The Derelict Vessel Removal Program (DVRP) is administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  Under the DVRP, certain authorized public entities, including the DNR and other public entities that own or manage aquatic lands, may take custody and dispose of abandoned or derelict vessels on aquatic lands within their jurisdiction.  

Various process requirements, including notice provisions and an opportunity for appeal, apply to the seizure of vessels.  It is a misdemeanor to cause a vessel to become abandoned or derelict, and the owner is responsible for the cost of removal and disposal.

In order to be derelict, a vessel must be impermissibly left on public waters or property, impermissibly left on private property, or left for seven days and be in danger of sinking, obstructing a waterway, or endangering life or property.  Derelict vessels have a known owner who exerts control over the vessel and can be located.

In order to be abandoned, a vessel must be impermissibly left in the same area for a period of 30 consecutive days, or 90 days in a 365-day period.  Abandoned vessels have an owner that is unknown, cannot be located, or is unwilling to take control of the vessel.

The definition of a derelict vessel is modified to:

• remove the requirement that the owner is known, is able to be located, and exerts control of the vessel; and
• include vessels that have been in violation of registration requirements for at least two annual registration periods (two years) and are prioritized for removal by the DNR or another authorized public entity.