Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program

How to remove a vessel

If you have found a vessel that you have determined to meet the definition of abandoned and/or wrecked, and you wish to remove and dispose of it:

• document your actions;
• take photos of the vessel; and
• use the following steps below.

If the vessel is located in a small craft harbour listed in Schedule I of the Fishing and Recreation Harbours Regulations, you may apply to the SCH Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program.

If the vessel is located outside of a small craft harbour, you may be eligible for funding through the Transport Canada Abandoned Boats Program.

An abandoned vessel includes at least one of the following:

• the owner is unknown or cannot be located;
• the owner expressed intent to abandon;
• the vessel has been in the same location for an unusually long period of time;
• there is no evidence of the vessel being looked after over a significant period of time;
• the vessel has drifted or has had to be re-secured by others;
• the vessel is slowly taking on water; and/or
• there is an absence of a current registration number

A wrecked vessel includes one or more of the following:

• the vessel appears to be partially or substantially destroyed;
• it is partially or completely sunk;
• it is lying ashore or grounded; and/or;
• it is stranded, in distress or dilapidated.

Before you begin

Determine whether the vessel poses an immediate and serious threat to public safety (because of fire, explosion, suspicious activity).	Call 911
Determine whether the boat or wreck poses a potential, actual or immediate threat to the environment (leaking oil, or other pollution)	Contact the Canadian Coast Guard
Determine whether the boat or wreck poses a potential, actual or immediate threat to safe navigation (makes navigation dangerous, blocks boats from passage)	Contact Transport Canada's Navigation Protection Program

Develop a project plan

The most effective way to keep track of all elements of the project is through a project plan. The project plan should clearly outline the planned schedule with key activities and timelines, such as:

• planning and preparation, including:
• assessments
• surveys
• possession activities
• project delivery, including:
• removal
• disposal

Ensure that potential liabilities are accounted for, and contractors and surveyors have appropriate insurance, certifications, field experience, etc.

Assessments should take into consideration the complexity of the project, risks posed by the vessel in its current state as well as risks associated with its removal (whether safety or environmental), salvage value (if appropriate).

A mitigation strategy may also be necessary, particularly if the removal is complex, with high risk factors related to pollutants, disturbance of sensitive ecological areas, introduction of aquatic invasive species, etc.

Include a budget plan

For every element of the project plan, you must keep track of expenditures.

For the purposes of reimbursement under the cost-shared Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program, you will also be required to track in-kind or cash contributions, outside funding sources, and any other financial support received.

You may want to consider obtaining multiple quotes for the removal and disposal process. The quote(s) should outline expected costs for all steps in the process including, but not limited to:

• salvage costs (e.g., raising, securing and preparing the vessel)
• transportation costs (e.g., towing to appropriate location for removal, towing to disposal site); and
• disposal costs (e.g., demolition, dumping fees, environmental permits)

Steps to obtain legal possession

You must obtain legal possession of the vessel in order to assess, remove and dispose of it. Legal possession is not ownership. It allows you access to the vessel for the sole purpose of removing and disposing of it. Ownership of the vessel is not required.

Remember to document your actions and take photos of the vessel.

If the owner is willing to transfer possession of the vessel for the purpose of removal and disposal:

Vessel is on land

1. Complete the owner consent form.
2. Once completed, you may proceed with assessment, removal and disposal of the vessel.

Vessel is in water

Contact Transport Canada's Navigation Protection Program. Transport Canada will advise you of the necessary steps to take to obtain legal possession.

If the owner is unwilling to transfer possession of the vessel for the purpose of removal and disposal:

Vessel is on land or in water

It is recommended that you contact your local Fisheries and Oceans Canada Regional Office to discuss next steps. Whether on land or in water, if the owner is not willing to transfer possession, it is possible that you will need to seek legal counsel to determine mechanisms available to you in order to obtain legal possession of the vessel.

It is important that you retain photos and detailed records of any communications or efforts you undertake to have the vessel removed by the owner.

If the owner is unknown:

Vessel is on land

It is your responsibility to make every effort to identify the owner and provide an opportunity to any person with a vested interest in the vessel to come forward.

1. Complete registry and other searches, such as:
   • Transport Canada Ships Registry;
   • Fisheries and Oceans databases;
   • provincial databases, including Personal Property Registry, Provincial Corporate Registry, Federal Corporate Registry;
   • social media and internet searches; and
   • ask around the community and harbour
2. Publish a 31-day public notice indicating your intent to seek legal possession of the vessel in order to remove and dispose of it.
   • Place notice on the vessel, on the property where the vessel is located, in the newspaper, on social media, etc.
   • Retain documented proof of publication
3. Contact a lawyer who will work with you to obtain legal possession.

Vessel is in water

Contact Transport Canada's Navigation Protection Program. Transport Canada will advise you of the necessary steps to take to obtain legal possession.

Apply to the program

You may apply for contribution funding under the cost-shared Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program.