In this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the terms and definitions set forth in Section 9840 shall apply.
Chapter 1.5Reports of Stolen Vessels
Section § 10550
This section states that, unless it's obvious that a different meaning is needed, the terms and definitions used in Section 9840 are to be applied.
terms and definitions context clarification reference to Section 9840 interpreting definitions consistent terminology applied meanings vehicle code context-specific definitions standard definitions interpreting legal text definition applicability
Section § 10551
If a peace officer receives reliable information that an undocumented boat, identified under this code, has been stolen, they must quickly report it to the Department of Justice's Automated Boat System. Likewise, if the officer learns that a previously reported stolen boat has been found, they must immediately update the Department of Justice with this recovery information.
Every peace officer upon receiving a report based on reliable information that any undocumented vessel numbered under this code has been stolen shall immediately after receiving such information report the theft to the Department of Justice, Automated Boat System, and such peace officer upon receiving information of the recovery of any such vessel which he has previously reported as stolen, shall immediately report the fact of the recovery to the Department of Justice, Automated Boat System.
undocumented vessel stolen boat report peace officer duties Automated Boat System boat theft reporting Department of Justice boat recovery reporting law enforcement procedure boat identification marine theft boat management system vessel recovery notification maritime law enforcement
Section § 10551.5
This law requires the Department of Justice to inform the Department of Motor Vehicles whenever they receive information about a vessel being stolen or recovered. Basically, if a boat is reported as stolen and then found, both departments must be updated about the incident.
The Department of Justice upon receiving notice under this chapter that a vessel has been stolen or that a vessel reported stolen has been recovered shall notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of the reported theft or recovery.
vessel theft notification stolen vessel recovery Department of Justice Department of Motor Vehicles boat theft report vessel recovery stolen boat notification vessel registration update marine theft boating incidents stolen property reporting inter-agency communication marine theft recovery
Section § 10552
This law makes it illegal for someone to intentionally lie or provide false information about a stolen undocumented boat that needs a registration number, especially when reporting it to the police or any law enforcement officers.
It is unlawful for any person to make or file a false or fraudulent report of the theft of an undocumented vessel required to be numbered under this code with any law enforcement agents with intent to deceive.
undocumented vessel false report fraudulent report boat theft registration number law enforcement deception unlawful filing intent to deceive stolen boat report vessel numbering requirement fraudulent boat report law enforcement agents misleading police marine registration fraud
Section § 10553
If your registered boat is stolen or embezzled, you can inform the police. However, if it's embezzled, you need to get an arrest warrant for the embezzler first. After you tell the police about the theft, you must also let them know if you get your boat back.
The owner or legal owner of a vessel numbered under this code which has been stolen or embezzled may notify a law enforcement agency of the theft or embezzlement, but in the event of an embezzlement may make the report only after having procured the issuance of a warrant for the arrest of the person charged with such embezzlement. Every owner or legal owner who has given any such notice shall notify the law enforcement agency of a recovery of the vessel.
vessel owner boat theft embezzlement law enforcement notification arrest warrant stolen boat recovery notification boat registration reporting theft law enforcement agency theft notification embezzlement arrest vessel recovery ownership notice vessel identification
Section § 10554
When the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) gets a report about a stolen or embezzled boat, it flags the boat in its system. This helps stop any new ownership papers from being processed until the issue is cleared up by the Department of Justice. This alert remains in the DMV system until the Department of Justice confirms it can be removed. The report of the stolen boat stays active for at least one year, possibly longer, depending on the DMV's decision.
The department upon receiving a report of a stolen or embezzled vessel shall place an appropriate notice in the electronic file system which will identify such vessel during the processing of new certificates of number, ownership, or number and ownership. When such vessels are thus identified, processing shall be discontinued and the agency holding the theft report and the Department of Justice shall be notified. New certificates shall not be issued until cleared by the Department of Justice. Notices shall remain in the Department of Motor Vehicles system until a Department of Justice deletion is received.
A report of a stolen or embezzled vessel is effective for a period of not less than one year from the date first reported, or for such longer period as the department may determine.
stolen vessel embezzled vessel electronic file system boat theft report certificate of ownership Department of Justice processing halt Department of Motor Vehicles vessel identification vessel flagging ownership processing new certificate issuance report validity period
