(a) The Department may establish and administer a voluntary vessel turn- in program that allows the owner of a vessel to turn the vessel in to the Department to be destroyed. (b) To apply to participate in a program authorized under this section, a vessel owner shall submit to the Department an application in the form that the Department requires. (c) In order to participate in a program authorized under this section, the owner of a vessel shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Department that the applicant is the owner of the vessel and a resident of the State. (d) In evaluating whether a vessel is eligible for the program, the Department shall prioritize, in order of priority, the following vessels: (1) A vessel that is abandoned or sunken as defined in § 8-721 of this subtitle; (2) A vessel that is at risk of becoming abandoned or sunken if: (i) The vessel is taking on or has taken on water without an effective means to drain or empty the water; (ii) Spaces on the vessel that are designed to be enclosed are incapable of being sealed off or remain open to the elements for extended periods of time; or (iii) The vessel has broken from or is in danger of breaking loose from its anchor; and (3) Any other vessel the Department determines is eligible for participation in the program. (e) The Department, in its sole discretion, may determine eligibility for participation in a program authorized under this section. (f) The Department, or a person removing, towing, storing, or disposing of a vessel that is accepted into a program authorized under this section on behalf of the Department, may not be held liable for any damage to the vessel which may occur during removal, storage, or custody of the vessel. (g) If the Department establishes a program authorized under this section, the Department shall adopt regulations to implement and carry out the provisions of this section.
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