NEW! Vessel Turn-In Program Application

Are you a boat owner with a derelict, aging or unwanted vessel? Apply here to participate in a free program to recycle your vessel.

MyCoast: South Carolina ADV Reporting Tool

Quickly and easily report abandoned and derelict vessels using the MyCoast: South Carolina ADV Reporting Tool.

Abandoned and derelict vessels (ADV) are a chronic problem in our coastal environment. 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. SCDES BCM has worked with federal, state, and local partners on abandoned vessel removal projects across the South Carolina coast.  Vessel removals are often costly and despite such efforts, ADVs continue to be a problem in coastal South Carolina.

South Carolina Pilot Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP)

With partner and stakeholder input, including feedback from the South Carolina ADV Working Group, SCDES BCM developed a five-year marine debris strategy, focused on ADV prevention. This strategy, funded through NOAA's Section 309 Coastal Zone Enhancement Program, includes piloting a Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) to provide boat owners with a safe, responsible, no-cost option for disposing of ‘end-of-life’ vessels before they become derelict. The strategy also includes piloting a fiberglass vessel hull recycling program as an alternative to landfilling. Lessons learned from these pilot initiatives will be used to examine opportunities for long-term ADV prevention programs in South Carolina.

A pilot Vessel Turn-In event will be held in the Charleston area in Summer/Fall of 2024.  

Application Process

Deadline Closed for Event 1. Please submit an application if you'd like to be considered for future events. 

Private citizens and businesses within South Carolina’s eight coastal counties are eligible to apply for the South Carolina VTIP. 

1. Complete the South Carolina VTIP application
2. You will receive confirmation that your application has been received as well as next steps and timeline.  
3. If any information on the application changes before receiving your application decision, inform BCM immediately by emailing Julia.Chrisco@des.sc.gov.

Abandoned and Derelict Vessel (ADV) Working Group

In January 2016, SCDES BCM convened the Abandoned and Derelict Vessel (ADV) Working Group to examine inter-governmental challenges associated with ADV removal and prevention. The ADV Working Group examined the challenges associated with vessel abandonment and developed recommendations for improved management.  In August 2021, the ADV Working Group was reconvened to provide input on the following:

• SC Pilot Vessel Turn-In Program
• Statewide database of abandoned and derelict vessels
• Opportunities for inter-agency coordination and collaboration

For more information, including ADV Working Group meeting agendas, notes, resources, and presentations, visit the Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Working Group webpage.