Abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) are a chronic problem along the South Carolina coast. In addition to direct impact on fragile marsh and benthic habitat, ADVs diminish the safe recreational use of our waterways and are a visual blight on the landscape. Check out the tools and information below to learn more about SCDES BCM efforts to address ADV in coastal South Carolina.
*To explore vessels under investigation outside the coastal zone, visit SCDNR’s Abandoned and Derelict Vessels log for regions 1, 2, and 3.
Historical ADV Efforts
2000s: SCDES BCM began working with federal, state, and local partners on ADV removal projects across the South Carolina coast. Vessel removals are often costly and despite such efforts, ADVs continued to be a problem in coastal South Carolina.
2015: SCDES BCM launched the MyCoast Boat Reporting Tool, allowing members of the public to quickly and easily report photographs and information about boats that may be abandoned or derelict along the coast.
2016: SCDES BCM convened the SC ADV Working Group to examine inter-governmental challenges associated with ADV removal and prevention. The Working Group considered challenges associated with vessel abandonment and developed recommendations for improved management.
2021: SCDES BCM reconvened the SC ADV Working Group to provide input on piloting a SC Vessel Turn-In Program in coastal SC, developing an ADV Database for the SC coast, and opportunities for inter-agency coordination and collaboration.
2024: SCDES BCM piloted a Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) in the Charleston area. Lessons learned from this pilot initiative provide insight into opportunities for long-term ADV prevention programs in SC.
2025: SCDES BCM developed a collaborative ADV Database, in partnership with the SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). The Database, which was designed for state, county, and local government officials, improves inter-agency communication and documentation of ADVs in South Carolina’s eight-county coastal zone.
2026: SCDES BCM released the public South Carolina ADV Dashboard, highlighting state and local efforts to mitigate ADVs in the coastal zone. The Dashboard features the current number of vessels by county that are under investigation by state and local law enforcement, vessels that are pending removal, and vessels that have been removed and destroyed since 2019. The Dashboard also includes an interactive map, illustrating the location and distribution of these vessels along the state’s coast.