(1) Where must I file my vessel inspection documentation? The seller/transferor must file a hard copy vessel inspection disclosure report and supporting documentation at the following address:
Department of Natural Resources
Aquatic Resources Division
Derelict Vessel Removal Program
MS 47027
Olympia, WA 98504-7027
(2) What is the department's procedure for confirming receipt of vessel inspection disclosure documentation? The department will accept hard copies of a vessel inspection disclosure report and completed Acknowledgement Form from sellers/transferors.
(a) The department will transmit a hard copy or electronic notice of receipt to the seller/transferor within ten business days of receiving the vessel inspection disclosure documentation.
(b) Such department-issued notice of receipt does not constitute concurrence that the vessel inspection disclosure documentation meets the minimum criteria for a vessel inspection disclosure report, specified in WAC
332-30-123 or that the documentation was received prior to ownership transfer of the vessel.
(c) The department will maintain records of vessel inspection disclosure documentation for future determination of potential secondary liability.
(3) What is the department's procedure for determining and asserting secondary liability?
(a) The department will notify a prior owner of a vessel, determined to be derelict or abandoned, that they have secondary liability when cost recovery is sought, if:
(i) An authorized public entity has taken, or is in the process of taking, custody of the derelict or abandoned vessel;
(ii) The current owner cannot be identified or is financially insolvent;
(iii) The department does not have vessel inspection disclosure documentation on record for the derelict or abandoned vessel; and
(iv) The vessel was transferred after July 1, 2014.
(b) The department may provide such notice of secondary liability concurrently with a vessel custody action or after an authorized public entity has obtained custody of the vessel.