H.R. 2500 — Abandoned Vessel Prevention Act

This section establishes liability under new 46 U.S.C. §30107 for any person who transfers title of a covered vessel—defined as a commercial vessel (i.e., per 26 U.S.C. §4462(a)(4)) or a recreational vessel (per 46 U.S.C. §2101) that was previously a commercial vessel—to another for use as a recreational vessel, for specified expenses resulting from the vessel sinking on U.S. navigable waters. Specified expenses include damages attributable to the sinking; vessel and debris removal; pollution cleanup; and any shutdown, repairs, or maintenance to a water intake pump due to such pollution. Liability does not apply to (1) vessels less than 35 feet in length or fewer than 40 years old, or (2) transfers to a person with insurance applicable to the vessel for the 12-month period beginning on the transfer date that covers specified expenses in case of sinking. (Thus, sellers of decommissioned commercial vessels for recreational use generally remain liable for cleanup and related costs unless an exception applies.) This section also makes a conforming amendment to the table of sections for 46 U.S.C. chapter 301.