Selectmen didn’t have to search far or wide for a new harbormaster, saying the best candidate already proved himself capable as a department employee for 15 years.

On Tuesday, board members voted unanimously to offer Assistant Harbormaster and Shellfish Officer Isaac Perry the position soon to be left vacant by Michael Cormier.

“I’ve had the opportunity to see this individual work, and I think he does an outstanding job,” Selectman Jody Dickerson said. “He’s perfect for the town of Marion.”

Town Administrator Paul Dawson said Perry submitted a letter of interest for the position. Also, all members of the town’s Marine Advisory Commission favored hiring Perry. Last month, Cormier announced he would retire as of Jan. 1. However, he’ll be using accrued vacation time before then. He is expected to stop working at the end of this month.

Cormier has served as harbormaster for the past decade after retiring from the police department after 21 years of service.

Before the vote, Selectman Jon Henry recommended advertising the position and interviewing candidates.

“I think it’s good business to see who applies and who is out there,” Henry said. “King Neptune might show up and apply for the job.”

Chair Stephen Cushing and Dickerson disagreed.

As a boat owner, Cushing said he’s seen first hand the high quality of service offered by the harbormaster’s office in general and Perry’s professionalism in particular.

“It doesn’t always happen, but this is one of those instances where the person who is second in command is more than capable of walking into the position,” Cushing said. Dawson noted that, as assistant, Perry has stayed current with changing state regulations and certifications required for the job.

“This is a position that has evolved through the years,” Dawson said. “We have an employee who meets that criteria.”

The board voted to hire Perry pending successful contract negotiations.