Abandoned Vessel Prevention Act

HR 9899, the Abandoned Vessel Prevention Act, makes sellers of decommissioned commercial vessels liable for cleanup and damage costs if the vessel sinks after being transferred for recreational use. It applies to sellers transferring vessels that were previously commercial (or converted recreational vessels), with exceptions for vessels under 35 feet, under 40 years old, or when the new owner has insurance covering these costs. Covered costs include vessel removal, pollution cleanup, and repairs to water intakes damaged by the sinking. The bill targets sellers of converted commercial vessels to prevent them from avoiding responsibility for environmental and infrastructure impacts.