Since its launch in 2003, Washington's Derelict Vessel Removal Program has removed about 340 vessels from the state's waterways. Photo courtesy of Washington Department of Natural Resources

Washington’s State Senate has passed a bill intended to make it easier to clean up and remove the approximately 200 derelict and abandoned vessels littering local waterways.

The bill, which now goes to Gov. Chris Gregoire for approval, would make it a misdemeanor to cause a vessel to sink, break up or block navigational channels.

Abandoned and derelict vessels can pose navigational hazards for other boats and environmental hazards for marine life. They can contain a toxic mix of chemicals such as fuel, oil and cleaning material that can leak out and put marine life at risk.

Government entities often take temporary possession of derelict or abandoned vessels when they pose health or safety threats, including the risk of environmental contamination.

But current law makes it more difficult to hold vessel owners accountable in such situations, according to the state’s Department of Natural Resources, which administers Washington’s Derelict Vessel Removal Program. Public entities are not protected from lawsuits like other emergency responders, and DNR says some municipalities have cited that as a reason why they have declined to participate in the vessel removal program.

“Some of the local agencies felt that could be a problem,” said Melissa Ferris, who runs the Derelict Vessel Removal Program. “That [protection] is in place for nurses and emergency responders. We felt that local agencies deserved the same kind of protection.”

The bill would also allow marinas to contract with public agencies to remove abandoned boats, not just derelict boats. In many cases, DNR says, the only difference between abandoned and derelict boats is whether or not the owner can be found.

It would also allow port districts to be reimbursed for 90 percent of the costs of removing derelict and abandoned vessels. Other public entities have been able to get the 90 percent reimbursement, but the statute governing port districts limited the amount to 75 percent.

Launched in 2003, the Derelict Vessel Removal Program is one of only a handful of such initiative nationwide. Boaters fund the program through a $3 annual boat registration fee. Since its inception, the program has removed about 340 derelict and abandoned vessels from Washington’s waterways.

About Deborah Bach

Deborah Bach is the editor and co-founder of Three Sheets Northwest. She is an avid sailor and long-time professional journalist. You can find Deborah aboard Three Sheets, an Island Packet 38, with her husband Marty and their cat Lily.

• View all posts by Deborah Bach →
• Blog
• Facebook