Every day is different, just like the weather,” he notes, recalling how one moment could be sunny and clear, and the next, enveloped in thick fog. Pat has encountered diverse marine life, including numerous dolphins, whales, and sea lions, each harbor offering unique experiences.
Some of Pat’s most intense challenges occurred during major incidents. He served as a responder to the Alaskan Airlines crash off Port Hueneme in January 2000 and the Conception boat fire near the Channel Islands. Although both incidents were beyond their jurisdiction, the Harbor Patrol received permission to assist. Their boats, designed to operate low in the water, are ideal for retrieving items from the sea, allowing them to collaborate effectively with the Coast Guard and other agencies. Pat explained that their role in these emergencies “was to aid in recovery efforts and provide closure for the victims’ families.”
Over his career, Pat participated in numerous rescues. One memorable incident involved a kayaker blown seven miles offshore. A mayday call alerted Pat and his team to the situation. The kayaker, exhausted, tied himself to his kayak to be more easily located. “We found him, and he made a full recovery,” Pat shared with relief.
Reflecting on his time with the Harbor Patrol, Pat has vivid memories of the thrilling marine encounters and the beauty of vibrant sea life, although the challenging rescues often linger in his mind longer.
Ventura Harbor has seen its share of tsunamis too, famously triggered by events in Chile and Japan, and a volcanic eruption in Tonga. During the most recent tsunami, a Harbor Patrol boat sank while Pat was on duty. He explained that the harbor’s narrow entrance led to significant damage from the rushing water. In those moments, both the currents and his boat exceeded the harbor’s speed limit, moving sideways up to 7–8 knots. While such events are fascinating to witness, Pat acknowledges that the tragic events can be quite intense. “My job has always been about public safety, and I love that aspect.”
Pat noted that although the core responsibilities of the Harbor Patrol have remained constant, California now requires all boat operators to possess a California Boating Card, which started in January 2025. This card is accompanied by a test covering boating safety fundamentals, requirements, and necessary equipment.
Technological advancements have greatly enhanced safety, with tools such as GPS, radar, and direction finders now on rescue boats. These innovations allow the Harbor Patrol to locate stranded individuals more effectively and improve safety for all—especially important when navigating through fog.
For young individuals interested in becoming Harbor Patrol officers, Pat encourages gaining boating experience, obtaining EMT certification, and participating in recent lifeguard training. A swimming test is now a requirement for the position. Canoe races and youth sail training may lay the groundwork for future Harbor Patrol careers, transforming a fun hobby into a profession.
Collaboration with local police departments and the Coast Guard has been vital for community engagement. Public safety agencies hosted open houses where Pat enjoyed discussing public safety with children and adults alike. It was rewarding to see officers contributing to the Harbor Blotter section in local Breeze newspaper and other news outlets, sharing stories about marine life and harbor events.
Pat also assisted in organizing community events like the Witches Paddle and the Parade of Lights, ensuring vessels stayed on course. Safety was a priority, especially in looking out for children without life jackets and keeping smaller objects clear of larger vessels.
Often, Pat and his colleagues patrolled local neighborhoods like the Portside community and the Marina Mobile Home Park, providing a friendly deterrent. His humor shone through as he remarked on how, after 15 years with the Harbor Patrol, the biggest crime he faced was the theft of lawn ornaments. “Apparently, our biggest crime wave involved garden gnomes making a run for it!”
Reflecting on his service, Pat is proud to have dedicated his life to public safety. For him, being a Harbor Patrol officer wasn’t just a job—it was a passion. “It was like getting paid to live in a postcard!” he exclaims with a smile, reminding everyone of the breathtaking beauty of coastal life he has experienced.
