Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Georgia Code Title 52. Waters of the State, Ports, and Watercraft § 52-7-72

Current as of March 28, 2024 | Updated by FindLaw Staff

(a) Any peace officer who finds a vessel which has been left unattended in or upon any public waters or other public property for a period of at least five days, if such peace officer reasonably believes that the person who left such vessel unattended does not intend to return and remove such vessel, shall notify the Department of Natural Resources of such finding in accordance with subsection (d) of this Code section and may cause such vessel to be removed to a garage or other place of safety.

(b) Any peace officer who finds a vessel which has been left unattended in or upon any public waters or other public property, when such vessel poses a threat to public health or safety, shall notify the Department of Natural Resources of such finding in accordance with subsection (d) of this Code section and may immediately cause such vessel to be removed to a garage or other place of safety.

(c) Any peace officer who, under the provisions of this Code section, causes any vessel to be removed to a garage or other place of safety shall be liable for gross negligence only.

(d)(1) Any peace officer who finds a vessel under such conditions as described in subsection (a) or (b) of this Code section shall within 72 hours from the time of such finding:

(A) Notify the Department of Natural Resources of the description of the vessel, whether the vessel has been removed or not, and, if removed, the location to which such vessel has been removed; and

(B) If available on the Georgia Crime Information Center Network, determine the name and address of the last known registered owner of such vessel.

If vessel information is not in the files of the Department of Natural Resources, the department may require such other information or confirmation as it determines is necessary or appropriate to determine the identity of the vessel.

(2) If any such vessel is determined to be a stolen vessel, the local law enforcement officer or agency shall notify the Georgia Crime Information Center and the owner, if known, of the location of such vessel within 72 hours after receiving notice that such vessel is a stolen vessel.

(3) If the vessel is removed and the name and address of the last known registered owner of the vessel is obtained from the Georgia Crime Information Center, the peace officer who causes the vessel to be removed shall, within three calendar days of removal, make available to the person removing such vessel the name and address of the last known registered owner of such vessel. If such information is not available, the peace officer shall, within three calendar days of removal, notify the person removing or storing such vessel of such fact.

Back to chapter list
Previous part of code Next part of code
Back to chapter list

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Georgia Code Title 52. Waters of the State, Ports, and Watercraft § 52-7-72 - last updated March 28, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-52-waters-of-the-state-ports-and-watercraft/ga-code-sect-52-7-72/

Read this complete Georgia Code Title 52. Waters of the State, Ports, and Watercraft § 52-7-72 on Westlaw. Westlaw subscription required.

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Search all Georgia Codes

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About the Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to find an attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard