The Derelict Vessel Removal Program (DVRP) is administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  Under the DVRP, certain authorized public entities, including 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.

To be considered a derelict vessel, a vessel must be left on public waters or property, left on private property without authorization, 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.

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

Before an authorized public entity may take custody of a derelict or abandoned vessel, the public entity must take certain steps to publicize notice of its intent.  Once the public entity takes custody of a vessel, it may use or dispose of the vessel in any environmentally sound manner after first attempting to derive some value from it.  The owner of an abandoned or derelict vessel is responsible for the cost of removal and disposal of the vessel.  It is a misdemeanor to cause a vessel to become abandoned or derelict.  The owner of a seized vessel may request a hearing before the Pollution Control Hearings Board within 30 days of the date the public entity took custody to appeal either the seizure or the amount of reimbursement owed.

The definition of a derelict vessel is modified to:

• remove the requirement that the owner is known, 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 and are prioritized for removal by DNR or another authorized public entity.

PRO: Recently a tug sank and as a result there were millions in dollars in costs for cleanup. This bill is aimed at streamlining existing rules around identifying derelict vessels and being able to get them removed in a timely manner.  Stakeholders worked on this issue and it is a collaborative effort.  Derelict vessel removal costs can put significant strain on small marinas and ports.  Vessels that are unregistered for two or more years may be considered derelict.  Ports can work with DNR to intervene before vessels deteriorate and sink, causing environmental damage.  Without early intervention, issues and costs can escalate very quickly.  Derelict vessels just don't disappear, and may leak fuel and toxic materials, break apart, create debris and result in safety hazards for people using our beaches and waterways.  By streamlining the authority to swiftly remove these hazards, it will protect our environment and ease financial burdens on state and local resources. 

PRO: Representative Adison Richards, Prime Sponsor; James Weaver, Port of Poulsbo; James Cockburn, Washington Public Ports Association; Mark Trenary, City of Port Orchard Council Member; Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour, Jefferson County.