Bill > S505

This bill addresses the issue of abandoned and derelict vessels in North Carolina's waters by establishing a comprehensive legal framework for their management and removal. The legislation defines key terms such as "abandoned vessel" (a vessel left moored for over 30 consecutive days without property owner permission), "derelict vessel" (an unattended vessel in significant disrepair), and "unattended" (when the owner is not present and has not responded to official notices). The bill grants law enforcement officers and the state commission broad powers to remove, relocate, and dispose of abandoned or derelict vessels from public and private lands, with protections against liability unless gross negligence is proven. It establishes specific procedures for addressing these vessels, including mandatory notification processes where vessel owners are given 30 days to remove or repair their vessel before it can be deemed forfeited. The legislation also imposes restrictions on anchoring and docking, limiting vessels to 10 days of uninterrupted mooring in a 30-day period and requiring owners to secure their vessels to prevent environmental or property damage. Notably, the bill includes exceptions for vessel emergencies and historic shipwrecks, and allows for cost recovery by local governments and state agencies for removal and environmental restoration efforts. The act is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, providing time for stakeholders to prepare for the new regulations.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S505