Dashboard Speeds Up Derelict Vessel Removal, Protects St. Johns County’s Waterways
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is strengthening efforts to protect local waterways through its Derelict Vessel Program, which targets the removal of abandoned and damaged boats from state waters to preserve environmental quality and enhance public safety. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to highlight this program.
A derelict vessel is classified as any boat on state waters that is junked, wrecked, substantially dismantled, or sunk. These vessels often have critical components like steering or the motor removed, making them inoperable and hazardous. As they deteriorate, pieces of fiberglass, metal, and wood break off and disperse throughout the environment, harming shorelines, grass lines, and oyster beds. These materials can also affect aquatic life and diminish the natural beauty of the County’s waterways.
To enhance the efficiency of identifying and removing derelict vessels, the Sheriff’s Office partnered with the St. Johns County GIS Division, which developed a survey and interactive dashboard to provide a common operating picture for use by local, state, and municipal agencies. This platform tracks each vessel case in real time and shows what stage it is in, eliminating the need for lengthy phone calls and preventing duplicated efforts between agencies. It also allows investigators to communicate directly, ensuring faster collaboration and a more streamlined process.
The public version of this dashboard is available through the St. Augustine Port, Waterway, and Beach District’s website under the Resources tab. Residents can view the current status of reported vessels and notify law enforcement about any new derelict boats that may not yet be logged or don’t clearly meet statutory criteria.
With this system in place, the Sheriff’s Office has removed approximately 65 derelict vessels since adopting the dashboard. This increase in efficiency has helped get vessels out of the water sooner, protect sensitive habitats, and reduce waste of taxpayer resources.
“Between being fiscally responsible with our hours and expediting investigations, the dashboard has been a great benefit for both law enforcement and the community,” said Sgt. Aaron Braddock with the Sheriff’s Office.
For more information or to report a derelict vessel, visit the St. Augustine Port, Waterway, and Beach District’s website or contact the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at its non-emergency number of 904-824-8304.
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