Council Members Joann Ariola and Selvena Brooks-Powers celebrated the launch of New York City’s official Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) web page on Tuesday, May 5. The move signified “a major step forward in the city’s efforts to combat abandoned boats and marine debris along local shorelines,” according to a press release.
The newly introduced web page, managed by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks), provides New Yorkers with information on how to “voluntarily surrender unwanted or derelict vessels before they become environmental or navigational hazards.” The site includes eligibility requirements, program details and surrender forms for boat owners seeking to part with old vessels in an environmentally responsible manner.
While the VTIP has been active since 2024, constituents had to contact their respective Council Member for vessel removal. The Council Member, in turn, would reach out to the Office of Marine Debris Disposal and Vessel Surrendering. The recently launched site now allows public-to-office access and complaints to be made directly, rather than first going through the District Offices.
The website further expedites the process, thereby cleansing waterways and preventing pollutants from contaminating ecosystems.
A derelict vessel being removed. Photo courtesy of the District Office of Council Member Joann Ariola
The program’s eligibility consists of the following requirements, as stated on the website:
A proof of ownership or transfer of ownership of the vessel must be provided.
The vessel must be a non-commercial, recreational boat.
The vessel can be working and non-fully derelict. Additionally, the vessel does not have to float and acceptance may be granted if it is stored on land.
“For too long, abandoned boats have been left to rot in our waterways, creating environmental hazards, hurting marine ecosystems and impacting the quality of life in our waterfront communities,” Ariola said. “Creating the Office of Marine Debris Disposal was an important first step, but getting this website online is what makes the program truly accessible to the public. Now, boat owners have a clear and responsible way to dispose of unwanted vessels before they become a problem.”
Brooks-Powers also concurred, noting the environmental impact of abandoned vessels in Southeast Queens, given its proximity to Jamaica Bay.
“As a coastal community, Southeast Queens sees firsthand the environmental and public safety impacts that abandoned vessels and marine debris can have on our waterways and shorelines,” Brooks-Powers said. “That is why I was proud to partner with Council Member Ariola in creating the Office of Marine Debris Disposal and Vessel Surrendering. The launch of this new reporting and vessel surrender portal is an important step toward making it easier for residents to report hazardous debris, responsibly surrender unwanted vessels and help protect the health of our waterfront communities. I encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of this new resource as we continue working toward cleaner, safer and more resilient waterways across the city.”
Other environmental leaders, including NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura and Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers President Dan Mundy Jr., emphasized the new website’s effectiveness in fighting against further contamination from abandoned vessels.
“As a city of islands, New York City’s waterways and shorelines are critical for the health and safety of New Yorkers and marine wildlife alike. This new webpage and 311 option will help us reach unwanted boats before they become derelict, keeping our waters clear,” Shimamura said. “Expanding access to our Vessel Turn-In Program builds on the great progress we’ve already made cleaning up over 120 derelict vessels by making sure that more boats don’t end up clogging up our waterways and polluting our marine ecosystems.”
“The marine debris removal program has been one of the most positive impactful programs to affect Jamaica Bay in decades,” Mundy said. “Hundreds of abandoned, derelict vessels, old floats and floating debris have already been removed under this program. This next phase of the program, which includes an online website application where homeowners can turn in vessels or report abandoned vessels, will only further enhance the program and make it accessible for residents all over the city to participate. These abandoned vessels will no longer litter the shorelines and leak harmful contaminants into the waterways. Prior to this program, there was no agency at either the city, state or federal level, which would engage to address these issues.”
“The Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers want to thank Councilwoman Joann Ariola and Councilwoman Selvena Brooks Powers for their advocacy for Jamaica Bay, which has led to this program and this new office within city government,” added Mundy. “This will be a huge positive influence not only on Jamaica Bay, but all of the waters of New York City.”
An abandoned boat removed by the office. Photo courtesy of the District Office of Council Member Joann Ariola
The Office of Marine Debris Disposal and Vessel Surrendering was established through legislation sponsored by Ariola to address the rising concern of abandoned vessels polluting New York City waterways and damaging shoreline communities, as confirmed in a press release.
For more information on the VTIP, visit their website.