The Removal Process

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, you have the following disposal options:

• find a boat recycling facility in your area
• search for charities or companies in your region that may want your boat
• ask the nearest landfill operator if they accept old boats
• ask local boat retailers if they take old boats in trade

However, if you wish to remove and dispose of it yourself you will need to document your actions, take photos of the vessel, and use the following steps below:

1. 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.

2. Develop a Budget Plan

   Every wreck removal is different and can range from fairly inexpensive to a major financial undertaking.  Some things that you should consider when preparing your budget:

   • Legal costs (e.g. for obtaining possession of vessel)
   • 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)

3. 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.

   Scenario 1: The owner is willing to transfer possession of the vessel for the purpose of removal and disposal:

   Vessel is on land

   Complete the owner consent form then 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.

   Scenario 2: 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.

   Scenario 3: 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.

   • 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.
   • 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.
   • Contact a lawyer who will work with you to obtain legal possession.
   • Throughout this entire process, remember to document your actions and take photos of the vessel.