Illegal Moorings and Derelict Boats In BC: A Crisis!

The proliferation of derelict vessels and unpermitted mooring buoys in British Columbia has created a complex web of environmental and navigational risks. This video breaks down the current legal framework governing our waterways and the steps you can take to address these hazards. The Legal Framework: The primary legislation managing this issue is the federal Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act (WAHVA). This act establishes owner liability and provides the authority for removal if a vessel is left in disrepair in the same location for 60+ days. The Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act is the primary tool for enforcement. Under this Act, it is illegal for an owner to: Abandon a vessel or cause it to become a wreck through neglect.  Sink, strand, or ground a vessel on purpose.  Leave a vessel in poor condition in the same area (within a 3-nautical-mile radius) for more than 60 consecutive days without authorization.  Leave a vessel adrift for more than 48 hours without taking measures to secure it.  Owner Liability: Owners are strictly liable for the costs of locating, marking, and removing their vessels. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties, including fines up to $50,000 for individuals ($250,000 for corporations) or, in serious cases of prosecution, up to $6 million or imprisonment. Additionally, Transport Canada’s Navigation Protection Program (NPP) oversees private mooring buoys, which must adhere to strict marking and placement standards under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act. How to Report: Reporting ensures that regional authorities have the data needed to initiate remediation efforts. Use the following resources: Immediate Environmental or Safety Threats: Contact the Canadian Coast Guard 24/7 emergency line at 1-800-889-8852 (or monitor VHF Channel 16). Abandoned Vessels & Navigation Hazards: Report to the Transport Canada Navigation Protection Program at 1-833-351-4828 or submit a report via the online portal. Crown Land & Unauthorized Mooring: For concerns regarding the occupation of provincial Crown land (the seabed), contact FrontCounter BC. They act as the primary interface for provincial land use authorizations and can assist in determining if a mooring is operating without provincial tenure. Find your local office or contact them via their service portal. Note: When reporting, please provide precise GPS coordinates, timestamped photos, and any visible vessel identifiers (registration numbers, names, or hull details) to assist authorities in their investigation. Be sure to include the following language and ask for a case number: "I am reporting an unlawful obstruction under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act. While this work may be classified by some as a 'minor work,' its placement renders navigation and the public right to anchor in this specific location more difficult and dangerous. As per Section 3 of the CNWA, this work is prohibited. I request a formal assessment of whether this specific work constitutes an obstruction to navigation, and if so, an order for its removal as per the Minister's authority." #BCBoating #MaritimeSafety #WAHVA #LivingAboard #CoastalConservation #SailBC #FrontCounterBC