As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) ABANDONED VESSEL. A vessel left unattended for four or more weeks after a hurricane, tropical storm, or other natural event resulting in a declaration of emergency by the Governor or, in the absence of a hurricane, tropical storm, or other natural event resulting in a declaration of emergency by the Governor, any of the following:
- a. A vessel left unattended that is moored, anchored, or otherwise in the waters of the state or on public property for a period of more than 10 days.
- b. A vessel not left on private property for repairs that is moored, anchored, or otherwise on private property for a period of more than 10 days without the consent of the owner or lessee of the property.
- c. A vessel left on private property for repairs that has not been reclaimed within 10 days from the latter of the date the repairs were completed or the agreed-upon redemption date.
- (2) AGENCY. The Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency.
(3) DERELICT VESSEL. A vessel in the waters of this state that satisfies any of the following:
- a. Is sunk, in danger of sinking, or is otherwise taking on water without an effective means to dewater.
- b. Is obstructing a waterway.
- c. Is endangering life or property.
- d. Has broken loose or is in danger of breaking loose from its anchor.
- e. Is listing due to water intrusion.
- f. Does not have an effective means of propulsion for safe navigation or is otherwise not seaworthy.
- (4) LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. An officer of a county, municipality, or any state agency, department, or subdivision thereof, who is certified by the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission.
- (5) VESSEL. Every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane, capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water. The term does not include a vessel built or constructed before the year 1918.
- (6) WATERS OF THIS STATE. Waters of this state as defined in Section 33-5-3.
(Act 2018-179, §1.)