Abandoned and Derelict Vessel (ADV) Program

Per AS 30.30.170(6), vessel means every description of watercraft, barge, floating facility, or other artificial contrivance, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on or through the water. All forms of float houses and floating lodges fall under the umbrella of floating facilities and are subject to ADV enforcement statutes.

Per AS 30.30.090, ADVs are vessels that are:

• in immediate danger of sinking, or sunk
• obstructing waterways
• endangering public health and/or safety or the environment
• left on state or municipal property contrary to law
• left on private property without authorization from the owner

• AS 30.30.015 - A civil penalty of not more than $1,000 per day.
• AS 30.30.010(f) - A criminal misdemeanor punishable by one or more of the following:
  • (1) a fine of not less than $5,000 or more than $10,000;
  • (2) imprisonment for a period of not more than 90 days;
  • (3) forfeiture of the person's vessel.

You can anchor in the same spot without an authorization for up to 14 consecutive days. Under DNR's generally allowed uses ( 11 AAC 96.020 ) a person may anchor their vessel in the same location for up to 14 days with an authorization, after which you must move at least two miles to start a new 14-day period. Shuttling between two sites 2 miles apart does not satisfy this rule, long-term repeated use requires an authorization to avoid derelict status. There are exceptions such as anchoring in front of your private upland property.

An application for the appropriate land use permit under AS 38.05.850 costs $240, and permit applications are available here. The division will review and consider all applications, but there is no guarantee all applications will result in permits. A full list of Division of Mining, Land, and Water fees is available here.

Yes, the State of Alaska owns most tidelands, submerged lands, and shorelands where a vessel is most likely to become abandoned or derelict. There are a few exclusions, such as state lands conveyed to municipalities or withdrawn before statehood.

For more information regarding land ownership and interests on state land see SAIL's DMLW Managed Land and Water page. To research ownership of specific lands see DNR's research tools, including Alaska Mapper. Please contact SAIL or the Public Information Center with questions about ownership of specific lands.

Submit reports to dnr.adv@alaska.gov or via call or text at 907-451-2724. When submitting a report, please include as much information as possible, such as the vessel name, registration number, photos, and location.

• Keep your vessel in good working condition; make sure it is seaworthy and can move under its own power.
• If you are selling your boat, make sure to complete a bill of sale and ensure the new owner completes the proper registration paperwork with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Otherwise, you could still be considered an owner under AS 30.30.170 and financially responsible should the vessel later become abandoned or derelict.
• Before buying a boat, get an inspection done, evaluate how close the vessel is to the end of its useful life, and consider the cost to dispose of it at that time.
• Have an end-of-life plan for your vessel so you know what to do when it reaches the inevitable end of its useful life.
• Consider insuring your vessel.

Go to SAIL's spill reporting page for links to notify DEC Prevention Preparedness and Response (PPR), the National Response Center (NRC), and SAIL.