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  • When ALEA refers to a “homemade vessel” what does that mean?

When ALEA refers to a “homemade vessel” what does that mean?

A “homemade vessel” refers to a vessel that was built from scratch by the owner (i.e., I am a carpenter and purchased wood to build my vessel). According to the U.S. Coast Guard, homebuilt vessels are constructed by individuals for their own use and not offered for sale. Because of this, these vessels may not always be built to recreational vessel safety requirements in 46 USC §43 and 33 CFR Subchapter S. The owner should apply for a state assigned HIN from the state issuing authority in the state in which the vessel will be principally operated.

Sale of Homebuilt Vessels. The intention of federal regulations to prohibit the sale of homebuilt recreational vessels that may not meet the safety standards is found within 46 U.S.C. §43 and 33 CFR Subchapter S. However, the Coast Guard recognizes that the sale of homebuilt recreational vessels may be appropriate in limited circumstances.

To allow for the sale of homebuilt recreational vessels, the Coast Guard has determined that the homebuilt recreational vessel must:

  1. Meet the requirements set forth within 33 CFR Subchapter S;
  2. Have been inspected via an independent marine surveyor with a nationally accredited certification such as National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) or Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS). A survey report shall be provided to the state upon sale of the vessel; and
  3. Not be sold within 10 years of the issuance of the state assigned HIN. NOTE: Homebuilt vessels that are gifted at any time to another person are acceptable. Ref. (a) states that the sale of a vessel is the defining factor between a homebuilt vessel and a manufacturer-built vessel. The gifting of a homebuilt vessel does not hold the builder that is doing the gifting to the safety standards that a professional boat builder would need to uphold if they were selling for profit.
Related FAQs in Vessel Titles

When trying to complete title applications for vessels that have inches listed on the MSO, please use this Vessel Length Chart for conversion purposes.

Vessel Length Chart

As of June 1, 2018, Alabama Act 2018-179 established a formal statewide program, administered through the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), to address abandoned or derelict vessels (ADVs). There are also non-governmental organizations that are involved with the removal and disposal of ADVs, including the Dog River Clearwater Revival, which has worked with Sea Grant and the NOAA Marine Debris Program to remove vessels from the state’s waterways.

Funding

The Alabama Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Fund, established June 2018 and managed by the Secretary of ALEA, is for payment of the seizure, removal, transportation, preservation, storage, advertisement, appraisal, and disposal of a derelict vessel.

Legislative Overview

Effective June 1, 2018, Act 2018-179, relating to derelict and abandoned vessels, authorizes the removal of a vessel from the waters of this state under certain conditions by a law enforcement officer or a private property owner. Vessels that are found adrift are covered under §35-13-1, Code of Ala. 1975, which states that any person may take up and secure “all property adrift.” In addition, Alabama has laws that make it unlawful to place a “dangerous vessel” in a harbor in the state. Under §33-1-33, Code of Ala. 1975, any owner or agency in control of a vessel that is anchored, moored, or made fast to the shore illegally, or is liable to sink or pollute, or deemed to be derelict, can be charged with a fine if they fail to remove it.

Point of Contact

  • ALEA has authority to take possession of and dispose of an abandoned or derelict vessel.
  • The Alabama State Port Authority has jurisdiction over the state’s ports and administers the laws under Title 33 – Navigation.
  • The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has authority to enforce mooring restrictions on state-owned bottom lands through the Marine Patrol.

Please see the link below for additional vessel information:

https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/ADV-Docs/ALABAMA_ADV_Legal_Review_revised2018ccw_NOAA_MDP.pdf

 

A Hull Identification Number (HIN) is the identifying code for a specific vessel. It is a unique combination of letters and/or numbers affixed to the vessel, and is similar to a VIN on a vehicle.

Consist of 12 characters (letters and numbers)

  • First three characters – USCG assigned manufacturer identification code or the importer designation.
  • Characters four through eight – serial number assigned by the manufacturer.
  • Characters nine and 10 – indicate the month and the date of manufacture.
  • Characters 11 and 12 – indicate the model year.

The title application fee is $20 for each application for Alabama certificate of title for a vessel.

Designated Agents shall add the sum of $5 as the commission for each application processed.

License Plate Issuing Officials shall collect an additional $5 as the commission for each application processed. The $5 is deposited in a separate fund maintained by the licensing official to be used in his or her sole discretion for any legal purpose in the operation of his or her office.

The application for vessel title must be electronically submitted to ALDOR and contain the following:

  • Name and addresses of the applicant
  • Name and addresses of all owners
  • Hull identification number or, if none, an application for the issuance of hull identification number for the vessel
  • Vessel number or, if none, an application for vessel number
  • The official number for the vessel if any assigned by the United States Coast Guard
  • Vessel information

The owner of a vessel for which this state is the state of principal use shall deliver to the office an application for a certificate of title for the vessel, with the applicable fee, no later than 20 days after the later of:

  • The date of transfer of ownership; or
  • The date Alabama becomes the state of principal use.