KBB Launches Survey Of Abandoned Vessels
Keep Bermuda Beautiful [KBB] and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will conduct a new survey of Bermuda’s waters to identify abandoned and derelict vessels that may pose environmental, navigational or safety concerns.
A spokesperson said, “Keep Bermuda Beautiful [KBB], in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources [DENR], is preparing to launch the next phase of Bermuda’s abandoned and derelict vessel initiative with a new survey of the island’s waters. The survey will identify vessels that may be abandoned and support the process of notifying owners, assessing vessel status and arranging the removal of vessels that pose environmental, navigational or safety concerns. Boat owners are encouraged to ensure their vessels are properly registered and maintained and to arrange for the responsible disposal of vessels that are no longer in use.”
“Abandoned vessels can have a lasting impact on Bermuda’s marine environment, from creating navigational hazards to damaging sensitive marine habitats and releasing pollutants into the water,” said Angel Smith, Executive Director of Keep Bermuda Beautiful. “This survey is an important step in identifying vessels before they become more serious environmental and public safety concerns and gives owners an opportunity to address vessels that may have fallen into disrepair before they become a greater environmental or navigational concern.”
Jache Adams, Minister of Public Works and Environment, said: “This initiative reflects the value of collaboration between Government, the charitable sector and the wider community in protecting Bermuda’s waterways. By identifying and addressing abandoned vessels early, we can reduce the risk of costly recoveries following storms and help preserve the safe and responsible use of our marine environment for residents and visitors alike.”
The spokesperson said, “Following the survey work, vessels identified as potentially abandoned may be included in a Government Notice and published in the Official Gazette. Once gazetted, a 30-day period is provided for owners or authorised parties to remove or otherwise regularise the vessel in accordance with boat registration and mooring requirements.
“Owners of vessels that may be considered abandoned are encouraged to act promptly. In addition to responding during the 30-day gazette period, boat owners may choose to voluntarily surrender a vessel to Government to dispose of it at no cost and without penalty by completing a removal & disposal of abandoned vessel consent form. This option is intended to help boat owners resolve end-of-life vessels responsibly and avoid the risks that come with leaving a boat to deteriorate in the marine environment. Boat owners are also encouraged to contact a boat yard or marine contractor for assistance in removal and disposal of unwanted vessels.
Project Progress and Funding
“Since the project started in 2022, KBB has removed 102 abandoned vessels at a cost of more than $250,000. Each removal varies in complexity and cost depending on the vessel’s size, condition and location, with removal costs ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 per vessel. This removal work is funded solely by individual and corporate donors.”
“Removing abandoned and derelict vessels can be a complex process that requires careful planning, specialist equipment and resources to ensure removals are carried out safely and with minimal environmental impact” said Amy Shillingford, KBB’s project lead for the initiative. “This public-private-charity partnership is critical in helping us to take action against this environmental problem and to nurture responsible boat owners of the future.”
Boat and Mooring Registration
The spokesperson said, “Keeping boat and mooring registrations current is one of the simplest steps boat owners can take to avoid vessels becoming abandoned. KBB encourages boat owners to contact the Boats and Moorings Section of the Department of Marine and Ports Services to ensure their registrations remain current and compliant with regulatory requirements. Email boatsandmoorings@gov.bm or call 444-1221 / 246-8222.
Report an Abandoned Boat
“Members of the public may report vessels that are sunk, grounded, wrecked or otherwise appear abandoned by emailing cleanup@kbb.bm.”
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