Vancouver, British Columbia - Wrecked, abandoned, or hazardous boats can pose threats to the environment, local communities, and economies. Through the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada continues to take action to address problem vessels and ensure owner accountability.
Recently, the Canadian Coast Guard exercised its authority under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act to issue a $15,000 fine, in the form of an administrative monetary penalty, to a vessel owner in British Columbia. The owner was required to pay within 30 days or to apply for a review hearing with the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada.
On April 3, 2024, the Canadian Coast Guard issued a fine to the owner of an unnamed 30 foot sailing vessel located on the Jericho Beach breakwater, Vancouver, British Columbia. The vessel was found to pose a hazard to the marine environment and public safety based on the following criteria:
- The vessel was in a location accessible to the general public, and due to its instability and damaged state, could have caused injury to persons entering.
- The vessel caused structural damage to the administrative building of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and the main support beams for the dock beside the building.
- The continued damage to the fiberglass hull of the vessel would produce pollution to the marine environment through broken parts drifting away.
The issuance of this fine comes after the vessel owner failed to comply with the Canadian Coast Guard's directions to remove the vessel and take all reasonable measures to prevent pollution from entering the marine environment by January 24, 2024.
Owners are responsible for the costs of addressing their problem vessel. This includes cleanup or repairs, and any remediation action taken by the Canadian Coast Guard. The Canadian Coast Guard works with vessel owners to address their problem vessels. The issuance of a penalty is a last resort when all other avenues have been exhausted. Under the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, the Canadian Coast Guard is required to publicly report the penalties issued to vessel owners on its website.
The Canadian Coast Guard asks for the public's assistance in reporting wrecked, abandoned or hazardous vessels.
