Their moorings may be strong, but they have sometimes broken under the force of the winds or swells. In France, many boats suffered significant damage caused by the passage of storms Ciaran and Domingos, even drifting with the winds and tides or even sinking. If the majority of boats will be recovered and repaired, some slightly older boats are likely to be abandoned by their captains. After the storms, “the damage observed is numerous and often irreversible for their owners”, recalls the association for eco-responsible boating (Aper). Worried to see these wrecks proliferating on the French coasts, the eco-organization wanted to point out that the treatment and dismantling of pleasure boats was free for users in France. Only the costs of drying out and transport remain the responsibility of the owners.
The message launched by Aper is not trivial. By abandoning their boat, boaters run the risk of slow pollution of the environment. Whether it is fuel, batteries, engines or composite hulls, all boats have components that are important to treat properly. Like cars, it is essential that each owner takes care of the dismantling of their boat. Since January 1, 2019, the eco-contribution has been mandatory for any pleasure or sports boat sold in France. This new tax makes it possible to finance Aper, the eco-organization commissioned by the State to carry out these projects.
The State is looking for the owners
The advantage for individuals is that they do not have to pay anything, apart from possible bailout costs and transport. To avoid paying too much, it is therefore advisable to take care of your boat before it sinks permanently. Abandoning a boat is also prohibited by law. If a wreck is discovered, the State will first have to find the owner so that he can take care of its removal. If he cannot find it, he can proceed to dismantle the boat alone.
There are 18 approved treatment centers on the Atlantic coast and nine in the Mediterranean. Since 2019, nearly 9,500 end-of-life boats have been removed from French ports, beaches, gardens or shipyards.