Vessels left inactive in Wrangell harbors may face fees and new requirements for condition surveys and insurance under a policy being considered by the port commission.

During their Nov. 13 meeting, commissioners continued their discussion from a September meeting of a proposed addition to municipal code that would define inactive vessels — specifically as any vessel that hasn’t left its stall and the harbor for any period of 24 consecutive hours within 12 months.

The proposal under consideration also would add a series of stacking penalties for owners of such vessels.

After being left for 12 months, an inactive vessel would be assessed a “storage fee.” At 24 months, the owner would be required to provide the borough with a marine condition survey — and then repeat that survey annually so long as the vessel remains inactive.

Finally, if a vessel is left inactive for 36 months, the owner would need to provide proof of insurance that names the borough as an additional insured party.

Harbormaster Steve Miller said the new policy would give his department “better teeth” to enforce against derelict vessels. He said the goal is to encourage people to either use the harbor or open their spot to someone else who will.

“Inactivity doesn’t make anybody money,” he said.

Miller told the commission in September that there are about 25 to 30 boats waiting for moorage space, prompting the look at rules to open up harbor stalls occupied by inoperable boats.

Inactivity, Miller told commissioners Nov. 13, could also indicate that maintenance isn’t happening aboard a vessel — as mussels and barnacles are building up and other wear and tear is advancing until a ship could sink.

The bulk of conversation at the meeting centered on what the new storage fee should cost. Ultimately, the commission decided the easiest way to implement the fee would be simply to double the existing stall rental fee on any vessel considered inactive until such time as it becomes active.

Those moorage fees are varied based on vessel size and duration — monthly, three-month or annual. The annual rate for reserved moorage for boats up to 30 feet in length is charged at $36.06 per linear foot.

Miller said he will prepare a draft of the proposed new moorage rules — outlining the new penalties for vessel inactivity — for further discussion at the commission’s next meeting on Dec. 18.

If commissioners recommend approval of a new ordinance, the proposal would move to the borough assembly for its consideration, amendment, rejection or approval after a public hearing.