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Abandoned & Derelict Vessels

Background | Workshop & Proceedings | Assessments | Participants/Partners | Benefits | Photos | Resources and 1-pagers | Links

Background

Abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) threaten our oceans, coasts, and waterways by obstructing navigational channels, causing harm to the environment, and diminishing commercial and recreational activities.  Assessing, removing, and disposing of these vessels requires significant financial and technical resources, which many states and territories lack.  In addition, a number of federal agencies have different mandates and authorities to respond to abandoned and derelict vessels.

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Workshop & Proceedings

In order to bring together the expertise of states and territories in responding to this issue, the NOAA Marine Debris Program coordinated the first national workshop in September 2009 to discuss the topic.  The goals of the workshop were to (1) identify and document best practices for preventing, removing, and disposing of ADVs; (2) enhance communication among states that have ADV programs and those looking to build them; (3) identify areas of need for technical assistance; and (4) share information on federal agencies’ ADV interests and resources.

Proceedings: Download the workshop proceedings document (abridged version) here (pdf; 15.3MB).

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Assessments

The Program also coordinated field assessments of derelict vessels, including two fishing vessels in American Samoa in 2008 and a barge in Fairfax County, Virginia, in 2009. The American Samoa report assessed the feasibility and options for removing two vessels and a debris field from a third vessel based on hull surveys, setting, local assets, and disposal options. The Virginia survey consisted of an engine room survey, structural analysis, and a survey of local assets for removal and disposal.  The final report of the assessment provided a number of removal options for the local constituency to consider.

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Partners

  • Federal Agencies (NOAA, USCG, USACE, FEMA, EPA, DOI, Navy)
  • Coastal States and U.S. Territories
  • Sea Grant Law Center
  • National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
  • Alice Ferguson Foundation

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Benefits

  • Highlight the negative impacts of ADVs on natural resources
  • Share successful practices for vessel removal and disposal
  • Develop methods to better prevent vessel abandonment
  • Improve understanding of state laws related to ADVs
  • Identify gaps in federal agency mandates and authorities

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Photos

Derelict vessel
An abandoned vessel may be a hazard to navigation. Credit: D. Dipre, Florida FWC

Derelict vessel
A derelict vessel is a hazard to the environment. Credit: D. Helton, NOAA

Workshop Participants
Workshop participants

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Resources and 1-pagers

Download a 1-page handout (pdf, 160KB) on what the NOAA Marine Debris Program is doing to help address abandoned and derelict vessels (ADV).

Download a 1-page handout (pdf, 166KB) on the components of a comprehensive ADV program.

National Sea Grant Law Center. 2009. State Laws Addressing Abandoned and Derelict Vessels. (pdf, 591KB)

The NOAA MDP asked the Sea Grant Law Center to compile information on various aspects of State abandoned vessel programs. In particular, information was sought on the definitions of abandoned vessel, designation processes, removal requirements, funding sources, disposal requirements or guidelines, and prioritization schemes. This information is intended as advisory research only and does not constitute legal representation of the NOAA Marine Debris Division, Program, or its constituents. It represents our interpretations of the relevant laws and regulations.

This report was prepared using traditional legal research methods. For each state, state laws and regulations were searched using Westlaw, an online legal database, for any provisions addressing abandoned, derelict, or adrift vessels. Web searches were also conducted to provide additional information on abandoned vessel programs. Upon completing a draft summary, the Law Center contacted the lead state agency for abandoned vessels to obtain feedback on our summary to verify results.

National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. 2009. Best Management Practices (BMP) for Abandoned Boats. Governmental Affairs and Administration Committee, Waterways Management Subcommittee. (pdf, 916KB)

Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Abandoned Boats:  Ten BMPs are recommended to provide the most expeditious removal of recreational vessels from our national waterways and lands.

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Links

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