Policy Text
DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER
J-03.1: TOWING PROCEDURES – ABANDONED /SALVAGED
RECREATIONAL WATERBORNE VESSELS
SUBMERGED NAVIGATIONAL HAZARD ABATEMENT
PLAN (SNHAP)
Effective Date: 21 Sep 22
Coordinator: Special Operations Section
Page 1 of 7
Policy and Procedure for the removal of abandoned recreational vessels through the
Division of Boating and Waterways Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange
(SAVE) / Grant Program .
COMMAND INTENT
Through a grant program provided by the Division of Boating and Waterways, the
Oakland Police Department, upon identifying derelict recreational vessels with no
identifiable owner, will remove and dispose of the vessels in accordance with those
provisions set forth in the Harbors & Navigation Codes and Alameda County Codes
regarding wrecked and salvaged vessels.
A. Definitions and Authorities
A – 1.
1.1. Dilapidated /Abandoned Recreational Vessel: A vessel that may be
seaworthy and mobile but is dilapidated and abandoned on Oakland waters for
more than 30 days. The vessel must be unoccupied. Complete definition at
Harbors and Navigation section 522. Removal procedures are in B -1 below.
1.2. Marine Debris: A vessel or part of a vessel that is unseaworthy and
cannot be used for transportation. Complete definition at Harbors and
Navigation Code section 550(b). Removal procedures are in B -2 below.
A – 2. Authority to Remove:
The authority to remove and dispos e of abandoned vessels is covered under:
1. Harbo rs & Navigation Code sections 522, 523, 525, and 526 allow for the
removal of vessels that are seaworthy but dilapidated and have been
abandoned on the waters of the State for more than 30 days. The vessel
must have a value of less than $300. Removal procedures are in B -1
below.
2. Harbors & Navigation Code section 551 allows for the removal and
disposal of marine debris under the procedures in B-2 below.
DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER J-03.1 Effective Date
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT 21 Sep 22
Page 2 of 7 B. Reported or Located Abandoned Recreational Vessel:
B – 1. If the vessel is seaworthy but dilapidated and appears to be abandoned
per A -1.1:
1. If the vessel is adrift, OPD must moor it at a safe moorage.
2. If the vessel is moored at a location that presents a hazard , interferes with
traffic , or threatens wetlands or water quality, and can be towed, OPD will
tow it and moor it at a safe moorage.
3. If the vessel is not adrift and does not present a hazard, it can be left on
site. OPD should post a notice on the vessel stating that the vessel appears
to be abandoned . If the owner posts a notice of the owner’s address on the
vessel 10 days before the deadline and provides the notice to the City , then
OPD shall provide a second notice giving the owner 15 days to remove the
vessel. If the vessel is not removed in the first 30 -day period or after the
15-day second notice, OPD may remove the vessel to storage .
4. Once the vessel is in storage, contact the City Attorney’s Office regarding
disposal or sale.
B – 2. If the vessel is not seaworthy and is thus marine debris per A -1.2:
1. If the vessel presents a hazard, either adrift or moored , OPD will remove it
to storage . If the vessel cannot be towed, OPD may immediately destroy
and/or dispose of it. If the vessel has a hull number or the owner is
otherwise identifiable, OPD will send notice to the owner at the owner's
address of record with DMV , by certified or first -class mail .
2. If the vessel is not adrift and not a hazard, OPD will attach a notice to the
vessel , giving OPD’s address and phone number and sta ting that the vessel
will be removed if not claimed or removed within 10 days . If the vessel
has a hull number or the owner is otherwise identifiable, OPD will
additionally send a notice to the owner at the owner's ad dress of record
with the DMV , by certified or first -class mail.
3. After 10 days from mailing or posting a notice (whichever is later) , if the
owner does not claim the vessel and pays OPD’s towing and storage costs ,
OPD may destroy the vessel.
B – 3. Content of Mailed and Posted Notices:
1. Agency name , phone number, address
DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER J-03.1 Effective Date
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT 21 Sep 22
Page 3 of 7 2. Date
3. Harbor & Navigation Codes which authorize the removal of the
abandoned vessel (see section A -2 above for