A big problem for marina operators and an environmental problem for all New Yorkers.
WHEN BOAT OWNERS abandon unwanted vessels, whether by deserting boats at marinas or ditching them in the harbor, all registered boaters may soon be paying the costs of salvaging and properly disposing of forsaken boats. Many states are adding a surcharge to vessel registration to finance the high cost of retrieving scuttled boats. For now, derelict boats can cost taxpayers as much as $15,000 per vessel to extricate.
Why are boats being dumped? Boats are good economic indicators. When the economy is good, boat sales are up. When the economy is bad, there is an increase in the number of boats abandoned by owners. Some can’t afford to pay or don’t want to deal with taking the boat to salvage yards. Still others sink their boat and file an insurance claim.
Boats foresaken by owners who no longer want to maintain them are an environmental and navigational hazard in the harbor. Boats are often dumped after removing the identification number on the hull. Boats swamped at the dock or illegally beached at low tide leak toxins like gas, oil and sewage into the waterways. Vessels littering our shores and sand bars can damage fragile habitat areas, break apart endangering boats and obstructing navigation channels.
The marina bears the burden of disposal of the abandoned and derelict vessels cluttering up its yard by first paying to take title to the junked boat before paying to have the boat crushed and disposed of. The marina incurs the additional costs of labor to make the vessel environmentally ready for salvage and lost revenue for storage.
On the water, the US Coast Guard will remove those vessels that are a hazard to navigation. The vessel owner is ultimately responsible for removing an abandoned vessel or reimbursing the removing agency once removed.
New York State does not have a formal program for abandoned vessels. Abandoned vessels are governed by the disposition of wrecked property under New York State navigation laws.
BOAT DONATIONS -
CALL TOLL FREE 8 6 6 – 2 4 4 – 8 4 6 4 Donation is one way to dispose of an unwanted boat. The program makes it fast and easy to donate a boat or jet ski while also supporting clean boating charities. Designate your boat contribution to Going Coastal and 100% of your donation goes to benefit local waters.
Vessels will be picked up anywhere in the country. Call 866-244-8464 for a free evaluation or complete the form online at actiondonation.org.
Reference:
http://www.goingcoastal.org
http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/about/ welcome.html
