3106

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 670

(F)  IF THE OWNER OR SECURED PARTY FAILS TO CLAIM THE
ABANDONED VESSEL WITHIN 3 WEEKS AFTER THE CERTIFIED MAIL NOTICE
OR AFTER THE NOTICE BY PUBLICATION IS GIVEN, THE DEPARTMENT MAY
SELL THE VESSEL AT PUBLIC AUCTION, PROCEED TO RECEIVE TITLE TO
THE VESSEL PURSUANT TO § 8-722 OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF THE
VESSEL.

(G)  IF THE ABANDONED VESSEL IS IN SUCH A CONDITION OF
DISREPAIR THAT THE DEPARTMENT CANNOT REMOVE IT INTACT, THE
DEPARTMENT MAY DISPOSE OF IT IN WHATEVER MANNER IS REASONABLE
WITHOUT PROVIDING THE NOTICE REQUIRED UNDER SUBSECTIONS (C)
THROUGH (E).

(H) THE DEPARTMENT MAY DELEGATE ITS AUTHORITY TO REMOVE AND
DISPOSE OF ABANDONED VESSELS UNDER THIS SECTION TO ANY COUNTY
LOCAL JURISDICTION.

8-725.1.

(a) A person may not [wilfully] abandon [or wilfully cast
adrift], AS DEFINED IN § 8-721, any vessel upon any waters of the
State.

(B) THE LAST KNOWN REGISTERED OWNER       SHOWN ON THE

CERTIFICATE OF TITLE ISSUED UNDER § 8-715 SHALL  BE CONSIDERED THE

PRIMA FACIE OWNER OF A VESSEL AT THE TIME IT  WAS ABANDONED AND
THE PERSON WHO ABANDONED IT.

[(b)] (C) (1) Any person who violates any provision of this
section is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the person
is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not
exceeding six months, or both.

(2)  Any person found guilty of a second or subsequent
violation of any provision of this section is subject to a fine
not exceeding $2,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or
both.

(3)  Any person who violates any provision of this
section is liable to the State for the cost of removal of the
vessel.

(4)  The provisions of this section do not apply to a
vessel wrecked through an act of God or negligence of a third
party.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall
take effect July 1, 1985.

Approved May 28, 1985.