The Washington Department of Natural Resource (DNR)’s “Derelict Vessel Removal Program” helps to remove derelict vessels from Washington waters.  The program cleans up old, abandoned vessels in addition to helping boat owners who can no longer care for their vessels to turn them in for responsible disposal. Derelict vessels remain a problem, however, even though disposing a vessel before it becomes derelict considerably less expensive and less damaging to the environment.

Recent legislation, effective June 11, 2020, strives to expand and improve this program.

The new legislation expands vessels requiring inspection and insurance prior to sale from 40ft to 35ft, and gives DNR the authority to ticket vessels that are not properly licensed and registered.  

DNR created a helpful flyer with a run-down of these legislative changes for you to share with boaters at your port’s marina.