Marine Debris Program | Office of Response and Restoration | National Ocean Service

Though the legal definition of Abandoned 

and Derelict Vessels (ADVs) varies, vessels in 

significant disrepair that may pose a threat 

to the public or the environment are often 

considered to be an ADV. “Derelict” frequently 

refers to vessels that are dilapidated with an 

identifiable owner, while “abandoned” vessels 

are those where the owner is unknown or has 

surrendered rights of ownership. 

Vessels become abandoned and derelict for 

many reasons. Owners may neglect, or possibly 

abandon their boats when they can no longer 

afford to maintain them. Some boats may break 

loose from anchors or mooring and drift away, 

and some may be stolen. Catastrophic weather 

events can also result in large numbers of vessels 

becoming ADVs.

ADVs obstruct navigational channels, damage 

ecosystems, and diminish the recreational value 

of the surrounding area. Some ADVs may contain 

fuel and hazardous materials, which could leak 

into the surrounding water. ADV removal is 

often complicated and expensive, with some 

vessels located in hard-to-reach areas, requiring 

large, specialized equipment for recovery and 

transportation. The wreckage may persist for 

years, breaking apart and creating widespread 

debris that threatens marine and coastal 

resources. 

Abandoned and Derelict Vessels

What are ADVs?

Photo: Billeter Marine

Photo: Peter Kingsley-Smith, South Carolina Dept of Natural Resources
https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/ADV-InfoHub

How can YOU help?

The MDP created the ADV InfoHub as a central source 

of information regarding ADVs. Users can access 

information on local legislation, policies, funding, and 

available ADV Programs, as well as links to relevant 

publications, case studies, and legal reviews. Check out 

the InfoHub to find an ADV contact in your area.

In addition to the funding available from state agencies 

and other resources, the MDP supports marine debris 

and ADV removal through a competitive grants process. 

Through the Community-based Marine Debris 

Removal Grant opportunity, the MDP has supported the 

removal of almost 400 ADVs, amounting to over 2,400 

tons of debris.

How can ADVs be prevented?

ADVs are dangerous and costly problems, but they can 

be prevented! The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) 

supports ADV prevention and removal efforts across 

our coastal states and the Great Lakes, including online 

resources to educate and inform boat owners and the 

public. 

Boat owners should keep their registration current, 

purchase insurance, perform regular maintenance, and 

create an end-of-life plan for vessels. This plan may 

include:

• Proper disposal of hazardous materials

• Recycling valuable parts and metals

• Bringing the vessel to a salvage shop or landfill for 

recycling and disposal

• Researching whether your state has a voluntary 

vessel turn-in / disposal program 

Look out for these signs of an abandoned or derelict 

vessel: 

• Illegal mooring or no movement for over 30 days

• Listing to one side or sitting low in the water

• High algal, moss, grass, or plant growth on the 

vessel

• Leaking fluids, such as fuel, oil, or waste

• Severe external deterioration of paint, wood, or 

other materials

• Drifting into open water and blocking navigation

Photo: Coral Bay Community Council

Photo: Dauphin-Island Sea Lab

ADV InfoHub

@NOAAMarineDebris @NOAAdebris @NOAAdebris https://blog.marinedebris.noaa.gov/