The Coast Guard Station at Boothbay Harbor will be temporarily operating at reduced capacity for several weeks in August and September according to Ryan Smith, officer-in-charge at the station. In an email to selectmen, Smith said the station will be on a 28-day Not Mission Capable status in response to workforce issues, limiting search and rescue operations.

The change will be in effect Aug. 16-Sept. 15, except for Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-4.

Fully normal coverage will resume Sept. 16.

During the limited coverage, Coast Guard officials said they will continue to meet designated search and rescue response times with a layered approach that includes adjacent Coast Guard resources. This includes leveraging stations in South Portland and Rockland with support from Northern New England sectors and other surface and air assets.

According to Smith, the change was necessary due to personnel issues. He said the adjustments will support readiness efforts by enabling crew to address personnel requirements and train and qualify new crew members to sustain future mission capabilities.

The boating public’s communications with the Coast Guard will remain unchanged. Any mariner or boater in distress should use VHF Channel 16 or call the relevant sector command center.