Abandoned and Derelict Vessels

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program, in partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, provided support for the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association Foundation to develop the report, Recycling Opportunities for Abandoned, Derelict, and End-of-Life Recreational Vessels. This report was developed to summarize the study required in Section 136 of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act. It highlights the challenges presented by abandoned, derelict, and end-of-life vessels and outlines several steps that could lead toward a viable nationwide vessel recycling program.

The Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) End-of-Life Vessel Material Management Guide highlights the feasibility of recycling fiberglass from end-of-life vessels. This guide is intended to assist public officials, marine businesses, waste processing firms, environmental organizations, boat owners, and others interested in partnerships and practices to recycle fiberglass vessels as part of a Vessel Turn-in Program (VTIP) or abandoned and derelict vessel removal program. Developed with support from a NOAA Marine Debris Program prevention grant, the guide highlights preparation and dismantling, transportation and recycling, identifying partners, and material management support.

Learn more about abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs), how to prevent them, and how you can help.

This National Response Team (NRT) document provides guidance for federal On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) and Area Committees developing solutions for the abatement of pollution from abandoned vessels. This document also examines options applicable to the removal and disposition of abandoned vessels, including existing state programs.

Ten Best Management Practices are recommended to provide the most expeditious removal of recreational vessels from our national waterways and lands.

Understanding the process can ensure success.

by LCDR CHARLES BRIGHT
U.S. Coast Guard Office of Marine Transportation Systems

A workshop to address abandoned and derelict vessels was held September 14-17, 2009, in Miami, Florida, with the intention of bringing together Federal agency representatives and state coastal managers to facilitate discussion on abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) and share challenges and successful practices. The State-level Responses to Abandoned and Derelict Vessels workshop was held September 15 to 17, 2009. This document is organized to provide two levels of detail for any audience interested in ADVs, including introductory and high-level information on the components of a state-level ADV program, detailed program information, and case studies. Citation: Parry, N. and K. McElwee. (eds.). 2010. Proceedings of the Workshop on State-level Responses to Abandoned and Derelict Vessels. September 15-17, 2009. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS-OR&R-37.