It is also possible to take an unwanted vessel to a landfill site for disposal. Contact your local transfer station or landfill agency for further information regarding acceptance, costs, and hazardous waste restrictions.

Prior to a salvage attempt, the salvor receives permission from the owner or the master to assist the vessel. If the vessel is abandoned, no permission is needed. The reward is partly determined by the value of the vessel, the degree of risk, and the degree of peril the vessel was in.

Once the vessel has been located and identified, the divers and salvagers can use underwater salvage equipment to retrieve the boat, minimizing the risk of damage to both the vessel and the ecosystem.

If wreck from UK waters remains unclaimed at the end of one year, it becomes the property of the Crown or grantee of the Crown such as the Duchy of Cornwall. If you believe you are entitled to unclaimed wreck, you must provide evidence of entitlement to the satisfaction of the Receiver.