Derelict Vessel Prevention

Derelict Vessel Prevention

Derelict and abandoned vessels threaten the health and safety of the marine environment including wildlife and people. San Juan County’s Derelict Vessel Program works to remove and dispose of derelict and abandoned vessels in the County’s waters. The MRC is partnering with the County to identify vessels at risk of becoming derelict or abandoned. To learn more about the program and how you can report a derelict vessel please check out the County's Derelict Vessel Removal Program webpage.  

Free Vessel Turn In Event

Has your ‘dream boat’ become a ‘nightmare?’ You might qualify to dispose your old boat in a FREE Vessel Turn-In event! 

The Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) is managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to help prevent boats from becoming derelict or abandoned and to keep pollution out of our marine habitats.

April 2024 event to be hosted by the San Juan County Derelict Vessel Program, San Juan County Marine Resources Committee, Port of Friday Harbor Marina & Airport, Northwest Straits Initiative Commission, and Washington State Department of Natural Resources(DNR).

Participation is open to anyone who is a WA resident or has proof of ownership or the legal authority to dispose of the vessel. 
A1 Marine tows a leaking wooden boat to shore to be salvaged. The vessel had been illegally moored, then was illegally anchored. Photo: Journal of the San Juans
Some of the refuse and potentially hazardous materials that could have ended up in the water if the boat sank. Photo: Journal of the San Juans
The vessel's hull. 'This isn't a problem we've had in the past or a problem we're going to have in the future. It's a problem we have today,' said Terry Whalen of A1 Marine. Photo: Journal of the San Juans

MRC Action on the Derelict Vessel Program

The current County Derelict Vessel Program was reinstated by the County due to the hard work of former MRC member, and Port of Friday Harbor Commissioner, Barbara Marrett.  Read more about this effort in the following MRC recommendations:

Learn about efforts throughout Puget Sound about removing abandoned and derelict vessels from the Encyclopedia of Puget Sound.

Derelict Vessel Prevention