National Abandoned Vessel Program
Purpose:
Abandoned and derelict vessels are a persistent issue in U.S. waterways, contributing to environmental degradation, obstructing navigation, and imposing financial burdens on local, state, and federal agencies. Current efforts to address this issue are fragmented and underfunded, limiting the ability to mitigate risks effectively and prevent future occurrences. Early intervention often reduces the complexity of removal, overall cost, and harm to local to waterway.
Strategic Alignment:
Section 250 of the 2025 U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act supports and aligns with the Coast Guard’s strategic goals of ensuring maritime safety, protecting the marine environment, and promoting economic prosperity. These priorities are foundational to the Coast Guard’s operational framework and align with broader Force Design 2028 initiatives focused on modernizing and enhancing operational capabilities.
Failure to address abandoned and derelict vessels will result in increased environmental damage, higher removal costs, and risks to navigation safety.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Several challenges hinder the seamless integration of state ADV data into a national system:
- Lack of a unified federal framework: While various federal agencies have roles in addressing ADVs, there is no single law that holds vessel owners accountable or provides consistent funding for removal.
- Inconsistent state laws and funding: The patchwork of state laws and funding mechanisms makes it difficult to implement a standardized national approach.
- Difficulty in tracking ownership: Identifying the owners of abandoned vessels can be a major hurdle, especially for older vessels with incomplete records.
- High costs of removal: The cost of removing and disposing of an ADV can be substantial, often exceeding the value of the vessel.
Despite these challenges, there is a clear trend toward greater collaboration and data sharing. The new national databases from the BoatUS Foundation and the USCG are critical steps in the right direction. Furthermore, proposed federal legislation, such as the "Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal Act," could provide the necessary funding and legal authority to create a truly national program.
For states, the key to successful integration will be to:
- Adopt standardized data collection and reporting practices.
- Utilize the available national databases to both contribute and access information.
- Advocate for consistent federal funding and clear legal frameworks.
- Collaborate with neighboring states and federal agencies to share information and resources.
By working together, states and federal agencies can create a more effective and efficient system for managing the problem of abandoned and derelict vessels, protecting our waterways, and ensuring navigational safety for all.
Resources:
- 2025 USCG Authorization Act.
- 2017 GAO Report