Verified titleholders can request to surrender their recreational vessels free of charge to participating agencies. If accepted, the title of the vessel must be free of any loan balances, liens, and/or taxes. Proof of ownership and a Release of Interest and Ownership form are required to be provided to the agency. The agency has the vessel demolished and submits proper notification to the DMV, and provides a reimbursement request to DBW.
For vessels surrendered through the SAVE Surrendered Vessel Program, reimbursable covered expenses are vessel and hazmat removal, towing from agency to landfill, demolition and disposal.
For abandoned vessels and marine debris, the SAVE provides reimbursement funds for the abatement, removal, storage, and disposal of abandoned vessels, wrecked or dismantled vessels, parts, or any other partially submerged objects that pose a substantial hazard to navigation from navigable waterways or adjacent public property, or private property with the landowner’s consent, per Harbors and Navigation Code (HNC) Section 525.
In addition, for abandoned vessels, other expenses such as towing, hazmat removal, appraisals, and lien sale costs are also reimbursable through the SAVE.