Unseaworthy, abandoned vessels and wrecks

Abandoned or derelict boats pose serious risks to navigation, harm the marine environment, and can be costly to remove and dispose of. 

Boat owner responsibilities  

As a boat owner, you are legally responsible for maintaining your vessel in a seaworthy and safe condition. 

If your vessel is nearing the end of its life: 

• Don’t wait until it’s too late 
• Plan ahead for responsible disposal or sale 

Prevention is always better, and cheaper than dealing with a wreck. 

Legal framework 

The Maritime Transport Act 1994 provides the legal basis for managing abandoned vessels and wrecks: 

• Section 33L – Removal of abandoned vessels 
• Section 33J – Removal of wrecks 

These provisions give the Harbourmaster the authority to act swiftly in removing and disposing of abandoned or derelict vessels to protect safety and the environment. Costs incurred during this process may be recovered from the vessel owner. 

If you’re unsure what to do with your vessel or need support with managing disposal the process, reach out to the Harbourmaster team.